swine flu

[diamondseeker2006]

We have tickets to fly to NYC for a week in June. I''m just hoping we know what is going on well before then.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 4/28/2009 7:42:08 PM
Author: beau13
There are NO cases reported in Canada, with the exception of 2 cases that may be related (but still looking into it , and don't seem to concerned), no deaths fortunately.

They are however, recalling some food items such as pork and bacon (some brands), that could be contaminated and if eaten,contribute to developing swine flu.

Really? According to all of the news sources I've read, there are 4 reported cases in Nova Scotia.

ETA: Actually, it's 4 confirmed cases in NS, not just reported and 2 confirmed in BC.

 

[beau13]

I haven't heard anything today, I heard 2 in Nova Scotia "may be linked", but that was yesterday. Hmmmm
Good to know..I'm more concerned with the meat recall !

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

According to a US source (Canada is of course different)

"This really isn''t swine flu. It''s H1N1 virus," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said at an afternoon news briefing with U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

"We want to say to consumers here and abroad that there is no risk to you, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that there is any link between consuming pork, prepared pork products, and the H1N1 virus," Kirk added.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/04/28/with_eye_on_industry_ag_secret.html?wprss=44

 

[upgrade]

Date: 4/28/2009 7:54:38 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 4/28/2009 7:42:08 PM
Author: beau13
There are NO cases reported in Canada, with the exception of 2 cases that may be related (but still looking into it , and don''t seem to concerned), no deaths fortunately.

They are however, recalling some food items such as pork and bacon (some brands), that could be contaminated and if eaten,contribute to developing swine flu.

Really? According to all of the news sources I''ve read, there are 4 reported cases in Nova Scotia.

ETA: Actually, it''s 4 confirmed cases in NS, not just reported and 2 confirmed in BC.

On tonight''s news they confirmed 13 cases in Canada and they''re expecting more... They also announced that a lot of the big tour operators have cancelled all flights to Mexico for the time being (but they''ve added a bunch of flights to Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican).

 

[absolut_blonde]

I just checked and there are something like 2 new cases in Alberta (1 in Northern AB, 1 in Calgary), 1-2 in BC and then 4 in Ontario? Something like that.

I''m a little freaked, to be honest. I am neurotic (major GAD issues) to begin with so stuff like that just freaks me right out.

Kind of interesting that the tour operators are upping their trips to DR, Cuba, etc. If this thing really becomes a problem, travel in general probably won''t be a great idea.

 

[CDNinNYC]

Date: 4/28/2009 8:18:50 PM
Author: upgrade

On tonight''s news they confirmed 13 cases in Canada and they''re expecting more... They also announced that a lot of the big tour operators have cancelled all flights to Mexico for the time being (but they''ve added a bunch of flights to Cuba, Jamaica and the Dominican).

Yes, our wedding has been cancelled/postponed because almost all our guests were booked with one of those tour operators. I can''t even begin to describe how frustrated I''m feeling knowing this is all beyond our control.

 

[Harriet]

Lori,
Please take care of yourself.

CDN,
I'm so sorry.

 

[Harriet]

Has anyone begun to worry seriously? I have, based on its similarity to the 1918 flu.

 

[D&T]

oh no, it''s hit my neck of the woods.... not sure what to do with my kiddos and daycare?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 4/29/2009 11:42:06 AM
Author: Harriet
Has anyone begun to worry seriously? I have, based on its similarity to the 1918 flu.

How comparable in death rate percentage, at this point, is the swine flu and the 1918/Spanish Flu? I still feel people are over rating and hopefully I''m right!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 4/29/2009 11:57:35 AM
Author: D&T
oh no, it''s hit my neck of the woods.... not sure what to do with my kiddos and daycare?

How close to where you live? I''m not sure what I would do if there was a case discovered by my house. Tough call at this point.

 

[Maisie]

Well I am taking it seriously. There are no reported cases near me but I still ordered some face masks. Just in case.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 4/29/2009 12:15:12 PM
Author: Maisie
Well I am taking it seriously. There are no reported cases near me but I still ordered some face masks. Just in case.

