All things swine flu (H1N1)

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justthinkin said:
For those of you who don't get the seriousness of this, you can't compare the number of regular flu cases annually to this because you are looking at year end totals for the regular flu, and we are not at year end for this strain so it's comparing apples to oranges. This flu's circulation is in its infancy.

To Sassygerl, I hope you have a good time. I sure understand not having been on a decent vacation in 20 years, trips being paid for, etc. I just hope you and JerseyGirl & families or whoever you're taking with you will wear masks on the plane trip to and from and take hand sanitizer to wash up when washing with soap & water is not available. Other than that, have a great time, both of you!
Maybe take a couple of days off when you get back to make sure you & family aren't harboring the virus & thus spreading it.

The UK newlyweds that came back with the flu had been to Cancun, so it is present there. I'm not sure I could go if I were in your shoes. I'd be worried about food preparers, everything sick people might have touched, and being packed on a plane with potential ill people, but then again, I am immunocompromised to begin with thanks to years of smoking, and 2 auto immune diseases.
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I have a friend from CA that just took her children and BF and kids to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. All 7 of them are sick. They are waiting for results of the test. Mexico has shut down all public gathering places, so not much would be open. That is why I always purchase traveler's insurance on my vacays. Do not go to Mexico unless you have to.
 
justthinkin said:
For those of you who don't get the seriousness of this, you can't compare the number of regular flu cases annually to this because you are looking at year end totals for the regular flu, and we are not at year end for this strain so it's comparing apples to oranges. This flu's circulation is in its infancy.

To Sassygerl, I hope you have a good time. I sure understand not having been on a decent vacation in 20 years, trips being paid for, etc. I just hope you and JerseyGirl & families or whoever you're taking with you will wear masks on the plane trip to and from and take hand sanitizer to wash up when washing with soap & water is not available. Other than that, have a great time, both of you!
Maybe take a couple of days off when you get back to make sure you & family aren't harboring the virus & thus spreading it.

The UK newlyweds that came back with the flu had been to Cancun, so it is present there. I'm not sure I could go if I were in your shoes. I'd be worried about food preparers, everything sick people might have touched, and being packed on a plane with potential ill people, but then again, I am immunocompromised to begin with thanks to years of smoking, and 2 auto immune diseases.
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bold is mine. Hi Justthinkin...wanted to let you know I'm not going until next year, for my son's 16th bday present. I take this very serious, have been following WHO's reporting on this for about 2 weeks now, and it's the reason for my various informative posts. I sure hope people read up on this strain of flu and take precautionary measures. While I don't think people should react in a panic, I do believe it should be taken very seriously and education of such is a must. Thanks for informing us of the UK newleyweds coming back from Cancun with the flu...I didn't know that. According to WHO, this particular strain of flu could hit high proportions by mid July if the world doesn't get a handle on it. I think it's part of the reason for Egypt reacting the way they did. Now that they found who they believe is the originator or host, I would think they'd be able to get a vaccine established in order to prevent it from circulating farther than July. I read on WHO's site that they need the world's help once a vaccine is made to be able to supply it to poorer countries. With Malaria being at the proportions it is, it might be hard to get to some people. The good thing about it is that alot of people don't eat pork in some of those countries.
 
10 Probable Cases in SC

http://www.wyff4.com/news/19322042/detail.html

The kids from Newberry picked it up in Cancun. A group of kids from my local college just got back from a trip to Newberry. I hope they didn't pick up the virus in Newberry. I know these kids; they have been to my house.
 
justthinkin said:
For those of you who don't get the seriousness of this, you can't compare the number of regular flu cases annually to this because you are looking at year end totals for the regular flu, and we are not at year end for this strain so it's comparing apples to oranges. This flu's circulation is in its infancy.

To Sassygerl, I hope you have a good time. I sure understand not having been on a decent vacation in 20 years, trips being paid for, etc. I just hope you and Linda7NJ & families or whoever you're taking with you will wear masks on the plane trip to and from and take hand sanitizer to wash up when washing with soap & water is not available. Other than that, have a great time, both of you!
Maybe take a couple of days off when you get back to make sure you & family aren't harboring the virus & thus spreading it.

The UK newlyweds that came back with the flu had been to Cancun, so it is present there. I'm not sure I could go if I were in your shoes. I'd be worried about food preparers, everything sick people might have touched, and being packed on a plane with potential ill people, but then again, I am immunocompromised to begin with thanks to years of smoking, and 2 auto immune diseases.
Click to expand...


If you contract the swine flu, how long before you start seeing symptoms??? My ex was there a couple of weeks ago. He's coming into town for our son's graduation on May 8. I really wish I had the nerve to tell him to just stay away.
 
JerseyGirl, you must have caught my post before I edited it. I then realized it was Linda7NJ who was leaving tomorrow, and corrected it.
 
poco said:
I don't get it - the flu goes around every year and more people are infected than with this and many people die and it isn't as news worthy as this - why is this strain any different????
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Because normla flu, people have some immunity from. This swine flu, NOONE has immunity from it. Noone has antibodies to fight it. This is a completly NEW strain, and noone has the immunity to fight it off. Plus this swine flu is affecting HEALTHy 20-30 yerars olds, and not affecting the elderly or young/weak as much.
 
