Swine flu at the day care - my daughter's day care

[underpants]

We got the notice on Friday. One case in the day care.

We have since found out that the case was NOT in our daughter's classroom but it was in the classroom of the sister of one of her classmates AND we were at the little one's birthday party yesterday (they are good friends of ours). The little girl woke up last night screaming and had a temperature over 103. They took her to Patient First and she has A flu but they couldn't determine if it was H1N1.

My little one has a slight fever (99.5) my wife has a 100.5 reading but I have nothing (probably thanks to exercise). They are okay. I just got back from a massive grocery store run so we are going to have a family eating and fluids fest for the rest of the day. We were supposed to go to another birthday party today but we called and told them we couldn't make it- it wouldn't be responsible for us to bring what we know we have into their house. I don't blame our friends there was no sign of any illness until suddenly last night and no I am not kicking myself for going to the party yesterday. You do have to live your life.

So... for the political slant... I have been saying for a few weeks that this episode of swine flu is worse than we are being told about. This is typical of the news void that we live in. There is a real threat, certain interests kick and whine about it not being a threat (this is mostly a territorial thing as THEY have been using fear and terror for 30 years and don't want to give it up), the news media either ignores it or has two dismissive stories for every fact based "here is where we are" story, The HHS director was being held up in a purely political grandstanding move to string along the abortion crowd and *snap your fingers* this flu thing comes up and her appointment is pushed through the next day not that we are ever reminded of that........and so on.

Now I am NOT blaming this on them but they whole thing is indicative of the strange odd world we live in and let me finish by saying something I have rea..... OOH LOOKS!! BALLOON BOY!!! let's go to on the scene reporting....

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

1. Hope your child and wife get well soon. You take care, too, underpants.

[JanMichael]

2. oh yuk! Keep everyone updated:

Hope your family feels better fast!

[blm]

3. Wishing you all the best, undiefamily.

.

[southernyankeebelle]

4. I live in rural Tn and I was reading a local paper where I was shopping at. A man

was an EMS almost died with the Swine flu. I know many people in the different counties and I knew one lady said she had a granddaughter home at her house all week. I still wonder if we should get the flu shot or not. anyone know? I got the regular flu shot.

[Tippy]

47. I got my flu shot last week

And will get the Swine flu shot as soon as it's available in our area...

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. love the last sentence. lol. Get well.

[stray cat]

6. If less than 40,000 die from it or complications in the US

its not more serious then seasonal flu but its just hitting a different group of people than usual for seasonal flu. 80,000 dead in the US this year would be typical then for H1N1 and seasonal flu. 80,000 Americans dead is a big deal but the post is mainly to point out that any flu is not a humdrum affair.

Flu does kill

[underpants]

15. .

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/10/swine_flucaused_pneumonia_conc.html

Overall, what CDC calls the 2009 H1N1 flu is causing widespread disease in 41 states, and about 6 percent of all doctor visits are for flu-like illness - levels not normally seen until much later in the fall.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/10/17/general-us-med-swine-flu_7013043.html

This new strain is different from regular winter flu because it strikes the young far more than the old, and child deaths are drawing particular attention. Eighty-six children have died of swine flu in the U.S. since it burst on the scene last spring - 43 of those deaths reported in September and early October alone, said Schuchat.

That's a startling number because in some past winters, the CDC has counted 40 or 50 child deaths for the entire flu season, she said, and no one knows how long this swine flu outbreak will last.

Also in contrast to regular winter flu, swine flu sometimes can cause a very severe viral pneumonia in otherwise healthy young adults, the World Health Organization warned.

Typically, influenza weakens people so they're vulnerable to bacterial pneumonia, especially those over age 65. But the new H1N1 can dive deeper into the lungs, in "small subsets" of patients who go into respiratory failure within days, said WHO medical officer Dr. Nikki Shindo.

"Do not delay the treatment," she said as WHO ended a three-day meeting of 100 international flu specialists gathered in Washington.

[uppityperson]

7. I hope you guys are ok and I agree, it is really odd. Coining a new term "balloony"

rather like "bright shiny object", instant coverage and obsession with something in the media, rather than what really matters. Being balloony doesn't help us figure out what is real, what is not, what to actually be concerned about, what is being hidden, what is being shoved forward as a distraction.