The standard face masks do not work. In the paper, they said you need the thicker respirator type mask and they have to be specifically fitted tightly to your face or they're worthless. Be sure to afix the masks are tight around your childrens faces as little ones are more inclined to yank and pull and loosen the mask up.

 

[Maisie]

Date: 4/29/2009 12:17:32 PM
Author: MC

Date: 4/29/2009 12:15:12 PM
Author: Maisie
Well I am taking it seriously. There are no reported cases near me but I still ordered some face masks. Just in case.

The standard face masks do not work. In the paper, they said you need the thicker respirator type mask and they have to be specifically fitted tightly to your face or they''re worthless. Be sure to afix the masks are tight around your childrens faces as little ones are more inclined to yank and pull and loosen the mask up.

Oh dear. Well they were only £5. I will use them for something no doubt!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 4/29/2009 12:21:13 PM
Author: Maisie

Date: 4/29/2009 12:17:32 PM
Author: MC

Date: 4/29/2009 12:15:12 PM
Author: Maisie
Well I am taking it seriously. There are no reported cases near me but I still ordered some face masks. Just in case.

The standard face masks do not work. In the paper, they said you need the thicker respirator type mask and they have to be specifically fitted tightly to your face or they're worthless. Be sure to afix the masks are tight around your childrens faces as little ones are more inclined to yank and pull and loosen the mask up.

Oh dear. Well they were only £5. I will use them for something no doubt!

Can you return them?

I just googled and get this: One article says that the masks keep from spreading the disease not keeping healthy people from contracting it. By a sick person wearing the mask, they're preventing the spread, yet us non-sick are left helpless! The article also talks of the stronger type of mask that works. It's to be custom fit. Talk about what a pain that would be. . .(but of course better than getting sick and risking one's life.)

Quote:

"More effective than soft surgical masks is the N95, which is an example of a "respirator." This kind of tight-fitting face covering protects people against breathing very small particles, which may contain viruses. The downside is that it's more expensive, uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time and has to be custom fit, Reingold said, so it's suited for people working in high-risk laboratories."

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/swine.flu.masks/

 

[Maisie]

The word respirator seems to take it to a whole new level doesn''t it? I can''t see my youngest wearing any kind of facemask.

My daughter had pneumonia when she was a baby. She was very sick. I am really worried she might catch this. She is 12 now but I think her asthma might make things a bit worse if she does catch it. I hate stuff like this. I worry so much.

 

[Ara Ann]

We've just had our first official case diagnosed in our state and it happens to be in OUR county...Yikes.

And I am still concerned about my son bringing this back too! He's driving from AZ to Texas today, staying there overnight two nights and heading for home on Friday...does anyone know what the incubation time for this virus is? How many days after exposure it would show up? He's moving back in with us and I almost want to keep him in quarantine for a few days! It's just surreal to think that HE is going to be going right into the middle of a hot spot for the virus, then coming home!!! I'm concerned for ALL of us! It's bad enough to be concerned about something like this in a general way, but it's worse when there is a REAL potential to be exposed to this first hand.

 

[tlh]

I may be a bit off, but the media tends to blow things out of porportion when it is sweeps time. (Anyone remember shark attack scares?)

I'm not a Dr. but I've gathered the flu is lethal because of dehydration. The regular flu kills 40K people a year. It effects the elderly, the ill, and children. The same precautions for the flu should be extended to the swine flu. Wash your hands, don't allow others in your personal space (to cough and sneeze on you) and stay hydrated. In the event you become ill and begin to lose fluids through sweating, vomiting, or out the other end, take immodium, and water, and some sodium. (Gatorade and old fashioned cheap cambell's chx noodle soup work wonders for rehydrating as they are chock full of salty goodness.) **and seek medical attn**

I would only use precautions when in poorly ventilated areas w/ recirculated air. Ex. airplanes - even in interstate travel.

 

[Beacon]

I would not panic, but I would lay in a good supply of things you might need, like N95 masks, latex gloves, disinfectants and maybe a good supply of groceries.

