Pandemic?

[flying_babyb]

well, I checked my email and our hospital is now reminding employees to find backup care, just in cause they would have to close our center. they are passing out PPE's in all deparments. Kinda scary

 

[TimothyQMouse]

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

"Information" as in "rumors".. There were several threads on the Theme Park And Attractions board (when I say "boards" I'm including all of them) that had people in a complete tizzy over whether or not they should take their upcoming trips because "there were already confirmed cases in WDW"; "a physician in Celebration told a patient that "everyone" should avoid WDW right now"; and things of that nature..

Totally inaccurate information that had people seriously considering canceling their trips (and I think some actually did).. This is the type of information that is inaccurate and not the least bit helpful at all (unless of course it's verified to be true)..

Shhhh!!! While I don't want anyone to get the flu, I sure wouldn't mind having a bunch of people scared away from WDW for a while. I'm fixing to go there soon and I'd like as small a crowd as possible.

 

[ElizK]

A friend of DH's went to the urgent care center today for what sounds more like an upper respiratory infection than flu (no aches, generally feeling ok - not half dead like the flu makes you feel), but they did a swab to check for flu. It takes 8-10 days to get the results back! So the CDC is about 8 days behind on numbers of confirmed cases? YIKES!

 

[Kirby]

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

I believe they have just officially declared that this should be called the "H1N1 Influenza A" from now on.. Tooooo long.. Can we go with "H1N1"??

Maybe we can just call it the "hiny" flu. That's what it looked like you wrote until I realized it was "1"'s there.

I haven't read through all the posts but Ft. Worth has canceled school for the whole district until the 11th. I like Dallas' decisions better to close one school at a time. So far, no reports of the flu here in our little county. I hope it stays that way but I doubt it will. Prom's coming up in a week. My daughter will go if it doesn't get canceled. She currently works at Lowes and is around a lot of people. I just tell her to keep her hands away from her face and to wash her hands as much as she can. That's all I can do at the moment. Much like what I tell her to do at school.

 

[S. C.]

http://www.freep.com/article/200904...=95zgXGWU3eyvpif8HtotcOA5damcMe2ilBhiw8BBYy0=

Michigan's 2nd case of swine flu confirmed

Updated at 4:40 p.m.

Michigan’s second confirmed H1N1 swine flu case, in an Ottawa County woman who hasn’t traveled to Mexico or another affected area, may represent the kind of community spread that health officials had feared.
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While the first rounds of infection worldwide have come in people who have traveled to or from affected regions in North America, now 92% of the 109 American infections have occurred without travel to affected areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

“We do expect to see more cases, but it’s unclear how many,” said Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, today.

The state lab receives “dozens” of suspect nose swabs for testing, and those with flu are sent to the CDC for confirmation. Part of the national preparedness plan is sending detection kits for H1N1 to states, to cut back on wait times.

“We’re looking forward to having that capability in the next few days,” said Dr. Eden Wells, state epidemiologist.

The woman was hospitalized briefly, said Ottawa County Health Department spokesperson Shannon Felgner, but is recovering at home. None of her family members are showing symptoms.

The 34-year-old woman joins another 34-year-old woman whose test results were confirmed yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

[Buckalew11]

Did you all see on one of the morning shows on Tuesday that they believe this all started with a little 5 yo boy in Mexico? So, the news reporters set out to "find" the little guy and drove and drove to this village and there he was, the little boy who started the swine flu epidemic! *sigh* They talked to his mother and she believes he got it somehow from the Smithfield pig farm(?)factory(?) across the way.

It was an unbelievable story. This precious little boy, marked for getting sick. I just thought it was an unnecessary piece.

 

[smidgy]

I am a parent and know that schools are breeding grounds for viruses but I also think that the same could be said for restaurants and grocery stores. Closing the school only helps control part of the problem.

My mom basically is making me stay close to home now. Fun stuff. No more mall, no movies, heck, she's not even really going to let me out to go eat.

Please, please, don't tell people not to patronize restaurants! business is bad enough, with the economy!
if the government decides things are bad enough, they will close public places. as a waitress, I can tell you that the kitchen in our restaurant is MUCH cleaner than most kitchens in private homes we have the board of health inspecting us, for crying out loud! even without a pandemic, I have the cleanest hands around, I wash them so often,my skin is wrinkled! as do the other waitresses, as well as the cook. (who also wears gloves). I would rather eat food prepared in the restaurants' kitchen than any of my friends or neighbors, who could not possibly clean as much as the restaurant does! our plates and sliverware are washed and sterilized in machines with very hot water.
heck, I would rather eat food prepared in the restaurants kitchen than my own!!!
the bathrooms in our restaurant are spotless.
now, if there is a restaurant you patronize that isn't so clean.. well, I wouldn't eat there, anyways. there are always flu viruses, etc. that's why we are trained to keep things clean and healthy, for your dining enjoyment.

please continue to enjoy your favorite dining establishment and, of course, take the suggested precautions (washing your hands, etc.)

you probably got more germs shaking hands with a business associate, (or using a computer, or phone, or touching a doorknob.)than accepting a plate of food served by me.

and as far as cancelling a disney trip? disney will do that foryou if it is neccessary. it is safe to go to disney, and safe to eat in restaurants!!!!

