Pandemic?

[D L and K's Mom]

I had the same question?

 

[golfgal]

I was listening to a story on the radio today and they were interviewing a medical specialist of some kind (came in the middle of the story) from the University of Mn. First she said that it takes about 5 days to get a confirmation from the CDC right now because if the volume going there. They are working on getting tests out to regional sites so that process goes faster. She also said that they have 150 suspected cases that have been reported in MN alone, yet only 1 confirmed so far. Of those they felt that 100 or so would be confirmed and the other 50 are probable. Basically the numbers are just not out yet because they aren't releasing anything but confirmed and there is a delay getting that done.

 

[Cindyluwho]

I was listening to a story on the radio today and they were interviewing a medical specialist of some kind (came in the middle of the story) from the University of Mn. First she said that it takes about 5 days to get a confirmation from the CDC right now because if the volume going there. They are working on getting tests out to regional sites so that process goes faster. She also said that they have 150 suspected cases that have been reported in MN alone, yet only 1 confirmed so far. Of those they felt that 100 or so would be confirmed and the other 50 are probable. Basically the numbers are just not out yet because they aren't releasing anything but confirmed and there is a delay getting that done.

That has been the case since the beginning, I just wish they would list the probably cases as well just to keep us more informed

 

[gate_pourri]

In the midst of all this I didn't realize or think about the need to come up with an employer/employee plan for our business! YIKES!! We're going on 4 years as business owners and just hadn't even thought about this kind of thing!!

So, in the last hour, with the help of government sites, I was able to put together a comprehensive plan for our business and our agents. It will go out this afternoon to all employees and agents. We will also post print outs from our health department on how to stay healthy and to stay the heck home if you're sick. We had one gal come in the last two days, sick as a dog, our manager sent her home today and told her not to come back to the office until her cough and congestion is gone. Now it will be in writing, per government guidelines.

I've been one busy gal today!!

I am assuming by this message that you work in HR or some other HR type position. My question is this... In my office, we don't get sick days. We only get 10-vacation days, and that is it. Nothing else. If you get sick, you take a vacation day. Of course, that means that everyone comes to work sick. At this moment, there are 4 people in my area of the office coughing, feverish, etc. As an HR person, during this time are you 'looking the other way' if people take more than their allocated 'sick' days? What should be the protocol here?

 

[rie'smom]

Why are you all taking Tamiflu? Did you ALL start getting flu symptoms?

I had the same question?

She works at Children's Hospital. They need to stay healthy and to be able to nurse sick kids both in the hospital and those who may need hospitalization.

Some fatalities in Mexico have been within 72 hours of onset of symptoms.

Small fact......1918 Spanish Flu surfaced in April....went away and then came BACK in August to kill 5% of the population.

Be prepared and get supplies....don't listen to the people who are saying "Media Hype"....these are the people who will be looking for supplies when there are none left.

You can always use the groceries and the masks. I look at it as getting a head start on hurricane season.

 

[Cindyluwho]

I am assuming by this message that you work in HR or some other HR type position. My question is this... In my office, we don't get sick days. We only get 10-vacation days, and that is it. Nothing else. If you get sick, you take a vacation day. Of course, that means that everyone comes to work sick. At this moment, there are 4 people in my area of the office coughing, feverish, etc. As an HR person, during this time are you 'looking the other way' if people take more than their allocated 'sick' days? What should be the protocol here?

We are posting information on the board tomorrow that if they are sick; with a fever, coughing, congestion - they will be sent home. Our agents are independent contractors, they have no "sick leave". They also all have computers, etc at their homes and have no reason to be in the office if they're sick. We do have one paid employee who would be sent home if she had symptoms. If she has sick days coming, she'd be paid during her absence. If she has no sick days, she will still go home but without pay. End of story, no exceptions. If you're eyes are glassy, your burning up and you're coughing up a lung - go home!!

With the exception of pay, these are government guidelines, not just something I pulled out of my....ummm...thin air
You can read them at:
www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html#what

 

[raven69david]

We've had like six cases here in San Antonio.

It's getting worse in San Antonio and we're heading out on 5/17/09 to WDW. The bad thing is that we're driving down to McAllen, Texas and we're flying out of there. For all of those who aren't familiar with the city, it's only a few miles from the U.S./Mexico border and we're VERY leary about boarding a plane with Mexican nationals who will most likely be there (cheaper to cross to U.S. and fly) who may potentially be carrying this virus. I wouldn't dare risk the safety of my DD4 with this nasty virus going around so we're on the fence as to what we should do. Not sure what precautions the airlines are taking and/or would they bar anyone from getting on the plane with symptoms? In any case, we're in a holding pattern and may cancel the trip if people start catching this thing on planes.

 

[DawnCt1]

We are taking Tamiflu/Relenza at work and all the pregnant health care workers are taking it also. Tamiflu and Relenza may not work with swine flu but we are still getting it. And Tamiflu and Relenza ARE antivirals which is what im talking about.

Why are you taking it? Have you had an point exposure? Do you have an outbreak in your area? Tamiflu is effective for this strain, but how long do you intend to take it?

 

[DawnCt1]

She works at Children's Hospital. They need to stay healthy and to be able to nurse sick kids both in the hospital and those who may need hospitalization.



.

That is not a reason to take Tamiflu. If one has an outbreak in their area that they have exposure to, or if they have had an exposure that they know of, then that is an indication, not "just in case". Does she intend to take it for the next six weeks?

 

[Tinijocaro]

I wouldn't dare risk the safety of my DD4 with this nasty virus going around so we're on the fence as to what we should do. Not sure what precautions the airlines are taking and/or would they bar anyone from getting on the plane with symptoms?