Given how fast this thing is moving around, containment seems impossible. But remember flu virus always mutates and sometimes that mutation is to a weakening form.

Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best!

 

[Ara Ann]

Date: 4/29/2009 12:41:19 PM
Author: tlh
I may be a bit off, but the media tends to blow things out of porportion when it is sweeps time. (Anyone remember shark attack scares?)


I''m not a Dr. but I''ve gathered the flu is lethal because of dehydration. The regular flu kills 40K people a year. It effects the elderly, the ill, and children. The same precautions for the flu should be extended to the swine flu. Wash your hands, don''t allow others in your personal space (to cough and sneeze on you) and stay hydrated. In the event you become ill and begin to lose fluids through sweating, vomiting, or out the other end, take immodium, and water, and some sodium. (Gatorade and old fashioned cheap cambell''s chx noodle soup work wonders for rehydrating as they are chock full of salty goodness.) **and seek medical attn**


I would only use precautions when in poorly ventilated areas w/ recirculated air. Ex. airplanes - even in interstate travel.

It''s a bit more complicated than just taking typical measures actually...and I don''t believe it''s being done for ratings. I heard a doctor on our local news today...he said this is not a run of the mill flu and people who ''shouldn''t'' die from a ''normal flu'' are dying from this virus. The toddler who died was treated very aggressively and could not be saved. So the standard treatments that apply to ''normal'' flu do not work here. He said this is something totally new, a brand new virus, he has never seen anything like it in over 25 years of practice and is unpredictable...and while many cases have been ''mild'' so far, it is still mutating and will become stronger and more dangerous before it goes away again. He''s even going so far as to say schools should be closed NOW, before it gets out of hand...and it could get out of hand very quickly. This isn''t panic in his opinion, it is being proactive and sensible. Think about the sheer number of school kids in NYC that became ill, over 900, just from being exposed to a few other kids that had gone to Mexico on vacation. 900 kids! That''s how easily it is spread and it is changing all the time...that is what is frightening.

 

[tlh]

Date: 4/29/2009 12:50:36 PM
Author: Ara Ann

It''s a bit more complicated than just taking typical measures actually...and I don''t believe it''s being done for ratings. I heard a doctor on our local news today...he said this is not a run of the mill flu and people who ''shouldn''t'' die from a ''normal flu'' are dying from this virus. The toddler who died was treated very aggressively and could not be saved. So the standard treatments that apply to ''normal'' flu do not work here. He said this is something totally new, a brand new virus, he has never seen anything like it in over 25 years of practice and is unpredictable...and while many cases have been ''mild'' so far, it is still mutating and will become stronger and more dangerous before it goes away again. He''s even going so far as to say schools should be closed NOW, before it gets out of hand...and it could get out of hand very quickly. This isn''t panic in his opinion, it is being proactive and sensible. Think about the sheer number of school kids in NYC that became ill, over 900, just from being exposed to a few other kids that had gone to Mexico on vacation. 900 kids! That''s how easily it is spread and it is changing all the time...that is what is frightening.

No, I''m not saying it isn''t scary... I just don''t like to subscribe to general hysteria. Although, I don''t know that I''d want to be dangerously ill in a foriegn country. So I see why changing the plans would be a thought.

I had a bad case of the regular flu once. Was sick for about 10 days... that diet was better than mono!

 

[Harriet]

Date: 4/29/2009 12:01:19 PM
Author: MC

Date: 4/29/2009 11:42:06 AM
Author: Harriet
Has anyone begun to worry seriously? I have, based on its similarity to the 1918 flu.

How comparable in death rate percentage, at this point, is the swine flu and the 1918/Spanish Flu? I still feel people are over rating and hopefully I'm right!

Double, but I'd like to know what the sample sizes are. The biggest similarity is that both are more deleterious to healthy adults between the ages of 20-40.

ETA: I'm not an alarmist, but I agree with Beacon that preparation is key.

 

[Imdanny]

Date: 4/29/2009 11:42:06 AM
Author: Harriet
Has anyone begun to worry seriously? I have, based on its similarity to the 1918 flu.

