Pandemic?

[LuvOrlando]

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[marshallandcartersmo]

Considering all the conflicting info out there i am now stuck firmly on a fence over what to do Friday.

Some say things are fine, others say it's too early to know

Since the reporting bodies themselves are saying the numbers are flawed that whole issue is moot to follow... so they are pointless.

Since the body politic is more interested in keeping the gravy train flowing and the lobbyists at bay listening to politicians is just as pointless.

Since the CDC/ WHO et al. now seem more of an extension of the body politic (I guess it's a function of who signs their paychecks) than an autonomous entity so I feel I can only take them half seriously.

Now I really need to get this off my chest:

Where is my advocate? Who is going to be an advocate for the vulnerable without deep pockets? Still not one soul has come out and said anything. The closest I've read comes from the mouth of HIV/AIDS activists who are advocating that group be put at the front of the world's line for Anti-virals and vaccinations and this makes my head spin, not because I begrudge them mind you... but because by sheer numbers high risk kids dwarf any other groups. Why is it the kids of the world have no voice???? I want someone, anyone from one of the main Children's Hospitals to say to me : In my expert opinion high risk children are no more vulnerable to this particular public health event than any other Flu season and that the lack of a vaccine will pose no additional threat to your child.

But so far the silence is deafening and all my kids have is me
So now I think I am going to focus my decision on whether or not there are more admissions to hospitals for respiratory distress. This seems to be the most reasonable barometer I think because there is no fudging this is there? It's not a question of a lab result or a proper name.... its a symptom and I am free to draw my own conclusions based upon this info. BUT, here is the trick, where can this sort of data be found? Is this public information? Anyone know? Any ideas? Come on Dis'ers, I have an enormous wealth of uncommonly knowledgeable resourceful people in one place here and I have no qualms about asking for help from people smarter than me... please help me decipher the info I need to make a rational informed decision for my family.

I REALLY want to go on our trip... but I REALLY want my Asthmatic kids to stay healthy more.

I think we're all frustrated w/the information, or lack off, that we're getting. First it's this deadly flu, not it's just the regular flu. Who knows.

If I were in your shoes, I would go on my trip. Kids can get sick anywhere. A case of the new flu could show up in your town tomorrow. Wash hands, wear a mask if it will make you feel better, but I'd go.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[taximomfor4]

That's kind of where I'm leaning but I have some pangs of guilt over whether or not I'm going for instant gratification or if it really is ok. I feel like the decision is all on me and I am woefully inadequate to make the call This is not a comfortable position to be in by any stretch.

I understand. I have 2 asthmatics and 1 with tons of special needs (none severe, TG). They have a large number of dance competitions in May and June each year. I signed them up (and paid) for 6 in the next 8 weeks! In all different cities. These involve 700-1200 competitors plus their families, who come from all over. We "camp" in a big crowded ballroom, hallway, or gym floor and the kids rush from stage to stage and compete throughout the long day.

We are still going. We'll be a little more diligent with GOOD handwashing, carry hand sanitizer for when in a rush to get from stage to stage with a speedy pit stop in between.

I don't intend to pause our lives, waiting to see IF this blows up.

All this said, as I quarantine myself in my bedroom. Last night got a sore throat, legs ached all night, today have swollen glands and slightly stuffed nose with irritating cough. No fever though. Still don't want to pass it around my household!!

 

[laurie31]

I REALLY want to go on our trip... but I REALLY want my Asthmatic kids to stay healthy more.

I sent you a PM

 

[DawnCt1]

Considering all the conflicting info out there i am now stuck firmly on a fence over what to do Friday.

Some say things are fine, others say it's too early to know

Since the reporting bodies themselves are saying the numbers are flawed that whole issue is moot to follow... so they are pointless.

Since the body politic is more interested in keeping the gravy train flowing and the lobbyists at bay listening to politicians is just as pointless.

Since the CDC/ WHO et al. now seem more of an extension of the body politic (I guess it's a function of who signs their paychecks) than an autonomous entity so I feel I can only take them half seriously.

Now I really need to get this off my chest:

Where is my advocate? Who is going to be an advocate for the vulnerable without deep pockets? Still not one soul has come out and said anything. The closest I've read comes from the mouth of HIV/AIDS activists who are advocating that group be put at the front of the world's line for Anti-virals and vaccinations and this makes my head spin, not because I begrudge them mind you... but because by sheer numbers high risk kids dwarf any other groups. Why is it the kids of the world have no voice???? I want someone, anyone from one of the main Children's Hospitals to say to me : In my expert opinion high risk children are no more vulnerable to this particular public health event than any other Flu season and that the lack of a vaccine will pose no additional threat to your child.

