Lets talk about the Swine flu...

[macms]

Copied this from another board. Interesting reading and requires some investigating (for me anyway) to understand the implications. Put on your tinfoil hat just in case. :ss

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

In a discussion this morning with a cell biologist and medical doctor working at Johns Hopkins, my friend thought this 4-part flu combination is highly unusual and looks like it could be man-made. Especially because it has an avian strain. My doctor friend (he's Taiwanese) explained that in Asia, it's common for a avian-swine-human flu to happen naturally, but this virus first showed up in Mexico, where pigs and ducks are not usually raised together. Also, recombination of more than 2-different flu viruses is extremely rare. I'm just repeating what he said as an expert in the field. He says the CDC needs to explain if there is a possibility that we are under a bio-weapon attack.

From CDC via Wikipedia: 

Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said that the American cases were found to be made up of genetic elements from four different flu viruses -- North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza A virus subtype H1N1, and swine influenza virus typically found in Asia and Europe. 



For two cases a complete genome sequence had been obtained. She said that the virus was resistant to amantadine and rimantadine, but susceptible to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).[22][23][24] Preliminary genetic characterization found that the hemagglutinin (HA) gene was similar to that of swine flu viruses present in U.S. pigs since 1999, but the neuraminidase (NA) and matrix protein (M) genes resembled versions present in European swine flu isolates. Viruses with this genetic makeup had not previously been found to be circulating in humans or pigs, but there is no formal national surveillance system to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs in the U.S.[25] 



The seasonal influenza strain H1N1 vaccine is thought to be unlikely to provide protection.[26]



Here's more from AP via Seattle Post Intelligencer: The worrisome new virus - which combines genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not seen before - also sickened at least eight people in Texas and California, though there have been no deaths in the U.S.



"We are very, very concerned," World Health Organization spokesman Thomas Abraham said. "We have what appears to be a novel virus and it has spread from human to human ... It's all hands on deck at the moment."



Update: doctor friend also says that what is also unusual is that this type/combination virus is the based on the same strain as in the 1918 Spanish flu virus (H1N1) outbreak (extremely deadly, 25 million dead in 25 weeks; total dead 50-100 million dead; 2.5%-5% of the world population). This makes the virus extremely deadly. The likelihood that this combination with the most deadly strain would happen naturally is very, very low.



From Reuters via Los Angeles Times: 
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-mexico-flu-box25-2009apr25,0,5114253 .story



The CDC has analyzed samples of the H1N1 virus from some of the U.S. patients, all of whom have recovered, and said it is a never-before-seen mixture of viruses from swine, birds and humans.


Not really, the creators may be betting that this highly deadly strain further mutates. According to my Doctor source from JHU, it is not necessary to do it in the lab, when nature gets hold of it the virus evolves on its own, it can become very deadly. According to, the natural mutation rate of Influenza virus is 1.5 *10^(-5) per nucleotide per infectious cycle (each individual replication within the cell). That means each of the millions of cells in one body that becomes infected will be mutated at a rate of 1.5 *10^(-5) (10^(-5) = 1.5/10,000) 



From the Journal of Virology: 
http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/59/2/377

More from Reuters: (CDC acting director Dr. Richard Besser) Besser said the CDC is being "very aggressive" said it was time for people in the United States to think about what to do if this does turn out to be a pandemic."

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE53O0MW20090425 
More info also from Wikipedia, but certified by my doctor (JHU) friend: 



"H1N1 is a subtype of the species Influenza A virus. H1N1 has mutated into various strains including the Spanish Flu strain (now extinct in the wild), mild human flu strains, endemic pig strains, and various strains found in birds.



A variant of H1N1 was responsible for the Spanish flu pandemic that killed some 50 million to 100 million people worldwide over about a year in 1918 and 1919.[1] A different variant exists in pig populations. 



Controversy arose in October 2005, after the H1N1 genome was published in the journal Science. Many[who?] fear that this information could be used for bioterrorism. [citation needed] 



"When he compared the 1918 virus with today's human flu viruses, Dr. Taubenberger noticed that it had alterations in just 25 to 30 of the virus's 4,400 amino acids. Those few changes turned a bird virus into a killer that could spread from person to person."[2] 



Low pathogenic H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, causing roughly half of all flu infections in 2006.[3] 



Since mid-March 2009, over 500 cases, including at least 68 deaths, have been reported in Mexico from an outbreak a new strain of H1N1.[4][5][6] 



At least some of these cases result from the same strain of H1N1 that was isolated in 9 US patients in California and Texas.[7]"



General influenza mortality rate is 0.1%, that means this is 20 times more deadly (2.0%), that's really bad. If the virus mutates in the general population, the mortality rate will likely increase. (It can mutate to become less deadly, but nobody would notice, we can hope, but that's not a strategy to combat infectious diseases.) The 1918 influenza virus mortality rate was 2%-20%.) 



If one million people get the virus, 20,000 dead, at current rates.



Mutation is neutral, that means that 50% will be more deadly and 50% less deadly, but at a mutation rate of 1.5/10,000 per per nucleotide per infectious cycle, 50% of these mutation will be more deadly. And, since this virus has already mutated to become extremely deadly (i.e., 1918), the possibility of this super, possibly human-engineered, 4-virus combination (strain) to become extremely deadly again is greater than 0. How much greater, we don't know with current information.

[icehog3]

Ever read "The Demon in the Freezer" by Richard Preston, Fred?

[macms]

Ever read "The Demon in the Freezer" by Richard Preston, Fred?

I will now. ;)

[icehog3]

I will now. ;)

I think you will find it interesting...let me know if you can't find a copy, I think mine is in my desk at work somewhere.

[macms]

I found it on Amazon in paperback.

Here are a couple of reviews for others.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

On December 9, 1979, smallpox, the most deadly human virus, ceased to exist in nature. After eradication, it was confined to freezers located in just two places on earth: the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and the Maximum Containment Laboratory in Siberia. But these final samples were not destroyed at that time, and now secret stockpiles of smallpox surely exist. For example, since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the subsequent end of its biological weapons program, a sizeable amount of the former Soviet Union's smallpox stockpile remains unaccounted for, leading to fears that the virus has fallen into the hands of nations or terrorist groups willing to use it as a weapon. Scarier yet, some may even be trying to develop a strain that is resistant to vaccines. This disturbing reality is the focus of this fascinating, terrifying, and important book.

A longtime contributor to The New Yorker and author of the bestseller The Hot Zone, Preston is a skillful journalist whose work flows like a science fiction thriller. Based on extensive interviews with smallpox experts, health workers, and members of the U.S. intelligence community, The Demon in the Freezer details the history and behavior of the virus and how it was eventually isolated and eradicated by the heroic individuals of the World Health Organization. Preston also explains why a battle still rages between those who want to destroy all known stocks of the virus and those who want to keep some samples alive until a cure is found. This is a bitterly contentious point between scientists. Some worry that further testing will trigger a biological arms race, while others argue that more research is necessary since there are currently too few available doses of the vaccine to deal with a major outbreak. The anthrax scare of October, 2001, which Preston also writes about in this book, has served to reinforce the present dangers of biological warfare.

As Preston eloquently states in this powerful book, this scourge, once contained, was let loose again due to human weakness: "The virus's last strategy for survival was to bewitch its host and become a source of power. We could eradicate smallpox from nature, but we could not uproot the virus from the human heart." --Shawn Carkonen --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Never mind Ebola, the hemorrhagic disease that was the main subject of Preston's 1994 #1 bestseller, The Hot Zone. What we really should be worrying about, explains Preston in this terrifying, cautionary new title, is smallpox, or variola. But wasn't that eradicated? many might ask, particularly older Americans who remember painful vaccinations and the resultant scars. Officially, yes, nods Preston, who devotes the first half of the book to the valorous attempt by an army of volunteers to wipe out the virus (an attempt initially sparked by '60s icon Ram Dass and his Indian guru) via strategic vaccination; in 1977 the last case of naturally occurring smallpox was documented in Somalia, and today the variola virus exists officially in only two storage depots, in Russia and at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta (in the freezer of the title). To believe that variola is not held elsewhere, however, is nonsense, argues Preston, who delves into the possibility that several nations, including Iraq and Russia, have recently worked or are currently working with smallpox as a biological weapon.

The author devotes much space to the anthrax attacks of last fall, mostly to demonstrate how easily a devastating assault with smallpox could occur here. He includes an interview with Steven Hatfill, who has received much press coverage for the FBI's investigation of him regarding those attacks; his description of meeting Hatfill, hallmarked by a quick character sketch ("He was a vital, engaging man, with a sharp mind and a sense of humor.... He was heavy-set but looked fit, and he had dark blue eyes") is emblematic of what makes this New Yorker regular's writing so gripping. Preston humanizes his science reportage by focusing on individuals-scientists, patients, physicians, government figures. That, and a flair for teasing out without overstatement the drama in his inherently compelling topics, plus a prose style that's simple and forceful, make this book as exciting as the best thrillers, yet scarier by far, for Preston's pages deal with clear, present and very real dangers.

Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

[icehog3]

That's the one, Fred. :tu

[pnoon]

Ever read "The Demon in the Freezer" by Richard Preston, Fred?

Scary book, that one.

[icehog3]

Scary book, that one.

Mostly because it seem plausible.

[pnoon]

Mostly because it seem plausible.

yep.

[M1903A1]

The original article makes reference to the 1918 Spanish flu virus...my understanding is that, until recently, there were literally no remaining samples of the virus in the world--through the decades, nobody thought to save any.

