Swine flu anyone?
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free skin care · Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:23 pm

Hi, all.
I would like to start a thread on swine flu. This week there have been outbreaks of the swine flu on several schools here in Norway, and the virus is expected to spread quickly from now on.

The health authorities have actually ordered swine flu vaccine to all the inhabitants in our country, but in a survey, only 20 % said they would accept the offer, and a lot of people had not made up their mind yet.

It will still take a few weeks before the vaccination will get started, so it seems like a lot of people will have the flu before they get the chance to get vaccinated.

Now, people (me Smile

) are a bit frustrated and undecided whether to get vaccinated or not because the vaccine may cause side effects.

I would like to know what the situation is like in the country YOU live.

Have you had the swine flu? How ill were you? What were your symptoms?

Have you had the swine flu vaccination? Any side effects or discomfort from the vaccine?

All replies will be much appreciated.

free skin care · Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:47 pm

Hi
I am in the USA we have the same situation here, a large number of people are getting vaccinated and many not. Also as you stated many undecided for themselves and children. I myself am allergic to one of the base ingredients in which it is made (same as regular flu vaccine) so for me I don't have a choice I can't take it!

DM

free skin care · Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:59 pm

Hi,

I'm in Canada. Same basic situation. It has hit the Native communities here the hardest. The vaccination is going to be available in the next couple of weeks. I'm still on the fence but think I'll probably get it. Here's the link to a site
that is tracking the flu..

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com

free skin care · Sun Oct 25, 2009 9:16 am

I have heard that only 1/3 of the population in Canada are thinking about getting the vaccine. I am planning to get it though. This flu scares the heck out of me and since we travel a lot I would rather err on the side of caution. It may come down to having to have it in order to get into other countries. That wouldn't surprise me.

free skin care · Sun Oct 25, 2009 9:51 am

You know... I have my issues with vaccines. But I don't think we want to start a debate about whether they are safe or not, and what they might cause.

So, I will share with regards to SwineFlu from my personal perspective... Vaccines scare me. I've had negative reactions, and so have my children... I was sent to ER twice with a BABY for ultrasounds, and once even a sedated CT of his brain. You say Vaccine, I panic.

HOWEVER, The swine flu if contracted can kill even the healthiest of people. My understanding, and it feels very limited as information is coming from all sources... but if your lungs get hit HARD, 'causing the breathing issues, and you have any problem with breathing already (and perhaps, as has already happened you haven't) a ventilator just may not cut it. So, children that don't know HOW to cough up anything, or have asthma, or PG women whose breathing might be obstructed by their tummies... and I see that the list just keeps growing.. you are at risk of not breathing... and well... that side effect outweighs others... TO ME.

I was still on the fence until just this last week. My children are in pre school. So fingers that touch EVERYTHING, are also up the nose, in the eyes and mouth. Two mom's in our class our nurses. One just "got" to witness 2 death related to swine flu. One person (I don't know the age) had a previous complication. The other, was otherwise perfectly healthy. So that's 1:1. My mother just called to tell me that a professor from my University died from it... she THINKS he had asthma. I'm from humboldt, the CRUD is expected annually. We don't really worry about the flu... hence our name for the flu... the HUMBOLDT CRUD.

My husband returned home from work on Wed. to inform me that a woman that works at his company had HR announce that her first grade daughter, otherwise healthy died from the swineflu on Sunday. The ratio still 1:1 healthy person:person with med problems... This doesn't seem to discriminate.

This bug is in my area... And it's killing people in my 7 degrees of separation.

As one local Dr. said. this is not a vaccine for something that if you get the disease, you're generally just uncomfortable (like chickenpox)... it's for something that could easily kill you.

That said... Do your research. Talk to your doctor... and maybe get a little OCD on cleaning... Hands, tables in restaurants... the handle of the grocery cart... Put sanitizer in your purse, in your glove box. Take your vitamins, your antioxidants... pass up on junk food that doesn't offer nutrition, maybe add those green smoothies... I'm doing all I can to stay healthy...

And since I'm from the world of touching your face... DO SO WITH CLEAN HANDS (I often do mine in the shower!)... please skip those Facial Exercises done at a stop lights...

I wish EVERYONE the best of health this season...

free skin care · Sun Oct 25, 2009 1:12 pm

Location: U.S., Southern California. I heard on the news this week that all of the schools in our county have swine flu. I have elementary school-aged children who can't remember to brush their teeth without a reminder, let alone use sanitizer and keep their hands away from their faces, door knobs, etc. Since I can't be with them every minute, we all got vaccinated a few hours ago. So far, so good. Smile

free skin care · Sun Oct 25, 2009 2:09 pm

I would do it, but my 2 options are try and pray not get it or anaphylaxis, both are scary and deadly with my allergic reaction! Quite severe. I am not suggestion anyone who can take it not, if my kids (all four) weren't grown they would have it already I just landed out of the loop, the won't take the chance in my case!
Hope to steer clear.
Stay healthy everyone
DM

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 12:54 am

I've decided to not get the vaccination because of possible side effects. I feel it's a good idea to take supplements such as extra vit. C,fish oil vit. D etc. to boost my immunity & try to not get run down (get plenty of sleep). I only know 1 person who had it & it was a mild case. From what I have understood it's mostly those who have compromised immune symptoms who are at greater risk. I live in Canada.

