Pandemic?

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[DawnCt1]

Thanks Dawn! I will discuss it with my endo. Fortunately I have an appointment with him tonight.

I'm starting to feel better. It's been a long road. I'm waiting for the day that I wake up and feel great. I'm going to be dancing down the road.

That's awesome that she had such a good outcome! It gives me hope. I would say I've had symptoms almost all my life, but was just diagnosed this year at age 30. Amazing!

I was as excited as she was. I remembered when she got married. She would come to the clinic for little things. I didn't see her for about a year and when she came back for something minor, I thought she was pregnant. She wasn't. I apologized and told her that the change I saw was concerning because I hadn't seen her in a long time. She had gained weight an her whole fat distribution was like someone out of a Charles Dicken's novel. Her blood pressure had gone sky high, her heart rate was high. She was exhausted all of the time. I am glad she trusted me enough to follow it up. Her GP was treating her for high blood pressure and didn't notice or think to consider Cushings! It was my best "catch" in all of my years of occ health. The difference in her after several months post op was so amazing. In fact it was so amazing that she got a divorce, which was a great decision! Her DH was a jerk through the whole thing. When I tell she was strikingly beautiful after she recovered, it is no exaggeration. She said she thought she had it all of her life too.

 

[honugirl]

I was as excited as she was. I remembered when she got married. She would come to the clinic for little things. I didn't see her for about a year and when she came back for something minor, I thought she was pregnant. She wasn't. I apologized and told her that the change I saw was concerning because I hadn't seen her in a long time. She had gained weight an her whole fat distribution was like someone out of a Charles Dicken's novel. Her blood pressure had gone sky high, her heart rate was high. She was exhausted all of the time. I am glad she trusted me enough to follow it up. Her GP was treating her for high blood pressure and didn't notice or think to consider Cushings! It was my best "catch" in all of my years of occ health. The difference in her after several months post op was so amazing. In fact it was so amazing that she got a divorce, which was a great decision! Her DH was a jerk through the whole thing. When I tell she was strikingly beautiful after she recovered, it is no exaggeration. She said she thought she had it all of her life too.

WTG! I commend you for catching it, most of us end up with the revolving door of doctors and years of testing before we get a firm diagnosis!

For shirts, I've had to start shopping in the maternity section because of the way my body is shaped now. It's crazy.

Most families don't "get" it with this disease. It's really hard.

That's just so cool that she recovered like that. That's what I'm hoping for!

 

[Cindyluwho]

My cousin in Mexico city said that two hours ago the WHO raised Mexico's alert level from a 3 to a 4. Just thought I'd post the info.

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[Smileybug]

They are also testing for possible cases in Newberry South Carolina.

 

[mommy*RN]

I really do not at all get the feeling that anyone anywhere is in a panic.

People are concerned, and rightly so. But no more so than over the regular Flu and believe it or not, there are those around you (like me) who are caregivers to individuals to whom even the regular forms of Flu may be lethal.

I am considering postponing my trip because my children's conditions make them more likely to die from upper respiratory illness, and that is serious- no getting around that little fact. As a result, I would be as likely to postpone if an outbreak of another form of Flu showed up on the scene that wasn't included in the vaccination as I am to cancel now.

I hope this puts things into perspective for those who are strolling through with rose colored glasses mocking people like me. And this is not directed at anyone, this is more of a general response to some of the posts I've been reading because I feel it's disrespectful to belittle other people's issues. To all those who have nothing to worry about, I'm thrilled for you, count yourselves lucky. But do not assume the whole world is just like you.

I hope there aren't people mocking anyone here. I hope you don't think I was mocking you in any way. I'm just generally curious as to why this flu is so much more scarey than the other influenza in the community every year. I get the whole mutation and fear of the unknown and those are valid concerns in my book, but not reasons for doing some of the things I read or hear people are doing (I won't mention them here as I don't want to pick on anyone who may be doing these things or want to do them). The panic I spoke about is what I'm seeing on TV, in the community and yes, on some public forums. My bad for not clarifying that in my other posts.

 

[mommy*RN]

Thanks for the up-date.

I wonder what the difference is?

A four confirms human to human spread of the disease...not just airborne (Thanks FoxNews!)

 

[mommy*RN]

My cousin in Mexico city said that two hours ago the WHO raised Mexico's alert level from a 3 to a 4. Just thought I'd post the info.

Is your cousin doing okay?