Even a concerted effort by scientists to recover a sample from the graves of known flu victims turned up nothing until a few years ago, when a mass grave of 1918 flu victims in Alaskan permafrost finally yielded samples for researchers.

[Sauer Grapes]

The thing scary about the swine flu is that a lot of the dead are healthy young adults 20-40 years old. Those people are supposed to be the most likely to survive.

Also scary is the fact the wife is flying to AZ right now via TX.

[floydpink]

I was watching Anderson Cooper 360 last night and they were in the Congo with a leading epidemiologist (sp?) who was showing how the diseases, like AIDS, that jump from animals to humans can really become resistant to vaccines and really spread globally in very little time with the ease of air travel.

Granted, not many here are hacking monkeys and getting in contact with their blood, but it's still scary.

Heck, not far from me, in Lake county, I think they still eat armadillos.

The doctor was saying there are signs of very strong and scary diseases emerging and he seems to think it is a question of "when" and not "if" we are faced with a very large global pandemic.

I went to bed kind of scared.

[lightning9191]

The doctor was saying there are signs of very strong and scary diseases emerging and he seems to think it is a question of "when" and not "if" we are faced with a very large global pandemic.



I have to agree with your doctor on this one. Humans have been plagued by epidemics for probably all of known history. The questions are when is the next one going to spread like wildfire and what will it be.

[floydpink]

I have to agree with your doctor on this one. Humans have been plagued by epidemics for probably all of known history. The questions are when is the next one going to spread like wildfire and what will it be.

It wasn't actually MY doctor. It was the doctor trudging through the Congo jungle with Sanjay Gupta examining the bush kill.

Now my doctor, he said my prostate is in fine condition just a couple weeks ago.......

[lightning9191]

Now my doctor, he said my prostate is in fine condition just a couple weeks ago.......

Man am I glad to hear that....to think I was sitting here worried about your prostate.:r

[lightning9191]

It's just been declared an emergency (http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/26/swine.flu/index.html)

[Drat]

Here's the email from my work yesterday. I sure hope I don' have to wear a surgical mask on the train this week, it's too hot out for that...

Dear Colleagues,

On April 23, a high school in Queens was noted to have an outbreak of mild febrile respiratory illness that was confirmed last night to be caused by influenza A. Specimens were sent to the NYC Public Health Laboratory and were untypeable for human H1 or H3 strains, meeting the CDC case definition for probable swine influenza. These specimens are being forwarded to CDC today for further testing to determine if these infections are due to swine influenza. Results should be available tomorrow. The high school has approximately 2,700 students, and as of yesterday, 200 children were reported to be ill, mostly with mild influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, and/or sore throat). None of the cases were severe or required hospitalization.

In the United States, there are currently 6 California residents and 2 Texas residents who have been diagnosed with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection; all of these patients had mild illness (only one hospitalization) and all have recovered. Isolates from California and Texas have been found to be susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamavir) but resistant to the adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine). In addition, there has been an outbreak of respiratory illness in Mexico, which has been confirmed as at least partly due to swine influenza; clinical and epidemiologic details of this outbreak are still pending, but preliminary reports are of thousands of cases and approximately 70 deaths.

Surveillance for Swine Influenza in Hospitalized Cases Citywide:
The NYC Health Department is now prioritizing its surveillance efforts for swine influenza on identifying potential cases of febrile, respiratory illness in hospitalized patients, in order to rapidly identify and confirm potential cases with more severe illness. Therefore, DOHMH requests that providers seeing patients with acute febrile respiratory illness only test those patients who are either currently hospi talized or are being admitted to the hospital with unexplained febrile respiratory illness. These patients should be tested for influenza using either a commercial rapid test, or direct or indirect immunofluorescence. Patients who test positive for influenza A should be reported to DOHMH and have specimens referred to DOHMH for further testing to determine whether the influenza A can be subtyped. See contact information below. DOHMH will arrange for transportation of clinical specimens to the Public Health Laboratory. See attached instructions for collecting and submitting laboratory diagnostic specimens for swine influenza testing. Nasopharyngeal swabs are the preferred specimens for influenza testing in the current swine influenza context.

Management of Persons with Milder Influenza-like Illness
At this time, providers assessing patients with mild febrile respiratory illness in clinical settings, including emergency departments, should not test for influenza and should not administer antiviral medications for presumptive therapy, unless patients meet the usual criteria for empiric influenza treatment based on underlying illnesses (listed below) that put them at higher risk for complications of any type of influenza. These patients may be sent home with instructions to stay at home until 24-48 hours after their symptoms resolve and instructed on the importance of hand and respiratory hygiene. Instructions should be given to seek medical care with worsening of symptoms.

Infection Control
For current recommendations on infection control in medical care facilities, see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm.

Antiviral Treatment and Prophylaxis Guidelines
Swine influenza viruses identified in this outbreak to date have been susceptible to both oseltamivir and zanamivir. Antiviral therapy with one of these agents should be initiated empirically for patients currently hospitalized with sever e unexplained febrile respiratory illness, pending testing for swine influenza. See http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm for specific guidelines. This document also includes detailed guidance on antiviral prophylaxis.

The Health Department requests that providers also immediately report any clusters of influenza-like illness in medical facilities, congregate settings such as long-term care facilities, or schools.

To contact the Health Department, including to report suspected cases of swine influenza in hospitalized patients and arrange for specimen testing, please call the Provider Access Line at 1- 917-438-9766. This number is also available for questions or consultations by providers.

As always, we appreciate the cooperation of the medical community in New York City and will update you with further information when it becomes available.


Sincerely,

Scott A. Harper, MD, MPH, MSc
Medical Epidemiologist
Zoonotic, I nfluenza, & Vectorborne Diseases Unit
Bureau of Communicable Disease

Annie Fine, MD
Medical Director
Zoonotic, Influenza, & Vectorborne Diseases Unit
Bureau of Communicable Disease

Definitions of Respiratory Illness
1. Acute respiratory illness
Recent onset of at least two of the following:
1. rhinorrhea or nasal congestion
2. sore throat
3. cough
4. fever or feverishness
2. Influenza-like illness: fever >37.8°C (100°F) plus cough or sore throat
Case Definitions for Infection with Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
1. A Confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an acute respiratory illness with laboratory confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection at CDC by one or more of the following tests:
1. real-time RT-PCR
2. viral culture
3. four-fold rise in swine influenza A (H1N1) virus specific neutralizing antibodies
2. A Pr obable case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an acute respiratory illness with an influenza test that is positive for influenza A, but H1 and H3 negative.
3. A Suspected case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as:
1. A person with an acute respiratory illness who was a close contact to a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection while the case was ill OR
2. A person with an acute respiratory illness with a recent history of contact with an animal with confirmed or suspected swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection OR
3. A person with an acute respiratory illness who has traveled to an area where there are confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1)

Conditions which increase the risk of severe influenza infection
• chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders,
• immunosuppression,
• compromised respiratory function , including conditions which increase the risk for aspiration,
• long-term aspirin therapy
• pregnancy
• age > 65 years
• age < 2 years

[macms]

Here's a link you may find informative.

http://www.newfluwiki2.com/recentActive.do

[smokeyandthebandit05]

Great! Just effin great! Im goin to LA for a week on Friday! No I dont want to go and I'll be honest Im kinda scared:(

[Drat]

3 news crews were stalking the employee entrance to my work today. We activated the Incident Command Center over the weekend to address the Queens outbreak. As of this morning, no additional cases have been confirmed.

All I can say is that I'm living in hand sanitizer right now.

[AdamC]

Swine Flu is nothing to worry about. I will not contribute to the panic that is going on at my work place about it. When, more than 1000 people die from it then start worrying

[AdamC]

anyone ever see outbreak?

[BC-Axeman]

The "politically correct" term is now "Mexican flu" or "H1N1 strain". I'm not joking. The pork industry is starting to take a hit.
I caught the "Russian flu" of '77-'78. It was H1N1. It was a very bad flu. First time I realized a flu can kill you.
Most people die of secondary infections. The virus can cause pulmonary edema (fluid filling your lungs) directly. You try to inhale and nothing happens.

[white_s2k]

Received over 300 doses of Tamiflu at my pharmacy from corporate this morning.

Guess it's better to have too much, than not enough.

We've been getting 6-7 scripts a day for it this week. We'll see what happens..

[SeanGAR]

The "politically correct" term is now "Mexican flu" or "H1N1 strain". I'm not joking. The pork industry is starting to take a hit.

Somebody mentioned on PBS this morning that you can't get the swine flu from eating pork. Well, DUH. Are people that dumb?

[ca21455]

If it does hit the US hard, I am not sure what would be worse...sitting at home suffering from the flu or trying to keep up at work with everyone out sick. The most probable scenario is you will get to do a little of both.

[Starscream]

Swine Flu is nothing to worry about. I will not contribute to the panic that is going on at my work place about it. When, more than 1000 people die from it then start worrying

:tpd:
This is the safest time to live in the history of the world. I'm cautious, but not getting caught up in the media's scare tactics.

[BC-Axeman]

Somebody mentioned on PBS this morning that you can't get the swine flu from eating pork. Well, DUH. Are people that dumb?
:r I know than must be a rhetorical question!

[GreekGodX]

I think there are worse things out there that need our attention. Like all the antibiotic resistant bugs.

[BC-Axeman]

I was just looking at the Spanish flu of 1918 stats and it looks like my age group did all right. :D

[icehog3]

NEW YORK – The global swine flu outbreak worsened Tuesday as authorities said hundreds of students at a New York school have fallen ill and federal officials said they expected to see U.S. deaths from the virus. Cuba suspended flights to and from Mexico, becoming the first country to impose a travel ban to the epicenter of the epidemic.

