Swine flu.........

[DKLA]

This stuff is spreading fast it seems.

:(

[Mandy]

Yikes! The potential for this virus is sounding scarier and scarier.........

MEXICO CITY – As Mexico struggled against the odds Saturday to contain a strange new flu that has killed as many as 68 and perhaps sickened more than 1,000, it was becoming clearer that the government hasn't moved quickly enough to head off what the World Health Organization said has the potential to become a global epidemic.

But Mexicans were dying for weeks at least before U.S. scientists identified the strain — a combination of swine, bird and human influenza that people may have no natural immunity to. Now, even controlling passengers at airports and bus stations may not keep it from spreading, epidemiologists say.

The disease has already reached Texas, California and Kansas, and 24 new suspected cases were reported Saturday in Mexico City alone, where authorities suspended schools and all public events until further notice. More than 500 concerts, sporting events and other gatherings were canceled in the metropolis of 20 million.

This virus is a mix of human, pig and bird strains that can be transmitted from human-to-human.

Scientists have warned for years about the potential for a pandemic from viruses that mix genetic material from humans and animals. The WHO held off on raising its pandemic alert level, citing the need for more information.

Another reason to worry is that authorities said the dead so far don't include vulnerable infants and elderly. The Spanish flu pandemic, which killed at least 40 million people worldwide in 1918-19, also first struck otherwise healthy young adults.

This swine flu and regular flu can have similar symptoms — mostly fever, cough and sore throat, though some of the U.S. victims who recovered also experienced vomiting and diarrhea. But unlike with regular flu, humans don't have natural immunity to a virus that includes animal genes — and new vaccines can take months to bring into use.

The same virus also sickened at least 10 people in the United States, though there have been no deaths north of the border.

[Cindyloo]

Gosh, what a worry THIS is. I swear, there's always something to worry about or be concerned about.

I sure hope it is stopped somehow.


The first signs of ANYTHING folks, get to the doctor immediately.

I probably sound bossy..lol..but I mean it!!

[Monicauf]

I am not worried, maybe I should be, but I am not. Thousands of people die every year because of some strain of the flu. Look, anything you touch in public you can ASSUME there are germs on it. The rule is do not rub your eyes, pick your nose (yeah I know eww, but everybody does SOME form of it suble or not), touch food, or do anything where you could transfer those germs INSIDE yourself until you can wash your hands. The first thing I do when I get home after shopping etc. is wash my hands. Even my supermarket now has a
dispenser with antibacterial wipes at the entrance where you get the carts. It's especially important to always wash your hands before handling/preparing food, especially after handling raw meat or before handling anything that is to be comsumed without cooking (like
salad). That's just common sense-The biggest single preventaive measure for stopping transmission of disease is hand washing.

[Cindyloo]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf;1865443 (Post Number)

I am not worried, maybe I should be, but I am not. Thousands of people die every year because of some strain of the flu. Look, anything you touch in public you can ASSUME there are germs on it. The rule is do not rub your eyes, pick your nose (yeah I know eww, but everybody does SOME form of it suble or not), touch food, or do anything where you could transfer those germs INSIDE yourself until you can wash your hands. The first thing I do when I get home after shopping etc. is wash my hands. Even my supermarket now has a
dispenser with antibacterial wipes at the entrance where you get the carts. It's especially important to always wash your hands before handling/preparing food, especially after handling raw meat or before handling anything that is to be comsumed without cooking (like
salad). That's just common sense-The biggest single preventaive measure for stopping transmission of disease is hand washing.

************************************************** *********


I try not to worry about this kind of thing, but with me having that mild heart attack, I'm just concerned. I sure don't want to get THAT. Don't need it..lol

You sound like my husband though Moni, he isn't worried at all.

You are right about washing the hands. I wash my hands a lot. I usually carry those wipes in my purse, but was out, and the other day I was at Walmart, and they usually have those wipes, but they were out too.

I kind of cringed, but went on and shopped anyway..lol

We can't POSSIBLY take care of all these germs that goes around.

[Monicauf]

Cindy- it makes sense that you are concerned, but I think you are better protected than many people- you know with your mild heart attack that you have to be cautious, I think many people become laxed with common sense. But it does seem like every couple of years there's some virus thats about to wipe out the human race and then it just disappears after a few weeks- remember the big SARS scare a couple of years ago? And the Asian flu. Plus all the people who had this "deadly" swine flu in the United States have recovered, and most without any medical intervention or just some anti-viral meds. I think the key to staying healthy is to wash your hands, and to use common sense. No, we cannot take care of all the germs, and we need some germs. I think with the hand cart you are fine, look at everything we touch while we are in the store, someone else has touched it before us, that is why I wait until I get home before I unload my groceries I wash my hands. And, do not get too close to someone who is sick, there is a woman in my office who is always sniffling (loudly) and sneezing, I bought her a box of tissues as gift, I hope she starts using them.