 

[S. C.]

http://www.freep.com/

Mich. officials investigate probable case of swine flu

A 34-year old woman from Livingston County who recently returned from Texas may have Michigan’s first confirmed case of swine flu.

This is the next county over from me.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=435849

WHO raises flu alert level to 4, work begins to produce vaccine

GENEVA, April 27 KYODO

The World Health Organization decided to raise its alert level for a global influenza pandemic to 4 from the current 3 due to the growing number of confirmed or suspected cases of people infected with swine flu, a WHO source said Monday.
Mexico's health source also confirmed the WHO action.
Meanwhile, a WHO spokesman said earlier that work has begun to produce a vaccine for swine flu.
The decision was reached at an emergency meeting the Geneva-based health organization convened to discuss whether to raise its pandemic alert level.
Keiji ***uda, the WHO's interim assistant director general for health, security and environment, will meet the media later Monday for a briefing, the WHO said.
Hiking the level to 4 means the WHO has confirmed the outbreak of a new influenza in a limited number of areas, while raising it to 5 means the body has recognized the outbreak across a wider area.
The emergency meeting, following one last week, started just past 4 p.m. Monday local time, the spokesman said. Originally, the WHO had planned to hold the second meeting Tuesday but brought it forward in response to the rising number of confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu found in humans.
Outbreaks of swine flu in humans have been confirmed in Mexico, the United States, Canada and Spain, while suspected cases have been reported in other countries including New Zealand, Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Switzerland and Peru.
The death toll being attributed to swine flu, including suspected cases, rose to 149 in Mexico. Many of the dead were in their 20s to 40s.
The number of infections in the United States rose to 40 and six cases have been reported in Canada, according to the WHO. A case of infection has also been confirmed in Spain. Suspected cases have been reported in other countries including Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, New Zealand and Peru.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Is your cousin doing okay?

Yes!! She and her family are all doing well. No flu and the earthquake didn't even shake them She and her husband are archeologists at Teotihuacan, about 35 miles outside of Mexico City. There are soldiers making sure everyone stays inside and wears masks if they do go outdoors. She wants everyone to know that she is a Mormon so is very prepared to not leave the home for two months. hahaha she just had to throw that in there!!

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[mommy*RN]

I didn't mean to come off harshly. I had just come in from a conversation with my MIL who lives next door. She kept telling me stuff on CNN about how this is no big deal and , and how it's just like every other Flu and I shouldn't let something like Asthma get in the way of having fun and how she wouldn't let it stop her. Sometimes I just get so tired of defending myself. Not only is it exhausting to worry like I do but feeling put upon because of it is no picnic.

I just worried that I offended you and that wasn't my intention. I feel everyone should do what is best for their family. I am just genuinely curious if I am missing something or not seeing what others are seeing. You take care of your family and do what is best for them and you. I'm not here to judge anyone...though sometimes I guess I can come off that I am. If that was the case...I'm sorry.

 

[mommy*RN]

Yes!! She and her family are all doing well. No flu and the earthquake didn't even shake them She and her husband are archeologists at Teotihuacan, about 35 miles outside of Mexico City. There are soldiers making sure everyone stays inside and wears masks if they do go outdoors. She wants everyone to know that she is a Mormon so is very prepared to not leave the home for two months. hahaha she just had to throw that in there!!

I'm glad she has a sense of humor!! It has to stink being in the crux of the unknown. I'm glad she and her family are doing well!!

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

I freely and wholeheartedly admit to being one of those who has never taken any other doomsday scenario seriously before. Why is this one different for me? I honestly can't say. My husband thinks I'm crazy. But even if this one does hopefully fizzle out, praying that it does, I realized that I was not prepared for ANY emergency. Tornadoes happen here all the time. Power goes out with a heavy thunderstorm. We have a generator because we lose power at least 4-5 times a year. I've read the Red Cross info. I just never really took any of it to heart. When I saw that they closed the schools, churches and other things in Mexico City for 10 days, I knew it could happen here too. What would I do if I couldn't get to the store for 10 days? And that is what kicked me in the butt. I am now able to take care of my family for more days then that.
Am I thinking this "end of the world as we know it"? No. But I'm not going to be one caught unprepared for my family. I am also going to be actively working/eating our way through our stock and replenishing as needed. I refuse to just let it sit there "just in case".