 

[mommy*RN]

This was just published 30 minutes ago...a nice breakdown of what's going on...

Developments on swine flu worldwide
By The Associated Press – 27 minutes ago

Key developments on swine flu outbreaks, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and government officials:

_Deaths: 12 confirmed in Mexico and one confirmed in U.S., a 23-month-old boy from Mexico who died in Texas. Mexico's Health Secretary no longer releasing "suspected numbers," saying they are confusing people and may be inflated. The last previous number of people suspected to be sickened with swine flu was 2,498.

_Sickened: 300 confirmed in Mexico. Confirmed elsewhere: 131 in U.S.; 34 in Canada; 13 in Spain; eight in Britain; four in New Zealand; three in Germany; two in Israel; one each in Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands.

_In U.S., CDC confirms 109 cases and state officials confirm 21 more. CDC confirms: 50 in New York; 26 in Texas; 14 in California; 10 in South Carolina; two each in Kansas and Massachusetts; and one each in Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, Michigan and Nevada. State officials confirm five in New Jersey; four in Delaware; three additional cases in Arizona; two additional cases in California; two each in Colorado and Virginia; one additional case in Michigan; and one each in Georgia and Minnesota.

_Nearly 300 schools close nationwide, with at least 200 in Texas and 62 in Alabama, plus scattered closings in New York, California, South Carolina, Connecticut, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arizona, Ohio, Utah, Washington state, Michigan and Maine.

_The World Health Organization increases its tally of confirmed swine flu cases around the world to 257 from 148.

_The World Health Organization says it will stop using the term "swine flu" to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs. It will instead refer to the virus by its scientific name, "H1N1 influenza A."

_The Obama administration comes out against closing the U.S.-Mexico border. Vice President Joe Biden says it would be "a monumental undertaking" with limited benefit.

_White House says aide to Energy Secretary Steven Chu apparently got sick helping arrange President Barack Obama's recent trip to Mexico but aide did not fly on Air Force One and never posed a risk to the president.

_Public health emergency declared in the United States and millions of doses of Tamiflu from federal stockpile being delivered to states. U.S. buying 13 million treatment courses of anti-flu drugs to replenish stockpile, sending 400,000 treatment courses to Mexico.

_Texas Gov. Rick Perry issues disaster declaration.

_Scattered cancellations or postponements of sporting events across the country, including the suspension of all high school sports competitions in Texas until May 11.

_Two leading U.S. makers of respiratory masks ramp up production to meet heavy demand from pharmacies.

 

[golfgal]

Maybe we can just call it the "hiny" flu. That's what it looked like you wrote until I realized it was "1"'s there.

.

This was just published 30 minutes ago...a nice breakdown of what's going on...

Developments on swine flu worldwide
By The Associated Press – 27 minutes ago

Key developments on swine flu outbreaks, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and government officials:

_Deaths: 12 confirmed in Mexico and one confirmed in U.S., a 23-month-old boy from Mexico who died in Texas. Mexico's Health Secretary no longer releasing "suspected numbers," saying they are confusing people and may be inflated. The last previous number of people suspected to be sickened with swine flu was 2,498.

_Sickened: 300 confirmed in Mexico. Confirmed elsewhere: 131 in U.S.; 34 in Canada; 13 in Spain; eight in Britain; four in New Zealand; three in Germany; two in Israel; one each in Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands.

_In U.S., CDC confirms 109 cases and state officials confirm 21 more. CDC confirms: 50 in New York; 26 in Texas; 14 in California; 10 in South Carolina; two each in Kansas and Massachusetts; and one each in Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, Michigan and Nevada. State officials confirm five in New Jersey; four in Delaware; three additional cases in Arizona; two additional cases in California; two each in Colorado and Virginia; one additional case in Michigan; and one each in Georgia and Minnesota.

_Nearly 300 schools close nationwide, with at least 200 in Texas and 62 in Alabama, plus scattered closings in New York, California, South Carolina, Connecticut, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arizona, Ohio, Utah, Washington state, Michigan and Maine.