The mayor of the capital cracked down further on public life, closing gyms and swimming pools and ordering restaurants to limit service to takeout.

Confirmed cases were reported for the first time as far away as New Zealand and Israel, joining the United States, Canada, Britain and Spain.

Hundreds of kids in NY? This is not good.

[GoatLocker]

The "politically correct" term is now "Mexican flu"
Actually, it's the politically correct that were calling it the swine flu, vice Mexican. Large scale/pandemic influenza outbreaks have long been named for where the seem to originate, e.g. the asiatic (1889), spanish (1918), asian (1957), hong kong (1968) and russian (1977) flu's. I suspect people were worried about offending mexico...

I think what we need is a UN commission to develop a flu naming convention to ensure no one is offended during future pandemics. /sarcasm :D

[AdamC]

:tpd:
This is the safest time to live in the history of the world. I'm cautious, but not getting caught up in the media's scare tactics.

I swear i cause a dr. at work to have a heart attack, I told her we had a possible swin flu patient and she like flipped out. Didn't even tell her I was kidding.
Lets see what happens.

[smitdavi]

:tpd:
This is the safest time to live in the history of the world. I'm cautious, but not getting caught up in the media's scare tactics.

You know, some times I wonder if it's just the media or if it really could be a pandemic :hm

[Whee]

Ex Wife #2 is the infection control nurse for a large catholic hospital here and she has meetings planned all week. They are concerned.

[Starscream]

You know, some times I wonder if it's just the media or if it really could be a pandemic :hm

This one sounds worse, but remember the big avian bird flu a couple years ago that wound up being no big epidemic. I'm a little upset with Matt Drudge that most of his news lately is dealing with the swine flu. You can't be too cautious, but I hate that the media is scaring everyone to death.

[smitdavi]

Ex Wife #2 is the infection control nurse for a large catholic hospital here and she has meetings planned all week. They are concerned.

Katie's dad is in charge of Risk Management at Notre Dame and he's been in meetings too. Hell they actually had somebody on campus come down with it.

This one sounds worse, but remember the big avian bird flu a couple years ago that wound up being no big epidemic. I'm a little upset with Matt Drudge that most of his news lately is dealing with the swine flu. You can't be too cautious, but I hate that the media is scaring everyone to death.

That's what I'm talking about. I'm sure it's a serious thing, but the media puts everyone in a state of panic that I'm not sure is warranted. Oh well...we will see how it plays out in the next few weeks.

[TXRebel]

You know, some times I wonder if it's just the media or if it really could be a pandemic :hm

This one sounds worse, but remember the big avian bird flu a couple years ago that wound up being no big epidemic. I'm a little upset with Matt Drudge that most of his news lately is dealing with the swine flu. You can't be too cautious, but I hate that the media is scaring everyone to death.

IMHO, whenever the media mentions a virus, infection, disease, etc., there will be an increase in the number of cases reported. A lot of people that would not have gone to the doctor and or hospital, when they were sick, will go after it is reported by the media. Therefore the number of cases will rise.

[Whee]

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2008/03/dayintech_0324
Deja Vu, anyone?

[lightning9191]

I just read (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30461327) that the European Union health commissioner wants to rename it the "novel flu." Uh that's great and everything, but what do we name the next one? Novel flu II?:rolleyes: Maybe we should name pandemics like hurricanes.

[Drat]

We(New York City Department of Health)'re expecting this thing to grow exponentially over the next few days since transmission of the virus between the students first diagnosed and their family has been confirmed. The good news is that it doesn't appear to be particularly strong with all cases showing only "mild" illness. There was apparently a death of a 24 month old in Texas from this, but that isn't uncommon with any flu.

The reason for the big concern is that this is a new strain. We don't have a vaccine for it and it moves from human to human quickly and easily. Should this one mutate and become stronger (more deadly), we won't be able to do much to stop it.

Personally, I'm not worried about it. There are 9.1 million people in this city (latest estimate) and only 44 cases have been confirmed as of last night. I have better odds of winning the $200+ million megamillion lottery Friday than getting this flu.

And for those who haven't read it, Steven King's The Stand is a great read.

[floydpink]

An article on the news was saying that if you were sick in the last few weeks, you might have had the swine flu and gotten over it already.

They really put it into perspective showing how 30,000 or more people die from the flu every year.

Hopefully, this year's flu shot will include the swine flu.

[BC-Axeman]

+1 on "The Stand" :tu

[Darrell]

They just had a reported case of it at Branham Highschool, it's about 3 blocks from my house. School is closed for a week.

[mosesbotbol]

They may cancel fans from attending the Spanish GP in a week because of this. 70K fans with worthless tickets...

[SeanGAR]

They really put it into perspective showing how 30,000 or more people die from the flu every year.

They're missing the point.

The normal flu kills the sick, the very young and the elderly.

The 1918 flu and this one kill the healthy.

The difference is not insignificant.

[Darrell]

The difference is not insignificant.

No, it's down right SCARY!

[BC-Axeman]

Then again, most people who have contracted this one had only mild flulike symptoms. Many people may have had it already and not been counted in the stats.

[ActionAndy]

They just had a reported case of it at Branham Highschool, it's about 3 blocks from my house. School is closed for a week.

Are you serious? This has reached hysteric levels.

[Darrell]

Are you serious? This has reached hysteric levels.

Yeah man, I'm serious.

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12252778?source=most_emailed

:(

[St. Lou Stu]

I heard cigar smoke is an effective preventative measure.
We all smoke and nobody gets it.
All I need is a control who doesn't smoke to lick a pig to see if, in fact, they do get it.

[borndead1]

Swine Flu is a good name for a band.

[BC-Axeman]

Swine Flu is a good name for a band.
Better than H1N1 Mexican Pig FLu:hf

[SeanGAR]

Then again, most people who have contracted this one had only mild flulike symptoms. Many people may have had it already and not been counted in the stats.

According to the numbers that I saw out of Mexico, it has 5-7.5% mortality. However, at this point, the data are suspect, as you point out.

[mrreindeer]

All I can say....

DON'T DO THIS!!!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YzBo7Kz5y1M/SfX5CsULAHI/AAAAAAAAAFw/WLsH_v6F24c/s1600/Swine.jpg

[Genetic Defect]

All I can say....

DON'T DO THIS!!!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YzBo7Kz5y1M/SfX5CsULAHI/AAAAAAAAAFw/WLsH_v6F24c/s1600/Swine.jpg

:rolleyes: you can't catch it tonguing pigs

[mrreindeer]

:rolleyes: you can't catch it tonguing pigs

I know, I know, I just love this pic of you Per. :r:r

[Genetic Defect]

I know, I know, I just love this pic of you Per. :r:r

I'm not blonde

[BC-Axeman]

He wasn't talking about the blonde, I think...
:lv

[loki]

I just read (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30461327) that the European Union health commissioner wants to rename it the "novel flu." Uh that's great and everything, but what do we name the next one? Novel flu II?:rolleyes: Maybe we should name pandemics like hurricanes.

novel flu II electricbugaloo

[Genetic Defect]

He wasn't talking about the blonde, I think...
:lv

your first mistake :tu

[Darrell]

I don't think this has been posted yet.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/29/swine.flu/index.html

That's scary. :(

[BC-Axeman]

FTFA: 7 deaths out of 2700 known cases = .26% mortality.
edit also 150 suspected deaths = 5-6%

[Genetic Defect]

if someone dies and it isnt related to this yet they say it is, did the tree really fall?

[icehog3]

if someone dies and it isnt related to this yet they say it is, did the tree really fall?

You are one deep thinker, Perry. :)

[Genetic Defect]

You are one deep thinker, Perry. :)

I'ma deep somthin'

[Whee]

Alright, when Swine Flu is the lead stroy on Sportscenter, something must be done!!

Don't panic, but we are cancelling all HS athletic competitions for the next two weeks. But don't panic. Nothing to see here.:rolleyes:

[icehog3]

Alright, when Swine Flu is the lead stroy on Sportscenter, something must be done!!

Don't panic, but we are cancelling all HS athletic competitions for the next two weeks. But don't panic. Nothing to see here.:rolleyes:

Great, and I had front row tickets to the Girls' Volleyball Tournament. :mad:

[Whee]

Great, and I had front row tickets to the Girls' Volleyball Tournament. :mad:

Only in Texas, so far. You know how those Texans are.:r

[Genetic Defect]

Great, and I had front row tickets to the Girls' Volleyball Tournament. :mad:

now you have nothing to look up to

[BC-Axeman]

Gotta love Volleyball
http://71.136.4.109/shared/beach-volleyball-08140813.jpg

[AdamC]

Nice way to lighten things up :dr

[Darrell]

Latest update from WHO:

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_29/en/index.html

91 reported cases in the U.S. and 1 death, the 22 month old child from Mexico.