[GCP]

8. Why would you assume that exercise would protect you?

but I have nothing (probably thanks to exercise)

:shrug:

[RichGirl]

10. Not everyone who is exposed to the swine flu virus....

...will get the swine flu. (That would apply to any virus...cold, regular flu, strep throat, HIV, etc.) Whether you actually get it would depend on your general health and strength of your immune system. That's why it's important to eat right and exercise. BTW...stress weakens the immune system. Exercise improves both physical and mental health.

Also, getting too many vaccines, particularily for things like ear infections, and taking too many anti-biotics, will weaken your immune system because it doesn't get the opportunity to fight off the disease itself. Kids in third world countries who play in the dirt get less of these things than our kids who are pumped full of drugs.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

11. Please tell me about the vaccine for ear infections?

[vadawg]

48. rofl that one jumped out at me as well, ive never had an ear infection so i must have been vaccinate

[SidDithers]

49. +1...

I'm quite interested in this ear-infection "vaccine" as well.

Sid

[ctaylors6]

13. my son had it and I didn't catch it

(knock on wood) despite him throwing up on my face once. I was tempted to spray lysol right on my face. I settled for smearing purell all over me including my face. He coughed and threw up on me for days. My skin was red from all the washing and purell.

In all serious it seems very contagious. My son is extremely healthy, sleeps and eats very well. Exercises tons. His classroom was basically a giant petri dish though with over half the class getting it within a one-week period. He washes his hands a lot and uses purell at school. Just wasn't enough with all those sick kids around. I'm sure it's contagious for 1-3 days before symptoms appear and probably for at least a few days after they stop running fever.

Good luck to OP!! Hope you all stay reasonably healthy!!

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

18. About 30% of those exposed contract influenza.

It's contagious 24 hours before symptoms appear and for about 24 hours after the fever subsides.

[uppityperson]

41. thank you.

keep up the good work. I very much appreciate it.

[Pavulon]

19. They die from malaria, typhoid, and diseases long eradicated here.

like polio, because fanatics do not allow vaccines.

[northernlights]

24. say what?

kids in 3rd world countries die of horrendous diseases, many of which you probably never heard of, due to poor nutrition, contaminated water and food, and lack of medical care. And the death rate from this strain of H1N1 is very high in 3rd world countries, probably because of poor nutrition and lack of antivirals.

Getting too many vaccines does not weaken your immune system because it "doesn't get the opportunity to fight the disease itself." Vaccinations stimulate the immune system to learn and respond to the pathogen antigens. The problem with too many vaccines is that your immune system can become overstimulated and lead to problems that way.

I'm unaware of a vaccine for ear infections. Please do share that one.

Taking antibiotics inappropriately strengthens bacteria, which develop resistance factors to specific antibiotics (and share those resistance factors with other bacteria).

[uppityperson]

40. Taking antibiotics will weaken your immune system? What?

Taking antibiotics inappropriately can make bacteria that will not be affected by those antibiotics next time around. But no, taking antibiotics does not "weaken the immune system because it doesn't get the opportunity to fight off the disease itself" as your immune system still works along with the antibiotics. It's not like your immune system says "hey! antibiotics! I can take the day off!"

What vaccine is available for ear infections?

Do you really think kids in third world countries have longer lifespans than kids here (overall)?

[underpants]

14. Exercise increases your body's immunity system

Diet, Exercise, Stress and the Immune System
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/chronic_fatigue_syndrome/hic_Diet_Exercise_Stress_and_the_Immune_System.aspx

Exercise May Boost Aging Immune System
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/extract/299/2/160

[RichGirl]

9. I recently read....

...in the alternative medicine realm, that Vitamin D3 (2000 UI per day for an adult) will prevent the swine flu. It makes sense, since the flu season is the same time period as the least amount of sun, which is our primary source of vitamin D. I did check with google and found some interesting information. The Canadian medical association thinks this is valid and are doing research on it. In a different article...here in the good ole USA, where we have THE BEST HEATHCARE IN THE WORLD...big pharma is fighting tooth and nail to prevent any research of D3 and swine flu. I guess they don't want anything to mess with their big money-maker!

