Flu pandemic alert raised to highest level

[golfgal]

A few weeks ago was still regular flu season. Flu season has ended now. Pretty much the only influenza A in circulation right now is the swine flu. That's why testing has dropped off considerably-any influenza A is assumed to be swine flu since the regular flu season has ended.

Not true, DS16 tested positive for type B flu a week ago--we had to have him tested so he could go back to school this past week to complete finals.

Is anyone concerned about the vaccine? It seems to be whipped together so quickly without much testing to see its safety.

I'm assuming that's how all flu vaccines are made though, correct? They are made a few months before flu season hits?

Just gives me a bit of the creeps that we'll all be running out to get this brand spanking new vaccine without much testing.

It is being produced just like every other flu vaccine every year. Every flu vaccine is brand spanking new and produced in a matter of months.

 

[ClareH37]

I'm just recovering from 'normal' flu - I'm in the UK in an area that currently has no swine flu cases.

I took every precaution, washed my hands regularly, and used sanitiser, didn't touch my face, but I still got it - no matter how many precautions one takes personally it only takes someone standing close by to cough/sneeze over them. This is what happened to me, maybe it's just a coincidence but I went shopping on a Wednesday, had someone cough all over me whilst I was standing in line, and by the Saturday/Sunday I was feeling awful. I spent a few days in bed with cough/headache/feeling sick/sweats/aches, felt absolutely terrible. I was tested for the swine flu (nasal swab) and it came back negative for that particular flu, however they have said I have the normal flu virus (whatever that may be!), it was too late to start tamiflu as I had had symptoms for over 48 hours, so I was told to rest but also given antibiotics to prevent any secondary infection(s) as I have various auto immune conditions. I'm over the worst of it now but am still feeling extremely tired and worn out. My doctor advised that if it had been swine flu that is currently very mild and I would not have felt as bad as I did with the 'normal' flu. I've been having the flu shot for over 20 years so it's also thought that has given me some kind of protection (i.e. lessens the symptoms), in over 20 years of having the flu shot I have never had flu, I find it more than a little strange that since this swine flu kicked off I develop 'normal' flu.

I'm not overly concerned re. the swine flu in it's current form, but must admit to being concerned if it mutates into something more sinister.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Yes. The seasonal flu is in production. Of course there is more than one vaccine company, and it may not be the same one that is making the swine flu vaccine. I can't answer the rest of your question. DH isn't home. He just left for the gym and then he is leaving for Manchester, England.

Dawn-here is an article that speaks of adjuvant use in the h1n1 vaccine. It's near the end of the article.

http://www.newsrunner.com/display-a...perts+See+Bad,+But+Not+Disastrous,+Flu+Season

Looking To Stretch Vaccine Supply

In another departure from past practice, the U.S. government is also looking at ordering vaccines that contain immunity boosting agents called adjuvants, which can help stretch the vaccine supply.

Adjuvant vaccines are already in use in abroad. But healthcare experts say U.S. regulators have been wary of them in the past because of lingering concerns that they can contribute to adverse reactions.

In its May announcement, HHS said that the $1 billion being put toward an H1N1 vaccine would also be used for vaccines containing adjuvants. According to Michael, the agency would go for an adjuvant vaccine if it needed to procure unusually large amounts in a relatively short period of time.

 

[DawnCt1]

Dawn-here is an article that speaks of adjuvant use in the h1n1 vaccine. It's near the end of the article.

http://www.newsrunner.com/display-a...perts+See+Bad,+But+Not+Disastrous,+Flu+Season

Looking To Stretch Vaccine Supply

In another departure from past practice, the U.S. government is also looking at ordering vaccines that contain immunity boosting agents called adjuvants, which can help stretch the vaccine supply.

Adjuvant vaccines are already in use in abroad. But healthcare experts say U.S. regulators have been wary of them in the past because of lingering concerns that they can contribute to adverse reactions.

In its May announcement, HHS said that the $1 billion being put toward an H1N1 vaccine would also be used for vaccines containing adjuvants. According to Michael, the agency would go for an adjuvant vaccine if it needed to procure unusually large amounts in a relatively short period of time.

I am leaving for the airport soon, since DH is landing in a few minutes. I will ask him.

 

[Tinijocaro]

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stor...lu-baffles-experts/?northcounty&zIndex=119303

This article is about the San Diego girl, 20 and perfectly healthy who died of swine flu this week. They think a cytokine storm was involved. Not due to any adjuvants, but due to the normal immune response to a foreign virus. The immune system attacks with such ferocity that the lungs end up flooded and basically drowning the person. This happened a lot in teh 1918 pandemic.

A very good book to read on that pandemic is called The Great Influenza by John Barry. It sounds so hauntingly familiar to what is happening now, especially the constant reassurances of "Don't panic, no need to panic".

 

[DawnCt1]

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stor...lu-baffles-experts/?northcounty&zIndex=119303

This article is about the San Diego girl, 20 and perfectly healthy who died of swine flu this week. They think a cytokine storm was involved. Not due to any adjuvants, but due to the normal immune response to a foreign virus. The immune system attacks with such ferocity that the lungs end up flooded and basically drowning the person. This happened a lot in teh 1918 pandemic.

A very good book to read on that pandemic is called The Great Influenza by John Barry. It sounds so hauntingly familiar to what is happening now, especially the constant reassurances of "Don't panic, no need to panic".

DH said that they have been using adjuvants in vaccine for years; alum is used in some vaccines. I agree on the book recommendation. That is why I can't understand that if a vaccine is available, why everyone who could get it wouldn't want it. We have had four deaths in Ct. It just isn't "news" anymore.

 

[Tinijocaro]

For the h1n1 vaccine, there is debate as to whether or not to use it, due to the incredible immune response (too much). The need to get out as much vaccine as possible in as short a time as possible is one of the reasons they may do it.

I wonder if it is the combination of a healthy young person's strong immune system, plus the addition of the adjuvant (meant to kick the immune system into gear) being too much of a response to the point that it kills otherwise healthy people.

If over the next couple months, this virus takes a bad turn, I will take my chance on the vaccine either way. I don't trust this virus one little bit.

 

[C.Ann]

For the h1n1 vaccine, there is debate as to whether or not to use it, due to the incredible immune response (too much). The need to get out as much vaccine as possible in as short a time as possible is one of the reasons they may do it.

I wonder if it is the combination of a healthy young person's strong immune system, plus the addition of the adjuvant (meant to kick the immune system into gear) being too much of a response to the point that it kills otherwise healthy people.

If over the next couple months, this virus takes a bad turn, I will take my chance on the vaccine either way. I don't trust this virus one little bit.

I'm not liking all of this news - although I appreciate your sharing it..

I'll get the vaccine - hopefully after a bit of time has passed since others have gotten it (to see if they develop any complications)..

Since I live with DD and her family during the winter months, I'm still wondering what they should do.. If they choose to get it only because of me, would that be necessary if I was already vaccinated??

As time goes on, this is getting much more complicated and confusing..