Trapped inside by the flu :(

Update: Yay, things seem to be calming down, finally. I'm sick of this whole thing.

Edit: Um, yeah, I should probably mention from the beginning that I'm in Mexico City.

Ugh. It's all going crazy. The numbers are getting scary and all the people I know who work in Health Stuff have sent e-mails or called warning that it's more serious that the government is letting on (I mean, not that anyone trusts the government anyways, but yeah). Then again, the media always makes everything as dramatic as they can, so maybe it's all exaggerated. Since all levels of school are cancelled and my Dad works at the University and my Mom works at home, we've decided to go into total lock-down. This morning we did our last bulk shopping trip at Costco and we're holing up for at least the 10 or so days there's no school. Or mass or concerts or museums or anything. Or gym.

Also, I am not enjoying being stuck here with my family. It's like Big Brother or something. I mean yeah, love the family and all, but we don't usually spend that much time squashed together. My older sister is going completely bonkers and paranoic and getting my Dad (they are one of a kind) all riled up. I'm not even going to go into all the hypocresy and drama she stirred up, single-handed, when I had to leave the house this afternoon.

Ah, well. I'm very thankful we're safe and can stay at home and aren't sick, and as far as I know my friends and family are all good, too. But with one thing and another I am slowly going crazy. Why did it have to be here in Mexico City? Right here? I'm worried and scared and bored. I'm torn between relief that my Electromagnetism exam is postponed and fear because the numbers just went up again and are we really even safe here, maybe I should wipe the door handles with alcohol again?

I dunno, I just kind of wanted to vent and see what's going on in the rest of the world. Are they talking about the flu on the international news a lot?

Not quite. Thanks for trying though. I've never seen a media frenzy over the common flu. Moving on. You're boring me. 

Original Post by simwaves1:

It seems that the swine flu is becoming much more "serious" as time goes on. With the CDC raising the pandemic level to a 5 today, the incidence of this flu will likely grow rapidly very soon. The CDC has also said that after observing the recent infections, the infection emerging in the states may be associated with a more severe illness than that experienced in mexico.

An H1N1 type flu may not be a problem for many people, but this isn't the typical H1N1 flu either. The fact that this flu originated in swine means that it has undergone an antigenic shift, leaving just about everyone susceptible regardless of previous vaccination. Another factor to consider is the fact that this virus triggers a cytokine storm, pushing your immune system into overdrive and putting you at serious risk. With this type of virus, its usually the people with a healthy immune system that die.

This is the same scenario as the spanish flu back in 1918. Antigenic shift of an H1N1 flu virus caused a jump into humans and killed many through the release of a cytokine storm. That pandemic made 36,000 deaths per year look like a walk in the park. Total deaths from the spanish flu may have been as high as 200 million worldwide. That's not what were looking at right now, but certainly the swine flu has the potential to become much worse.

 I heard a report, not sure how accurate it was as it was before the folks from WHO went to mexico city, but the initial report from mexico was that the largest demographic hit by the flu in mexico resulting in death were aged 20-40.

that's what sim was talking about, if this flu causes your own immune system to turn against you (exaggerated cytokine response), then the more robust your immune system, the worse off you will be if you contract it (more "healthy" people will die, not from the flu per se, but from their own body's extreme immune reaction)

the world is overdue for a pandemic

yes, the media is not being responsible in their treatment of this legitimate news story, and that's unfortunate because they are causing two reactions, panic or incredulity, neither of which is especially helpful in taking reasonable precaution.

be aware (not panicked). be informed (don't ignore it).  be ready to take responsible action if necessary.

I've had a sore throat now for 2 days (today is day 2) should I be worried? =/ I live in RI, have not been to Mexico. NYC, NJ and now Mass have all had cases and my husband works in Mass. So, I'm slightly paranoid because I rarely ever get sick (I haven't been sick in 3 years =O) and this whole cytokine response thing makes me scared. :(

Original Post by cptbunny:

I've had a sore throat now for 2 days (today is day 2) should I be worried? =/ I live in RI, have not been to Mexico. NYC, NJ and now Mass have all had cases and my husband works in Mass. So, I'm slightly paranoid because I rarely ever get sick (I haven't been sick in 3 years =O) and this whole cytokine response thing makes me scared. :(

 Do you have a fever?  I read that this thing causes a high fever (103' F) as well as a sore throat and other flue symptoms.  If you have a fever, I'd suggest that you see your doctor.  If there's no fever, then it's probably nothing.  I haven't been sicker than the common cold in years either. 