Taking Vitamin D3 for the entire flu season would cost about $10.00...Vitamin Shoppe brand. They also make chewables for kids, two and up. Can't hurt....

Here's more on prevention: (BTW, I have been using the Neti pot...I bought it at Whole Foods years ago before they became traitors. When you do it the first few times it feels like you are being waterboarded....but after that it actually feels good.)

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an MBBS,DRM,DNB (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years. He has worked in institutions like Hinduja Hospital , Bombay Hospital , Saifee Hospital , Tata Memorial etc.. Presently, he is heading our Nuclear Medicine Department and Thyroid clinic at Riddhivinayak Cardiac and Critical Centre, Malad (W).

The following message given by him, I feel makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

I suggest you pass this on to your entire e-list. You never know who might pay attention to it - and STAY ALIVE because of it.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

12. Do you have any peer reviewed studies the efficacy of those "treatments"?

[RichGirl]

16. No....

I didn't look that hard. The alternative is the vaccine......and I'm NOT doing that.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

17. I had both vaccines last weekend, nothing to be scared of.

[snagglepuss]

21. A number of studies have addressed Vitamin D as an anti-infective agent:

"It is now known that vitamin D stimulates the secretion of natural antibiotics known as ‘anti-microbial peptides’. This gives vitamin D the potential to combat a range of infections.

Recently, the role of vitamin D as an anti-infective agent was assessed in the form of a review <2>. 13 studies were reviewed, of which 9 were ‘double-blind and placebo-controlled’ – generally regarded as the best study design to discern whether a treatment has a real benefit or not. Some of these studies assessed the role of vitamin D in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Overall, the results showed that vitamin D therapy shows considerable potential in the treatment of tuberculosis. The results also showed vitamin D can be effective for the treatment of other infections, including flu and viral upper respiratory tract illnesses (e.g. cold). In addition, adverse events due to vitamin D supplementation were rare."

References

1. Martineau AR, et al. A Single Dose of Vitamin D Enhances Immunity to Mycobacteria American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2007;176:208-213

2. Yamshchikov AV, et al. Vitamin D for Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Endocr Pract. 2nd June 2009


Item
"Vitamin D is obviously immunoregulatory as manifested by its ability to reduce inflammation, (15) suppress and/or prevent certain autoimmune diseases, (16-18) reduce the risk for cancer, (12) and may even reduce the severity and frequency of infectious diseases, such as acute pneumonia in children.

Periodic assessment of serum 25-OH-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and serum calcium will help to ensure that vitamin D levels are safe and effective for health maintenance and disease prevention."

This quote is from
The clinical importance of vitamin D (cholecalciferol): a paradigm shift with implications for all healthcare providers
Publication: Original Internist 01-MAR-07

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

22. What about the salt water?

[snagglepuss]

23. The salt in the water shrinks swollen tissues which is why it is widely prescribed.

What I found works better than salt water is white vinegar. It is incredibly soothing on a sore throat. I just discovered that a month ago when I was in absolute agony with a sore throat. I knew vinegar is an antiseptic, which is why its used in pickling, so I just thought I try to gargle vinegar and cold water and it was so remarkable. I later googled "vinegar gargle" and it is actually an ancient home remedy for sore throats. Go figure.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

25. What about it killing the virus in the throat and nose? Any studies on that.

[snagglepuss]

26. You'd have to google that. I do know that salt shrinks swollen tissue. nt

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

27. So basically if the CDC added Vitamin D to their recommendations you would agree with them?

[snagglepuss]

28. What about CDC? I'm not aware of having any issue with the CDC.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

30. You don't think the CDC should encourage Vit D use during the influenza season?

[snagglepuss]

31. Yes and advise people to get their Vitamin D levels tested especially children.

"DENVER/BOSTON Vitamin D may be an important way to arm the immune system against disorders like the common cold, report investigators from the University of Colorado Denver (UC Denver) School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Children's Hospital Boston.

In the largest and most nationally representative study of the association between vitamin D and respiratory infections, people with the lowest blood vitamin D levels reported having significantly more recent colds or cases of the flu. The risks were even higher for those with chronic respiratory disorders, such as asthma and emphysema. The report appears in the February 23 Archives of Internal Medicine.