But so far the silence is deafening and all my kids have is me
So now I think I am going to focus my decision on whether or not there are more admissions to hospitals for respiratory distress. This seems to be the most reasonable barometer I think because there is no fudging this is there? It's not a question of a lab result or a proper name.... its a symptom and I am free to draw my own conclusions based upon this info. BUT, here is the trick, where can this sort of data be found? Is this public information? Anyone know? Any ideas? Come on Dis'ers, I have an enormous wealth of uncommonly knowledgeable resourceful people in one place here and I have no qualms about asking for help from people smarter than me... please help me decipher the info I need to make a rational informed decision for my family.

I REALLY want to go on our trip... but I REALLY want my Asthmatic kids to stay healthy more.

I know you are upset, and I understand. So far, there have been very few hospitalizations. Most who have come down with it are reported to have had relatively mild symptoms and recovering at home. I would talk with your pediatrician. Your children are old enough to take Tamiflu, which is very effective, should they develop symptoms. If they developed symptoms, they could get a rapid flu test anywhere. They wouldn't need to know which flu it is, since Tamiflu would be the drug of choice. I would forget about the masks. They are useless, unless you have the flu and are trying to protect others. Good handwashing, purell, and I would go and have a good time. There are very competent hospitals in the area, should you have any concerns. We have made our own trip to the Sand Lake Hospital Emergency Room on one occasion, several years ago.

 

[december]

I heard the best news possible for this Mississippian (and for those going to Orlando) today on the radio. Apparently, the flu does NOT do well in humid climates. The report said that this is one reason it is thriving in Mexico right now-they are in the middle of a drought. And this is why most flus work in the drier winter months. MS, and FL, are so hot and humid, maybe the cases will be kept to a minimum here.

 

[Planogirl]

I've becomed quite annoyed at the constantly changing information too and I don't blame those who have conditions to deal with for worrying. It's crazy the way things are terrible one minute and then no big deal the next. Who knows what to think?

I do know that I don't trust those who give us the info and I don't just mean the news media. There appears to be a lot going on that might be influencing the reporting and it doesn't look pretty. I think that I'll just go on as normally while keeping an eye on the numbers, that is if we get any good ones.

 

[C.Ann]

No changes here.. The 2 "suspected" cases in the county my DD lives in are still the same (nothing "confirmed) - no new ones added there (none here either).. She had to stop at my doctors office on Friday to pick up a script for me and the nurse said they've had lots of people rushing in - thinking they had this flu - but the symptoms weren't even close.. Stopped at the pharmacy for me and while picking up some OTC meds I needed she noticed that large sections of the shelves were empty.. Ironically it was where the digestive/intestinal products would be and when she asked about it, she was told there was a recall on laxatives with senekot in them.. Plenty of hand sanitizers left (she wanted a few small ones for DGD to carry in her book bag) - as well as plenty of antibacterial wipes (Lysol, Clorox, etc.)..

On the other hand, I seem to have a nasty stomach bug all of a sudden.. Were it not for the fact that I'm almost 60, have no DH and no boyfriend, I'd be inclined to think it's "all day morning sickness".. It's just plain yucky - and I don't have a clue what is causing it - just wish it would go away.. Ugh!

Hope everyone here is staying healthy!

 

["Got Disney"]

That's kind of where I'm leaning but I have some pangs of guilt over whether or not I'm going for instant gratification or if it really is ok. I feel like the decision is all on me and I am woefully inadequate to make the call This is not a comfortable position to be in by any stretch.

I would go. I have Asthma and so does my 12 y.o. son. Have fun!

I know you are upset, and I understand. So far, there have been very few hospitalizations. Most who have come down with it are reported to have had relatively mild symptoms and recovering at home. I would talk with your pediatrician. Your children are old enough to take Tamiflu, which is very effective, should they develop symptoms. If they developed symptoms, they could get a rapid flu test anywhere. They wouldn't need to know which flu it is, since Tamiflu would be the drug of choice. I would forget about the masks. They are useless, unless you have the flu and are trying to protect others. Good handwashing, purell, and I would go and have a good time. There are very competent hospitals in the area, should you have any concerns. We have made our own trip to the Sand Lake Hospital Emergency Room on one occasion, several years ago.

