Pandemic?

[ckay87]

Laurie-
Great article and it really captures my own thoughts on this.

 

[laurie31]

Oh the horror story will stick out of course. And with all due respect (and a deserved thank you to DawnCT), these boards aren't much better. I am still trying to understand why a healthy family should be more concerned about this flu than the regular flu. In what ways is it more dangerous? And I still don't have an answer. I have all kinds of information about the 1918 plague and how to stock my home for the apocolypse but I'm still not sure why.

WebMD has a nice FAQ about swine flu that might help you with your "why"

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20090421/swine-flu-faq?ecd=wnl_nal_042709

What is swine flu?
Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu doesn't often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak is different. It's caused by a new swine flu virus that has spread from person to person -- and it's happening among people who haven't had any contact with pigs.

What are swine flu symptoms?
Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Those symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, and that means that you and your doctor can't know, just based on your symptoms, if you've got swine flu. It takes a lab test to tell whether it's swine flu or some other condition.

If I think I have swine flu, what should I do? When should I see my doctor?
If you have flu symptoms, stay home, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent your flu from spreading.

If you've got flu symptoms, and you've recently been to a high-risk area like Mexico, CDC officials recommend that you see your doctor. If you have flu symptoms but you haven't been in a high-risk area, you can still see a doctor -- that's your call.

Keep in mind that your doctor will not be able to determine whether you have swine flu, but he or she would take a sample from you and send it to a state health department lab for testing to see if it's swine flu. If your doctor suspects swine flu, he or she would be able to write you a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza. Those drugs may not be required; U.S. swine flu patients have made a full recovery without it.

How can I prevent swine flu infection?
The CDC recommends taking these steps:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.


Can I still eat pork?
Yes. You can't get swine flu by eating pork, bacon, or other foods that come from pigs.

What else should I be doing?
Keep informed of what's going on in your community. Your state and local health departments may have important information if swine flu develops in your area. For instance, parents might want to consider what they would do if their child's school temporarily closed because of flu. That happened in New York City, where St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens closed for a couple of days after eight students were found to have swine flu. Don't panic, but a little planning wouldn't hurt.

How severe is swine flu?
The severity of cases in the current swine flu outbreak has varied widely. In Mexico, there have been deaths and other severe cases. Early cases in the U.S. have been mild. But that could change. The virus itself could change, either becoming more or less dangerous. Scientists are watching closely to see which way the new swine flu virus is heading -- but health experts warn that flu viruses are notoriously hard to predict, as far as how and when they'll change.

Why has the swine flu infection been deadlier in Mexico than in the U.S.?
It is unclear why U.S. cases have been milder compared to those in Mexico. Among the first 20 reported cases in the U.S., only one patient required hospitalization and that person has fully recovered. CDC researchers are actively investigating to learn more about the differences between the cases in Mexico and those in the U.S.

 

[Nom]

http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2009/04/28/1976_swine_flu/

I read this really great article this morning- it discusses the 1976 swine flu panic and what we can learn from it today. In essence, it was a pandemic that never happened and caused a lot of panic and wasted money. Interesting read!

 

[harleyquinn]

--------------

Glad we cleared that up.. That's one of the things that I actually admire about Dawn - she's no "wallflower" and certainly doesn't need anyone else rushing to her defense..

I think part of the reason I felt I needed to say something is that never in a million years, could I imagine myself defending Dawn! (Not that I've never agreed with her, just as a rule, I usually don't). The CB wouldn't be the same without either of you!

 

[DawnCt1]

I have to admit that I'm concerned . We are going up to Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, OH and there has been a confirmed case of swine flu in Columbus, OH . I told dh we should cancel our trip, but, he thinks it will be fine .
What do you think DawnCT1?

I think you should pack your stuff, go and have a wonderful time!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Here's a great video regarding how to handle yourself if you are a chronic worrier...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30454368#30454368


Ultimately it is telling us to be smart, send the kids to school, and live our lives. That's what we are doing here.

 

[HLAuburn]

First let me say my DH is a major alarmist and germophobe! On top of that, a few doctors we know are stocking up on Tamiflu for their families (and posting it on Facebook ). That's giving DH enough ammunition to try to convince me to avoid going anywhere "unneccessary" this week until we see how this thing pans out.

This would mean DD's 2nd to last dance class before her recital, preschool for a day or two, Mommy and Me class for little DD, and a big childrens clothing sale I've been loking forward to for a month!

As you can see, I'm not too worried, but DH tends to worry enough for 10 people, so its hard for me to get a true gauge of how concerned I need to be. We're not in a state with any cases (yet). So is anyone changing their daily plans b/c of this thing or is DH being paranoid as usual?