"The findings of our study support an important role for vitamin D in prevention of common respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu,â" says Adit Ginde, MD, MPH, UC Denver Division of Emergency Medicine and lead author of the study. "Individuals with common lung diseases, such as asthma or emphysema, may be particularly susceptible to respiratory infections from vitamin D deficiency.""

http://insciences.org/article.php?article_id=2668



Pediatric study shows D lessens severity of infection:

"significantly more children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with ALRI (acute Lower Respiratory Infection) were vitamin D deficient. These findings suggest that the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D might influence ALRI disease severity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; (c)2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pediatric pulmonology. 01/09/2009;

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26804687_Vitamin_D_deficiency_in_young_children_with_severe_acute_lower_respiratory_infection

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

32. So you do have a problem with the CDCs recommendations?

[snagglepuss]

33. The best way to answer that is to point the fact top researchers in the

field of Vitamin D believe that the medical establishment has dragged its feet regarding Vitamin D. They believe the necessary research is in place to justify increasing the daily requirements for Vitamin D.

As stated in my earlier post their concern is so great that they have formed a consortium to raise awareness. So whether or not I have a concern with the CDC is irrelevant, the fact that top researches have issues with the medical establishment isn't.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

34. Post #28 I'm not aware of having any issue with the CDC.

[snagglepuss]

36. I think you may had confused my posts with richgirl who says she isn't getting vaccinated.

otherwise I don't know why you brought up CDC.:freak:


ps I plan to get vaccinated and I have been tested for Vitamin D and its at an optimal level.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

37. No I knew I was talking to you. I wanted your opinion on the CDCs recommendations.

[snagglepuss]

20. Vitamin D research is at full steam in universities worldwide. In fact

an international group of scientists in the field of Vitamin D research from top North American universities have banded together to alert the public about widespread Vitamin D deficiency and the importance Vitamin plays in health. They are deeply concerned that doctors have dropped the ball and have not kept abreast of the research.

The organization is called GrassRoots Health http://www.grassrootshealth.net/#



With regard specifically to Vitamin D and the flu:

A number of studies have addressed Vitamin D as an anti-infective agent:

"It is now known that vitamin D stimulates the secretion of natural antibiotics known as ‘anti-microbial peptides’. This gives vitamin D the potential to combat a range of infections.

Recently, the role of vitamin D as an anti-infective agent was assessed in the form of a review <2>. 13 studies were reviewed, of which 9 were ‘double-blind and placebo-controlled’ – generally regarded as the best study design to discern whether a treatment has a real benefit or not. Some of these studies assessed the role of vitamin D in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Overall, the results showed that vitamin D therapy shows considerable potential in the treatment of tuberculosis. The results also showed vitamin D can be effective for the treatment of other infections, including flu and viral upper respiratory tract illnesses (e.g. cold). In addition, adverse events due to vitamin D supplementation were rare."

References

1. Martineau AR, et al. A Single Dose of Vitamin D Enhances Immunity to Mycobacteria American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2007;176:208-213

2. Yamshchikov AV, et al. Vitamin D for Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Endocr Pract. 2nd June 2009


Item
"Vitamin D is obviously immunoregulatory as manifested by its ability to reduce inflammation, (15) suppress and/or prevent certain autoimmune diseases, (16-18) reduce the risk for cancer, (12) and may even reduce the severity and frequency of infectious diseases, such as acute pneumonia in children.

Periodic assessment of serum 25-OH-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and serum calcium will help to ensure that vitamin D levels are safe and effective for health maintenance and disease prevention."

This quote is from
The clinical importance of vitamin D (cholecalciferol): a paradigm shift with implications for all healthcare providers
Publication: Original Internist 01-MAR-07




Several web sites that are very informative:

Vitamin D Council
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/

The doctor who created Vitamin D Council is a psychiatrist at a Californian prison for the criminally insane. Prisoners in his ward have for years been getting 2000 IUs Vit D daily because of their very limited time outside. Back in the 90s he noticed prisoners in his ward didn't get a flu that was infecting others across the state so he contacted Canada's leading Vitamin D researcher at U of T Reinhold Vieth and they published a paper. Both he and Vieth as well as many other D researchers have since become crusaders about Vitamin D.