Jersey*girl, you can get a booster for a current vaccine. All indications is the current vaccine will not be effective for the swine flu. The last time the govt rushed a flu vaccine into production it turned into a fiasco. They need to be careful. If they halt production on the current generic vaccine to make one for the swine flu, then the generic vaccine may not be available this fall, making that flu more deadly. If we had a vaccine rushed into production, the govt still could not rush out today and provide them because they don't have it.

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1894625,00.html

(snip)
Still, if and when the CDC gives the go-ahead, companies such as Sanofi would have to do an about-face, scrapping their current vaccine projects to switch to swine flu. Sanofi and other vaccine makers received the seed stock for the upcoming flu season last January, and are now in the midst of culturing and purifying that virus for this fall's flu season. Nevertheless, Cary is confident: "We have two plants that both have the capability of producing what the U.S. market demand is for the seasonal and swine influenza vaccine."
History teaches us, however, that it won't be easy. The last time the U.S. recommended nationwide vaccination against a suspected swine flu was in 1976, with less than successful results, to say the least. Under orders from President Gerald Ford a vaccine was rushed into production and administered to 45 million Americans, at a cost of $135 million. But within weeks, people started developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing immune system disorder that can result from the vaccine — some experts estimated the risk of Guillain-Barré at seven times higher in those who were immunized, compared with those who were not. After the immunization program was terminated nine months after it began, government officials paid $90 million in damages to patients who were injured by the vaccine. (The widely feared swine flu epidemic never emerged.)
 
lizzybeth said:
If you contract the swine flu, how long before you start seeing symptoms??? My ex was there a couple of weeks ago. He's coming into town for our son's graduation on May 8. I really wish I had the nerve to tell him to just stay away.
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If you contract it, you should know it within 48 hours.
 
stilettos said:
I have a friend from CA that just took her children and BF and kids to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. All 7 of them are sick. They are waiting for results of the test. Mexico has shut down all public gathering places, so not much would be open. That is why I always purchase traveler's insurance on my vacays. Do not go to Mexico unless you have to.
Click to expand...

I hope your friend and her family get well soon. Mexico is NOT all shut down....not much open in Mexico City. Huge difference.
 
stilettos said:
I have a friend from CA that just took her children and BF and kids to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. All 7 of them are sick. They are waiting for results of the test. Mexico has shut down all public gathering places, so not much would be open. That is why I always purchase traveler's insurance on my vacays. Do not go to Mexico unless you have to.
Click to expand...

I hope your friend and her loved ones get well soon!
 
Jersey*Girl said:
Suzi - this is further to my post #330.
Found at link:
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html
The Swine Influenza A/H1N1 viruses characterized in this outbreak have not been previously detected in pigs or humans. The viruses so far characterized have been sensitive to oseltamivir, but resistant to both amantadine and rimantadine.
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The above anti virals mentioned appear to have limited scope to begin with which is why most docs provide Tamiflu or Relenza instead. Many of the cases (in Mexico) that have not had success with Tamiflu or Relenza are because the patients received them too late. The cases in the US received them in a timely manner and appear to be very effective. You can use anti virals to prevent flu symptoms, but only if you know you've been exposed and know when to take it. If you take it too soon it does nothing. In other words, It won't prevent you from contracting the flu virus. But it will prevent you from getting the symptoms.

http://www.flufacts.com/treatment/antiviral.aspx

Four different antiviral medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and/or prevention of the flu:

  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)
  • Zanamivir (Relenza®)
  • Amantadine (Symmetrel®)
  • Rimantadine (Flumadine®)
Antivirals attack the flu virus and help stop it from spreading inside your body. Even better, some can be used to treat children as young as 1 year old.
 
SuziQ said:
Jersey*girl, you can get a booster for a current vaccine. All indications is the current vaccine will not be effective for the swine flu. The last time the govt rushed a flu vaccine into production it turned into a fiasco. They need to be careful. If they halt production on the current generic vaccine to make one for the swine flu, then the generic vaccine may not be available this fall, making that flu more deadly. If we had a vaccine rushed into production, the govt still could not rush out today and provide them because they don't have it.

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1894625,00.html

(snip)
Still, if and when the CDC gives the go-ahead, companies such as Sanofi would have to do an about-face, scrapping their current vaccine projects to switch to swine flu. Sanofi and other vaccine makers received the seed stock for the upcoming flu season last January, and are now in the midst of culturing and purifying that virus for this fall's flu season. Nevertheless, Cary is confident: "We have two plants that both have the capability of producing what the U.S. market demand is for the seasonal and swine influenza vaccine."
History teaches us, however, that it won't be easy. The last time the U.S. recommended nationwide vaccination against a suspected swine flu was in 1976, with less than successful results, to say the least. Under orders from President Gerald Ford a vaccine was rushed into production and administered to 45 million Americans, at a cost of $135 million. But within weeks, people started developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing immune system disorder that can result from the vaccine — some experts estimated the risk of Guillain-Barré at seven times higher in those who were immunized, compared with those who were not. After the immunization program was terminated nine months after it began, government officials paid $90 million in damages to patients who were injured by the vaccine. (The widely feared swine flu epidemic never emerged.)
Click to expand...