[Cindyloo]

Well, you're right. Hadn't looked at that way about me being more cautious, so I would probably be alright with common sense and logic.

Also right about stuff we touch in the stores BEING germy.

My mom always said, we have to eat a peck of dirt before we die..lol

Now..a peck of germs may be a different ballgame..lol

My husband works with a guy who is ALWAYS coughing and sneezing all over everything. I know it's the allergy season and he probably can't help it, but sometimes some people don't cover their mouths and cough and sneeze in everyone's faces...geez!

[Mia]

IT'S here!

Monica, while I understand that we can take precautions by washing our hands and using anti-bacterials, the spread of something like this is inevitable.
------------------------------------------


Swine Flu Cases Grow By VERENA DOBNIK, AP

NEW YORK (April 26) — Students at a New York City high school could learn as early as Sunday if the flu that sickened them was the same strain of the human swine influenza that has killed people in Mexico.

Preliminary tests of samples taken from sick students' noses and throats confirmed that at least eight had a non-human strain of influenza type A, indicating probable cases of swine flu, city health officials said. The exact subtypes were still unknown, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was conducting further tests.

So far, there have been at least 11 confirmed cases of swine flu in California, Texas and Kansas. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to over 50. At least two were hospitalized. All recovered or are recovering.

New York health officials said more than 100 students at the St. Francis Preparatory School, in Queens, recently began suffering a fever, sore throat and aches and pains. Some of their relatives also have been ill.

Some St. Francis students had recently traveled to Mexico, The New York Times and New York Post reported Sunday.

Workers were sanitizing the school as a precaution. But a class reunion featuring cocktails, dinner and dancing for hundreds of alumni from as far back as 1939 went on as scheduled Saturday.

Symptoms in the New York cases have been mild, said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. But the illnesses have caused concern because of the outbreak in Mexico, where health officials say a strain of swine flu has killed up to 81 people and sickened more than 1,000.

The World Health Organization chief said Saturday that the strain has "pandemic potential," and it might be too late to contain a sudden outbreak.

If the CDC confirms that the New York students have swine flu, Frieden said he likely will recommend that the school remain closed Monday "out of an abundance of caution."
State infectious-diseases, epidemiology and disaster preparedness workers have been dispatched to monitor and respond to possible cases of the flu. Gov. David Paterson said 1,500 treatment courses of the antiviral SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM had been sent to New York City.

The city health department has asked doctors to be extra vigilant and test patients who have flu symptoms and have traveled recently to California, Texas or Mexico.

Investigators also were testing children who fell ill at a day care center in the Bronx. Two families in Manhattan also have contacted the city, saying they had recently returned ill from Mexico with flu symptoms, Frieden said.

Frieden said New Yorkers having trouble breathing due to an undiagnosed respiratory illness should seek treatment but shouldn't become overly alarmed. Medical facilities near St.

Francis Prep have already been flooded with people overreacting to the outbreak, he said.
Kansas health officials said Saturday that they had confirmed swine flu in a married couple living in the central part of the state after the husband visited Mexico. The couple, who live in Dickinson County, weren't hospitalized, and the state described their illnesses as mild.
"Fortunately, the man and woman understand the gravity of the situation and are very willing to isolate themselves," said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, the state health officer.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A flu viruses, the CDC's Web site says. Human cases are uncommon but can occur in people who are around pigs. It also can be spread from person to person. Symptoms include a high fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat and respiratory congestion.

At least nine swine flu cases have been reported in California and Texas. The most recent California case, the state's seventh, was a 35-year-old woman from Imperial County who got sick in early April. She had no known contact with the others.

Health officials are concerned because people appear to have no immunity to the virus, a combination of bird, swine and human influenzas. The virus also presents itself like other swine flus, but none of the U.S. cases appear to involve direct contact with pigs, Eberhart-Phillips said.

[beachreader]

This is so scary.

I wonder if the results are back yet and if they are going to close that school in NY tomorrow?!?!

[beachreader]

I think that I read that wrong.......I think that they mean the school in Mexico not NY?

[Mia]

BR, the school is in NYC.

[beachreader]

Thanks Mia. Have you heard if they are going to keep it closed tomorrow?

[TorontoKim]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1865486 (Post Number)

IT'S here!