According to Dr Cannell at Vit D Council: Take enough Vitamin D3 to get your 25(OH)D level above substrate starvation levels which is 50 ng/mL US (125 nmol/L Canada).


Another informative site is FLuTracker
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/index.php



Call to Action Re GrassrootsHealth
The following are the researchers from top North American universities who are invloved with grassrootshealth mentioned earlier, below the list is their call to action:


University of California Scientists Panel

University of California Davis
Bruce D. Hammock, Ph.D.
Hari A. Reddy, Ph.D.
Ray Rodriguez, Ph.D.

University of California
Los Angeles
John Adams, M.D.
Milan Fiala, M.D.
Martin Hewison, Ph.D.
H. Phillip Koeffler, M.D.
Keith C. Norris, M.D.

University of California Riverside
Mathew Mizwicki, Ph.D.
Anthony W. Norman, Ph.D.
Laura P. Zanello, Ph.D.

University of California
San Diego
Richard L. Gallo, M.D., Ph.D.
Cedric F. Garland, Dr. P.H.
Frank C. Garland, Ph.D.
Edward D. Gorham, Ph.D.
Tissa Hata, M.D.

University of California
San Francisco
David Gardner, M.S., M.D.
Bernard P. Halloran, Ph.D.


National Scientists Panel

Atascadero State Hospital
John J. Cannell, M.D.

Boston University
School of Medicine
Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D

Creighton University
Robert P. Heaney, M.D.
Joan M. Lappe, Ph.D., R.N.

Harvard School
of Public Health
Edward Giovannucci, M.D., ScD.
Walter C. Willett, Dr. P.H., M.D.

McGill University
John H. White, Ph.D.

Medical University
of South Carolina
Bruce W. Hollis, Ph.D.

Roswell Park
Cancer Institute
Candace Johnson, Ph.D.
Donald L. Trump, M.D.

Society for Medical Information and Prevention
Joerg Spitz, M.D.

Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center
William B. Grant, Ph.D.

University of Alberta
Gerry Schwalfenberg, M.D., CCFP

University of Saskatchewan
Susan J Whiting, Ph.D.

University of Toronto,
Mt Sinai Hospital
Reinhold Veith, Ph.D.


The Call to Action:

"... We have concluded that the vitamin D status of most individuals in North America will need to be greatly improved for substantial reduction in incidence of cancer.

Epidemiological studies have shown that higher vitamin D levels are also associated with lower risk of Type I diabetes in children and of multiple sclerosis.

Several studies have found that markers of higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower incidence and severity of influenza and several other infectious diseases.

... New evidence indicates that the intake should be 2000 IU per day. Intake of 2000 IU/day is the current upper limit of the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board.

New evidence also indicates that the upper limit should be raised substantially. The levels that are needed to prevent a substantial proportion of cancer would also be effective in substantially reducing risk of fractures, Type I childhood diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Greater oral intakes of vitamin D3 may be needed in the aged and in individuals who spend little time outdoors, because of reduced cutaneous synthesis.

Choice of a larger dose may be based on the individual’s wintertime serum 25(OH)D level. For those choosing to have serum D tested, a target serum level should be chosen in consultation with a health care provider, based on the characteristics of the individual. An approximate guide-line for health care providers who choose to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in their patients would to aim for 40-60 ng/ml, unless there are specific contraindications. Contraindications are extremely rare, and are well known to physicians. No intervention is free of all risk, including this one. Patients should be advised of this, and advised in detail of risks that may be specific to the individual.

Any risks of vitamin D inadequacy considerably exceed any risks of taking 2000 IU/day of vitamin D3, which the NAS-IOM regards as having no adverse health effect."


http://www.grassrootshealth.net/documentation-scientistscall#

[dixiegrrrrl]

44. Thank you for pointing out alternatives and for the sources.

I am familiar with the studies and the information.
Prevention and healthy alternatives have been effective for me and my family for many many years.

[snagglepuss]

45. You may be in a minority. Alot of people have not focused in on the

all the research on Vitamin D. Many believe that time spent outside provides adequate levels which research has clearly shown is not always the case. Nor do people understand that like cholesterol their D level should be tested because almost every cell in the human body has a Vitamin D receptor and that insufficient levels pose serious consequences.

