Pandemic?

[Planogirl]

There are some who think that it is overblown simply because it has turned out to be relatively mild with limited morbidity and mortality. The attitude is, "yeah, its spreading around the world but not many people are that sick". That may be true, but what is concerning, and not overblown, is that it is a brand new flu virus with a couple of swine flu segments, a bird flu segment and a human segment. Bird flu, which humans caught with contact from infected birds, is now a part of this virus that can be transmitted human to human. Same with the swine flu portion. Another area of concern is how rapidly it hit areas all over the world. While the media may have fueled the fire; it would be impossible to ignore the CDC's response, which has been appropriate, and WHO's response, which has been appropriate. The concern going forward is, will it increase in virulence? What will it be like if it emerges during the winter? Will we have an effective vaccine? Some of these questions may be answered in a couple of weeks. Some may take months. With regard to the info from the Mexican authorities; I think that info derived from data secured by other agencies, CDC, which needed the cooperation of the Mexican government, would be distributed through that government. They need to retain credibility with their own citizens.

The CDC and WHO responses are what will keep me on my toes. Those organizations still sound rather grim so it's still worthwhile to stay well informed IMO.

 

[luvmy3]

There are some who think that it is overblown simply because it has turned out to be relatively mild with limited morbidity and mortality. The attitude is, "yeah, its spreading around the world but not many people are that sick". That may be true, but what is concerning, and not overblown, is that it is a brand new flu virus with a couple of swine flu segments, a bird flu segment and a human segment. Bird flu, which humans caught with contact from infected birds, is now a part of this virus that can be transmitted human to human. Same with the swine flu portion. Another area of concern is how rapidly it hit areas all over the world. While the media may have fueled the fire; it would be impossible to ignore the CDC's response, which has been appropriate, and WHO's response, which has been appropriate. The concern going forward is, will it increase in virulence? What will it be like if it emerges during the winter? Will we have an effective vaccine? Some of these questions may be answered in a couple of weeks. Some may take months. With regard to the info from the Mexican authorities; I think that info derived from data secured by other agencies, CDC, which needed the cooperation of the Mexican government, would be distributed through that government. They need to retain credibility with their own citizens.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

For the last few days our news has been nothing but flu coverage. Then I wake up this morning and all I hear about it is, "It seems that the Swine Flu is not as bad as was thought" or something like that. And then nothing!! Like it's not even happening WTH??

I don't even know what to think right now. Something, somewhere is not right!

Maybe it's a case of the news being a little slow so the media took it and ran with it?

It's still newsworthy and it's still something we need to watch and be careful of. But it's just been a bit out of proportion.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Maybe it's a case of the news being a little slow so the media took it and blew it a bit out of proportion?

I'm not sure about that. It was the CDC and WHO who raised the pandemic alert meter, who asked that schools be closed etc. It was valid, big news. I'm not one to promote conspiracy theories but this just seems a little "off".

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

There are some who think that it is overblown simply because it has turned out to be relatively mild with limited morbidity and mortality. The attitude is, "yeah, its spreading around the world but not many people are that sick". That may be true, but what is concerning, and not overblown, is that it is a brand new flu virus with a couple of swine flu segments, a bird flu segment and a human segment. Bird flu, which humans caught with contact from infected birds, is now a part of this virus that can be transmitted human to human. Same with the swine flu portion. Another area of concern is how rapidly it hit areas all over the world. While the media may have fueled the fire; it would be impossible to ignore the CDC's response, which has been appropriate, and WHO's response, which has been appropriate. The concern going forward is, will it increase in virulence? What will it be like if it emerges during the winter? Will we have an effective vaccine? Some of these questions may be answered in a couple of weeks. Some may take months. With regard to the info from the Mexican authorities; I think that info derived from data secured by other agencies, CDC, which needed the cooperation of the Mexican government, would be distributed through that government. They need to retain credibility with their own citizens.

Dawn: can I ask you something? I just finished reading the chapter in "The Coming Plague" that covers Swine Flu 1918 and 1976. They talk about the rise in Guillain-Barre at the same time as the vaccine program. They mention that there were many cases in vaccinated, but also in non-vaccinated persons. The author gives stats to point to the vaccine, but does not give the full picture.

Question 1 - assuming the vaccine is responsible, how to account for G-B in all those non-vaccinated individuals.

