Being a father of two young boys, one 5 and one 7 mos. the upcoming flu season has me particularly concerned. What I am finding frustrating, is the polar extremes that seem to developing along two camps. One, the camp that says this Swine Flu could be extremely worrisome, and warrants getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The other camp, seems to believe that the Swine Flu really isnt any more serious than the regular flu we see in every flu season. They caution about taking a vaccine that has not been thoroughly tested and is filled with horrible things. So...I know there are doctors that are part of TP.C, as well as very knowledgeable people. What I am hoping to start, is a thread filled with accurate, honest information that we all can refer to as this thing unfolds. What are some good preperation tips? What do you think about Vaccines? I dont want this to become a political discussion on health care....but just something that we can all look for in what could be a very worrisome fall. Its ok to post opinions on things...just try and make sure those opinions are somehow grounded in truth.
Just a few thoughts: This strain is about equally concerning for people in their 30 to early 50's but is twice as deadly to children as is the seasonal flu. People born before 1957 are more than likely immune to this strain because it is similar to a strain that went around in 1957. Those over 65 or with compromised immune systems are more likely to die from this flu. Other risk groups from the CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm Remember that cases in summer are less prevalent but the CDC predicts that up to one half of all Americans could contract the flu this winter. Precautions: -Wash your hands or disinfect your hands with an alcohol based lotion OFTEN -- every hour if you can. -Never touch your face unless you have just washed you hands. -Do not go to work or school if you have symptoms of the flu. -If you have to be around someone who is ill with the flu, wear a surgical mask (available at many stores) -If you suspect that your children have been exposed to H1N1, take them to your physician as soon as you can. -Get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Here are more precautions from the CDC http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/news-announcements/novel-h1n1-flu-travel.aspx and finally, -Eat well, sleep well and visit ThePHINS.com at least once a day.
I know we say this alot....but truly...I need a place I can trust. I've seen people step up to help others during trying times....put a little thanks in someones giving...and assist in making sure some little one has something to believe in Christmas Morning. Alot of things have gotten screwed up in our world...and alot of that seems to be a result of the technologies we create....but damned if we didnt get this place right. ThePhins.Com really is my home on the Internet...I can think of no better place to figure out what is real and what isnt with the upcoming possible pandemic than right here. TP.C is quite literally GREAT for us...lol.
Celt... I was reading, and it said to not wash your hands with anything anti bacterial? Why would that be the case? Any ideas?
Two things brother - As far as trusting a source, when it comes to your family, it is never wrong to be over cautious. It is a no-lose scenario. Secondly, the flu is caused by a virus. Antibacterial soap is made to destroy the cell membrane of bacteria through the use of an antibiotic. Truth be told, viruses can be wiped off of your hands and bacteria, even those with thick cell walls (gram positive), are killed with a 60 second handwashing with any soap and a rinse in hot water but washing your hands is always superior to simply wiping -- thus goes to the being "overly cautious" approach as being the best approach. There is no need to use antibacterial soap unless you are a surgeon. I am a microbiologist and we only use soap and water or alcohol based disinfectants.
I just got an email from the University of Memphis saying two people were found to have it. They said basically the same thing Celtkin did.
There is a H1N1 variant now being reported to WHO. WHO Warns of Severe Form of H1N1 Virus http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,544262,00.html
There is a fairly good chance that you are not susceptible to H1N1, brother. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20090520/swine-flu-less-severe-over-50s
We're to mean and stubborn to get it Marty. I just don't worry about it myself. I wash my hands etc. all the time, but I just cannot worry about every thing that comes out. I'd go stark raving mad.
I dont want to worry about it as well....but...like I said...I have kids. Id hate to not prepare for this....only to have it hit real hard..and not have the necessary food stores, etc on hand. It really is hard to distinguish between what is real, and what is someone fanning the flames because they want to make a buck. And then you have the whole..."the swine flu is man made...yadda..yadda....
Thank you VERY much Mr Malcom. I have been feeling very very puny for oh....48 hours now. I have stayed home from work the last two days, and I doubt I will make it in tomorrow. It was indeed your link to WebMD that gives me solice, especially with the two Disney Princess Shadows ALWAYS at Daddy's side. I found just about everything I needed to know, and do's and dont's. Just one more raeson ThePhins ROCKS I knew that the Swine flu as originally reported wasnt so bad, what I did find much solice in is signs to look for in kids. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/swine-flu-10-things-not-to-do?page=3 The list is towards the bottom. I think I have a regular bout, and it sucks all the same. Mama is a serious trooper and is even missing bowling tonight just so I can keep my distance from the girls.... I'm a pretty damn tough guy, but having them run upstairs to my sick reclusive hideaway so they can tell me all about their day, only to shoo them away with a kleenex in one hand and a can of Lysol in the other is almost too much for me to handle.... Man, those two might need to see the Doctor before its all over cause they have some SERIOUS hug time to make up for
FLU UPDATE What is the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu? For bird flu you need tweetment and for swine flu you need oinkment
Having had swine flu I can tell you its nowhere near as bad as the media are making out. If people are relatively healthy it will be 3-5 days in bed with paracetamol and plenty of hot drinks is more than enough. Whatever you do make sure you dont take Tamilfu. My m8 had that and it extended his illness for another 5 days longer than mine. My Doctor said it wasnt worth while and just to treat it as a normal flu and try stay indoors until I felt better.
