Swine Flu epidemic in Mexico (and possibly US)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess nobody remembers 1976. I do, everyone was FREAKING out about swine flu and they started a mass vaccination program. A significant number of people contracted Guillain Barre syndrome from the vaccination, not the flu, and some died.

I say practice common sense and chill.

The difference is, in 1976, Swine Flu was confined just to Fort Dix. I think one man died, and some 500 people had antibodies to it, but no symptoms. It never spread to any other location, and caused no further deaths at FOrt Dix.

Experts feared it WOULD spread. And they had a vaccine, so they used it as a preventative measure.

In this case, the virus is already widespread in Mexico, causing a lot of problems, and some deaths. And it has spread widely here in the US. We do not at the moment have a vaccine.

http://www.scottmcpherson.net/journal/2009/4/24/comparisons-between-1976-2009-swine-flu-not-appropriate.html

Personally, I think there is a big difference between the Swine Flu of 1976 and now. The cases are completely different. No, there' is no cause to panic! But I believe in staying informed, and passing on accurate information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess nobody remembers 1976. I do, everyone was FREAKING out about swine flu and they started a mass vaccination program. A significant number of people contracted Guillain Barre syndrome from the vaccination, not the flu, and some died.

I say practice common sense and chill.

The difference is, in 1976, Swine Flu was confined just to Fort Dix. I think one man died, and some 500 people had antibodies to it, but no symptoms. It never spread to any other location, and caused no further deaths at FOrt Dix.

Experts feared it WOULD spread. And they had a vaccine, so they used it as a preventative measure.

In this case, the virus is already widespread in Mexico, causing a lot of problems, and some deaths. And it has spread widely here in the US. We do not at the moment have a vaccine.

http://www.scottmcpherson.net/journal/2009/4/24/comparisons-between-1976-2009-swine-flu-not-appropriate.html

Personally, I think there is a big difference between the Swine Flu of 1976 and now. The cases are completely different. No, there' is no cause to panic! But I believe in staying informed, and passing on accurate information.

That's what I meant by saying practice common sense. In 76, they didn't know if it would spread, and actually they were more concerned about the following winter. That guy died in February and vaccines weren't developed until October. In the mean time, the media was scaring the crap out of everyone, especially older people and parents with kids. I still say we need to chill. Stay informed, but don't freak out.

[Anonymous]

Mexican Archeology Museum Director Killed by Pneumonia Entertained Obama At Same MuseumHere’s some terrifying news: While the U.S. media was focused on the very important subject of some fat wingnuts having teabagging protests in America, President Barack Obama was headed to Mexico — and on the night of April 16, he attended a fancy dinner at Mexico City’s famous Museo Nacional de Antropología, where noted archeologist and museum director Felipe Solís Olguín showed the U.S. president around, and they presumably shook hands and talked, without the protection of surgical masks. A few days later, Solís was dead of pneumonia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mexican Archeology Museum Director Killed by Pneumonia Entertained Obama At Same MuseumHere’s some terrifying news: While the U.S. media was focused on the very important subject of some fat wingnuts having teabagging protests in America, President Barack Obama was headed to Mexico — and on the night of April 16, he attended a fancy dinner at Mexico City’s famous Museo Nacional de Antropología, where noted archeologist and museum director Felipe Solís Olguín showed the U.S. president around, and they presumably shook hands and talked, without the protection of surgical masks. A few days later, Solís was dead of pneumonia.

Maybe Obama is like Bush and uses Purell after he shakes hands with someone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess nobody remembers 1976. I do, everyone was FREAKING out about swine flu and they started a mass vaccination program. A significant number of people contracted Guillain Barre syndrome from the vaccination, not the flu, and some died.

I say practice common sense and chill.

I don't remember it because I was not born yet.

That's a weak excuse.

You are right. I should remember anyway.

I was joking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess nobody remembers 1976. I do, everyone was FREAKING out about swine flu and they started a mass vaccination program. A significant number of people contracted Guillain Barre syndrome from the vaccination, not the flu, and some died.

I say practice common sense and chill.

I don't remember it because I was not born yet.

That's a weak excuse.

You are right. I should remember anyway.

I was joking.

I know I was too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess nobody remembers 1976. I do, everyone was FREAKING out about swine flu and they started a mass vaccination program. A significant number of people contracted Guillain Barre syndrome from the vaccination, not the flu, and some died.

I say practice common sense and chill.

I don't remember it because I was not born yet.

That's a weak excuse.

You are right. I should remember anyway.

I was joking.

I know I was too.

Doh!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So what do we do? I don't mean sarcastic comments (e.g. wait for the rapture), I mean really, what do we do about this as moms? Does anything kill the germs?

I am watching and waiting. The virus appears to have spread to several places the US but it may yet "fizzle out" and stop spreading. If it is a mild virus, there's probably not much point in trying to avoid it.

I am being sure to lay in enough supplies to see me and my family through at least 2 weeks of serious illness with the flu, assuming that everyone else in town also has it and the hospitals are full, etc. Tylenol, ibuprufen, gingerale, pedialyte, etc. And we are preparing for the possibility of school and daycare closure.

Bleach will kill flu virus on surfaces, but the real problem is it is spread through the air. You need a face mask or respirator to avoid inhaling the virus. But if you are going to use one, be sure you know how to use it correctly, otherwise there really isn't much point. I saw one poor man in Mexico wearing a mask but just over his mouth, not his mouth and nose. Best anyhow to avoid sick people during the outbreak if you can, and just stay home as much as possible.