Question 2 - assuming the vaccine is not responsible, how to account for the rise in G-B cases.

Question 3 - the author mentions that at one time they assumed an 80 to 100 "cycle" for viruses like swine flu. Do they still believe it works that way.

Thank you and your DH for all the info you have been providing.

any other books you can recommend?

 

[Nette]

Dawn: can I ask you something? I just finished reading the chapter in "The Coming Plague" that covers Swine Flu 1918 and 1976. They talk about the rise in Guillain-Barre at the same time as the vaccine program. They mention that there were many cases in vaccinated, but also in non-vaccinated persons. The author gives stats to point to the vaccine, but does not give the full picture.

Question 1 - assuming the vaccine is responsible, how to account for G-B in all those non-vaccinated individuals.

Question 2 - assuming the vaccine is not responsible, how to account for the rise in G-B cases.

Question 3 - the author mentions that at one time they assumed an 80 to 100 "cycle" for viruses like swine flu. Do they still believe it works that way.

Thank you and your DH for all the info you have been providing.

any other books you can recommend?

I'll give this a shot as a GBS survivor and someone who recently settled with the Nat'l Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP)

1-- GBS can occur with any "thing" that makes a person's immune system respond. It's sort of unknown why it happens, but it CAN be caused by viral infections. And because vaccines induce the immune system to react as if it has been attacked by the virus it is protecting against, the vaccine can trigger GBS.

2-- I'm not sure that you can assume that vaccines aren't responsible for the rise. I'm not an expert, but the increase in frequency of these "staged attacks" on our immune systems (ie vaccinations) may just cause the immune systems in people who are susceptible to auto-immune disorders to overreact, where maybe they never would have if their bodies weren't inoculated so frequently.

At any rate, the NVICP only requires that the victim show probable cause that a vaccine caused their GBS. Their range of probable cause includes symptom onset within 6-10 weeks of vaccination.

3-- I've read this too... don't know if it is still common knowledge.

 

[asta]

Here in Nashville two schools have been closed when a student at each tested positive for swine flu. The schools are closed for 7 days at the request (or mandate?) from the city and state health departments. Seven days makes more sense than a one or two day closure as far as reducing the risk of spreading the disease among the students.

 

[mommy*RN]

I had to run to the school to drop something off and the secretary told me that they have been getting calls all morning from parents who are upset that our school was not closed (we have no suspected cases in our school).

It doesn't matter if they close one school or all of them. How many kids from the affected schools will be at the park district soccer games tomorrow? Or dance or karate tonight?

But again, the districts are in a tough spot.

I had emailed the superintendent of our school district on Monday requesting that a reminder be sent home with the children if a child is ill he/she needs to stay home. I'm not panicking about the flu, just think it was an excellent time for a reminder. Well, NOTHING. I never received a response from him nor has anything come home with my DS from his school (he's in 1st grade). I asked him if his teacher has been talking about more frequent handwashing and not sharing items like beverages or food...again, not panicking I just think these are things that need to be reinforced in the schools as well as at home. He says nothing has been said. Don't get me wrong, I don't want them freaking my kid out...but as I said before these are all great reminders for parents and kids and there is no time like the present to reinforce these ideas.

Ok, rant over. I just went to the district's website to see how to spell superintendent and there is a note about the swine flu...apparently it is something that was sent home with the kids. My son had a substitute in his class yesterday so maybe that is why we didn't get it sent home.

Are your kids bring information home from school?

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

I'll give this a shot as a GBS survivor and someone who recently settled with the Nat'l Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP)

1-- GBS can occur with any "thing" that makes a person's immune system respond. It's sort of unknown why it happens, but it CAN be caused by viral infections. And because vaccines induce the immune system to react as if it has been attacked by the virus it is protecting against, the vaccine can trigger GBS.

2-- I'm not sure that you can assume that vaccines aren't responsible for the rise. I'm not an expert, but the increase in frequency of these "staged attacks" on our immune systems (ie vaccinations) may just cause the immune systems in people who are susceptible to auto-immune disorders to overreact, where maybe they never would have if their bodies weren't inoculated so frequently.

At any rate, the NVICP only requires that the victim show probable cause that a vaccine caused their GBS. Their range of probable cause includes symptom onset within 6-10 weeks of vaccination.