Right...that's what I'm saying...exactly what I'm trying to say. :) When I'm speaking of a vaccine, I'm speaking of a booster. No way do I think they should halt production. I've been stating booster in my posts...the booster would pertain to the swine flu. Also, I think you might have misinterpretted what I was saying when I said "nationwide". I'm only referring to people that are prone to getting sick, or are already developing symptoms. I never get the flu shot...ever. If I came down with the flu, and then got a shot, it would just help me to get rid of it. Some people think they get the flu after they get the shot but that's not actually true...the shot actually brings out the flu antibodies that must have already been in their system and those people would have that particular flu for a shorter duration. When I said a vaccine should be given for free, I'm talking about people that may not be able to afford such...not a nationwide vaccine for all of our population. I just think it should be available for all who may request it or need it...see what I'm saying?

I also know what you speak of when referring to past problems in vaccines. Do you know that the chicken pox vaccine was available and being utilized in France for 13 years before it became available to the public in the US? The reason is because the CDC screens everything thoroughly and tests need to be proficient before they suggest usage by a majority of Americans. My son was given a chicken pox vaccine without my knowledge & I threatened to sue! It's very rare, but that vaccine can cause sterility in males. I was mortified when it was administered to my son. Then I was told it was mandatory...after I sought a lawyer! Something else, about 10 years ago there was a semi-major outbreak of polio when children were given the oral vaccine to treat the prevention of it. They did away with that stock, paid out the wahoo, and now give a shot. I think it was the "live virus" given orally that was infecting children...don't remember exactly.

I do believe we've come a very long ways in development with our CDC since years ago, though. I have faith that this flu will be contained and taken care of. I just hope that people take it serious and go to the doctor if they come down, or their children come down, with flu like symptoms. It's our responsibility to do that.
 
SuziQ said:
The above anti virals mentioned appear to have limited scope to begin with which is why most docs provide Tamiflu or Relenza instead. Many of the cases (in Mexico) that have not had success with Tamiflu or Relenza are because the patients received them too late. The cases in the US received them in a timely manner and appear to be very effective. You can use anti virals to prevent flu symptoms, but only if you know you've been exposed and know when to take it. If you take it too soon it does nothing. In other words, It won't prevent you from contracting the flu virus. But it will prevent you from getting the symptoms.

http://www.flufacts.com/treatment/antiviral.aspx

Four different antiviral medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and/or prevention of the flu:

  • Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)
  • Zanamivir (Relenza®)
  • Amantadine (Symmetrel®)
  • Rimantadine (Flumadine®)
Antivirals attack the flu virus and help stop it from spreading inside your body. Even better, some can be used to treat children as young as 1 year old.
Click to expand...

Completely agree...but they are what's utilized the most worldwide. The USA is ahead of the game there, though, which is why several are being contained & treated successfully here. It's not the same in 3rd world countries, though...which is the reason for WHO's warning. We Americans love to travel overseas, no matter where, and if we don't know what to watch out for, we could unknowingly contract it and help to spread it. Personally, I think Tamiflu is the best! Again, I've never had a flu shot, but my 15 y/o used to get the flu every year until he started getting the shot as a preventative measure. He was attacked by 5 hornets 4 years ago and it hurt his cells. His immunity faultered, now he needs to build it back up...will be in the process til probably about 30 years old! Getting the flu shot has helped him immensely. My 12 y/o has never had one but my 7 y/o has had a shot since 4 years old b/c his hands are always in his mouth. Since I've had my youngest getting these shots since he was young, he might not need it once he's 12...at least until he's much older. The more you're exposed to, the better immunity you can build up. I'm sure you already know that, though, since we seem to be on the same page here.
 
Tamiflu is not a vaccine. It is an Anti-viral, only given as a shot if you have come into contact with the flu.
 
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

Excerpt:
"While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses."
 
Ladybass0711 said:
Tamiflu is not a vaccine. It is an Anti-viral, only given as a shot if you have come into contact with the flu.
Click to expand...

Yes, and it works great once you develop the symptoms. This happens to my oldest all the time. He always gets the flu shot, develops the flu, Tamiflu makes his symptoms go away overnight...literally. Tamiflu is the only thing he's been given in his past flu experiences, besides over the counter meds to ease his discomfort...so maybe I can't really compare it to other brands. Still it's strong, though, which is one of the reason he'll need to get a flu shot for years to come. We need to experience viruses and get rid of them naturally in order to build up an immunity defense against them. My son can't do that b/c of a hornet attack to his shoulder - 5 hornets on his shoulder is very close to his heart...he's lucky to have survived. He's the one kid I have that is always in the hospital for something or other - has no fear and could probably make a killing off of doing his own Jackass movie!
 
I saw a news video a little while ago where a man had on a mask but the child with him didn't. I think if it is necessary for an adult to wear one to protect himself, he should provide one for the child too. If the child gets it he probably will too living in the same household.
 
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