I could have not said it better

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[smidgy]

I never said not to patronize restaurants. I was venting. I said MY MOM wouldn't let me out of the house. I have an overprotective mother who has a child who is battling with a rare disease and a compromised immune system. If I had my choice I'd be out doing stuff. There's only so much TV you can watch before you go nuts. Even if it is shows you like....

honu girl, I know YOU didn'tsay not to patronize restaurants.(it was your mom) yours was not the only post I quoted. I also quoted a post from Asta, who said schools were not the only breeding grounds for viruses, and she mentioned restaurants.

now, in your case, it makes sense. If I had a child in my home battling a rare disease with a compromised immune system, I, too. would err on the side of caution.

my only point, sweetie, was that the general population shouldn't stop going to restaurants. business is bad enough with the economy such as it is (waitresses have mortgages, too).

when people post, they are talking about normal circumstances. of course people with special immune problems should take extra care. I just hate to see a panic. and all of a sudden people saying "don't go to restaurants!!"
restaurants are safe. that was my point.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[DawnCt1]

Holy Cow!
My local paper actually has some useful information.
A video by the History Channel followed by current day info!
At the end I felt better even if the info about the 1918 Flu is un-nerving. But facts are facts.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-5pandemic.6879842may03,0,7453856.story

1918 was awful, but think where medical science has come from that point. Vaccines, antivirals, antibiotics, respiratory support, etc,

 

[PaulaSB12]

1918 was awful, but think where medical science has come from that point. Vaccines, antivirals, antibiotics, respiratory support, etc,

Plus a lot of people's health wouldn't have been the best after 4 years of war. My grandfather got a whiff of mustard gas and his lungs where never that good after.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[Feralpeg]

LuvOrlando, if it helps at all, I went to DTD last night. I walked from the Marketplace to the West Side and back. I didn't see a single person wearing a mask. It was pretty crowded, but people seemed to be doing what they always do at DTD. No one seemed concerned and it was a nice atmosphere. I think you'll be find on your trip.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I will agree that medicine has come a long way since 1918, but that is not the only thing to consider that is different since then. The speed that an infected person can get from one part of the world to another is unbelievable. The spread is going to be much quicker, even if the virus is mild at this time. That is going to put more pressure on getting an antiviral made even quicker, and we know from past experience that sometimes when they rush, it backfires.

Also, I don't think we are much healthier now than we were back then. Think of how very many people have asthma now compared to just 40 years ago. Hardley anyone had it when I was a kid, now it seems everyone has it. I bring this up because this swine flu causes respiratory problems.

Yes, we have some Tamiflu to help those who have it now, but it is known that viruses adapt, and mutate and this one can certainly do the same. Once we have depleted our Tamiflu resources, who knows if a new anti-viral will be ready?

Interesting video from when the bird flu was a threat:

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/laurie_garrett_on_lessons_from_the_1918_flu.html

 

[honugirl]

honu girl, I know YOU didn'tsay not to patronize restaurants.(it was your mom) yours was not the only post I quoted. I also quoted a post from Asta, who said schools were not the only breeding grounds for viruses, and she mentioned restaurants.

now, in your case, it makes sense. If I had a child in my home battling a rare disease with a compromised immune system, I, too. would err on the side of caution.

my only point, sweetie, was that the general population shouldn't stop going to restaurants. business is bad enough with the economy such as it is (waitresses have mortgages, too).

when people post, they are talking about normal circumstances. of course people with special immune problems should take extra care. I just hate to see a panic. and all of a sudden people saying "don't go to restaurants!!"
restaurants are safe. that was my point.

I get what you're trying to say now. I didn't see the other post quoted in there. I totally agree. People shouldn't stop going places and out to restaurants and stuff. Restaurants are pretty safe, I agree on that one. I just wish people would use common sense and not leave the house unless it's necessary when they're sick.

They made an announcement at church today that if you're sick STAY HOME!!!!!!!!! Then the lady behind me proceeded to cough all over us during the whole mass... sigh.

 

[paintnolish]

Not even "pandemic" reltaed...just general common sense...why do I continue to see grown-ups cough into their hands?!? I think I am just noticing it more now, but realy people! Think about it!