_The World Health Organization increases its tally of confirmed swine flu cases around the world to 257 from 148.

_The World Health Organization says it will stop using the term "swine flu" to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs. It will instead refer to the virus by its scientific name, "H1N1 influenza A."

_The Obama administration comes out against closing the U.S.-Mexico border. Vice President Joe Biden says it would be "a monumental undertaking" with limited benefit.

_White House says aide to Energy Secretary Steven Chu apparently got sick helping arrange President Barack Obama's recent trip to Mexico but aide did not fly on Air Force One and never posed a risk to the president.

_Public health emergency declared in the United States and millions of doses of Tamiflu from federal stockpile being delivered to states. U.S. buying 13 million treatment courses of anti-flu drugs to replenish stockpile, sending 400,000 treatment courses to Mexico.

_Texas Gov. Rick Perry issues disaster declaration.

_Scattered cancellations or postponements of sporting events across the country, including the suspension of all high school sports competitions in Texas until May 11.

_Two leading U.S. makers of respiratory masks ramp up production to meet heavy demand from pharmacies.

What happened to the 100+ confirmed deaths in Mexico from last week?

 

[DawnCt1]

I was listening to the press conference our governor had about the confirmed case in MN and there was a woman from our state dept of health on there as well-she is also the woman I heard on the radio yesterday-she said that they are in the process of setting up regional testing centers to take the load off the CDC and that hopefully they would be operational next week. MN will be one of them according to her.

That's the plan. Ct. will have the reagents by the end of next week.

 

[DawnCt1]

We have two schools closed in Batavia, two in Aurora and we just got a call from our district (Oswego, IL) stating that three of our schools will be closed tomorrow for suspected cases. The call said that samples were sent to the CDC in Atlanta for the cases in our schools.

My kids' school was not one of the ones closed. I think it's just a matter of time though. My nieces' schools are both closed but my nephew's is still open.

I was in Walgreens yesterday and one of the employees told me that they are selling out of hand sanitizer.

We are being cautious but not paranoid. Or, at least, that is what we are trying for.

The problem is, these short term, day or two school closings do absolutely nothing. The Ct. Dept of Health came out with a firm statement yesterday, that they have advocated absolutely no school closings, and we have had several "one day closings" in Ct. . School districts are doing this on their own and cleaning the school while its closed. Its an exercise in futility.

 

[Christine]

The problem is, these short term, day or two school closings do absolutely nothing. The Ct. Dept of Health came out with a firm statement yesterday, that they have advocated absolutely no school closings, and we have had several "one day closings" in Ct. . School districts are doing this on their own and cleaning the school while its closed. Its an exercise in futility.

Dawn,

Can you explain what the purpose is for "disinfecting" the schools? It's my understanding that influenza is predominantly airborne. A person coughs or sneezes, the virus propels out approximately 3 feet, and then drops to a surface. On the surface it is only active about 2-3 hours (maybe 6 hours tops if conditions are ideal). So, if they close the school, disinfect, and one person comes in with the virus, what's the point?

I totally understood the disinfectant procedures during MRSA outbreaks because staph lives on surfaces for a LONG time. But these type of cleaning for the flu seems kind of overkill with very little benefit.

 

[DawnCt1]

Dawn,

Can you explain what the purpose is for "disinfecting" the schools? It's my understanding that influenza is predominantly airborne. A person coughs or sneezes, the virus propels out approximately 3 feet, and then drops to a surface. On the surface it is only active about 2-3 hours (maybe 6 hours tops if conditions are ideal). So, if they close the school, disinfect, and one person comes in with the virus, what's the point?

I totally understood the disinfectant procedures during MRSA outbreaks because staph lives on surfaces for a LONG time. But these type of cleaning for the flu seems kind of overkill with very little benefit.

The point is to create the impression for parents and teachers that they are 'doing something'. and creating overtime opportunities for the janitorial staff. Its totally pointless otherwise.

 

[java]

A boy in my daughter's school was practically held hostage by the school nurse because he had been in Mexico. a week ago. And she kept him in there- taking his temperature all day. He was fine. Poor kid. I thought how silly. He isnt' showing any signs of illness and really was that to make us think great they are doing something.

And I thought the same thing as I got the letter about hand santizing and extra cleaning measures they are taking. It's airborne correct? So unless they are cleaning out the AIR FILTERS I don't want to hear about it.

