There's a few confirmed cases near me, but pretty much all we have around this area is the regular flu. I've been washing my hands like a feller that has OCD, and drinking orange juice like water. Hoping that we don't get the stuff. I was sick in January pretty bad for a few days with the flu, the fever alone was about as much as I could take.
Any of y'all know or hear of someone with the H1N1 stuff?
Hope everybody here stays well and healthy from the crud. :bowdown:
They already have a flu-shot for that particular strain FWIW.
I haven't gotten a flu shot yet either. I scheduled one and had to postpone because -- you guessed it -- I was sick.
Bah, shots... Ill fight it myself.:hick:
its just another type of flu. Almost everytime it has been blamed for a death, it has been a complication on someone who would have died from a regular flu. Seriously, I think its stupid.
We've had a bunch of cases in Chicago. I work in a public building but I haven't got a shot yet. Hell I never get a flu shot but I probably should this time. In the last 7 years I've worked here I've gotten the flu once....but I do wash my hands a lot.
I agree with Haystack. The regular "seasonal" flu kills far more people every year than H1N1. H1N1 is getting the spotlight right now not because it's particularly deadly, but because it's new. Just like SARS and Avian Flu a few years back. I will not be getting a shot, because the two times in my life that I ever got a flu shot I ended up getting the flu within a week of the shot.
Nova Scotia is actually the Canadian "Ground zero" for H1N1. The first cases in Canada were reported in Windsor, NS, after several students of a private school (Kings Edgehill) came back from Mexico and fell sick. This was several months ago, and so far there has been one death in the province, an elderly woman with pre-existing lung issues. They don't publicize stats for regular flu, but I'd bet more than one person has died from it in that same time period...
(haystacks comment)
^^^^ EXACTLY.
NOW, some strands of flu can work together to form something VERY deadly...but thats when you catch two or more strands *at the same time*. I think h1 and h5 are two such strands (hence the media outcry) but Im not entirely sure. I only know this because of a research project I did in bio last semester LOL. But that's the deal, and it's pretty hard to catch multiple strands. It can be done yes but the hype is unbelievably overinflated.
WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!!!!!!!!!! :shoothead
Nobody gets out of life alive :rollin:
The reason I posted is that I read on another forum that most people who die from flu have something else wrong, be it pneumonia, lung cancer HIV, etc and thusly a WEAKENED immune system.
The big influenza epidemics of the 17-1800's wiped out hundreds of thousands of people, yet today there's more people on the planet than ever, and a lot less deaths....I'd say the records are flawed, considering a lot of those people very likely had some other serious illness or disease, the flu strain(s) just finished them off.
I too don't want/won't get a flu shot. I'll just wash my hands, stay away from sick people, and takes my chances :D
One other thing, with the different strains of the virus being passed around, what's to say the shot may protect you from one but not another? Hit or miss, ain't it?
Or am I just not that understood in it?
Little kid next door to my parents had swine flu. I think he's better from that, but now he has pneumonia. But he's a strong one, so he'll make it.
I personally ain't worried about it, but I don't get sick often. Hardly more than a runny nose and a cough.
i blame all you antibiotic abusing yuppies for making all these super flu viruses.
i actually hope i get the swine flu, so i can make it stronger with my amazing immune system and make all you guys who paid for flu shots sick and a waste of your money :hick:
yea, im a jerk like that.
Swine flu is everywhere, all the influenza testing on people, is showing it is everywhere. Right now it is a pretty harmless strain. I work in a hospital and have access to the isolation list. There have been 20-30 confirmed h1n1 patients just at my facility in the past 2 months.
All employees were offered the live virus nasal mist shot or the weakened intramuscular injection shot. So far, I have declined both. Hell, I think I already had it a month or 2 ago, coughing my ass of constantly till it hurt my head. The bad symptoms for 3-4 days and residual cough for probably a month. Im just now getting back to mostly normal.
The real danger of this, is the virus mutating as the traditional flu season comes on now.
Only time will tell what this virus really does. If it combines with the avian flu h5n1, lights out for millions.
The spanish flu in the early 1900's, killed many many millions of people. It strikes down the young and healthy because their immune system mounts a huge response to the virus trying to kill it, it causes the lungs to fill with the cellular contents (fluid) and essentially suffocates the host in their own fluids from the inside. The body, trying to protect itself, actually kills itself. In very short order, I may add.
If we get a nasty strain of flu, it is no joke, and it is only a matter of time. That is a fact.
Antibiotics do nothing against a virus or make it stronger.:flip:
They are essentially worthless :rollin: Your body has to kill it.
Which would be alot better reason to not get any type of shot. They make it easier for you in your lifetime, but harder for everyone after you. I'm not saying I'll never be imunized again, but if people were smart they would really let off on it.
I worked inside the utah health department. They were the first ones to label the swine flu a killer. Guess why? They were going to eliminate there department and it was a way to keep there jobs.
