Swine Flu......

[DianaB]

Has anyone seen the news about the swine flu? Today there was a 23 month old child that died from it in the U.S. but was brought here from Mexico. How concerned are you about this virus? Are you taking any steps to protect yourselves and your family?

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

[Tiramisu]

I'm very concerned, especially since the baby died here in Houston. I've already bought "flu supplies" - extra soup, juice, GermX, etc. And, of course, I have a cold or something (sore throat, cough, running nose, fever), so I'm trying not to freakout that I have it.

[Janet]

I don't really know what to do to prepare Diana except keep washing the hands. I need to buy some hand sanitizer to put in my purse, but haven't done so yet. We have a few more cases here in Indiana, but so far not near us. Saw where you have some in Kansas too. It's a little scary. Don't know if Obama and the CDC are playing it down or if there really is more to it.

[DianaB]

I'm not sure how I got two posts of this. I've asked Admin to remove one of them.

[Passionfruition]

The swine flu....they say it's a HAMdemic!

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Passionfruition

The swine flu....they say it's a HAMdemic!

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!

[gja1000]

Hamdemic! I love it!!!

One reason the flu is so bad is that no one was immunized in Mexico and there is lack of medicines, antibiotics for the pneumonia it can cause, and no tamiflu either.

This particular type of flu is worse for healthy adults because it causes a healthy immune system to overreact and a consequence is the lungs filling with fluid = pneumonia. It is not as bad in the young and old because the immune system is not as repsonsive in those ages.

Also, this flu has a type A component which was in the flu shot we in the U.S. had access to last fall - so it is doubtful that persons in the U.S. will be very sick. There are 35,000 deaths per year from the regular flu - there won't be nearly that many with the Swine flu (in the U.S.).

BUT, 2/3 of it is a new strain, no one has any immunity to it and so it can spread rapidly and make lots of people sick, but apprantly (if the experts are right) not too sick, unless of course there is some underlying medical condition.

I would wash my hands more often, avoid big crowds, use hand sanitizer, and I think you'll be fine. Even if you get it, I think you'll be fine. Everyone in Texas is sorta freaking out becuase they have cancelled ALL highschool sports of any kind for the rest of the school year. Many schools are closed for the next week to 10 days. Again, it is just to stop the spread to so many people, since no one has any immunity - not that they think massive amounts of people will die - just to stop so many from getting sick.

There is one good thing, even if you get it - you'll have immunity for next year!

[Blueyes]

All schools in the Fort Worth district are closed until May 11th. Dallas is expected to follow suit tomorrow.

I'm not too worried about the flu, but we have to fly to Disney in Florida Sat morning. All of those people...all of those germs...ARGHHHH

Just kidding Have hand sanitizer...will travel

[Passionfruition]

If it's an airborne hamdemic, does that mean we've reached the day that pigs fly?

Hehehe. Ok, I'll stop.

[DianaB]

You guys are so funny!!!

[Janet]

Val.....LOL....so funny....now stop it....LOLOL

[donna1990]

I usually don't let this stuff bother me but since my husband has PIGS, I am concerned. I follow the news but have seen nothing about pig farmers in Fl. He buys pigs, (where do they come from????) My granddaughter has a trip planned to Mexico, flying, and she has made up her mind that she will go unless they close the border. I will be keeping her furbie while she is gone, but don't want her in the house and get him when she returns.
Am I paranoid????

[donna1990]

Forgot to mention that I put an ad on Craigslist today about his pigs for sale. The news media is calling him and want to come to his farm and interview him. He told them not too because it will just stir up a lot of problems for him. He has had a lot of publicity in the past few years about what an animal lover he is and the FDA,etc. was on his case for a long time.
He could fight the devil and win. LOL

[judy]

Don't let her go to Mexico Donna! Of course, you have no control, but you could bribe her.

I think Rod is right not to have an interview right now. It can only mean trouble!

[gja1000]

Betsi, I would be a little concerned about the airplane ride, but not so much that I wouldn't go. I would imagine if someone is coughing or sneezing the flight attendants will give them a mask.

This flu is transmitted by airborne droplets - so you have to breathe in the virus. Washing hands, sanitizing is always good, but you can't get this flu through your mouth. Now, if you get a droplet in your hand, and then put your hand near your nose and breathe - then you could inhale the virus.