[Drat]

Here's the latest from my work:

New York City Epidemiologic Update
• Diagnostic testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now confirmed 49 cases of Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) (S-OIV) in New York City residents. All confirmed cases to date are epidemiologically linked to the outbreak among students and staff at the St. Francis Preparatory High School in Queens (n=47) or have an epidemiologic link to Mexico (n=2). Seven probable cases are currently under investigation.
o A probable case in Suffolk County does not have any known links to the St. Francis outbreak or Mexico suggesting likely exposure in a community setting.
o To date, illness in the United States and in New York City continues to be no more severe than usual seasonal influenza, with the overwhelming majority of diagnosed patients having had mild illness.
o The DOHMH is conducting active surveillance for severe febrile unexplained respiratory illness in all NYC hospitals, and to date has identified only two patients who have been hospitalized in New York City with probable or confirmed swine influenza. One of these patients has been discharged and the other is improving.
o DOHMH investigation of the S-OIV outbreak at St. Francis Preparatory High School:
o Among the 47 confirmed cases epidemiologically linked to St. Francis Preparatory High School, 44 have been interviewed. The median age w as 16 years (range 15-22). The most frequently reported symptoms included cough (43, 98%), subjective fever (41, 93%), fatigue (39, 89%), headache (37, 84%), chills (36, 82%), sore throat (36, 82%), runny nose (35, 80%), and muscle aches (35 (80%). Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and joint pain were also reported, but less frequently. At the time of the interview 37 (84%) reported that their symptoms were stable or improving and 4 (9%) reported complete resolution of symptoms. Only one reported having been hospitalized briefly, for syncope.
o An on-line survey of all students (N=2686) and staff (N=228) at the school is ongoing. Preliminary results from the on-line school survey and passive surveillance indicate widespread mild illness with hundreds of students and many staff reporting symptoms which meet the case definition for ILI with illness onset peaking on April 23rd and declining sharply thereafter. Secondary transmission to household con tacts was reported in approximately 8% of households responding to the survey.
o Given the evolving epidemiology of this outbreak in NYC and elsewhere, the number of NYC cases is expected to increase in the coming days and it is likely we will start to see evidence of community transmission in NYC unrelated to the high school outbreak. Updated case numbers and guidance will be issued in subsequent alerts.
• Routine NYC emergency department syndromic surveillance shows that fever and influenza-related emergency room visits began to increase on April 25, 2009, have increased on a daily basis, and have been higher than in past seasons. The increase is most dramatic among persons aged 18-59 years. It is unknown at this time whether the increase is due to changes in care-seeking behavior among persons with influenza-like illness or to an actual increase in influenza-like illness in the community.

US and Global Epidemiologic Update
• As of 3 pm on 4/29/2009, 9 1 cases have been confirmed in 14 states across the US, including one death in a 23 month old Texas child with an underlying high risk medical condition.
• Confirmed cases of S-OIV have been reported from an increasing number of countries across the globe. Today the World Health Organization (WHO) elevated the pandemic influenza alert level to 5, indicating that widespread human infection is occurring and a pandemic is imminent. The WHO uses a 6 point scale to assess the pandemic threat level.

Updated Antiviral Treatment and Prophylaxis Guidance
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization for oseltamivir and zanamivir, authorizing the use of oseltamivir for treatment and prophylaxis of patients less than one year of age. Dosage recommendations for children less than 1 year of age are available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/childrentreatment.htm. FDA has also authorized the use of both oseltamivir and zanamivir f or use at later time points (i.e., for patients with severe disease who have been symptomatic for more than 2 days).
• Treatment and prophylaxis: Oseltamivir stocks in some pharmacies are reportedly low, although the manufacturer reports adequate supplies, and local stocks are expected to increase. Clinicians are asked to exercise prudent judgment in prescribing oseltamivir for patients with mild ILI who do not have underlying medical conditions. Prescribing oseltamivir for purposes of personal stockpiles is strongly discouraged.

Home Management of Persons with Suspected, Probable or Confirmed S-OIV (see home isolation guidance, attached)
• Persons with suspected, probable or confirmed S-OIV continue to be advised to stay home for 7 days after symptom onset or 24-48 hours after symptom resolution, whichever is longer. Patients should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing, and should wash their hands with soap and water frequently.
• We recommend that home care for persons with mild ILI be given by one primary caregiver if possible, and that the patient should be separated to the extent possible from other members of the household, preferably in a separate bedroom. The caregiver should wear a mask, either surgical or N95, when close contact with the ill person is unavoidable. The ill person should also wear a surgical mask when close contact with other individuals in the home is unavoidable.


Surveillance and Reporting
• We continue to ask NYC providers to report hospitalized patients with severe, unexplained febrile, respiratory illness to the Provider Access Line at 1-866-NYC-DOH1 (1-866-692-3641). Providers should continue to test only patients with severe febrile respiratory illness for influenza A, using a commercially available rapid test, PCR or immunofluorescence test (e.g., DFA or IFA).
• In order to ensure that sufficient laboratory reso urces are available, testing at the Public Health Laboratory will only be approved for severe cases that are first reported to DOHMH via the Provider Access Line. DOHMH staff will evaluate the case and advise whether testing for S-OIV at the Public Health Laboratory is indicated. DOHMH will facilitate specimen transport and testing for cases when testing is indicated.
• The New York City case definitions for suspected, probable or confirmed cases are unchanged.

Guidelines for management of patients with mild influenza-like illness in New York City and infection control are unchanged. Please see the Health Department’s website at www.nyc.gov/health for more information on its Swine Flu page, including educational materials for patients on respiratory and hand hygiene and STOP triage posters for waiting areas in clinics and emergency departments.

The CDC is updating guidance on its website daily. Please see www.cdc.gov/swineflu for updated national rec ommendations.

To contact the Health Department, including to report suspected cases of swine influenza in hospitalized patients and arrange for specimen testing, please call the Provider Access Line at 866-NYC-DOH1. This number is also available for questions or consultations by providers.

As always, we appreciate the cooperation of the medical community in New York City and will update you with further information when it becomes available.

Sincerely,

The Swine Influenza Investigation Team
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

[mrreindeer]

He wasn't talking about the blonde, I think...
:lv

:r:r:r

[mrreindeer]

Do I Have Swine Flu? (http://doihaveswineflu.org/)

[AD720]

:hm

Do I Have Swine Flu? (http://doihaveswineflu.org/)


Uh-oh! :hn

[BC-Axeman]

Do I Have Swine Flu? (http://doihaveswineflu.org/)
:r:r:r:r


Someone with an extra $10 and a great sense of humor.

[kaisersozei]

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii88/kaisersozei/swineflu.jpg

[mrreindeer]

:r:r:r

[icehog3]

Here's the latest from my work:

The Swine Influenza Investigation Team
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

I need the Cliff Notes version. ;)

[Cyanide]

Holy Moley, talk about long posts. And I thought I was text-based bag of wind.

I don't think I am going to even begin to throw my hat in on this one.

Wash hands
Bleach door handles
Mask coughers
Cough into sleeve
Gargle with tap water if someone coughs/sneezes near you
Don't put dirty hands on face

That will keep you from getting sick

[PeteSB75]

Gargle with tap water?

[Cyanide]

Or bottled water.

Deeper gargle if you can't "taste" the water (eg salt water). Your brain will stronger defend your airway (unconscious reflexes) the more intense the sensation of stuff in your throat (all jokes aside).

You want to wash the mucosa with water so that you can spit out any viral particles that land on the lining of the upper airways, before the virus has a chance to penetrate the tissue.

[D. Generate]

F* it. I'm smoking my aged stock now.

If I'm still alive in two weeks, well hell. Guess I'll have to get more and remind the Mrs. how lucky we are to be alive.

[Cyanide]

That works too

[icehog3]

F* it. I'm smoking my aged stock now.

If I'm still alive in two weeks, well hell. Guess I'll have to get more and remind the Mrs. how lucky we are to be alive.

Dale, I always liked the way you thought. :tu

Lemmy would do the same as well, i'll bet! :)

[BC-Axeman]

Dale, I always liked the way you thought. :tu

Lemmy would do the same as well, i'll bet! :)
Lemmy would write a song about it (or has).:D

[D. Generate]

Dale, I always liked the way you thought. :tu

Lemmy would do the same as well, i'll bet! :)

The virus infected Lemmy and then promptly died. The pig also died even though he was in Mexico and Lemmy was in Wales. Medical marvel to be honest. It's a little known fact but Lemmy's blood is entirely resistant to disease of any kind. Have you ever heard of a bottle of Jack Daniel's developing hay fever? Same principle.

Lemmy mocks the mortal weakness of our flesh whilst sleeping with all our women. He's a cruel, but fair god.

And I look for any excuse to break open the good boxes. :tu

[icehog3]

The virus infected Lemmy and then promptly died. The pig also died even though he was in Mexico and Lemmy was in Wales. Medical marvel to be honest. It's a little known fact but Lemmy's blood is entirely resistant to disease of any kind. Have you ever heard of a bottle of Jack Daniel's developing hay fever? Same principle.

Lemmy mocks the mortal weakness of our flesh whilst sleeping with all our women. He's a cruel, but fair god.

And I look for any excuse to break open the good boxes. :tu

And the Legend grows.....

The Legend of Lemmy, I mean....not the Legend on Internet boxes. :)

[D. Generate]

Lemmy could almost be a match for you, Tom...

Almost... ;)

[BlackDog]

A touching verse.... :D

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh29/blackdog1101/swine-flu-pooh1.jpg

[Texan in Mexico]

Just adding some first-hand experience from Mexico.

The cruises have stopped coming and starting tomorrow they will begin evacuating guests from hotels.

I have to think this is overkill but better safe than sorry I suppose.

I just got off the ferry in Playa qand they are handing out masks to those who want one.

Didn't take one - too hard to smoke a cigar with that thing on.

Going to wash my hands again...

[white_s2k]

This "pandemic" is 100% being caused by the media.

This is ridiculous.

[BMTA]

Head for the desserted islands. At least the kids in Texas get 10 days outta school.

[BillyCigars]

This "pandemic" is 100% being caused by the media.