Do you by chance have an anxiety disorder?

[Anonymous]

I'm looking forward to re hashing this thread in 6 months after this thing completly fizzles out and we have moved onto the latest TB scare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So what do we do? I don't mean sarcastic comments (e.g. wait for the rapture), I mean really, what do we do about this as moms? Does anything kill the germs?

I am watching and waiting. The virus appears to have spread to several places the US but it may yet "fizzle out" and stop spreading. If it is a mild virus, there's probably not much point in trying to avoid it.

I am being sure to lay in enough supplies to see me and my family through at least 2 weeks of serious illness with the flu, assuming that everyone else in town also has it and the hospitals are full, etc. Tylenol, ibuprufen, gingerale, pedialyte, etc. And we are preparing for the possibility of school and daycare closure.

Bleach will kill flu virus on surfaces, but the real problem is it is spread through the air. You need a face mask or respirator to avoid inhaling the virus. But if you are going to use one, be sure you know how to use it correctly, otherwise there really isn't much point. I saw one poor man in Mexico wearing a mask but just over his mouth, not his mouth and nose. Best anyhow to avoid sick people during the outbreak if you can, and just stay home as much as possible.

Do you by chance have an anxiety disorder?

No. I'm following HHS/CDC recommendations.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/takethelead/full_toolkit.pdf

Pandemic Flu Preparedness Checklist

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC, and health experts ask individuals to stock up on foods and other necessities, improve health, and plan ahead for how they will care for themselves and family members during a flu pandemic.

Stock Up:
•
Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies, and other necessities.
•
HHS recommends having a 2-week supply, but stocking up can take place over time.
•
These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.
Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home: (For additional ideas and suggestions, consult your local Red Cross chapter).
Examples of food and nonperishables
?
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups
?
Protein or fruit bars
?
Dry cereal or granola
?
Peanut butter or nuts
?
Dried fruit
?
Crackers
?
Canned juices
?
Bottled water
?
Canned or jarred baby food and formula
?
Pet food
?
Other nonperishable foods
Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies
?
Prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
?
Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60%–95%) hand wash
?
Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
?
Thermometer
?
Antidiarrheal medication
?
Vitamins
?
Fluids with electrolytes
?
Cleansing agent/soap
?
Flashlight
?
Batteries
?
Portable radio
?
Manual can opener

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So what do we do? I don't mean sarcastic comments (e.g. wait for the rapture), I mean really, what do we do about this as moms? Does anything kill the germs?

I am watching and waiting. The virus appears to have spread to several places the US but it may yet "fizzle out" and stop spreading. If it is a mild virus, there's probably not much point in trying to avoid it.

I am being sure to lay in enough supplies to see me and my family through at least 2 weeks of serious illness with the flu, assuming that everyone else in town also has it and the hospitals are full, etc. Tylenol, ibuprufen, gingerale, pedialyte, etc. And we are preparing for the possibility of school and daycare closure.

Bleach will kill flu virus on surfaces, but the real problem is it is spread through the air. You need a face mask or respirator to avoid inhaling the virus. But if you are going to use one, be sure you know how to use it correctly, otherwise there really isn't much point. I saw one poor man in Mexico wearing a mask but just over his mouth, not his mouth and nose. Best anyhow to avoid sick people during the outbreak if you can, and just stay home as much as possible.

Do you by chance have an anxiety disorder?

No. I'm following HHS/CDC recommendations.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/takethelead/full_toolkit.pdf

Pandemic Flu Preparedness Checklist

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), CDC, and health experts ask individuals to stock up on foods and other necessities, improve health, and plan ahead for how they will care for themselves and family members during a flu pandemic.

Stock Up:
•
Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies, and other necessities.
•
HHS recommends having a 2-week supply, but stocking up can take place over time.
•
These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.
Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home: (For additional ideas and suggestions, consult your local Red Cross chapter).
Examples of food and nonperishables
?
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups
?
Protein or fruit bars
?
Dry cereal or granola
?
Peanut butter or nuts
?
Dried fruit
?
Crackers
?
Canned juices
?
Bottled water
?
Canned or jarred baby food and formula
?
Pet food
?
Other nonperishable foods
Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies
?
Prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
?
Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60%–95%) hand wash
?
Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
?
Thermometer
?
Antidiarrheal medication
?
Vitamins
?
Fluids with electrolytes
?
Cleansing agent/soap
?
Flashlight
?
Batteries
?
Portable radio
?
Manual can opener

Sounds undiagnosed.

I would bet 100% you were one of the post 911 duct tape people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Sounds undiagnosed.

I would bet 100% you were one of the post 911 duct tape people.

No. I have been involved with pandemic flu planning in the workplace for the past 4 years, however.

[Anonymous]

Why is the CDC recommending I stock up on pet food? I don't even have a pet. This is sinister.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is the CDC recommending I stock up on pet food? I don't even have a pet. This is sinister.

Ask the bundle of nerves posting above you. She plans these sort of things for a living.

[Anonymous]

New poster here. See breaking news on CNN.com.

I'm upset at myself because I didn't give my kids flu shots this year. One of the theories about why it's so much milder in the U.S. and not killing people like in Mexico is because so many of us have had flu shots. Even if it's not the same strain, the shot seems to be protecting people from the worst of the disease.

It's the first year I didn't get them flu shots. Anyone else?