 

[harleyquinn]

I think you should pack your stuff, go and have a wonderful time!

I concur. We're all doing just fine in Ohio. The news said this morning that there may be 3 more cases in Elyria, related to the first boy who tested positive, but it's very far from where you're going. I haven't seen anything anywhere else in the state.

 

[mommy*RN]

Thanks I will!

I've already got my emergency plan ready to put into action. Once the first case hits my state, I'll stop venturing out to crowded places and will probably just stay home and ride it out. I've got my dogs, my movies and a heck of a lot of popcorn. What more could a girl ask for?

Ooo, I'll come over for the popcorn and movies!!

I heard about the people running to Canada too and that made me sad. I wish more people would understand why we now have resistant strains of Staph and E.Coli...because of the overuse of antibiotics. As a rule I won't even give my kids antibiotics unless they are having fevers and/or a lot of pain that keeps them up at night. My pediatrician agrees with me. The tough thing with the anti-virals is many doctors will prescribe it for someone who fits the criteria of having the flu without having that lab confirmation because there is such a small window to use those drugs. The regular influenza has a rapid test so results are generally available quicker. My understanding is the Swine Flu needs to be sent out so I don't know how long the lab test can take. Does anyone know if the other "mixed" in strains in this type of flu show up on the rapid tests?

 

[mommy*RN]

My husband forwarded me the informational sheets from his ER job. I found the difference between Confirmed, Probable and Suspected interesting. Here is what the sheet said:

A patient with a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a
person with an acute respiratory illness with laboratory confirmation of swine influenza A
(H1N1) virus infection (testing at CDC laboratories) using one or more of the following tests:
• real-time RT-PCR
• viral culture
• four-fold rise in swine influenza A (H1N1) virus-specific neutralizing antibodies

A patient with a probable case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a
person with acute febrile respiratory illness with an influenza test that is positive for influenza A
but H1 and H3 negative.

A patient with a suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a
person with acute febrile respiratory illness AND who has any ONE of the following
epidemiologic characteristics:
• close contact within 7 days of illness onset with a confirmed case.
• travel within 7 days of illness onset to Mexico or the southwestern region of the US
• close contact with: a person with febrile respiratory illness AND who was in Mexico or
the southwestern region of the US in the 7 days preceding onset of illness.

So I guess I answered my own question...the rapid will show the Flu A in a probable case. That is EXCELLENT news to me!

 

[mumom95]

http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2009/04/28/1976_swine_flu/

I read this really great article this morning- it discusses the 1976 swine flu panic and what we can learn from it today. In essence, it was a pandemic that never happened and caused a lot of panic and wasted money. Interesting read!

A friend posted that article on Facebook, I found it interesting.

Of course unlike 1976, we don't need the government to send us into a panic, we have 24 hour news that will do the job just fine.

 

[DawnCt1]

I concur. We're all doing just fine in Ohio. The news said this morning that there may be 3 more cases in Elyria, related to the first boy who tested positive, but it's very far from where you're going. I haven't seen anything anywhere else in the state.

There may also be places that I would go in Mexico. I certainly wouldn't go to Mexico City, which is crowded an congested and seems to be an epi center, but Cabo San Lucas, which is fairly isolated and not very congested may be something I would consider. I would want to know, what is the distribution?

 

[harleyquinn]

My husband forwarded me the informational sheets from his ER job. I found the difference between Confirmed, Probable and Suspected interesting. Here is what the sheet said:

A patient with a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a
person with an acute respiratory illness with laboratory confirmation of swine influenza A
(H1N1) virus infection (testing at CDC laboratories) using one or more of the following tests:
• real-time RT-PCR
• viral culture
• four-fold rise in swine influenza A (H1N1) virus-specific neutralizing antibodies

A patient with a probable case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a
person with acute febrile respiratory illness with an influenza test that is positive for influenza A
but H1 and H3 negative.

A patient with a suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a
person with acute febrile respiratory illness AND who has any ONE of the following
epidemiologic characteristics:
• close contact within 7 days of illness onset with a confirmed case.
• travel within 7 days of illness onset to Mexico or the southwestern region of the US
• close contact with: a person with febrile respiratory illness AND who was in Mexico or
the southwestern region of the US in the 7 days preceding onset of illness.

So I guess I answered my own question...the rapid will show the Flu A in a probable case. That is EXCELLENT news to me!

That is very helpful!

 

[rie'smom]

sorry, double post

 

[rie'smom]

A tourist who went to Disney World 2 days ago is hospitalized with the swine flu!