This is ridiculous.

:tpd:
I know I seem like I'm wearing a tinfoil hat by saying this, but it's all too familiar:

Y2K anyone?

Terrify the masses with a potential medical apocalypse. When people are frightened, they consume. What are the vast majority of commercials that air during the "news"? Pharmaceuticals and food...

Just sayin....

[AdamC]

Ridiculous is correct. This girl on the train started coughing and everyone stared at her. So I started telling my gf (aloud) "don't know why they are so worried about her, I have the swine flu. :cb

[GreekGodX]

The crazy thing about this all is in Egypt. They have no reported cases of H1N1 virus yet they decided to slaughter all their pigs (over 300,000).

That is a lot wasted bacon =(

[Whee]

Just talked to my ex about this. she is the infection control nurse for one of the local hospitals,s o to say she's been busy is an understatement.

she said the main reason for concern, is this has hit at the end of the "normal" flu season. Devoloping a vaccine normally takes 5 months, which would put the date in October, which is considered the start of the flu season.

If a vaccine is not developed timely, NEXT flu season is when a lot of the damage could happen. In her field, they are making comparisons to the 1918 flu epidiemic, so it's not entirely media generated panic. There is a sense of urgency in the medical field.


And now, for a little distraction...
http://denofgeek.com/movies/242804/10_things_movies_teach_us_about_virus_outbreaks.ht ml

[BlackDog]

I am acquainted with the man in this CNN video, Dr. Mike Osterholm. He's no dummy. While he is not yeling "pandemic," he seems to be cautiously waiting for more information.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2009/04/27/am.intv.osterholm.cnn?iref=videosearch

[BlackDog]

If a vaccine is not developed timely, NEXT flu season is when a lot of the damage could happen. In her field, they are making comparisons to the 1918 flu epidiemic, so it's not entirely media generated panic. There is a sense of urgency in the medical field.
That is correct.

[icehog3]

Head for the desserted islands.

Do they have cakes and pies there? :)

[BC-Axeman]

And cookies!

[Genetic Defect]

:fu

[massphatness]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3491503650_9aaa210b6d.jpg

[mrreindeer]

That's f'in AWESOME Vin. :tu

[Kwilkinson]

Some kid apparently came into school this morning with a note from a doctor that said he was exhibiting "flu-like symptoms" so they shut down the entire school.
Sensationalism FTW!
My tuition dollars hard at work.

[Drat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3491503650_9aaa210b6d.jpg

Two sets of tracks going into the woods, only one set coming back

[Genetic Defect]

A touching verse.... :D

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh29/blackdog1101/swine-flu-pooh1.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3491503650_9aaa210b6d.jpg

Vinnie, nice repost :p

[massphatness]

Vinnie, nice repost :p

D'OH! :bh

Mea culpa.

[Genetic Defect]

D'OH! :bh

Mea culpa.

:r it was funny the second time too :tu

[smokeyandthebandit05]

Woo! :wo Im goin to California today!!!! Swine Flu here I came!

[mrreindeer]

Where you goin' Rich?

[Genetic Defect]

Where you goin' Rich?

California, duh :rolleyes:

[mrreindeer]

California, duh :rolleyes:


:D:D Big State...not like puny 'ol Wisconsin :D

[smokeyandthebandit05]

Well we have family on my moms side out there so she wanted me to see Cali and visit. My cousin and his wife live in Manhattan Beach. One uncle and his wife live in Anaheim and the other uncle and wife live in Lake Forrest in or by Laguna Beach.

[mrreindeer]

Cool.....I'm not far from Manhattan Beach....I'll PM ya. If you have some time to spare for a smoke, lemme know!

[Genetic Defect]

:D:D Big State...not like puny 'ol Wisconsin :D

big state fall in ocean, me celabrate :fu

[mrreindeer]

:r:r:r It's okay, I know how to swim.

[smitdavi]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/med_swine_flu_virus

Yahoo Article thru the AP claiming that it may be subsiding :hm

[Cyanide]

I was going to write a rant here, but the sensationalism around this thing has already caused me too much grief at work.

I would bet there have actually been over a million cases of flu in Mexico, and since no-one does viral testing outside of pandemic fear mongering measures, there would be no reason to really have the numbers on that. I would bet that the mortality rate on this thing is like 0.01% (not 1%, but 1% divide by 100). I bet this is right on par with any other influenza virus.

I mean, come on, look at the lady that returned to Calgary instead of letting herself be admitted to a Mexican hospital. When she found out that she had swine flu, she gave a television interview upon getting off the plane in Canada. The last time I had a upper resp infection I figured was truly influenza, there is NO WAY I would have been in the shape to give a television interview. Besides being a bit sweaty, she gave the camera one half-hearted cough and sounded to be in great spirits being on the camera.

That is the swine flu for you.

[jonharky]

They closed a school here in Harrison twp., MI for a week because of it

[mrreindeer]

I was going to write a rant here, but the sensationalism around this thing has already caused me too much grief at work.

I would bet there have actually been over a million cases of flu in Mexico, and since no-one does viral testing outside of pandemic fear mongering measures, there would be no reason to really have the numbers on that. I would bet that the mortality rate on this thing is like 0.01% (not 1%, but 1% divide by 100). I bet this is right on par with any other influenza virus.

I mean, come on, look at the lady that returned to Calgary instead of letting herself be admitted to a Mexican hospital. When she found out that she had swine flu, she gave a television interview upon getting off the plane in Canada. The last time I had a upper resp infection I figured was truly influenza, there is NO WAY I would have been in the shape to give a television interview. Besides being a bit sweaty, she gave the camera one half-hearted cough and sounded to be in great spirits being on the camera.

That is the swine flu for you.

No doubt. :tu

[rizzle]

3 schools closed in Tampa today for a week.

[mrreindeer]

:bh

[GrtndpwrflOZ]

How did the pig get to California?

[BC-Axeman]

How did the pig get to California?
Smuggled illegally from Mexico?
:lv

[Drat]

This will be my last wall of words on this topic. See below from my work:

Updated DOHMH Infection Control Recommendations
for Influenza H1N1 (Swine-Origin)

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has been conducting intensive active surveillance for Influenza H1N1 (Swine-Origin) (SO) in New York City since April 24, and has prioritized the identification of any cases of severe illness due to this virus. Due to accumulating evidence that H1N1 (SO) virus is comparable to seasonal influenza in its spectrum of illness and transmission pattern, and does NOT appear to be causing unusual morbidity or mortality compared to seasonal influenza, DOHMH is now recommending that infection control measures for this virus be similar to those taken for seasonal influenza.

Since H1N1 ( SO) is a novel virus, its clinical and epidemiologic features are only now being elucidated, and these recommendations are therefore still subject to change. Also, there is no effective vaccine and we must assume that much if not all of the population is susceptible to the virus. It is also possible that this virus may become more virulent in the future, in which case these recommendations would need to be revised.

Although recommended infection control precautions are now similar to those recommended for seasonal influenza, DOHMH emphasizes that meticulous standard respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette should be practiced in all medical facilities. This includes the placement of a surgical facemask on all patients with influenza-like illness in all outpatient settings, in order to reduce the spread of the virus to health care workers and patients. Note that these infection control recommendations apply to ALL patients in New York City with influenza, including confirmed or probable H1N1 (SO), or with influenza-like illness.

The DOHMH recommends the following modifications to the interim infection control guidance previously provided for Influenza H1N1 (SO):

Inpatient Settings and Hospital Emergency Departments
• Continue to advise patients with fever and acute respiratory symptoms, such as cough or sore throat, to notify the triage nurse immediately. Patients with these complaints should be placed in a single room with closed door if possible, or asked to wait at least 3-6 feet away from other people. The patient should be asked to wear a surgical mask as tolerated and to perform hand hygiene.
• Use STANDARD and DROPLET precautions for routine medical care of patients with confirmed or probable H1N1 influenza, or influenza-like illness (case definitions given at the end of this document). Negative pressure AIIR’s and N95 respirators are no longer recommended for routine patient care for patients with H1N1 influenza or influenza-like illness.
• Aerosol-generating procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy, intubation and extubation, and deep open tracheal suctioning) should be performed, when feasible, in a negative pressure airborne infection isolation room (AIIR). Disposable fit-tested N95 respirators and eye protection (goggles or face shield) should be worn by health care personnel performing these procedures.
• The patient should be placed in a private room for medical care whenever possible.
• When being transferred from the emergency room to the inpatient room, and at all times while hospitalized, the patient should wear a surgical facemask when outside the room.
• Health care workers examining, caring for or obtaining nasal, nasopharyngeal or pharyngeal specimens from patients with probable or confirmed swine influenza should wear a surgical facemask.
• Note that if tuberculosis is being considered, the patient should be placed in an AIIR and staff entering the room should wear a fit-tested N95 respirator.
• Hand hygiene is absolutely essential, and should be performed before and after patient care, and before donning and after removal of a surgical facemask. Fit-tested N95 masks and eye protection (goggles) are not necessary, except for aerosol-generating procedures as described above.
• Nebulization treatments for patients with febrile respiratory illness should be provided in a private room with closed door if at all possible, 6 feet apart at a minimum if a private room is not available. If private rooms are limited, reserve the private rooms for patients with febrile respiratory disease. If no private room is available, use a curtain or other barrier between patients who are in the same room when performing nebulization treatments.
• Visitors should be asked to perform hand hygiene before entering and after exiting the patient’s room, and advised to wear a surgical facemask while in the ro om with the patient.

