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I agree, but I just got a nursing e-mail that WHO has upped the chances of pandemic from 4 to 5 (on a scale of 6--6 meaning it's a fact). I don't agree with that, but perhaps they know something I don't.

The fact that two young children have it indicates their adult families were exposed and whatever immunity they had from past flu or vaccinations kept the virus at bay. This is seeming to hit those who have never had any serious flu or perhaps even any vaccinations.

If you have taken potent antibiotics (vanc, etc.) recently, consult your physician to see if you should have tammiflu immediately.
quote:
Originally posted by FirenzeVeritas:
I agree, but I just got a nursing e-mail that WHO has upped the chances of pandemic from 4 to 5 (on a scale of 6--6 meaning it's a fact). I don't agree with that, but perhaps they know something I don't.

The fact that two young children have it indicates their adult families were exposed and whatever immunity they had from past flu or vaccinations kept the virus at bay. This is seeming to hit those who have never had any serious flu or perhaps even any vaccinations.

If you have taken potent antibiotics (vanc, etc.) recently, consult your physician to see if you should have tammiflu immediately.


Why Fire? Is a Z pack considered a potent antibiotic? How recent are do you mean?
I haven't heard anyone say that it would be zoonotic, but some viruses can be transmitted to horses, dogs, etc. I'll try to Google it.

If you've taken a potent antibiotic, you've lost "good" bacteria as well as "bad." Influenza is a virus, but you don't want anything else to go along with it--it just diminishes your immune system further.
quote:
Originally posted by southernsally:
quote:
Originally posted by FirenzeVeritas:
I agree, but I just got a nursing e-mail that WHO has upped the chances of pandemic from 4 to 5 (on a scale of 6--6 meaning it's a fact). I don't agree with that, but perhaps they know something I don't.

The fact that two young children have it indicates their adult families were exposed and whatever immunity they had from past flu or vaccinations kept the virus at bay. This is seeming to hit those who have never had any serious flu or perhaps even any vaccinations.

If you have taken potent antibiotics (vanc, etc.) recently, consult your physician to see if you should have tammiflu immediately.


Why Fire? Is a Z pack considered a potent antibiotic? How recent are do you mean?


I wouldn't call it that potent. I'm speaking of a broad range antibiotic like vancomycin--something one would get after surgery, etc. It would take weeks, if not months, for the body to rebuild the "good" bacteria.

Sally, if you have any COPD or smoke or anything of that nature, take extra care. I have not thought this would become a pandemic (we haven't had one since 1918), but WHO seems to think differently. Try to stay at least 4 feet away from anyone you talk to (air droplet range). I really think those of us who are older would only get a milder version, but I am worried about kids under 20 or even 25 who may never have had the flu or a flu vaccination.

I hope teyates will comment; he has a good level head for these things.
quote:
Originally posted by FirenzeVeritas:
TP, this article:

Link

says it's unknown if we can spread it to our domestic animals (scroll almost to bottom for this question).
I'll keep my pets at home to be on the safe side. Blackie is on antiobiotics for allergies already and has a cough, so I don't want to expose her to anything. Thanks, sweet lady!
quote:
Originally posted by FirenzeVeritas:
quote:
Originally posted by southernsally:
quote:
Originally posted by FirenzeVeritas:
I agree, but I just got a nursing e-mail that WHO has upped the chances of pandemic from 4 to 5 (on a scale of 6--6 meaning it's a fact). I don't agree with that, but perhaps they know something I don't.

The fact that two young children have it indicates their adult families were exposed and whatever immunity they had from past flu or vaccinations kept the virus at bay. This is seeming to hit those who have never had any serious flu or perhaps even any vaccinations.

If you have taken potent antibiotics (vanc, etc.) recently, consult your physician to see if you should have tammiflu immediately.


Why Fire? Is a Z pack considered a potent antibiotic? How recent are do you mean?


I wouldn't call it that potent. I'm speaking of a broad range antibiotic like vancomycin--something one would get after surgery, etc. It would take weeks, if not months, for the body to rebuild the "good" bacteria.
Sally, if you have any COPD or smoke or anything of that nature, take extra care. I have not thought this would become a pandemic (we haven't had one since 1918), but WHO seems to think differently. Try to stay at least 4 feet away from anyone you talk to (air droplet range). I really think those of us who are older would only get a milder version, but I am worried about kids under 20 or even 25 who may never have had the flu or a flu vaccination.

I hope teyates will comment; he has a good level head for these things.


I don't smoke and am reasonably healthy.I was asking for my son and daughter who seem to be catch everything.I am worried about school age children.Did you know that some schools don't have soap in the bathrooms? My son said there was no hot water in one of there bathrooms at Brooks.
quote:
It's said that plain Ivory Soap will kill the AIDS virus, but it certainly doesn't hurt in this case to use an antibacterial soap.


Research indicates that this has the potential of doing more harm than good, FV, and contribute to the evolution of superbugs.

Like you stated, plain soap and water seems to be best.