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 8:30 am

We have a version of the vaccine containing Thiomersal as a preservative (which the US stopped using because of health scares) coming to us over here - although I'm not sure whether this is only going to be used in combination vaccines for children. Plus, it seems to have been rushed through, so I must admit that I won't be having it. In fact, many healthcare workers in the UK are refusing to have it because of safety concerns and worrying that it poses an unnecessary risk, which is obviously putting the general public off, too.

I'm due to go for my normal 'flu jab because of my asthma soon and am hoping that may afford some protection. I'm also taking immune booster caps and have a neti pot.

Bizarrely, my aunt who has severe lung problems recovered from swine 'flu after only a week, whereas another woman in the same village (with no major health problems) was much more seriously ill and took far longer to regain her health.

It seems to vary widely in relation to the individual affected. I guess you never know how bad (or otherwise) it will be until you get it.

Either way, it's a risk - the 'flu can have serious consequences and the vaccine could have side-effects. Definitely a decision that should be up to each individual person to make.

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 8:54 am

Septembergirl wrote:

Now, people (me Smile

) are a bit frustrated and undecided whether to get vaccinated or not because the vaccine may cause side effects.

Have you had the swine flu vaccination? Any side effects or discomfort from the vaccine?

I forgot to add that last week in my area of Southern California an otherwise healthy five year old girl died from swine flu. As far as I know, death is not one of the side effects of the vaccine.

Anyway, day-after-vaccine status (3 adults, one over 75 years of age with impaired lung function; 2 children under 10): arms are slightly sore at the injection site.

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:58 pm

My children received the H1N1 flu mist last week and experienced no side effects. I am hoping to be able to find a source that will give my dh and I our vaccines as well.
The flu is is quite prevalent here and there are three young people (in their 20's, formerly healthy) who are on ventilators at our local hospital. A set of newborns tested positive for the flu several weeks ago and one has already died and the other is quite ill.
This flu concerns me as it doesn't seem to be following the normal patterns or "rules" that we see with the seasonal flu; mild or severe, we don't want it at our house!!

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 2:54 pm

tessera wrote:

I forgot to add that last week in my area of Southern California an otherwise healthy five year old girl died from swine flu. As far as I know, death is not one of the side effects of the vaccine.

I beg to differ ONLY in the case of severe allergic reactions for some like myself, after 8 hour visits to the ER and having the head of Trauma called in to watch as I was pumped full of drugs to keep me from dying due to the reaction, then spending months on prednisone, seeing my family scared out of their wits as I was taken to the hospital I can't afford to risk the vaccine. That applies to some of us who are allergic to the base all flu vaccines are made in. Health care providers WILL NOT give the vaccine to anyone with the allergy at least not in the US!
DM

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:08 pm

A very interesting email from a dear friend sent to me earlier today, just thought I would share!

>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Subject: FW: SWINE FLU PREVENTION
>
>
> Please read. This makes a lot of sense to me! Hopefully it will help
> us to stay well!
> Becky
>
>
>
> Subject: SWINE FLU PREVENTION
>
> > This message is from Dr. Vinay Goyal a renowned doctor who visited
>
> > last week to lecture on the topic H1N1 (SWINE FLU), its origin and
>
> > precautions.
>
> > He 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 it makes a lot of sense and
>
>
> > important for all to know.........
>
> > The Message............
>
> > Please realize that this is not official advice!
>
> > Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation
>
> > till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle).
>
> > H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper
>
> > respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of
>
> > entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this
>
>
> > nature, it's almost impossible not 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:
>
> > 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 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.
>
> > All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households,
>
>
> > and certainly much less painful than to wait in long lines outside
>
> > public hospitals.
>
>
>
> **********************************************************************
> The information contained in this email is confidential and/or
> legally privileged. It has been sent for the sole use of the intended
> recipient(s). If the reader of this message is not an intended
> recipient, you are hereby notified that any unauthorized review, use,
> disclosure, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication,
> or any of its content, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
> communication in error, please contact the sender by
> reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.
>
> This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
> MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
>
>www.clearswift.com
>
> reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.
>
> This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
> MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
>
>www.clearswift.com
> *********************************************************************

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:21 pm

Why has this thread turned into a debate over whether or not to get the vaccine? I don't believe that was the original intent.

The questions asked were:

I would like to know what the situation is like in the country YOU live.

Have you had the swine flu? How ill were you? What were your symptoms?

Have you had the swine flu vaccination? Any side effects or discomfort from the vaccine?

All replies will be much appreciated.
Perhaps we could get back on track of the original thought or drop this thread altogether as it is apparent emotions are getting out of control.

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:32 pm

I don't have any intention of debating, just a fact some don't have the option. My last post was info I found useful weather you choose to get it or not. I know some places are reporting a shortage of the vaccine so some good preventive measures from above until you can get it if you wish, or can find it in your area.
One question was Are you getting the vaccine, people are likely to give their reasons for yay or nay!
Hope that clarifies things for you!
DM

BTW who is off topic or getting emotional????