Monica, while I understand that we can take precautions by washing our hands and using anti-bacterials, the spread of something like this is inevitable.
------------------------------------------


Swine Flu Cases Grow By VERENA DOBNIK, AP

NEW YORK (April 26) — Students at a New York City high school could learn as early as Sunday if the flu that sickened them was the same strain of the human swine influenza that has killed people in Mexico.

Preliminary tests of samples taken from sick students' noses and throats confirmed that at least eight had a non-human strain of influenza type A, indicating probable cases of swine flu, city health officials said. The exact subtypes were still unknown, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was conducting further tests.

So far, there have been at least 11 confirmed cases of swine flu in California, Texas and Kansas. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to over 50. At least two were hospitalized. All recovered or are recovering.

New York health officials said more than 100 students at the St. Francis Preparatory School, in Queens, recently began suffering a fever, sore throat and aches and pains. Some of their relatives also have been ill.

Some St. Francis students had recently traveled to Mexico, The New York Times and New York Post reported Sunday.

Workers were sanitizing the school as a precaution. But a class reunion featuring cocktails, dinner and dancing for hundreds of alumni from as far back as 1939 went on as scheduled Saturday.

Symptoms in the New York cases have been mild, said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. But the illnesses have caused concern because of the outbreak in Mexico, where health officials say a strain of swine flu has killed up to 81 people and sickened more than 1,000.

The World Health Organization chief said Saturday that the strain has "pandemic potential," and it might be too late to contain a sudden outbreak.

If the CDC confirms that the New York students have swine flu, Frieden said he likely will recommend that the school remain closed Monday "out of an abundance of caution."
State infectious-diseases, epidemiology and disaster preparedness workers have been dispatched to monitor and respond to possible cases of the flu. Gov. David Paterson said 1,500 treatment courses of the antiviral SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM had been sent to New York City.

The city health department has asked doctors to be extra vigilant and test patients who have flu symptoms and have traveled recently to California, Texas or Mexico.

Investigators also were testing children who fell ill at a day care center in the Bronx. Two families in Manhattan also have contacted the city, saying they had recently returned ill from Mexico with flu symptoms, Frieden said.

Frieden said New Yorkers having trouble breathing due to an undiagnosed respiratory illness should seek treatment but shouldn't become overly alarmed. Medical facilities near St.

Francis Prep have already been flooded with people overreacting to the outbreak, he said.
Kansas health officials said Saturday that they had confirmed swine flu in a married couple living in the central part of the state after the husband visited Mexico. The couple, who live in Dickinson County, weren't hospitalized, and the state described their illnesses as mild.
"Fortunately, the man and woman understand the gravity of the situation and are very willing to isolate themselves," said Dr. Jason Eberhart-Phillips, the state health officer.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A flu viruses, the CDC's Web site says. Human cases are uncommon but can occur in people who are around pigs. It also can be spread from person to person. Symptoms include a high fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat and respiratory congestion.

At least nine swine flu cases have been reported in California and Texas. The most recent California case, the state's seventh, was a 35-year-old woman from Imperial County who got sick in early April. She had no known contact with the others.

Health officials are concerned because people appear to have no immunity to the virus, a combination of bird, swine and human influenzas. The virus also presents itself like other swine flus, but none of the U.S. cases appear to involve direct contact with pigs, Eberhart-Phillips said.

************************************************** *********
I live in Toronto, where we lived through SARS in 2003. The media made it seem like we were all dying here. Other than a few people wearing masks, and Chinatown being empty, it was business as usual. The big thing I did notice was now every hospital has hand sanitizers everywhere, along with hand washing sinks. When I was in with the cat bite every single doctor and nurse washed their hands after dealing with patients. That's a good thing :)

[Danielle]

TK the media with SARS had me a basket case and wasn't that the week-end I got the worse fly/cold I'd ever had lol I was nuts with fear

[TorontoKim]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Danielle;1865557 (Post Number)

TK the media with SARS had me a basket case and wasn't that the week-end I got the worse fly/cold I'd ever had lol I was nuts with fear

************************************************** *********

Yeah but we got "SARS-stock" out of it Dani, so you didn't suffer in vain LOL

[Danielle]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: TorontoKim;1865561 (Post Number)

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Danielle;1865557 (Post Number)

TK the media with SARS had me a basket case and wasn't that the week-end I got the worse fly/cold I'd ever had lol I was nuts with fear

************************************************** *********

Yeah but we got "SARS-stock" out of it Dani, so you didn't suffer in vain LOL

************************************************** *********

FLU not fly lol

[Mandy]

Geez, Dani.........I was hoping you weren't referring to yet another new "fly flu" or something. lol

I agree that sometimes the media will just run away with these kinds of potential disaster types of things just to keep everyone too scared to forget to keep an eye out for the news.