People are somehow now made of glass. Your not supposed to go outside when its a sunny day, your not supposed to drive when it snows, and now your supposed to contract a virus because it might slightly affect the way you live for a day or two?
I was born with asthma and it nearly killed me. I have a heart murmur that almost killed me. I also smoke, and it is the best thing that ever happened to my asthma. I have not had any asthma attack since I started smoking, unless I was running straight up for as long as I possible could. When I was a kid if I got winded, I was taken to the doctor.
I am not made of glass. I worked outside for 3 years from 15 below 0 to 115 heat in the same year without ever wearing a jacket. People now a days are sick of alittle bit of elbow grease. It bugs me when someone at work is complaining about working for 5 hours and how hard it is to deliver pizza. Wonder why I get 35+ hours every week and close 3+ nights a week and there all working 10.
I'm not saying that I can't get sick and I am unstoppable, but people were made to deal with what comes at them, not to run away from everything that can't hurt them.
I'm very anti flu shots. I've never had one in my life and I've never gotten the flu. I have my dr. harrassing me about it since I'm pregnant and blah blah blah, but I honestly think the best way to stay healthy is to not be afraid and not run to the dr. unless you're really sick, but I guess that's how I was raised seeing as both my mom and grandmother are nurses.
for those of you who dont get the politically correct shots, join the team.
its over rated and honestly, there isnt nothing to be gained in my opinion.
Just as of late, the CDC has spent most of its time researching how,,,,,,,,,
"gun ownership has an effect on your welfare"
instead of doing thier job. The nurses union fought back on the H1N1 vac though, good job on thier part.
Really? I'll have to look into this.
I guess the flu and aids and cancer and autism and f*ck-all-else has surely been cured, so now they feel obligated to stereotype people who own firearms? (legally...)
Oh sweet shiznit in a shoebox...what in the blue hell are things turning into?
:punchballs: :flame:
The feds better ban cigarettes, cars, knives, baseball bats, booze, and yes, even our beloved rock and roll music (we ALL know that kills, right? :rolleyes:
Because as long as there are idiots (including, by my calculations, 94.5% of the Feds themselves) there's going to be violent crimes.
Hell, I think we ought to just ban people! Problem solved baby! :D
Ok, political silliness aside, I've not really heard anything good about the shots. I reckon if i get sick Friday, and die Monday, well, my bad. Them's the breaks. Will y'all send flowers or a card? lol j/k
ummm...yeah, flu shots....nahh, not for me.
i personally dont worry about this. and dont do anything medical. I am pretty sure that after my mothers recent trip to england we have both been exposed. im not worried. i die today i die in 40 years... my time is my time. i dont want anyone else to "save" me to live longer nor anyone to help me do so. just my 2 cents
I spent all day yesterday and most of the night with fever and chills.I think I'm over the biggest part of it.I was so miserable my hair hurt.
my great nephew just got over it.
it is in our town too, my kids get vaccinated Monday at school.
We have little Jacob to be concerned with so anything that will help prevent any sickness is worth doing for us.
We are also using antibacterial hand gels... I got them from Avon for $.99. they have a nice scent and kill 99% of cold and flu germs.
My project manager hasn't been in work for the past week.. He called last thursday, he sounded like hell.. friday he sent an email for me to check his email to sort out any possible client issues.. that's the last we've heard from him.. no phe calls. wouldn't answer his phone.. nothing..
We're actualyl really worried.. he has a 3 year old son who he said last wednesday was also very very sick. So we have NO IDEA what's going on there.
Alex, somebody better be for checking into that...
Kinda scary
Yeah, that sounds pretty bad. I would get someone on that. Is it just him and the kid?
we tried checking into it.. he didn't pick up his phone, or cell, emergency contact (his wife) didn't pick up either..
he did email today though.. said this:
"I appologize I am having a terrible week. I will not be able to make it into work today.
I will try to make it in for tomorrow. "
so at least he's alive.. but that doesn't say anythign positive really (or about his kid rather).
If he's talking about coming to work tomorrow,he's getting everything taken care of.
Yeah...if something happened to my Cole...well...work would be the last thing I'd worry about. And that's being as mild as possible with that sentiment.
At least things are lookin' up for the guy.. :bowdown: That's the main thing!
This stuff is hyped to the max, im sorry but 885 dead? please not an epidemic like the news tries to make it.
[Puts flame retardant suit on]
A little history lesson:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/influenza-epidemic/
Definately interesting that it's so overlooked, but still doesn't change my mind.
If people get piece of mind by getting a vaccine, good for them, they should definately go through with it. If my stubbornness gets me killed, well, I guess I had it coming to me.
I'm a big fan of everybody getting to make their own decisions. I have a problem with people telling me that I HAVE to get a vaccine when it's a personal choice. I won't tell somebody do it or don't, but I will give my opinion when asked. We have a swine flu breakout 2 towns away and I'm still not worried. People are going to get sick, it happens. I just refuse to live in fear of everything every day.