 

[C.Ann]

While I agree that this particular influenza strain is worrisome, I think it's prudent to just follow the CDC website and try to stay away from the news sources on this. As we all well know, the media seems to enjoy scaring people and sensationalizing this type of stuff to keep up their ratings. I do think this is worth watching but I'm hoping not worth following the lead of the media and causing panic.

I agree.. Panic is being created all ready where it need not be..

This is all quite interesting but I think that it's WAY too early to panic or even react unless you're right there where it's all happening. I plan to keep an eye on things and then we'll see..

Queens is pretty gosh darn far from me - and only a handful of the cases have been confirmed - others are just "suspected" at this point..

Agreed. You should be prepared for anything at anytime....water, cash, canned goods, batteries, candles, flashlights, radio, first aid. ALWAYS HAVE THESE ITEMS ON HAND.

I'm a little surprised by the number of people who have to rush out and get things.. I was under the assumption that most people keep their pantry; fridge; freezer; cleaning supplies; etc., pretty well stocked.. I haven't even gone on my "big" shopping trip since arriving here at the lake on the 18th, but just with what I have - if need be - I'd be fine for well over a month.. Ditto for DD and her family at their house.. The "only" problem would be medications that they will not refill prior to a certain date..

I guess that I can see a lack of water if this got serious. Actually, I'm starting to wonder if all of this conjecture might not start a panic and lead to shortages. Hmmmm... something to think about either way.

I think we are seeing the beginnings of "panic" all ready..

This is all hypothetical since we really don't know about this strain. But they are saying the cases here have been "mild". And many people die from regular flu each year. Just wondering why everyone will react differently to this one vs regular flu that can kill?

Re-read: "But they are saying the cases here have been mild".. Important to keep things in perspective..

Breaking News Alert
The New York Times
Sunday, April 26, 2009 -- 1:47 PM ET
-----

Swine Flu Prompts U.S. to Declare Public Health Emergency

American health officials on Sunday declared a public health
emergency over increasing cases of swine flu, saying that
they had confirmed 20 cases of the disease in the United
States and expected to see more as investigators fan out to
track down the path of the outbreak.

Although officials said that most of the cases had been mild
and urged Americans not to panic, the emergency declaration
frees resources to be used toward diagnosing or preventing
additional cases and releases money for more antiviral drugs.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na

VERY IMPORTANT!! "Although officials said that most of the cases have been MILD and URGED Americans NOT to PANIC, the emergency declaration frees resources to be used toward diagnosing or preventing additional cases and releases money for more antiviral drugs." The last part of that sentence is extremely important! It explains WHY they made the "emergency declaration" in clear, concise terms.. It has nothing to do with this being an "emergency declaration" because this flu is spreading like wildfire..

It is also imoprtant to note that so far the only confirmed/suspected deaths have been in Mexico which in many places has a lower level of hygiene/medical care than the United States. It is also important to note that this particular strain responds well to antivirals, so that is encouraging- as long as people don't stock pile and use them inappopriately!

Some GOOD news! Don't fall victim to focusing only on the "negative" aspects of the news reports you're hearing..

But the 8 cases in NYC weren't even hospitalized, so while they had "it" it was hardly a life and death situation. So... so far, so good.

A very good point - that should be stressed over and over again..

20 additional suspected at St. Francis prep in Queens- taking that total up to 28 at that one school- which is closed today and will be closed tomorrow for "clean up"

Key word: suspected..

DH left for work early this morning, but I heard him say, when he was being interviewed on the radio this morning, that there were now 40 cases in the US.

40 cases - out of the entire population of the United States! Does anyone remember the outbreak of Reye's Syndrome back in the 70's? Much more dramatic than this.. Again - "perspective"..

In short, why should we be scared? In fact, why should we be more scared of this flu than of the regular flu? Is it because of the unknown? Is it more highly contagious? More deadly somehow? I have yet to see anything that indicates...to me...that I should be more scared of this than of any of the other things that could harm me today.

Please note, again, that I am not intending to be nasty. Just looking for info.

I agree.. I'm honestly - no sarcasm intended - at a loss as to why people are so frightened.. There are 40 confirmed cases in the entire U.S. right now.. Nothing wrong with being cautious - nothing wrong with having a little extra of this and that in the house - but I really feel as though people are going into "panic mode" - and that in itself could cause problems: rioting; looting; pulling kids out of school; refusing to go to work; pulling large sums of money out of the banks; hoarding food, water, and medicinal supplies.. Quite frankly, that scares me more than the possibility of this swine flu!

Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from the flu. The swine flu has been around for a long time and people have previously been infected by it (some died, some survived). There is an outbreak in Mexico that has killed over 100 people of the over 1600 infected (so less than 10%...sad, very sad). There is, of course, going to be cases cropping up in other areas thanks to the ease of travel and Mexico being a popular relaxation destination.

I think this is another great incidence of the media sensationalizing a news story. I just saw a reporter on MSNBC who basically said...it was a slow news week so here we go! I kind of have to agree with him.

I don't blame others for being nervous, but I think it is way too early to accurately know what is going on. It doesn't seem like those "in the know" know very much yet. In my house we will continue to use precautions (freq handwashing, covering our sneezes and coughs) but before I freak out completely I want to hear what The World Health Organization has to say. Basically what I'm hearing from the CDC people in Atlanta -- is, "We don't know yet.".

I will be a little more concerned when at least 1000 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. - there are another 5000 cases "suspected" - and the CDC and WHO begin to quarantine large areas; stop all travel; and actually say, "We are in the middle of a pandemic and this is what you need to do.."

Thanks to the media there is a panic going around that really doesn't need to be there yet. I'm all for awareness...just don't get the general panic yet since we are being fed very little information.

I'm all for stock-piling the Lysol, soap and hand santiziers though. Those are always in style!

I agree.. There was a time in my life - not too long ago - when I would have jumped right on the "panic" band wagon - but thankfully I have learned more appropriate ways of handling situations that formerly would have thrown me into a tail spin.. I will keep a close eye on how all of this unfolds - take extra precautions when, where, and "if" they become necessary.. In the meantime, I will just go about my daily life as usual - enjoying my time at the lake; enjoying my time with my family; and enjoying life in general.. I hope that others can do the same.. Just remember that number - 40 confirmed cases in the entire country..Try to focus on the positive aspects of this rather than the negatives.. Took me a long, long time to learn that - but I promise you - it will cut your anxiety in half!!

 

[dalt01]

I didn't mean to come off harshly. I had just come in from a conversation with my MIL who lives next door. She kept telling me stuff on CNN about how this is no big deal and , and how it's just like every other Flu and I shouldn't let something like Asthma get in the way of having fun and how she wouldn't let it stop her. Sometimes I just get so tired of defending myself. Not only is it exhausting to worry like I do but feeling put upon because of it is no picnic.

people who dont understand asthma just dont and never will. give her a swizzle stick to breath thru. and repeat after me MYOB dear MIL.

 

[mommy*RN]

I will be a little more concerned when at least 1000 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. - there are another 5000 cases "suspected" - and the CDC and WHO begin to quarantine large areas; stop all travel; and actually say, "We are in the middle of a pandemic and this is what you need to do.."



I agree.. There was a time in my life - not too long ago - when I would have jumped right on the "panic" band wagon - but thankfully I have learned more appropriate ways of handling situations that formerly would have thrown me into a tail spin.. I will keep a close eye on how all of this unfolds - take extra precautions when, where, and "if" they become necessary.. In the meantime, I will just go about my daily life as usual - enjoying my time at the lake; enjoying my time with my family; and enjoying life in general.. I hope that others can do the same.. Just remember that number - 40 confirmed cases in the entire country..Try to focus on the positive aspects of this rather than the negatives.. Took me a long, long time to learn that - but I promise you - it will cut your anxiety in half!!

I just think, too, that people need to realize it will get worse before it gets better. There will be more cases here in the US and that is just the nature of the beast. As more people become aware, more will be tested and that will lead to more confirmed cases. As I said before, Mexico is a very popular vacation destination and with spring break occuring around the time Mexico had cases starting to pop up the likelihood is high there are others who may have been infected. Just keep the perspective. Everyone should do what they feel is needed and not feel that they are being judged. With the WHO working on this we should have more answers and less questions very soon.

 

[DawnCt1]

40 cases - out of the entire population of the United States! Does anyone remember the outbreak of Reye's Syndrome back in the 70's? Much more dramatic than this.. Again - "perspective"..

The "perspective" is, this is unlikely to die out any time soon. There are areas of clusters in the US now. WHO was correct to go to the forth level of alert. My guess, is that in Mexico, it is grossly under reported. It could be under reported here as well. Reye's Syndrome was not an "outbreak". Its a consequence of taking aspirin with a viral illness or influenza, resulting in brain and liver damage. We now know that we never give aspirin to children with a viral illness or influenza. We use acetominophen.