In Clinics, Medical Offices or other Ambulatory Care Settings
• Patients with influenza-like illness in outpatient settings should be asked to wear a surgical mask, as tolerated, while being examined and cared for.
• Staff who have close contact, including examining or providing direct medical care for the patient with febrile respiratory illness, should wear a surgical facemask and gloves, and should ideally put the mask on before entering the room.
• Staff should be instructed to perform hand hygiene, put facemask on first followed by gloves, then when patient care is complete, remove gloves first then facemask, and perform hand hygiene.
• If a nasopharyngeal swab or other respiratory specimen is being collected, the patient should be instructed to remove the facemask briefly for specimen collection, then replace the mask as soon as the specimen is obtained.
• Meticulous hand hygiene should be performed before and af ter removal of PPE and before and after patient care.


All staff working in hospital, medical or office settings should be instructed NOT to work if they are ill. If they become ill while working, they should be instructed to go home immediately and follow the facility’s employee health policies. While waiting to go home, they should be asked to wear a surgical facemask and to sit away from other staff and patients.

These recommendations have been reviewed with, and are consistent with forthcoming guidance from the New York State Department of Health.

Refer to Health Alerts # 13-15 for current reporting requirements, laboratory diagnostic testing guidance, antiviral treatment and prophylaxis recommendations. All guidance is likely to change as the situation evolves and will be forwarded when available. Please check the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website at www.nyc.gov/health for updated guidance (see Information for P roviders).


NYC DOHMH Case Definitions (as of 5/6/2009):

A confirmed case of H1N1 (SO) infection is defined as a person with influenza-like illness with laboratory confirmed H1N1 (SO) infection by one or more of the following tests:
• real-time RT-PCR, or
• viral culture (currently only performed at CDC).

A probable case of H1N1 (SO) infection is defined as a person with an influenza-like illness who is positive for influenza A, but negative for H1 and H3 by influenza RT-PCR.

Influenza-like illness is defined as fever>100.4◦ F or 38.0 C◦ AND cough or sore throat.

Standard Precautions Standard Precautions are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions except sweat, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes may contain transmissible infectious agents. Standard Precautions include a group of infection prevention practices that apply to all patients. These include: hand hygiene; use of gloves, gow n, mask, eye protection, or face shield, depending on the anticipated exposure; and safe injection practices. The application of Standard Precautions during patient care is determined by the nature of the healthcare worker-patient interaction and the extent of anticipated blood, body fluid, or pathogen exposure. For some interactions (e.g., performing venipuncture), only gloves may be needed; during other interactions (e.g., intubation), use of gloves, gown, and face shield or mask and goggles is necessary.

Droplet Precautions Droplet Precautions are intended to prevent transmission of pathogens spread through close respiratory or mucous membrane contact with respiratory secretions. Use Droplet Precautions as recommended in HICPAC/CDC Isolation Guideline found on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/gl_isolation.html for patients known or suspected to be infected with pathogens transmitted by respiratory droplets (i.e., large-particle droplets >5µ in siz e) that are generated by a patient who is coughing, sneezing or talking. Because these pathogens do not remain infectious over long distances in a healthcare facility, special air handling and ventilation are not required to prevent droplet transmission. A single patient room is preferred for patients who require Droplet Precautions. When a single-patient room is not available, consultation with infection control personnel is recommended to assess the various risks associated with other patient placement options (e.g., cohorting, keeping the patient with an existing roommate). Spatial separation of > 3 feet and drawing the curtain between patient beds is especially important for patients in multi-bed rooms with infections transmitted by the droplet route. Healthcare personnel wear a mask (a respirator is not necessary) for close contact with infectious patient; the mask is generally donned upon room entry. Patients on Droplet Precautions who must be transported outside of th e room should wear a mask if tolerated and follow Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette.

[smokeyandthebandit05]

What i find interesting is that while im here visiting california, there isnt much talk of the swine flu. I figured it would be bad. Ive only seen 2 or 3 people wearing masks and its not all over the news. I find this interesting cause back east its all over the news and papers.

[mrreindeer]

No wonder my mother, who is in Virginia AND is a mostly retired nurse has been spazzing out & bugging me to pick up masks for myself & mrsreindeer.....utterly ridiculous.

[rizzle]

If only you hadn't of made that trip to Cabo this would have never happened.

[BC-Axeman]

(cough) nothing to (sniff) see (cough) here. (cough, cough, cough, haaaaaak, wheeze) move along (sniff)(graon)

[mrreindeer]

If only you hadn't of made that trip to Cabo this would have never happened.

Totally my bad, Ritchie. Seriously.

:lv

[Genetic Defect]

is the scare over yet?

[rizzle]

Totally my bad, Ritchie. Seriously.

:lv

Hey, no worries. As long as YOU had a good time.

:r

[mrreindeer]

Hey, no worries. As long as YOU had a good time.

:r

I can't seem to remember... :D

[PeteSB75]

I can't seem to remember... :D

Sounds like a good time to me :ss

[smokeyandthebandit05]

Well Im home from Cali and dont have the flu! Im sorry Mr. reindeer that I was not able to have a cigar with ya!

[mrreindeer]

Me too Rich!

So I thought as we enter this year's flu season, I might resurrect this thread...

And rant about the EIGHT HOUR drive-thru line we sat in on Saturday so that mrsreindeer & I could get the H1N1 flushot at an L.A. drivethru clinic so that we can ensure that we wouldn't pass it on to our 6-week old baby.

The sensationalism is still rampant and the freakin' local news coverage of these clinics is ridiculous....

The ONLY reason we did this is to make sure that we don't pass this thing on to babyreindeer, who is still very vulnerable to any illness of any kind at this young age.

So, we headed out to the Redondo Beach clinic and got in line (and damn good placement maybe 1/2 mile from the clinic) at 8:15am. The clinic opened at 9am. Just a little before 9, the line starts moving and quickly and we thought this was great and that we'd have the whole day left to enjoy.

Note, no L.A. doctors have this thing, no drugstores; it's nowhere but these lame clinics. Lame clinics that are supposed to prioritize the shots according to high priority groups, including those who are caring after children under 6 months of age.

Well, no priority was given on Saturday and they were incredibly disorganized and the reason our line was moving a little before 9am was because Torrance PD redirected the line into Torrance. We lost our great placement and then witnessed miles of cars standing in lines from every which direction.

INSANITY.

EIGHT HOURS, EIGHT FREAKING HOURS.

And two Starbucks cups full of my own pi$$. Poor mrsreindeer hopped out at the only restaurant along the stretch to pee and then had to hold it for 4 hours.

Yeah, I guess things could have been worse...

When we finally pull into the clinic, we are told that they only have one shot left, but plenty of the nasal spray which our pediatrician told us not to get. The nasal spray has live flu in it and it could easily be passed on to babyreindeer. We tell the folks that we can't have the nasal spray and the wristbands they FINALLY passsed out an hour before (finally prioritizing the masses) were given to us with the promise that the wristband ensured a shot.

We have to beg & plead with them and somehow, one of the nurses finds another for me.

Has anyone else been through this nightmare????

[ade06]

Me too Rich!

Has anyone else been through this nightmare????

Nope, never had a flu shot and I don't plan on starting now.

On another note, one of my client's family who lives in Utah, got infected and his 11 year old son passed out and turned ghostly white in front of him due to the swine flu. After a day in the hospital he was well enough to be sent home, an 5-7 days, his entire family surrived and are back to the grind of daily life. Some scarry stuff, but, I'm still not voluntarily putting the virus in my body. :2

[Blueface]

This subject fascinates me.
Every year, 36,000 Americans die from the seasonal flu.
So far this year, 1,000 have died from Swine.

Of course it is no consolation to those that died from it, but 1,000 is barely a pandemic as compared to what normally happens annually from a regular flu.

This is nuts!!!

[ade06]

It's all a conspiracy set up by big pharma and the health care industry. Fear of infection = people running to get "preventative vaccinations" = Big profits$$$ How about everyone just wash your hands and if you do get sick… STAY HOME!!!

[tobii3]

ya know, sheeple amuse the hell out of me sometimes.

Numbers.

Around the world.....2 MILLION PEOPLE died from AIDS in 2007.

5,000 people die from "Swine Flu" and it's an ""Epidemic""???

Hello???

Let's put this in perspective....Causes of death in the US (2006) by the numbers...

Heart disease: 631,636
Cancer: 559,888
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 137,119
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 124,583
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 121,599
Diabetes: 72,449
Alzheimer's disease: 72,432

LINK (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/heart.htm)

Special note here -

Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,326

So...just something to think about....

NSC recorded 39,800 motor vehicle-related deaths in 2008.

LINK (http://www.nsc.org/news/yearend_trafficreport09.aspx)

Now...

56,326 people DIED in the US from the FLU and Pneumonia in 2006.

39,800 people DIED in the US from a Motor Vehicle related accident.

Why weren't THOSE "epidemics"???

Gotta love the media, eh??

[68TriShield]

I protect my health with EpiCor.

After taking it for three years,I have not had a single cold,flu,sinus or chest cold. None.

[Blueface]

I protect my health with EpiCor.

After taking it for three years,I have not had a single cold,flu,sinus or chest cold. None.

Dave,
That is not EpiCor.
It is pain killers.
You were too high to know you were sick. :r:r:r

[BC-Axeman]

My granddaughter just got over her two day bout with swine flu. It did slow her down a bit. I think I have already had it and had very little symptoms, as I have been repeatedly exposed to it. I had a slight headache a few days ago and have been a little sore, but that's not unusual. I have seen some people hit pretty hard for three or four days. Seems like a mild flu, over all.