Yes. This has been in the back of my mind every minute since I read the first news I read about it and it''s getting more and more worrying everyday and sometimes by the hour. I''m not saying I''m panicked, I''m saying I''m paying attention to what the WHO says and other credible sources of information and I am definitely seriously worried about it. There are people in the US who are trying to make all kinds of political points with their self-important, ignorant rantings and I wish they''d be quiet. Urgh.

 

[fleur-de-lis]

Date: 4/29/2009 12:26:34 PM
Author: MC


Quote:

''More effective than soft surgical masks is the N95, which is an example of a ''respirator.'' This kind of tight-fitting face covering protects people against breathing very small particles, which may contain viruses. The downside is that it''s more expensive, uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time and has to be custom fit, Reingold said, so it''s suited for people working in high-risk laboratories.''

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/swine.flu.masks/

Just as an FYI for MC and Maisie, N95 masks are not that uncommon, nor are they particularly expensive. About 80% of the simple, paper-looking masks they sell at the hardware store are of the N95 variety; in essence, it''s just the type of mask you wear when sanding wood for its ability to block out fine particulate matter. (In contrast, a typical surgeon''s mask is fabric, which has larger holes as part of the weave.) Simply look at the small print on the packaging to see if it''s N95 or not. Price-wise, they cost about $4 each when purchased individually at Home Depot.

That said, don''t make yourself sick with worry. Health care and sanitary precautions are much better in the US/Canada/Australia/Europe than in some of the barrios of Mexico City, and something similar can be said in the world generally in 2009 in comparison to 1918. Beware of the emotional susceptibilities enhanced by the demands of 24 hour news business models. (TLH, you sure are right about the sharks!) Sure, keeping a couple of $4 masks and Purell around JIC might be worthwhile to lower your anxiety levels, but remember, frequent thorough hand washing, not touching your your hands to your eyes/nose, and the cleanliness standards possible in a first-world country are your best protections against ANY airborne contagious illness, including this one.

 

[OUpearlgirl]

At first I wasn''t too concerned, but now I am.

I know way too many people that went to Mexico for spring break. It''s making me super nervous to be at a college with 30,000 students.

Everyone take care of yourselves!

 

[grapegravity]

oh no!! I just found out that there's a confirmed case of swine influenza in my work building!!!!!

no wonder there's hand sanitizer everywhere I go at work!!!

 

[stepcutnut]

Take care everyone!

The next few days will certainly be crucial in finding out more about this new strain. How quickly and easily it spreads and if it mutates. It's similarities to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic also scare me and the fact that humans currently have little or no immunity to the new strain!

Stay Healthy-remember, to be effective-Alcohol based hand sanitizers must be used correctly-use enough product on your hands to be rubbed around for at least 15 seconds!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 4/29/2009 1:13:38 PM
Author: fleur-de-lis



Just as an FYI for MC and Maisie, N95 masks are not that uncommon, nor are they particularly expensive. About 80% of the simple, paper-looking masks they sell at the hardware store are of the N95 variety; in essence, it's just the type of mask you wear when sanding wood for its ability to block out fine particulate matter. (In contrast, a typical surgeon's mask is fabric, which has larger holes as part of the weave.) Simply look at the small print on the packaging to see if it's N95 or not. Price-wise, they cost about $4 each when purchased individually at Home Depot.

fleur-de-lis - thanks for the heads up. I was thinking of heading to Home Depot and buying four masks for the family. . .maybe two for the cats? lol I'll hang onto my receipt and keep my fingers crossed that I won't have to use them and can get my $20 or so bucks back!

Oh, and right now I'm reading "Dreamers of the Day," which is a novel and all the relatives of the main character died from the Spanish Flu!

Weird timing.

 

[Beacon]

Date: 4/29/2009 2:41:05 PM
Author: grapegravity
oh no!! I just found out that there''s a confirmed case of swine influenza in my work building!!!!!

no wonder there''s hand sanitizer everywhere I go at work!!!

Gosh, that is unsettling

. What city are you in?