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[DawnCt1]

SO as of right now:

Lots of people re getting this ------------------BUT----------------- The Gov't says don't worry

The Govt is saying keep flu-like ---------------BUT------------------The Gov't says it's mild
sufferers home

The whole world is spending millions ----------BUT------------------ The Gov't says it's just like reg Flu
to track this

Some Govt's are treating this as a real--------BUT-------------------Our Gov't says relax, go on vacation
health threat

By all accounts we are supposed to avoid crowds-----BUT---------Our Gov't says sure planes are fine


Sound about right?

I don't think the general thinking is to avoid crowds but to avoid crowds in cities that have been hit hard with the flu. It is reasonable that that all cases be tracked. So far, all cases have been fairly mild and we know its treatable. The big worry of course is viral mutation. What will it be like if it reemerges in the fall? Next winter or the following flu season? That will be of concern. By then we should have a flu vaccine that will address it. If I had travel plans, I would go. Of course I have we have no ongoing respiratory issues, so we don't have that worry. DH was interviewed on another local news program last night and said, and I paraphrase, "People should listen to the experts, take reasonable precautions and not listen to politicians who like to hear themselves talk too much".

 

[Robinrs]

SO as of right now:

Lots of people re getting this ------------------BUT----------------- The Gov't says don't worry

The Govt is saying keep flu-like ---------------BUT------------------The Gov't says it's mild
sufferers home

The whole world is spending millions ----------BUT------------------ The Gov't says it's just like reg Flu
to track this

Some Govt's are treating this as a real--------BUT-------------------Our Gov't says relax, go on vacation
health threat

By all accounts we are supposed to avoid crowds-----BUT---------Our Gov't says sure planes are fine


Sound about right?

Do you want them to say PANIC!!! LIFE AS WE KNOW IT IS OVER!!!!


cmon...

 

[Nette]

I don't think the general thinking is to avoid crowds but to avoid crowds in cities that have been hit hard with the flu. It is reasonable that that all cases be tracked. So far, all cases have been fairly mild and we know its treatable. The big worry of course is viral mutation. What will it be like if it reemerges in the fall? Next winter or the following flu season? That will be of concern. By then we should have a flu vaccine that will address it. If I had travel plans, I would go. Of course I have we have no ongoing respiratory issues, so we don't have that worry. DH was interviewed on another local news program last night and said, and I paraphrase, "People should listen to the experts, take reasonable precautions and not listen to politicians who like to hear themselves talk too much".

A previous poster said that getting it now would not offer any protection should it mutate in the fall... is that true? And if it is, then how is a vaccine made with the current strain(s) going to help us?

 

[DawnCt1]

Do you want them to say PANIC!!! LIFE AS WE KNOW IT IS OVER!!!!


cmon...

I don't think that is what she is saying. I think she is asking for consistency and there hasn't been any. In Ct. schools are closing, even though the Ct. Public Health Dept has come out and said this is unnecessary. There is conflicting information 'out there' and behavior that is contradictory. That contributes to confusion.

 

[luvmy3]

SO as of right now:

Lots of people re getting this ------------------BUT----------------- The Gov't says don't worry

The Govt is saying keep flu-like ---------------BUT------------------The Gov't says it's mild
sufferers home

The whole world is spending millions ----------BUT------------------ The Gov't says it's just like reg Flu
to track this

Some Govt's are treating this as a real--------BUT-------------------Our Gov't says relax, go on vacation
health threat

By all accounts we are supposed to avoid crowds-----BUT---------Our Gov't says sure planes are fine


Sound about right?

Pretty much

My dh read a very interesting book about the 1918 flu a few years ago and brought it out last night to read. It was very insightful and put in laymen terns exactly how the influenza virus works. If you look at what the influenza virus does its actually quite amazing, and scary.

Here's some things I learned:
Endemic- an influenza virus that is always around
Epidemic- an influenza virus that spreads in one place, say the US
Pandemic- an influenza virus that spreads worldwide.

Both Epidemic and Pandemic viruses are endemic but the difference is in the case of Pandemic, deaths occur at well above the average. Which would make sense because it effects the entire world population. When a pandemic happens, 10 to 40 percent of the world's pop will be infected, and a high percentage of those can die. It will not just effect the very young, very old or immuno compromised, it will effect EVERYONE. That is why people are very concerned about this swine flu.
IN the case with H1N1 influenza A it is the same as the 1918 virus. This is endemic in pigs but viruses do mutate and are able to combine with a human flu virus and jump from animal to human. Which is what happened in 1918 and it has happened now.
Now, the difference betweeen this current swine flu and say the recent bird flu scare is that the bird flu was successfully stopped before it had the chance to mutate further into a bird/human hybrid and spread from human to human. The people who were infected and died caught it from the chickens, NOT eachother. Unfortunately that is not the case with this swine flu.