[troy d.]

ya know, sheeple amuse the hell out of me sometimes.

Numbers.

Around the world.....2 MILLION PEOPLE died from AIDS in 2007.

5,000 people die from "Swine Flu" and it's an ""Epidemic""???

Hello???

Let's put this in perspective....Causes of death in the US (2006) by the numbers...

Heart disease: 631,636
Cancer: 559,888
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 137,119
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 124,583
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 121,599
Diabetes: 72,449
Alzheimer's disease: 72,432

LINK (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/heart.htm)

Special note here -

Influenza and Pneumonia: 56,326

So...just something to think about....

NSC recorded 39,800 motor vehicle-related deaths in 2008.

LINK (http://www.nsc.org/news/yearend_trafficreport09.aspx)

Now...

56,326 people DIED in the US from the FLU and Pneumonia in 2006.

39,800 people DIED in the US from a Motor Vehicle related accident.

Why weren't THOSE "epidemics"???

Gotta love the media, eh??
Why are we in panic over this swine flu? It is true that in Jacksonville people have caught it. But I have not seen any evidence of it being a pandemic.

[icehog3]

I heard it turns people into zombies.

[ade06]

I heard it turns people into zombies.

Naw, I heard it turns people into Vampires and Boris.

[icehog3]

Naw, I heard it turns people into Vampires and Boris.

I am already a Vampire...so then maybe it will cure me? :)

[ade06]

I am already a Vampire...so then maybe it will cure me? :)

Lol, no comment... my butt iches. :r

[sikk50]

It's all a conspiracy set up by big pharma and the health care industry. Fear of infection = people running to get "preventative vaccinations" = Big profits$$$ How about everyone just wash your hands and if you do get sick… STAY HOME!!!

Not to go political, but just to relate to
what you said one of my professors claims it was fabricated to push the healthcare reform.

[BC-Axeman]

It might turn Vampires into Zombies! :eek:

[ade06]

It might turn Vampires into Zombies! :eek:

Or those freaky things in "I am Legend".

[BC-Axeman]

:hmZompires?
Vambies?:hm

[Whee]

I heard it turns people into zombies.

BRAAAAIIIIINNNNSSSSS!!!!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t7/IllinoisHoosier/zombie.jpg

[icehog3]

It might turn Vampires into Zombies! :eek:

No thanks, I think Vampires get more chicks. ;)

[TXRebel]

It's all a conspiracy set up by big pharma and the health care industry. Fear of infection = people running to get "preventative vaccinations" = Big profits$$$
SHHH!!!!, Don't tell everyone! Big Brother is watching. :D


How about everyone just wash your hands and if you do get sick… STAY HOME!!!

:tpd: :tu

[hotreds]

http://uthpastor.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341dfe0653ef01156f830da6970c-800wi

[hotreds]

http://pics.blameitonthevoices.com/052009/swine_flu_looney_tunes.jpg

[Starscream]

I am already a Vampire...so then maybe it will cure me? :)
Garlic flu?
http://uthpastor.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341dfe0653ef01156f830da6970c-800wi

:r:r

[hotreds]

BRAAAAIIIIINNNNSSSSS!!!!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t7/IllinoisHoosier/zombie.jpg

So THAT'S what happened to that girl I dated in high school! She still looks young!

[mrreindeer]

:r:r

Loving this thread...

This subject fascinates me.
Every year, 36,000 Americans die from the seasonal flu.
So far this year, 1,000 have died from Swine.

Of course it is no consolation to those that died from it, but 1,000 is barely a pandemic as compared to what normally happens annually from a regular flu.

This is nuts!!!

Totally agree.

My granddaughter just got over her two day bout with swine flu. It did slow her down a bit. I think I have already had it and had very little symptoms, as I have been repeatedly exposed to it. I had a slight headache a few days ago and have been a little sore, but that's not unusual. I have seen some people hit pretty hard for three or four days. Seems like a mild flu, over all.

Yeah, I think this has been around long before the 'craze'.

I heard it turns people into zombies.

:D

Not to go political, but just to relate to
what you said one of my professors claims it was fabricated to push the healthcare reform.

Interesting....I doubt it but who knows.

There is WAY too much hype over a nothing flu.

But again, we did it for our baby....figure better safe than sorry. I'm still kicking myself for the EIGHT HOURS though. Damn.

And damn the media. Cover something worthy already!

[AdamC]

Swine flu still in the news? what a waste of time.

[mrreindeer]

Swine flu still in the news? what a waste of time.

Adam, it kinda reminds me of what inspired this nifty little game: http://www.balloonboygame.com/

[Skywalker]

I heard it turns people into zombies.


With a username like "Icehog", I'd be worried!!!:r

[BC-Axeman]

Adam, it kinda reminds me of what inspired this nifty little game: http://www.balloonboygame.com/
Stupid seagulls.

[AdamC]

haha

[Conch Republican]

Adam, it kinda reminds me of what inspired this nifty little game: http://www.balloonboygame.com/

That's awesome!

[icehog3]

With a username like "Icehog", I'd be worried!!!:r

Nah Darrell, I just keep it in the family. ;)

[Cyanide]

What a lot of people don't realize is that much of the real concern regarding this flu is that it is only a small number of mutations away from something that could wreak havoc on the population. Given the propensity for the flu to mutate (its a horribly unregulated genetic reproducer, compared to most other virus genomes...that's why there is a yearly vaccine vs only one vaccine for chicken pox, as chicken pox is genetically stable), its not unreasonable for H1N1 to change into a real killer and then it will be too late to enact immunizations. Meanwhile, the normal seasonal flu probably has a similar mortality rate to it as H1N1, its genetic markers are too far removed from the Spanish Flu to likely be much threat in mutating into that killer.

The caution shouldn't be regarding what H1N1 is, but what it could become. That said, it is reasonable to take precautions seriously. But, rash decisions, panic, sensationalization should not be part of the equation. But, it seems that the media only knows one way to sell commercials.

[BC-Axeman]

Meanwhile, the normal seasonal flu probably has a similar mortality rate to it as H1N1, its genetic markers are too far removed from the Spanish Flu to likely be much threat in mutating into that killer.

The caution shouldn't be regarding what H1N1 is, but what it could become. That said, it is reasonable to take precautions seriously. But, rash decisions, panic, sensationalization should not be part of the equation. But, it seems that the media only knows one way to sell commercials.
That was very interesting. H1N1 has been the prevalent strain for many years. It is the Spanish Flu everyone is worried about. Any flu has just as much chance to mutate into a killer as H1N1 does, but H1N1 has done it before in our limited memory, therefore the heightened fear of it. Just human nature at work.
I am more worried about AIDS mutating into an airborne or contact strain. Or ebola related viruses getting loose.

[BC-Axeman]

BTW, what ever happened to SARS?

[Cyanide]

Interesting BC-Axeman....

In my field of work I have to gather large amounts of information from many fields and then, based on a number of "short-cut" approaches, evaluate and implement that information. This system usually works quite well, but that is largely due to a safety-net built into my method. That safety-net just means delving deeper into the research when need be, to a variable level.

I had formed a fairly useful opinion on the H1N1. It was that "the virus is no more deadly now, but it could get more deadly, it is reasonable to protect from it". The minimal genetic drift concept was given to me by an internist and it seemed to work within my set opinion. Your challenge made me look deeper and I am having a hard time justifying that viewpoint.

Most interesting at this point is a review of the genetic sequence of the swine flu virus that shows that a particular virulence factor, protein PB1-F2, believed by some to play an important role in determining illness severity and risk of complications (secondary bacterial pneumonia), is blocked by maybe two stop-codons and then a mutation from serine to asparagine. So, a whole lot of genetic rearrangement would be needed to cause that to happen.

Of course, this would be to assume that the PB1-F2 protein is important in prospective pandemic versions of human infecting virus (as opposed to animal model research or retrospective analysis), and that PB1-F2 is (a)/(the only) important determiner of illness severity (which is severely near-sighted viewpoint).

None the less, thank you....it would seem that you may have helped me find a weakness in my information at a crucial time, helping me correct that deficiency. What is your background?

All that said, I trust in vaccines. Vaccines and the birth control pill; arguably the biggest and best medical discoveries of all time. Every illness I can prevent, is a battle won before it ever started.

Cheers

John

[Thrak]

All that said, I trust in vaccines. Vaccines and the birth control pill; arguably the biggest and best medical discoveries of all time. Every illness I can prevent, is a battle won before it ever started.

Cheers

John

Even if the vaccine you trust could cause life altering neurological damage? Or if the vaccine itself could be responsible for more deaths than the affliction you're trying to protect yourself from? Not to get political, but dont you find it disheartening that world leaders arent getting the vaccine, and if they are, its a different one thats offered to you and I?

Scary stuff....

[Cyanide]

Well, that does sound fairly conspiracy theory-like. I would want some proof before I believed that. Being a military doc, I have not heard of any "special vaccines". Considering we are the ones that deal directly with our political leaders on frequent occassion, I would have expected some information to come my way. I got the vaccine yesterday. And I don't believe this is going to result in any neurological damage. That probably refers to the chicken pox vaccine developed in the 1970's. Hey, live and learn I guess. If you have humans in the algorithm, expect occassional human errors. Its pretty unlikely that a botch-job like that vaccine will ever happen again.

I hope you aren't talking about the mercury in the thimerosal causing autism myth. That has been repeated and thoroughly debunked on every possible level. Quite frankly, too much good money was wasted disproving that over and over again. Money that could have been used to further other medical research. The only ones sticking to it are the crack-pots.