I wouldn't risk it either. The problem is, you don't have to be showing symptoms to be contagious. You can have it, spread it, and not even know it. That's why I'm for any and all precautions that can be taken now. Nothing seems too extreme for me, too much not known about this.

 

[Simba's Mom]

It's getting worse in San Antonio and we're heading out on 5/17/09 to WDW. The bad thing is that we're driving down to McAllen, Texas and we're flying out of there. For all of those who aren't familiar with the city, it's only a few miles from the U.S./Mexico border and we're VERY leary about boarding a plane with Mexican nationals who will most likely be there (cheaper to cross to U.S. and fly) who may potentially be carrying this virus. I wouldn't dare risk the safety of my DD4 with this nasty virus going around so we're on the fence as to what we should do. Not sure what precautions the airlines are taking and/or would they bar anyone from getting on the plane with symptoms? In any case, we're in a holding pattern and may cancel the trip if people start catching this thing on planes.

You'd cancel a trip to WDW rather than fly out of a Rio Grande Valley Airport? Although I certainly hope they're taking health precautions with cleanliness, etc., we haven't thought of cancelling our trip on Saturday.

 

[dumboiu]

That is not a reason to take Tamiflu.

Agreed. Judicial use of this antiviral is essential to assure that mutations will not result in resistance.

 

[C.Ann]

Tamiflu is effective for this strain, but how long do you intend to take it?

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This bears repeating - in bold:

Tamiflu is effective for this strain!!!!!

This is not a deadly disease that can not be treated.. The cases in the U.S. have been mild.. The "confirmed" cases have recovered - or are recovering.. They are not dying off left and right.. People are so focused on waiting for a vaccine that "might" protect them, they are forgetting that if they are unfortunate enough to come down with this disease they can be treated with medication that is currently available and in all likelihood will recover.. This is the United States - not Mexico..

 

[dumboiu]

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

This bears repeating - in bold:

Tamiflu is effective for this strain!!!!!

This is not a deadly disease that can not be treated.. The cases in the U.S. have been mild.. The "confirmed" cases have recovered - or are recovering.. They are not dying off left and right.. People are so focused on waiting for a vaccine that "might" protect them, they are forgetting that if they are unfortunate enough to come down with this disease they can be treated with medication that is currently available and in all likelihood will recover.. This is the United States - not Mexico..

Yes, now it is, but influenza mutates at a very rapid rate and it *could* become resistant to Tamiflu very fast. Therefore, one should only use Tamiflu if one is exposed to the virus. It should not to be used as a prophylaxis.

 

[C.Ann]

Yes, now it is, but influenza mutates at a very rapid rate and it *could* become resistant to Tamiflu very fast. Therefore, one should only use Tamiflu if one is exposed to the virus. It should not to be used as a prophylaxis.

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I agree - one should only take it if they have been exposed - but people are acting as though there is no current medication available to deal with this flu should they be exposed or actually come down with the virus - and that is what has them so distraught..

As for the "coulds" - we could "could" ourselves into most any scenario.. Let's just deal with what's on the table right now and let the professionals deal with any other "possible" scenarios..

 

[dumboiu]

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I agree - one should only take it if they have been exposed - but people are acting as though there is no current medication available to deal with this flu should they be exposed or actually come down with the virus - and that is what has them so distraught..

As for the "coulds" - we could "could" ourselves into most any scenario.. Let's just deal with what's on the table right now and let the professionals deal with any other "possible" scenarios..

C.Ann......perhaps you need to rethink your comments. If you knew any virology at all, you would understand that mutations are what viruses do best. It will happen. It is the nature of the beast.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yes, now it is, but influenza mutates at a very rapid rate and it *could* become resistant to Tamiflu very fast. Therefore, one should only use Tamiflu if one is exposed to the virus. It should not to be used as a prophylaxis.

The big worry going forward is not "now" but if you look at the pattern of the 1918 pandemic, it was relatively mild during the months of March through May. It fizzled out, reappeared in Europe during the summer and came back to the US with a vengance in the fall. A more aggressive, virulent virus. As you correctly pointed out, viruses mutate. The pattern is generally they become less virulent but that isn't always the case, as in the 1918 situation. Taking anti virals can certainly result in more resistant mutations. I can't imagine what infection control committee is approving of this indiscriminant use and waste of Tamiflu for unexposed populations.

 

[C.Ann]

C.Ann......perhaps you need to rethink your comments. If you knew any virology at all, you would understand that mutations are what viruses do best. It will happen. It is the nature of the beast.

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No - I don't believe I need to "rethink" my comments - because as every day individuals (not the professionals who will be dealing with these things) what benefits can be derived from worrying about "coulds" that we can't control? Even if we change it to "will" - again, as every day individuals what would be the benefit of sitting here conjuring up the "worst case scenario"?

We need to deal with today - and what we can do today - in a calm and rational manner.. Discussing "worst case scenarios" will only result in further panic and hysteria.. To me, that is counterproductive.. We have scientists to deal with the "coulds" and "wills".. Let them do their jobs while we do ours..

 

[dumboiu]

I can't imagine what infection control committee is approving of this indiscriminant use and waste of Tamiflu for unexposed populations.

We are in agreement. I hope we have just misunderstood and people are not really popping Tamiflu like candy since we will no doubt need it to work much later. If people are taking Tamiflu when they are not exposed, it is beyond irresponsible on many levels.

I suspect we should see more activity in the Southern Hemisphere as it is getting into their flu season. Who knows what we will be dealing with by the time this virus (mutated) makes it back here during our flu season. I just hope it will not be resistant to Tamiflu or Relenza by then.

 

[ElizK]

Shouldn't they be able to make a vaccine for our next flu season that contains this new strain? I realize it will have mutated by then, but wouldn't there be at least partial coverage?