[Zippy]

I dont think its really anymore serious then any other type of fly or flu out there

I guess its probably a slow news day/week or something

Must of gotten bored with the O's new dog !

[KaliChris]

I remember getting a vaccination for the swine flu some years ago, so this isn't the first time it's made the rounds. The vaccination made me pretty sick though. :(

Anyway, I saw this on CSpan this morning. Sounds like they're trying to take care of most of it at the borders and they're getting SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAM available to all the states just in case.

Do I dare take it again? Ugh; I always react badly to flu shots so I rarely take them.

[dnc]

bill is going to blame George Bush

[Mia]

It is the same strain. At least it's not as bad as in Mexico.

---------------------
NEW YORK (April 26) — New York City was dealing with a growing public health threat Sunday after tests confirmed that eight students at a private Catholic high school had contracted the same strain of the swine flu that has ravaged Mexico. Some of the school's students had visited Cancun on a spring break trip two weeks ago.

Officials reported 20 U.S. cases of swine flu in five states so far, with the latest in Ohio and New York. Unlike in Mexico where the same strain appears to be killing dozens of people, cases in the United State have been mild — and U.S. health authorities can't yet explain why.

New York officials said the flu strain discovered in the patients here is the same strain as in Mexico, though all the New York cases are mild.

St. Francis is the largest private Catholic high school in the nation, with 2,700 students. The school canceled classes on Monday and Tuesday in response to the outbreak.

[MikeRotch]

Overall I'm not worried about it.

However..would I be correct in assumng if I cannot get a regular flu shot....I couldn't for this either?

[Mia]

Dr. Oz said we get the virus through direct contact.

So, don't go hugging and kissing people! ;)

One thing I didn't know........a sneeze travels 100mph!

Sales of anti-bacterials will be booming!!!!!

Oh, and don't eat bean sprouts.......some contain some form of salmonella!

I think I'll exile myself from work this week. Direct deposit my monies Friday, please!

[Jules]

My kids probably think I'm OCD, because I am always saying, "Go wash your hands, babe."

I say it to them at least 5 times a day, ( And that's still not enough! Those kids get into everything!)

[Monicauf1]

Dr. Oz and the other doctors on the news have all been saying the same thing, wash your hands, you could shake someone's hands who did not wash and has the germs/virus- so don't touch anyone or anything- the woman in my office is sniffling, why not just go to the bathroom and blow your nose? It is so unladylike, disgusting! Drives me insane.

[Jules]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf1;1865858 (Post Number)

Dr. Oz and the other doctors on the news have all been saying the same thing, wash your hands, you could shake someone's hands who did not wash and has the germs/virus- so don't touch anyone or anything- the woman in my office is sniffling, why not just go to the bathroom and blow your nose? It is so unladylike, disgusting! Drives me insane.

************************************************** *********

Mon, do we work together? There is this lady, I'll politely call her "The Nose Blower", and seriously, I have asked her (After an HOUR of listening to it)

"My God, woman, how much snot do you ~actually~ have up there?!?!"

[beachreader]

I think at this point, like with anything else, the only thing that people can do it use common sense and take precautions.

I always wash my hands as soon as I walk in the door (and make my son), when I am going to prepare/ handle food and after food prep, etc and I carry antibacterial wipes in my purse to use until we get home.

Other than what I normally do (no drinking or eating after anyone and hand washing to name a few) there is nothing to do......especially when I have a child that has to go to school. We are big hand washers and it hasn't helped my son this year unfortunately. =(

[Monicauf1]

Jules, does the woman in your office blow her nose? The woman in mine does not, hard to describe, but instead of blowing she sniffles everything back up there- disgusting!

[Jules]

Yes...constant nose blowing and "hawking".....you know the sound....




"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawckkkkkkkkk" and it's So wet and mucous-y....

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf1;1865871 (Post Number)

Jules, does the woman in your office blow her nose? The woman in mine does not, hard to describe, but instead of blowing she sniffles everything back up there- disgusting!

************************************************** *********

Oh Yuck!!! And you have to deal with that everyday...all day?!?!?!?!? I would be so grossed out. lol

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Jules;1865874 (Post Number)

Yes...constant nose blowing and "hawking".....you know the sound....




"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawckkkkkkkkk" and it's So wet and mucous-y....

************************************************** *********

Okay that is beyond gross too. Has she done to a dr? Sounds like something is wrong.

[Jules]

Believe me, I've asked. Enough is enough.

Her response?


"Oh, my allergies are bothering me again...."


I'm sorry, but last time I checked, they have shots for that.

