VERY important relevant SWINE FLU information. PLEASE listen.

[Mahonri]

Debbie,

You are blessed because you have been exposed and probably have a higher probability of immunity.

Until their is a vaccine for the mutated version, don't get the experimental ones!

 

[ranchhand]

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Same way I stash food and other necessities for hurricane season. Home sweet home!

 

[Carolina]

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Was he tested and determined to have swine flu?

And if you didn't get it when he had it, are you now immune or susceptible to the next go-round?

He was tested for flu and the result was negative, so we took him to a specialist. The specialist said that a negative test tells you nothing--it's only 40% accurate. He diagnosed flu from the symptoms and said that since swine flu is the only thing going around now, that's got to be it.

I don't know if we're immune. I think I'll ask. I know I had exposure while I was taking care of him. I tried to keep him quarantined (he couldn't move anyway) and keep things sanitary. Maybe I shouldn't have . . .

 

[Carolina]

I asked. I called a friend who has a PhD in public health who works for the state of California.

To be exposed, I would have to inhale coughed or sneezed droplets of the correct size into the lower part of my lungs. So, my son should be immune, but the rest of us aren't. It's not like a cold that can be caught by touching contaminated surfaces.

This is not a particularly bad type of flu if you catch it. It may mutate and become worse, but it's not expected. The people who have died have underlying respiratory problems already.

The swine flu vaccine is made just like flu vaccine is always made, it's just made for this particular strain. No more or less dangerous to be vaccinated. You will probably have to have two shots, one for the regular strains and another for swine flu.

They probably won't quarantine whole towns. Most likely schools and public buildings willclose for a week or so. Maybe cancel large gatherings like football games or concerts. Some people will choose to wear masks.

Swine flu is responsive to the regular flu drugs. They have found one person in Australia who has a strain that does not respond to them. They are watching carefully for mutations like that.

After talking to her, I feel much better. It's not hype. It's not a conspiracy. They know what they're doing. Be smart and be prepared as always. I love the food storage pictures!

 

[silkiechicken]

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This all sounds good to me. Pretty much what the scientist peoples say both at U of Washington and Oregon state. I'm getting a PhD in Cell and Molecular biology and have faith in my coworkers.

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Well, my kids and I have asthma. I'm not sure if that counts as an underlying respiratory disorder.

Carolina, can I come over and lick your couch (or wherever your son was laid up)? COME ON!!! I want to get swine flu before it gets bad!!!!

 

[luvmychicknkids]

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Yes, asthma definitely counts. My youngest son is SEVERELY asthmatic. Flu season sends me into a panic every year. He almost died from flu year before last.

Oh....and for everyone talking 1918, have we forgotten there was a pandemic in....oh, the late 60's called the Hong Kong flu. My mother had that. It almost killed her and she still has respiratory issues from it. Now I would be willing to put money on the fact that mine was swine flu so I guess my family likes to catch the pandemic flu bugs.

 

[Kanchii]

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The image of you on your hands and knees licking someone elses couch made me burst into laughter

 

[Eggs4Sale]

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The image of you on your hands and knees licking someone elses couch made me burst into laughter

Well apparently Carolina wasn't so keen about that idea as she has not invited me over.

lvmychicknkids, what's your address? I'll lick your couch unless you have cats.

 

[thewarriorchild]

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Wrong. VERY wrong. The swine flu is no different than any other FLU. There is a rather significant difference in a cold and the flu. I just recovered from the flu. I had a child in the hospital when I got sick so I wasn't paying enough attention to MY symptoms and didn't catch it in time to take Tamiflu. It lasted a month. I was so weak until just a week or so ago I couldn't even do my regular work.

I had it also. I posted about it, it is AWFUL, and I am glad you said you were tired for a long time because I have been also.