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:37 pm

Status update... in the group of knowing someone that knows someone, I'm knowledgeable of 6 confirmed cases of swine flu. 4 of the 6 are dead. One of the remaining is day 2 of ICU, (good vibes welcome... this is the son of my mother's friend!! He's 35, otherwise healthy... his baby is person # 6... hospitalized, but home recovering!)

Can't even get the vaccine here... as I'm not in a "high risk" category... Still waiting on all flu vaccines at our Pedi...

The CDC does not recommend the vaccine for anyone with allergies to it's ingredients... The goal being to prevent death.

Last year I had a virus that by description only was every symptom that the swine flu offers. It was awful. I am a healthy person. I now think I might know what asthma feels like. My breathing was terribly restricted, and the obstruction amazing. I would cough so hard to clear my airways that I would almost vomit. It took me a week to get through this portion... Then I coughed for almost 6 months... (my family keeps reminding me how awful it was.)Can't quite imagine how much worse it could have been, that would require ICU... it seemed so bad...

I too am all for complimentary immune support... Fighting from all fronts..

Best health to all..

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 3:43 pm

ClaudiaFE,

Prayers for your friend and all infected, as well as hoping those who don't have it stay healthy. This is one scary bug!

STAY WELL
DM

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 8:03 pm

Good wishes for speedy recovery to all afflicted!

It is so scary, and the situation and the safety of the vaccine is also quite scary to me.

A few days ago we met a gentleman, who 2 years ago had a regular flu vaccine, and ended up in a hospital for several months with symptoms of neuro infection. Lost his memory...Quite a sad story.

Wish I knew what to do.

Good luck and health to all!

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 9:35 pm

Very sad, Claudia. Seems like a high mortality where you are. Why can't you get the vaccine? Can only high-risk people in your area or all over the US get it? I though Obama was telling everyone to get it?

Canada has a population of about 35 million people and the government has ordered over 50 million doses... not sure why they've over-ordered. I think one of the concerns here (aside from the usual hoopla about vaccines) is that it hasn't been tested thoroughly enough. They started innoculating people en masse today. I think I'm going to get it... although I've never had a flu vaccine and I rarely get sick during flu season.

free skin care · Mon Oct 26, 2009 10:40 pm

I'm not EXACTLY sure of the reasons... other than there is a specific time frame to create the vaccine... kind of like you can't rush boiling of water ???

So, because it's delayed, and they are putting it out in batches... those at highest risk for severe complications are up first... Those with chronic med conditions. ASTHMA is huge... children under 6 months, care givers of children under 6 months. health care professionals... Then, I'm not sure how it will be expanded.

I really detest the scariness of this... there's just enough info out there to scare the heck out of you on all fronts...

free skin care · Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:37 am

DarkMoon wrote:

I beg to differ ONLY in the case of severe allergic reactions for some like myself ...DM

Well, of course, you're absolutely right - allergies must be considered. I'm severely allergic to aspirin, so I have some sense of having to avoid specific substances. Your experience sounds horrible!

When I was 8 months pregnant with my oldest son, my dh got some sort of severe flu and my OB wanted me to move to a hotel. I didn't do that, but I did wear rubber gloves to prepare and serve dh's food, washed the dishes immediately (and used separate dishes myself), avoided the bathroom he was using (to reduce the chance of touching germy surfaces), slept separately and washed my hands frequently. This was sufficient to avoid catching the virus, even though we were in the same house. Good luck with your germs avoidance plan. Smile

free skin care · Tue Oct 27, 2009 6:49 am

I also agree with the doc in the email, gargling with saline solution, and nasal passages as well to prevent the virus from proliferating! It is easy and if you look were he has worked, supplies are in short supply in those places. Easy preventive measures are so simple to do, he even recommends just blowing your nose!

IMHO
DM

free skin care · Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:29 pm

I know of several people in my region (Northern California coast) who have gotten it, but all (thankfully!) have recovered. My cube neighbor has been on the phone for four hours with her husband who has been waiting in line with their two kids for the vaccine. I'm more worried about spending all day in close proximity with three hundred strangers waiting to get the shot, than getting the flu. Practicing good healthy preventative measures always of course...

free skin care · Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:46 pm

Margot wrote:

I know of several people in my region (Northern California coast) who have gotten it, but all (thankfully!) have recovered. My cube neighbor has been on the phone for four hours with her husband who has been waiting in line with their two kids for the vaccine. I'm more worried about spending all day in close proximity with three hundred strangers waiting to get the shot, than getting the flu. Practicing good healthy preventative measures always of course...

I think this is making us all a bit paranoid, Rightfully so! I hate going to the drugstore just to pick up my dad's rx's, and the grocery store as well, who knows what you are being exposed to and where! It is enough to make you want to hide in your house, or get a bio suit to cover everything. We do have to go out in public unfortunately!
Good Luck to all
Stay Well
Rona

free skin care · Tue Oct 27, 2009 2:14 pm

DarkMoon I'd like to thank you for posting the information on preventative measures to take.I'm passing that on to everybody I know.Gargling,such a simple thing to be doing everyday.

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