More info here: Link
quote:
Originally posted by Skeptik:
quote:
It's said that plain Ivory Soap will kill the AIDS virus, but it certainly doesn't hurt in this case to use an antibacterial soap.


Research indicates that this has the potential of doing more harm than good, FV, and contribute to the evolution of superbugs.

Like you stated, plain soap and water seems to be best.

More info here: Link


That's true when used every day, but in the case of a flu outbreak, I would definitely use the antibacterial soap.

The same is true for z-packs. Fine for a sinus infection, but useless for colds or flu and just weaken the antibiotic's ability to fight bacteria.
Okay, nurses, I am officially freaking out about this. Willson Elementary is one of the schools who doesn't have soap but uses hand sanitizer instead. Could someone tell me if it will be as effective at killing this flue virus at soap/ I guess that's stupid, come to think of it. With children, they are far more likely to spread germs by not covering their faces when they cough or sneeze anyway and then touching something, right? Eeker
Salty, there are two problems with hand sanitizer. First, it doesn't seep into all areas of the hand as soap and water does. Second, it dries almost immediately; some germs are killed less easily than others and have to be exposed for up to 60 seconds in order to be eradicated.

If I were you, I would consult with the local health department and report the situation to them. Perhaps they could arrange for a grant, or...most schools have retail or industrial partners. Perhaps they would agree to buy the soap. As skep said, just plain soap in most instances is enough. If you think you've been exposed, used the antibacterial.

There's just no need for antibacterial furniture polish...
Salty, don't panic just yet. If your kids or grand kids school has no soap send some with them and be sure they know to and how to use it. Have them wash their hands using soap and recite the alphabet A - Z before rinsing, leave the water on, dry their hands with paper towel and use the paper towel to turn off the water. If they also have hand sanitizer with them use it AFTER they leave the restroom because they will touch the door handle upon leaving.

As far as freaking out I've got one word for that....... KATRINA ......Obama isn't about to let a possible flu outbreak turn into a national disaster, and remember prior to this H1N1 flu virus about 100 people per day die in the US due to complications related to flu. And so far almost all deaths have been in another country where we (the general public) have little knowledge of their health care, living conditions or sanitation. Did these people seek medical care when they became very sick? Did they treat their symptoms at the onset of illness, drinking plenty of fluids, taking medications. etc? Did they take measures to see that others were not exposed like we are doing here in the US?
FV,
I am scared for both of my sons but especially my youngest... he has a immune deficiency where he has no Ig4. I am completely worried now... What should we do besides wash our hands to prevent this from infecting our children? Sorry for the paranoia ... I just can't help it when it comes to my children.
I live around five miles from the school were two kids were found to "probably" have this.

I'm undecided how I really feel about the issue. I still think that the media is overdoing the hype and paranoia about it. Furthermore, the kids who did have whatever it was are reportedly already recovering. It sounds as if proper precautions are taken, it's no big deal and can be treated fairly quickly.

But on the other hand, I want to take no chances whatsoever and would rather be safe than sorry. I had a few plans for this weekend, including possibly going down to Birmingham for the Crawfish Boil. But I've decided that being around large crowds just isn't a wise idea right now.

People here in Madison / Huntsville are absolutely freaking out. The highways look empty and so many people have called in to work. I'm sure that's mostly due to all of the schools closing, but it still feels really creepy.
One thing to add concerning the comment on the size of the virus. Yes, viruses are exhaled on microscopic droplets when one breathes--these can float for long periods. Other droplets are expelled when one sneezes or coughs or speaks--these are heavier and fall to the ground more quickly. Masks do protect from the latter.

As an adult I am not concerned. I reiterate that I am concerned for young children who have never been exposed to the flu before.

Further, I have heard of schools and jails and other facilities not having soap. This is a basic in today's world. To not provide this is beyond my ken. If you went to a restaurant and there was no soap, you could (and should) report the facility to the health department. It should be the same for other locations.
Everyone out here in Madison / Huntsville isn't freaking out. As a matter of fact, just cross County Line Road and you get a totally different reaction.

I live about 2 miles from Heritage Elementary. Because I am on the right side of the road, I am in Limestone County. My daughter goes to East Limestone High and it is business as usual there. We are still having our Spring Beauty Walk on Friday and Saturday night. Our baseball team is still playing the Cardinal and White game tomorrow night, etc.

As I was typing this, I got a phone call (recording) from the superintendent's office letting us know that they are monitoring the situation and asking us to not send our sick kids to school. Further, they are not taking any special measures at this time.

Two school systems, one problem, two radically different approaches!
Danielrh9, you are on the wrong side of County Line Road! Over here in non-Madison, people are just going on as usual. I went downtown after work, over around 5 Points and noticed that Huntsville is still preparing for the Whistle Stop Festival. This area is a big mix of people scared to death and people who are clueless! I'm waiting for the fall out after a zillion folks get sick after this weekend's festivities in B'ham (Crawfish Boil) and Huntsville (Whistle Stop Festival)! The zombies will be upon us!!!

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