[Monicauf1]

At least your co-worker is using tissues and blowing her nose, still disgusting, but I think mine is worse, she does not blow her nose, she just sniffles very loudly so whatever needs to come out she pushes it back in there- yes Beach, it is disgusting and I have to listen to it every day- I asked her this morning if she needed tissues and she just gave me a look- drives me insane.

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Jules;1865878 (Post Number)

Believe me, I've asked. Enough is enough.

Her response?


"Oh, my allergies are bothering me again...."


I'm sorry, but last time I checked, they have shots for that.

************************************************** *********

Yeah she sounds like she feels miserable. And allergies all year long.

My husband has to take an OTC allergy pill daily. His dr said that is the key, to get it built up in your system and keep it there...no skipping days because you feel better because then you just have to start taking them again to build back up. He has been taking it everyday the past couple weeks.

[Jules]

Is that something I could slip into her coffee every morning?

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Monicauf1;1865880 (Post Number)

At least your co-worker is using tissues and blowing her nose, still disgusting, but I think mine is worse, she does not blow her nose, she just sniffles very loudly so whatever needs to come out she pushes it back in there- yes Beach, it is disgusting and I have to listen to it every day- I asked her this morning if she needed tissues and she just gave me a look- drives me insane.

************************************************** *********

So gross Monica, I feel for you.

Did she take a minute and go into the restroom after you said something to her or is she still snorting and sniffling?

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Jules;1865882 (Post Number)

Is that something I could slip into her coffee every morning?

************************************************** *********

I would go to walmart and buy a box and put them on her desk. lol

[Jules]

Let me add to the Nasty Factor: When she hawks....I never hear her spit.....so that means.....

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Jules;1865885 (Post Number)

Let me add to the Nasty Factor: When she hawks....I never hear her spit.....so that means.....

************************************************** *********

She swallows????

Oh that was bad...I am grounding myself for that! lol

[Jules]

Yep....


New subject, anyone?

LOL

[beachreader]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Jules;1865888 (Post Number)

Yep....


New subject, anyone?

LOL

************************************************** *********

Back to swine flu.....wash your hands often everyone! =)

[Mia]

Jules & BR, we have to start a whole 'nother thread for that one! LOL

[Monicauf1]

She just went back to snorting and sniffling- she gotta realize that sometimes things just need to come out and to do it privately in the bathroom.

[Jules]

Thats so gross. I totally feel your pain/irritation.


I'm off for the day. New girl showed up, and I have to train her again.

I hate training. Grr.

I just wanna say, "Move over, and let me do it!"


My patience is thin, I have 4 kids...that says it all.

[beachreader]

I taught all of my kids when they were little that they have to blow their noses everyday. When my son goes into the bathroom to brush his teeth before school he always blows his nose. It is part of his daily routine.

And they were taught that when they have colds to carry Kleenex in their pockets and blow more often.

[KaliChris]

Both those things drive me nuts -- people blowing their noses in public and snorting instead of going somewhere and blowing their nose. Ick!

Anyway, California is supposed to have seven cases of swine flu; figures. We border Mexico. Don't know where in California though. Off to wash my hands....

[Zippy]

Ewwwww

You guys have turned this into the loogie thread


I get queezy just reading here lol

[Monicauf1]

Sorry Zippy, but it not Jules and I fault that we work with someone who has no manners.....it is gross, at least my co-worker has done it a little less, still does it, but not as bad as early this morning.

[Zippy]

Its ok Mon

Oh I know how it is


Just was not ready to read it lolol

[Jules]

Haven't you learned yet, that you have to be ready for anything around here?

[KaliChris]

I've learned not to eat while I'm reading here. lol

[Jules]

Heard on the news at lunch there are NO reported cases in Oklahoma. (yet)


knock on wood
throw salt over shoulder
etc.

[Mia1]

Mia is sending some imported landscapers, from south of the border, to Oklahoma!

[Mia]

WHO raised the level to a 5. This is serious stuff!

[KaliChris]

I know it's reached the Central Valley of California, where I live. They have closed a school in the town of Visalia, two hours from here, because a kid had it. And I heard in Sacramento, two hours the other direction, a couple of students had it.

A toddler in Texas died from it; I think they had just returned from Mexico. :(

[Cindyloo]

************************************************** *********

QUOTING FROM POSTER: Mia;1867234 (Post Number)

WHO raised the level to a 5. This is serious stuff!

************************************************** *********


It is! I'm concerned.

We've had a few here in Ohio, but they have different meanings on the words they use, like "probable", can't remember the other words..sheesh, my brain, my brain!!

But anyway, this is getting quite scary.