SWINE FLU VIRUS ???

Post by **Elderberry** » Sun May 03, 2009 9:00 am

36,000 people DIE from the REGULAR flu every year in the U.S., so let's not lose perspective here.

This is an entirely new strain of virus. Because of advances in medical technology, the world is taking a differnet approach to the management of this new strain. Had this strain emerged only a few years ago, it would not have been in the news as it is today--it would have just run it's course as have all the other strains before it.

People are not used to such an agressive approach via prevention, so consequently it is causing undue concern for the public.

Based on the latest information, it is turning out that the flu in Mexico may not be any more deadly than in the U.S. but rather the flu has already been wide spread with a large majority of unknown/untreated cases; but because of the inferior health care infastructure it is only coming to light and the 'new' cases being reported are actually all of the worst cases--which was the only way it was recognized there, as the mild cases never presented to doctors or hospitals.

JK

dana · Post by **dana** » Sun May 03, 2009 10:05 am

jkisha wrote: People are not used to such an agressive approach via prevention, so consequently it is causing undue concern for the public.

in Mexico because of the inferior health care infastructure it is only coming to light and the 'new' cases being reported are actually all of the worst cases--which was the only way it was recognized there, as the mild cases never presented to doctors or hospitals.

JK

Bingo.

In the US we have a rapid flu test (kind of like a rapid strep test.) And we like to use it a lot when we're on the lookout for influenza.
Just remember: Flu comes on like the worst cold you've ever had within a matter of hours unlike the usual cold virus starting with a little scratchy throat. You need to be seen within the first 48 hours for Tamiflu to be effective (and hopefully keep the worst of it at bay.) Currently we're not bothering to test people unless their temp. is over a hundred.

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Sun May 03, 2009 12:31 pm

From CNN: Worldwide cases top 800

WHO's spokesman for epidemic and pandemic diseases was asked Sunday about claims by Mexican officials that the virus has peaked in that country.

Earlier in the day, Mexican Health Secretary Jose Cordova said during a news conference that the epidemic "is in its declining phase."

That is possible, Gregory Hartl said at the daily WHO briefing, but he noted that the current outbreak is only about 10 days old. Even if the illness abates, it may return.

"I ... would like to remind people that in 1918 the Spanish flu showed a surge in the spring, and then disappeared in the summer months, only to return in the autumn of 1918 with a vengeance. And we know that that eventually killed 40 million to 50 million people," Hartl said.

Mexican authorities believe their most active period was between April 23 and April 28.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, appearing on CNN's "State of the Union," also warned that even if the flu outbreak wanes, "it could come back with greater force in the winter and fall, when we get into flu season. So, this is no time for complacency. We want to stay out ahead of this."

Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC's interim deputy director for public health, told reporters Sunday, "I'm heartened by the Mexican authorities' reports, but I am very cautious. I know that influenza can be surprising, and the time course here in the United States is later. We believe we're just on the upswing here, and in several parts of Mexico, cases began quite a while ago."

She added, "From what I know about influenza, I do expect more cases, more severe cases, and I do expect more deaths. And I'm particularly concerned about what will happen in the fall."

Acting CDC director Richard Besser, who also appeared on CNN's "State of the Union," said U.S. health officials are examining whether people who received flu shots for the swine flu in 1976 may have some level of protection from the current swine flu.

"That's going to play in very, very big, as we move forward with our plans around vaccines, because that may help guide some of the issues around who is most at risk at getting this in the future," Besser said.

Offering a general picture of the state of U.S. efforts to combat the swine flu, Besser said, "there are encouraging signs. We're not out of the woods yet. But what we've learned about the virus itself, it doesn't contain the factors that we know are seen in much more severe flu strains."

dana · Post by **dana** » Sun May 03, 2009 1:17 pm

Acting CDC director Richard Besser, who also appeared on CNN's "State of the Union," said U.S. health officials are examining whether people who received flu shots for the swine flu in 1976 may have some level of protection from the current swine flu.

"That's going to play in very, very big, as we move forward with our plans around vaccines, because that may help guide some of the issues around who is most at risk at getting this in the future," Besser said.