3-- I've read this too... don't know if it is still common knowledge.

Thanks! and for what you must have gone through!

1 - I pretty much know the info that you have provided (but do thank you!), but want more specific answers to this time period and set of circumstances....

2 - I know you can't assume that (believe me! others will tell you I am kinda known as being "anti-vax" on the boards - truth is I am pro selective vax and pro leaving the choice to the parents!), but want to know what the possible/specific answers are for both scenarios.

Again, I am sorry you had to go through a personal experience with G-B and the NVICP!

 

[legalsea]

Here in Fort Worth (where all schools were closed yesterday through at least May 11th) the emergency rooms are said to be packed with people (on TV news last night) wanting to get their child 'checked' for H1N1. The reporter stated that most, if not all, of said children had no symptoms at all, but the parents siimply wanted to be 'safe than sorry'.

As the reporter stated: Parents, probably the last place you want to take your non-symptomatic child is to a hospital emergency room and have them sit in the waiting room with dozens of others for hours.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

Here in Fort Worth (where all schools were closed yesterday through at least May 11th) the emergency rooms are said to be packed with people (on TV news last night) wanting to get their child 'checked' for H1N1. The reporter stated that most, if not all, of said children had no symptoms at all, but the parents siimply wanted to be 'safe than sorry'.

As the reporter stated: Parents, probably the last place you want to take your non-symptomatic child is to a hospital emergency room and have them sit in the waiting room with dozens of others for hours.

ugh!!!! no wonder some are talking about people in panic....

 

[MommyBoo!]

I had emailed the superintendent of our school district on Monday requesting that a reminder be sent home with the children if a child is ill he/she needs to stay home. I'm not panicking about the flu, just think it was an excellent time for a reminder. Well, NOTHING. I never received a response from him nor has anything come home with my DS from his school (he's in 1st grade). I asked him if his teacher has been talking about more frequent handwashing and not sharing items like beverages or food...again, not panicking I just think these are things that need to be reinforced in the schools as well as at home. He says nothing has been said. Don't get me wrong, I don't want them freaking my kid out...but as I said before these are all great reminders for parents and kids and there is no time like the present to reinforce these ideas.

Ok, rant over. I just went to the district's website to see how to spell superintendent and there is a note about the swine flu...apparently it is something that was sent home with the kids. My son had a substitute in his class yesterday so maybe that is why we didn't get it sent home.

Are your kids bring information home from school?

We did get a recorded call and an email a couple of days ago with information and reminders about keeping kids home when sick, washing hands, etc. They also put the same notice on the district site.

They have a great notification system - it goes to your house phone, email and any cell phones you want to add. I prefer that over paper as I know for sure I'll get it.

 

[mommy*RN]

We did get a recorded call and an email a couple of days ago with information and reminders about keeping kids home when sick, washing hands, etc. They also put the same notice on the district site.

They have a great notification system - it goes to your house phone, email and any cell phones you want to add. I prefer that over paper as I know for sure I'll get it.

Our PTA does that to remind us of dances, events, etc. I wish our schools did.

 

[carissanboys]

I had emailed the superintendent of our school district on Monday requesting that a reminder be sent home with the children if a child is ill he/she needs to stay home. I'm not panicking about the flu, just think it was an excellent time for a reminder. Well, NOTHING. I never received a response from him nor has anything come home with my DS from his school (he's in 1st grade). I asked him if his teacher has been talking about more frequent handwashing and not sharing items like beverages or food...again, not panicking I just think these are things that need to be reinforced in the schools as well as at home. He says nothing has been said. Don't get me wrong, I don't want them freaking my kid out...but as I said before these are all great reminders for parents and kids and there is no time like the present to reinforce these ideas.

Ok, rant over. I just went to the district's website to see how to spell superintendent and there is a note about the swine flu...apparently it is something that was sent home with the kids. My son had a substitute in his class yesterday so maybe that is why we didn't get it sent home.

Are your kids bring information home from school?

Yes. They brought something home earlier this week. It included info on handwashing and keeping kids home if they were sick.

 

[mommy*RN]

Here in Fort Worth (where all schools were closed yesterday through at least May 11th) the emergency rooms are said to be packed with people (on TV news last night) wanting to get their child 'checked' for H1N1. The reporter stated that most, if not all, of said children had no symptoms at all, but the parents siimply wanted to be 'safe than sorry'.