How many people do you suspect know that Vitamin D enables cells to communicate to each other? How many people know that it enters a cell's nucleus and attaches itself to parts of the DNA, in order to affect what happens to the cells themselves?


It's mind boggling. I've posted this in hope to inspire those people who haven't yet clued in to the research to do some research themselves.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

46. This came in my email this morning. I was going to post but google brought your post up

I have used this since in elementary school for colds. My Dad would do it. A tablespoon of salt water snorted up each nostril. It is hard to do once they are clogged, but I think it helps clear it up. I have been taking Vit. C, but had forgotten about Vit, D helping too. My partner and I have had runny noses for a week. No sore throat. Some coughing up mucus. I had a light Temp. 99.5 the other day. No aches like 'flu' can have though. (We went to a concert just before coming down with what I hope are only colds. But lasting a week now, I'm going to do more of the salt water. Had only done it once one night before bed.)

[FarCenter]

29. Birthday parties don't make any sense

What is the point of celebrating the survival of one revolution of the earth around the sun?

[Texasgal]

35. I just got over a virus.

I thought it was the flu, I had horrendus fever and aches.... my physician told me that several things are going down right now...namely a virus as well as several strains of the flu!

Hoep everyone gets to feeling better in your household!

[snagglepuss]

38. Wishing your family a quick recovery.

[irislake]

39. A couple of weeks ago my daughter called from a Toronto hospital

to say my eight-year-old granddaughter had been admitted with breathing problems. They put her on a ventilator and kept her overnight. Did throat swabs for H1N1. By morning sent her home cuz vital signs were good and breathing better. The medical staff vetoed flu shot or H1N1 vacine. Told my daughter to check in with her family doctor and get back to emerge if breathing got worse. Said, H1N1 was over-hyped not to mention to her school or Day Care that she might have swine flu. "Just keep her home till cough is gone."

Family doctor said, "For god's sake don't bring her to my office but keep me posted and get her back to emerge if more breathing problems." My daughter worked at home (she works for HP) until she and my granddaughter were better.

I don't know if they had swine flu. It was rampant in the summer camps in Ontario this summer but few kids or counsellors even went to infirmary let alone the hospital.

I live in cottage country and in the local paper health officer said things are under control here don't believe the media hype.

My other daughter went for regular visit to her pediatrician with her 3 year-old twin daughters. He asked her if she wanted them to have the vacine. She said no and he was fine with that. I said the fact that he didn't push and gave her the option indicated to me he wasn't gung-ho.

One of the great things we have in Canada is a hotline called TELAHEALTH which we can call any time to talk to health professionals. They answer all our questions and advise us to see our family doctor or get to emerge at once if they think we have a serious problem. Otherwise they tell us how to handle the problem at home and what to watch for. I think it's fabulous!

Cheer up. I haven't heard of any deaths around here.
I do worry about our First Nations people on reserves. They might be harder hit. Hopefully that is over-hyped too.

[uppityperson]

42. 1 new Ontario death last week from H1N1 (link with official #s)

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/surveillance-eng.php

No reputable health care provider will give an acutely ill person influenza vaccine. Also, if someone has influenza, there is no sense in giving the vaccine since they already have it. And, it takes a bit after the vaccine to develop antibodies to the virus.

[Horse with no Name]

43. One thing is that MOST of the type A are testing out to be swine flu

BUT there is a HIGH incidence of false-negative testing--even on positive flu cases. So much that they have pretty much abandoned testing and just treating those who have symptoms.
The downside of this is, we have NO idea of the actual flu numbers and for epidemiological study, it is going to be a nightmare.
And yes...I am at ground zero working in an area that has already had several school closings--it is BAD out there.
My entire family has had it--but I haven't because I had the flu shot (they got it before they got the shot).
We have pretty much isolated ourselves to our homes and only going out when absolutely necessary.
No shopping trips or excursions here and we have even canceled our annual Christmas trip.
Take care of you and the little ones.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

50. Who is "THEY?"

And how are they ignoring the H1N1 threat when there are stories every day?