Alex, it sounds as though things are going better for your coworker and I'm glad you guys heard from him. If both him and his kid were that sick I'm sure everybody has just been exhausted from taking care of it and checking e-mail or in with work was just the last thing on their minds. Hopefully he'll have some good news for you all,but I wouldn't be too surprised if you guys don't see him until Monday if you're on a standard work schedule.
People nowadays take a disease free life for granted.
Virtually everyone from my generation knew someone who was killed or crippled by a contagious disease.
if i'm not mistaken. didn't the swine flu surface in the mid seventys? i seem to remember something about it in second grade or so.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8324070.stm
I smell a landmark court case brewing.....
I am not criticizing you, but have you considered the risk you impose on others by not getting yourself vaccinated?
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
What risk? If you choose to be vaccinated you shouldn't catch it from her if she gets it. Now, have YOU thought about the risk YOU'RE putting EVERYONE at by being vaccinated, thus increasing the likelihood that this flu will mutate into something much more dangerous for which no vaccine will help? Mother nature does not take kindly to people shaging with her designs. This is why antibiotics stop working: the bacteria mutates into something that resists the antibiotic. It becomes stronger. Survival of the fittest. This is something that is supposed to happen naturally - our bodies develop defenses, nature finds ways around those defenses. Ever consider that maybe mankind is screwing with something he doesn't understand? Virii do the same thing. If the virus cannot run its course naturally because we block it, it might mutate into something that we can't block. People are not designed to live forever. Whatever we cure nature will find new ways to kill us...
all a bunch of bs. its a government conspiracy! lol!
no fl;u shot for me or my family.
I agree, I thought I actually posted something similar the other day but it must not have gone through...
Remember back in the day when penicillin used to cure everything? Now it barely works.
I'm not against all vaccines either. If I can get a vaccine and be done with it, no biggy. Flu shots are changing constantly because the virus mutates to survive just like any other organism. I think people being so afraid of germs and never getting exposed to them in a gradual manner is why so many people get so sick now, they never had a chance to develop an immune system.
Like I said, I'm not saying don't go get a flu shot if it makes you feel better, but nobody in my family does and none of us has gotten the flu in I don't even know how long.
The shot/no shot debate makes me think like this;
my grandparents in their later years always got it...and usually about 6 months later, sometimes less, would get sick.
Meanwhile, myself, NEVER having gotten the shot, have had the full-blown flu maybe twice in 7-10 years...then again, I don't have a very active social life. I just try to avoid a lot of places where the shiznit is easily caught.
We had safety meetings at work 6 months ago when it started to become known, washing hands frequently, plenty of rest, fluids, vitamins etc.
That was as a preventative measure.
Now I'm not going to try to persuade anyone out of a flu shot, if you want it, by all means, everything may help.
I think vigilance is a good deterrent too though.
If we go to the store, for instance, we don't let people touch the baby unless they've used a germ-killing hand sanitizer, and the same for us, Nicole will push the cart while I hold Cole.
Just the little stuff will go a long way on it's own.
Anywho...that's my .2 cents :D
Oh..yeah..a guy at my work has the flu, not the H1 stuff, but I guess he's pretty sick all the same...anyway, they (work) told him to stay his ass at home until he shows NO symptoms...according to his facebook, he got a dr. note to cover his absence.
Nobody else there has any sickness that I know of.:bowdown:
It's a flu shot, not a "cold" shot. They're supposed to be given in such a way that you receive them JUST before the current year's flu strain reaches your area. 6 months after the fact is 99% not a flu strain I would imagine.
Unfortunately, this is comparing apples and engine blocks. Penicillin is an antibiotic, a chemical that is harmful to certain kinds of cells. Cells can therefore become immune or resistant to that chemical.
The flu vaccine is actually flue virus that has (in its shot form) been killed. Your body doesn't recognize that the virus is dead, only that it is a virus, and thus creates antibodies against it. Antibodies are cells that target a particular virus or cell and kill them. Every time you get the flu, your body creates antibodies to that particular kind of flu rendering you immune to that particular flu in the future. It is exactly the same process, except that with the vaccine you do not actually get the flu, and thus CANNOT spread it.
The reason the flu shot changes year to year is because the flu is constantly coming to humans through different vectors. The swine flu is called such because it comes to humans through pigs. We can also catch the flu from certain birds. The flu moves through the animal kingdom, changing a bit here or there and thus becoming able to infect a different species. When it makes it to pigs or certain birds, it is frequently in a form that humans can actually catch.
Unfortunately what you fail to recognize is how many people died in this "gradual" process. As only one example, the flu pandemic of 1918 is estimated to have killed 50 to 100 million people world wide, or approximate 3% of the worlds total population, and roughly 3 to 7 times the number of people killed in WWI! Quite interestingly, it was the people with the STRONGEST immune systems that died in the greatest proportion during that outbreak, and not those with the weakest.
Shiny Side Up!
Bill