As the reporter stated: Parents, probably the last place you want to take your non-symptomatic child is to a hospital emergency room and have them sit in the waiting room with dozens of others for hours.

My DH is a part-time RN in a small hospital ER. He worked on Wednesday night and said they triaged 160 people in 8 hrs all for H1N1. On a normal night they will triage 40-50 people for various reasons. He made a good point that the panic that is out there is really hitting the ER's hard. I worry about the people who have true medical needs not getting the care or quality of care they deserve and need.

I'd really like to see testing centers pop up around town so we can keep the ER's free for emergencies. I'd gladly staff a testing center...if they provide the right protective equipment. My hours are always being cut so this would be nice bonus pay. Of course I don't know if I'd be "allowed" since I work with new mom's and babies...

 

[dismom2]

I had emailed the superintendent of our school district on Monday requesting that a reminder be sent home with the children if a child is ill he/she needs to stay home. I'm not panicking about the flu, just think it was an excellent time for a reminder. Well, NOTHING. I never received a response from him nor has anything come home with my DS from his school (he's in 1st grade). I asked him if his teacher has been talking about more frequent handwashing and not sharing items like beverages or food...again, not panicking I just think these are things that need to be reinforced in the schools as well as at home. He says nothing has been said. Don't get me wrong, I don't want them freaking my kid out...but as I said before these are all great reminders for parents and kids and there is no time like the present to reinforce these ideas.

Ok, rant over. I just went to the district's website to see how to spell superintendent and there is a note about the swine flu...apparently it is something that was sent home with the kids. My son had a substitute in his class yesterday so maybe that is why we didn't get it sent home.

Are your kids bring information home from school?

Our schools have not sent home any information....yet.
I hope the teachers are encouraging hand washing and have antibacterial gel avaialbe (we parents should each pitch in and buy some for the class). Kids do need to be reminded a lot. Some kids don't learn this at home. Or they forget.

 

[luvmy3]

Here in Fort Worth (where all schools were closed yesterday through at least May 11th) the emergency rooms are said to be packed with people (on TV news last night) wanting to get their child 'checked' for H1N1. The reporter stated that most, if not all, of said children had no symptoms at all, but the parents siimply wanted to be 'safe than sorry'.

As the reporter stated: Parents, probably the last place you want to take your non-symptomatic child is to a hospital emergency room and have them sit in the waiting room with dozens of others for hours.

Are they refusing to test them?
I took my ds to urgent care last night because I'm sick, my dd and he is. We have typical cold symptoms, low fever, runny/stuffy nose and cough. The only thing with him he was wheezing. I admit that I was a bit paranoid but I did not go there expecting them to test him. I just wanted to make sure his pulse ox was normal and that his lungs were clear of any fluid. The doctor told me that unless someone is showing typical flu symptoms like high fever and aches and pains along with the other stuff that they have been told not to offer to test. The would need to send the smples out to the CDC because they themselves do not have the capability to test for it. I have no idea who this *they* is but I'm sure they have very good reason for not wanting thousands of samples coming in just because of paranoia, they have other things to deal with.

 

[Christine]

I'd really like to see testing centers pop up around town so we can keep the ER's free for emergencies. I'd gladly staff a testing center...if they provide the right protective equipment. My hours are always being cut so this would be nice bonus pay. Of course I don't know if I'd be "allowed" since I work with new mom's and babies...

I was thinking along the same lines. The other evening, on the news, they instructed to people to "call your local ER if you think you have the flu--they will give you instructions on when to come in and how to handle testing." Yeah, right.

I kept thinking--it's too bad they couldn't get together a team of lab technicians/doctors/or whoever is qualifed (not sure) and have them respond to calls, drive to homes, and swab people. While it can be a great undertaking, it would certainly keep possible contagious people at home and out of the ER. I know, I'm probably dreaming as there just isn't the staff to handle such a thing.

 

[mommy*RN]

Yes. They brought something home earlier this week. It included info on handwashing and keeping kids home if they were sick.

I'm glad to see schools doing what they should be doing! Don't cause panic in my kid -- just remind hiim to wash his hands, cover his coughs and sneezes and not to share drinks and food with others. I'll do the same at home.