Its a little doubtful whether vaccines given that long ago would still have much effect. Your immune system's antigenic memory is kind of like regular memory - it needs to be jogged to keep it current.
Although vaccines are derived from human viruses, once the virus crosses over they can be used to make new vaccines. This might be a good year to get your vaccine if you usually don't. (just in case the scenario gets replayed from 1918)

Post by **Elderberry** » Sun May 03, 2009 4:59 pm

Here's a good FAQ from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you ... tw_epr_109

JK

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Mon May 04, 2009 4:46 pm

Viruses come and Viruses go as for they are in many cases unstable genetically picking up strands of DNA here and there. H1N1 is part Bird, human and pig virus. it may end up back were it came from as a virus that infects only pigs, birds or human. The stain that's in the us have already mutated, possible from interaction with virus antibodies found in humans and is becoming more like the common cold and perhaps next years a more successful but non-lethal virus.

On the other hand:

The Anti-Andromeda Apocalyptic Virus!

soon to be in the movies next year as a remake!

AIIZ

klondike_bar · Post by **klondike_bar** » Mon May 04, 2009 7:48 pm

I survived swine flu and all i got was this half-priced ham.

littleflower · Post by **littleflower** » Mon May 04, 2009 8:00 pm

what???? no bacon???

can't sit still · Post by **can't sit still** » Tue May 05, 2009 8:49 am

" Remember that the 1976 version of the swine flu vaccination killed more people than the disease itself"
http://www.newswithviews.com/Stang/alan198.htm

Apollonaris Zeus · Post by **Apollonaris Zeus** » Tue May 05, 2009 10:20 am

can't sit still wrote:
http://www.newswithviews.com/Stang/alan198.htm

Can't Sit Still, you got to stop going to websites like that- Obama is watching you!

AIIZ

can't sit still · Post by **can't sit still** » Tue May 05, 2009 6:07 pm

Mea Culpa, my sins are so numerous, there is no redemption for me. I try to fly low. I try to be slippery. I try to show people why they should get engaged with the world. I'm trying a few different angles of attack. I'm compounding my sins daily.
I believe that the aims and desires of the current power structure are the antithesis of the needs of humanity. I'll fight in my own little way... which will evolve with circumstance. I don't set limits. The pen is useless without the sword. We all march towards the final dawn.
Better to meet the dawn like Don Quixote than a self-absorbed slave to fear.

nightingale · Post by **nightingale** » Wed May 06, 2009 10:45 pm

quote from "ygmir"
"interesting how certain "flu's" seem to almost target certain groups, or demographics...........

almost as if it were a "plan".....or experiment...........by some sinister villain(s)"

I love a nice snicker!!! Must be destiny for those special people, Oh my!

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Wed May 06, 2009 11:11 pm

nightingale wrote:quote from "ygmir"
"interesting how certain "flu's" seem to almost target certain groups, or demographics...........

almost as if it were a "plan".....or experiment...........by some sinister villain(s)"

I love a nice snicker!!! Must be destiny for those special people, Oh my!

and, a sweet destiny it is.......

Monkeypoo · Post by **Monkeypoo** » Thu May 07, 2009 12:24 am

ygmir wrote:and, a sweet destiny it is.......

I found a Deep Fried Snickers, but it's really grossing me out, man, and I'm almost thinking it belongs in the WALL OF WRONG thread...

*GAG*

Ygmir, hon, if this didn't freeze up your computer, I don't know what will.

*GAG*

Monkeypoo · Post by **Monkeypoo** » Thu May 07, 2009 12:31 am

I'm sorry. I do apologize.
My last post had absolutely nothing to do with the Swine Flu thread.
*wanders off to find a pic of a pig eating a fried Snickers bar*
Dammit!! I'm sorry!!
Couldn't find one.
How about this?
It's titled "Delicious Pig Candy"
....and, um, it prevents the Swine Flu.
Yeah! That's the ticket!

http://www.bbqreport.com/archives/barbe ... pig-candy/

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Thu May 07, 2009 7:27 am

Monkeypoo wrote:I'm sorry. I do apologize.
My last post had absolutely nothing to do with the Swine Flu thread.
*wanders off to find a pic of a pig eating a fried Snickers bar*
Dammit!! I'm sorry!!
Couldn't find one.
How about this?
It's titled "Delicious Pig Candy"
....and, um, it prevents the Swine Flu.
Yeah! That's the ticket!

http://www.bbqreport.com/archives/barbe ... pig-candy/

Poo:
of all things to apologize for (and, I've never seen you do anything remotely close to calling for apology),
thread drift is not one...........
I speak for myself, but, imply others as well:
we've taken thread drift to an art form.........

now,
who wants a cheeseburger?