Swine Flu Case Confirmed In Orlando
Posted: 10:41 am EDT April 28, 2009
Updated: 10:56 am EDT April 28, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Eyewitness News has learned of Orlando's first confirmed case of swine flu. According to the chief medical officer at Florida Hospital, Loran Hauck, the case was diagnosed Tuesday morning.

"A case was diagnosed here in Orlando today on a tourist from Mexico who came to Disney attractions two days ago to visit," Hauck wrote in an email obtained by Eyewitness News.

No further details have been released, but Eyewitness News is working to learn specifically what days the tourist was at the parks and which park the tourist went to.

Details about the tourist, beyond being from Mexico, have not been released.

 

[mommy*RN]

A tourist who went to Disney World 2 days ago is hospitalized with the swine flu!

Swine Flu Case Confirmed In Orlando
Posted: 10:41 am EDT April 28, 2009
Updated: 10:56 am EDT April 28, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Eyewitness News has learned of Orlando's first confirmed case of swine flu. According to the chief medical officer at Florida Hospital, Loran Hauck, the case was diagnosed Tuesday morning.

"A case was diagnosed here in Orlando today on a tourist from Mexico who came to Disney attractions two days ago to visit," Hauck wrote in an email obtained by Eyewitness News.

No further details have been released, but Eyewitness News is working to learn specifically what days the tourist was at the parks and which park the tourist went to.

Details about the tourist, beyond being from Mexico, have not been released.

Thanks for posting this!! I guess we all kind of figured it would show up in Florida. Lots of people from all over the World visit there and many of us are reluctant to cancel our vacations if we are feeling a bit under the weather...or we don't start feeling ill until we are already there. This where I just remind people to keep washing those hands, don't touch your face and cover those coughs and sneezes...it just can't be said enough!!

 

[taximomfor4]

I was half expecting dd (1st grader) to be sent home today. Her Irish Dance teacher had a sniffly/sneezy cold last week, and this week several of the dancers have it. All of them feel fine, but their noses are running a little, and they are sneezing. According to our school's illness guidelines, dd was "safe" to send to school (No fever, No vomiting, No diarrhea, No fatigue). So I let her go.

I figured, if the school heard her quiet little sniffle, and watch TV news a lot, they might call me to come get her.

Glad to see they are apparently not panicking there, yet!!

 

[FergieTCat]

A tourist who went to Disney World 2 days ago is hospitalized with the swine flu!

Swine Flu Case Confirmed In Orlando
Posted: 10:41 am EDT April 28, 2009
Updated: 10:56 am EDT April 28, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Eyewitness News has learned of Orlando's first confirmed case of swine flu. According to the chief medical officer at Florida Hospital, Loran Hauck, the case was diagnosed Tuesday morning.

"A case was diagnosed here in Orlando today on a tourist from Mexico who came to Disney attractions two days ago to visit," Hauck wrote in an email obtained by Eyewitness News.

No further details have been released, but Eyewitness News is working to learn specifically what days the tourist was at the parks and which park the tourist went to.

Details about the tourist, beyond being from Mexico, have not been released.

That's not good. If it's being transferred from human-to-human, that tourist came in contact with alot of people at WDW, especially since it was spring break.

 

[honugirl]

Ooo, I'll come over for the popcorn and movies!!

Come on over! It'll be a party!

I heard about the people running to Canada too and that made me sad. I wish more people would understand why we now have resistant strains of Staph and E.Coli...because of the overuse of antibiotics. As a rule I won't even give my kids antibiotics unless they are having fevers and/or a lot of pain that keeps them up at night. My pediatrician agrees with me. The tough thing with the anti-virals is many doctors will prescribe it for someone who fits the criteria of having the flu without having that lab confirmation because there is such a small window to use those drugs. The regular influenza has a rapid test so results are generally available quicker. My understanding is the Swine Flu needs to be sent out so I don't know how long the lab test can take. Does anyone know if the other "mixed" in strains in this type of flu show up on the rapid tests?

ITA with this. Too much hand sanitizer, too much antibiotics. Our immune systems have been doing a fairly decent job for how many years?

 

[HLAuburn]

That's not good. If it's being transferred from human-to-human, that tourist came in contact with alot of people at WDW, especially since it was spring break.

Why were they letting anyone in from Mexico 2 days ago? DW is definitely "non-essential", so in my opinion, they shouldn't be allowing anyone in until this we have a better grasp on this thing. Everyone is so hung up on being "PC" we're not even protecting our own citizens.

Now ALL those travelers from all over the country were exposed and now will go home to spread it to everyone else. From one person. Unreal.