Beyond that, the only mentionable risk is Guillian Barre Syndrome. Over 90% of that completely recovers, the high high high majority of cases are sporadic and can't be pegged to any particular trigger, and probably occurs more sporadically than anything else. I would certainly fear the complications of a nasty flu than I would the GBS. But, that boils down to likelihood ratios (its far more likely to get a bacterial pneumonia secondary from getting swine flu than it would getting GBS from the vaccine)

[Thrak]

German officials getting alternative vaccine...
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,656028,00.html

President Obama saying his daughters wont get the vaccine, and he hasnt gotten the H1N1 either.

The swine flu vaccine in the 70's killed more people than the swine flu did.

I've also read that people who get yearly flu vaccines are more likely to contract the H1N1 variant and it is more aggressive in them, compared to those who do not get a yearly flu vaccine.

This guy thinks its no good, he seems to know a little bit on the vaccine in the 70's.
http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/juice/2009/10/lauderdale_dr_gary_snyder_argu.php


Are you guys getting the SmithKline vaccine up there?

[tobii3]

Oh man Cyanide, you just reminded me of a holy ^%$# moment from years ago.

We were on the ground in Saudi back during DS when we got our vaccine "updates".

They started that evening after dinner chow. The following morning, TWO guys had Bell's Palsy.

Guess how many guys showed up after Breakfast for their shots???

[Cyanide]

OK, hold on....I think I know what you are talking about. True, there are two versions of the vaccine. One has an addjuvant, one does not. Long and the short of it, I would take the adjuvant version (I did) over the non-adjuvant version. The adjuvant version is probably more effective, but there is always some anxiety over giving adjuvant to pregnant women....just like I wouldn't want to give certain drugs to pregnant women, largely to avoid a perceived risk vs a real risk. I call it "rational medical caution".

And, we really have to get away from the fear of the medical past. You know, the high majority of us in the health industry are trying to learn from past mistakes, are trying as hard as possible to improve lives, and really believe in what we are doing. There really isn't nearly as much conspiracy and profiteering as you want to believe. There are much easier ways to get rich than in medicine.

As for the rest of your post........well, for purposes of forum happiness, I am going to not touch those many kettles of fish.

And hey, Tobii3...what can I say. There are risks to everything. There is risks to eating your supper tonight. If I told you about how many people choked and died on steak every night....would you stop eating steak? I could tell a pretty compelling story. But it would be just that....one story. If I balanced it with the millions of stories of all the people that enjoyed their steaks tonight, would you find that one story of choking as compelling?

Still, despite the frequently told few cases of disaster (I use the word "few" here for illustration of volumes, not to belittle those tragedies) I still stand behind the MILLIONS of untold cases of success. I still believe the risks of the virus far exceed the risks of the vaccine. I can't tell the future, I can't avoid the inevitable, but I can make decisions to hedge my bets against tragedy.

[tobii3]

Oh no, Cyanide, the Bells palsy was totally unrelated - but the pucker factor went through the roof!!!!

&^%$....just seeing someone with Bell's Palsy freaks most people out...having it happen the night they started giving boosters?? Priceless.

[BC-Axeman]

Interesting BC-Axeman....

...

Most interesting at this point is a review of the genetic sequence of the swine flu virus that shows that a particular virulence factor, protein PB1-F2, believed by some to play an important role in determining illness severity and risk of complications (secondary bacterial pneumonia), is blocked by maybe two stop-codons and then a mutation from serine to asparagine. So, a whole lot of genetic rearrangement would be needed to cause that to happen.

Of course, this would be to assume that the PB1-F2 protein is important in prospective pandemic versions of human infecting virus (as opposed to animal model research or retrospective analysis), and that PB1-F2 is (a)/(the only) important determiner of illness severity (which is severely near-sighted viewpoint).

None the less, thank you....it would seem that you may have helped me find a weakness in my information at a crucial time, helping me correct that deficiency. What is your background?

All that said, I trust in vaccines. Vaccines and the birth control pill; arguably the biggest and best medical discoveries of all time. Every illness I can prevent, is a battle won before it ever started.

Cheers

John
A very detailed version of the explanation I have read that correlated into the opinion I have formed.

I am an esoteric philosophical person with a high capacity to absorb, assimilate and correlate information and observe connections and disconnects. That is why I'm such a good troubleshooter. And I read a lot.

I am not worried about the vaccine. I will not get it only because it seems clear to me that I don't need it. I have been in close contact with more than 10 persons that have had swine flu and so far I haven't seemed to contract it, or if I have it showed minimal symptoms, as has been happening.

Every major event in human awareness has a conspiracy theory. Even minor events get them, sometimes. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.:D

[Wanger]

My :2 in this matter:

First off, 2 of our kids have had it already, and the rest of us have been spared so far. They got it before we could get vaccinations done at the doctor. The scariest thing about it is how high their fevers were getting. Both of them were close to needing to go into Urgent Care. But it stayed below the threshold. It wasn't a puky flu, as you imagine it to be. It was VERY much an upper respiratory issue. For a while after their fevers broke they both were still coughing a lot and coughing up congestion. YUCK.

I work for a pharmaceutical company, and have taken courses in regulatory affairs. I know the stringent testing that all of these product need to go through and the qualifications that they need to meet for the FDA to approve them. The regulations have improved TREMENDOUSLY over the years. The industry and FDA react to adverse events very swiftly now, and have learned from the mistakes in the past. Safety and efficacy MUST be shown before any pharma product (or device) will be approved to go to market. While there is a rush for companies to get these products approved and gain market share, they are also keenly aware that if their product is not safe that it will have a HUGE negative impact on all of the rest of their product lines. There are several different ways that these thigns are tested before they get to the market, as well. There are lab studies, potentially animal studies, and then possibly human studies (though not every product goes through or needs to go through each type of study). With something like a flu vaccine, history allows them to be developed and get to market faster than many standard products. I don't know the intricacies of it, but if all they are doing is finding a diferent strain that they need to vaccinate against, I would think that a simple substitution would be the path chosen. Again, that is conjecture on my part, but seems like a reasonable path, given my knowledge of the system.

[acruce]

Went to the doctor today and found out I have the dreaded and feared swine flu. This sux.

[mrreindeer]

BTW, what ever happened to SARS?

Lance, they turned it into an Atari game:

http://vortex.org/~alatar/images/sars-revenge.jpg

[Sauer Grapes]

Went to the doctor today and found out I have the dreaded and feared swine flu. This sux.
How you doing? Doctor was pretty sure I had it when I went to urgent care on Tuesday. They didn't test though. I had a temp of 100.5, so mild, some aches, few chills, bad chest congestion, headache and loopiness. Gave me tamiflu and other than being completely worn out on Wednesday, I've more or less been fine with a cough. I worked from home yesterday and today so I didn't spread it to anyone, but really, I think I could have gone in.

If I had it, I had what must have been the mildest form. From what I've heard from a friend that had confirmed swine flu, I had many of the same symptoms but less severe.

[mrreindeer]

BTW, what ever happened to SARS?

Went to the doctor today and found out I have the dreaded and feared swine flu. This sux.

Hang in there bud....most get it and are done with it in a week. Not to worry.

[St. Lou Stu]

One more casualty.
It started off Thursday morning as an itch in my throat and a headache.... both after a hard night of drinking and smoking... but not that hard, so I was like WTF?
By noon Thursday, I knew I was down for the count. I took about a 1.5 hour nap on a sidewalk outside the LasVegas Convention Center. The fever just kept going up. I checked with the airline and got a mask and a blanket for the ride home. I was actually surprised that they allowed me to board since I gave them ALL of the symptoms that I had and that relate to H1N1. Finally rolled in my door a 02:00 Friday Morning and this is the first I have moved since then. Still feel like dog snot, but the fever has started to subside.

yuck, but I still think regular stomach flu is worse.

[acarr]

I have a 5 month old and decided for her sake that I needed to get the vaccination. So I got crap stuck in my nose today.

[cady97dev]

My 18 month old tested positive saturday. Wow it was scary when his temp is pushing 105 degrees earlier staurday morning before test. He is now on tamiflu and is a completely new baby. It took him out for on day. Now we are just watching his temp and feeding him his meds and Crossing our fingers we got it in time..
Wow does this scare the Hell out of you...Well I think the Government made it out to be much worse than it is..
Well we have lucked out here and I am grateful.

[mrreindeer]

great news George, hang in there & here's to a speedy full recovery!

[mrreindeer]

One more casualty.
It started off Thursday morning as an itch in my throat and a headache.... both after a hard night of drinking and smoking... but not that hard, so I was like WTF?
By noon Thursday, I knew I was down for the count. I took about a 1.5 hour nap on a sidewalk outside the LasVegas Convention Center. The fever just kept going up. I checked with the airline and got a mask and a blanket for the ride home. I was actually surprised that they allowed me to board since I gave them ALL of the symptoms that I had and that relate to H1N1. Finally rolled in my door a 02:00 Friday Morning and this is the first I have moved since then. Still feel like dog snot, but the fever has started to subside.

yuck, but I still think regular stomach flu is worse.

Jeez man, that sucks! Hope you're all better now. Did anyone throw you money as you slept on the sidewalk? :D

I have a 5 month old and decided for her sake that I needed to get the vaccination. So I got crap stuck in my nose today.

I don't blame 'ya.

Guys, if you're in acarr's situation, just note that there is live flu (mostly killed but still live) in the nasal mist. If you've got a very young baby (like we do), make sure you get the injection instead of the nasal spray. I'm sure acarr is fine with the spray and he definitely did the right thing by getting protected.