I still think it's been overblown, but I also think calling it ridiculous is more than a little harsh.  People have died, young healthy people, and that surely makes it a cause for concern.  People are scared.  To call it ridiculous simply because you are not worried is thoughtless and cruel.

Don't worry bunny :] It's very unlikely that you have it! Probably just a sore throat. Or maybe you're just worrying too much and your body is playing tricks on you. IF you start getting more flu symptoms call your doctor's office and ask them what you should do. Since it's so contaigious they're saying to do that instead of just going in to their office.

But  I bet you'll be fine :]

Original Post by caverlady:

I still think it's been overblown, but I also think calling it ridiculous is more than a little harsh.  People have died, young healthy people, and that surely makes it a cause for concern.  People are scared.  To call it ridiculous simply because you are not worried is thoughtless and cruel.

I said it was ridiculous to freak out. Please re-read. 

Original Post by donk22:

Sim--I see your point and I agree that this issue shouldn't be handled lightly...but I think we should also acknowledge the fact that our medical advancements have come a long way since the 1918 outbreak.

I doubt there would have been nearly as many deaths during the spanish flu if they had the same technology as we have now...

The death toll that this flu could potentially cause could be the same. That really depends on the specifics of this virus. We have two antiviral medications that can treat this flu at this point, but that's not going to protect many people. The countries which are at highest risk from this flu don't have the same medical technology that we have here in the states.

ali - do you think that 500,000 deaths worldwide in a year really makes a difference? We're still talking about anywhere between 40 to 200 times the amount of deaths. 

This virus is already more serious than a normal flu virus. Cytokine storm basically means that this virus will push healthy people into septic shock. Even with our technology, septic shock has a very poor prognosis.

Freaking out about this flu and being aware of the "serious" potential that this virus holds are very different.

I'm aware of the potential harm that COULD happen. I agree being aware and freaking out are very different. However, what I see is people freaking out. 

I see some people who are afraid, and I don't blame them since the individual governments are breeding fear with everything they do, but I don't see a lot of freaking out.  People aren't rioting or running screaming in the streets.  It's not anywhere near a total panic. 

The ONLY reason I'm afraid is because I don't have health insurance so I'd have to go the emergency room (where they'll see me/treat me and then bill me later) when I don't want to go when others who are there need more attention than I.

I think I have an ear infection anyway, cause my right ear inside is killing me (and that same side of the throat is what hurts). So... ugh. =/

I don't blame people for being afraid or freaking out because not having health insurance (a large majority of US people do not) is scary all by itself.

From what I've heard, a large part of the reason for the alarm is the length of time that the swine flu virus is contagious. The "regular" influenza is a threat to people who are not healthy, and this swine flu is the same.

What's NOT the same, however, is that the swine flu is contagious for 11 days. The usual influenza is 48 hours. With both regular and swine flu, carriers can transmit the disease without actually getting sick. A healthy person can pass along the virus to someone else without ever having flu symptoms (for both "regular" and "swine" flu). When you multiply the length of the time that the virus is actually contagious, you can see there is potential for extra pre-cautions.

Obviously I don't know this for an absolute fact but this is what's been in the media today. And it makes sense because the schools that are closing are closing for 10-11 days.

Again, I think the swine flu is actually serious. I think the "regular" flu is also serious. Personally I am taking the same precautions now to avoid getting sick, that I take during the usual flu season of Dec-Feb time frame.

I don't think it warrants panic and mass hysteria. But defnitely common sense and maybe some extra care to avoid transmitting germs.

Original Post by nomoreexcuses:

 I heard a report, not sure how accurate it was as it was before the folks from WHO went to mexico city, but the initial report from mexico was that the largest demographic hit by the flu in mexico resulting in death were aged 20-40.

be aware (not panicked). be informed (don't ignore it).  be ready to take responsible action if necessary.

I heard that too, about the age range thing. And because it's a "swine" flu we don't the usual natural immunities built up (compared to "regular" flu).

And I totally agree with your other statement about being aware and responsible. That is quite different from "freaking out."

Original Post by caverlady:

I see some people who are afraid, and I don't blame them since the individual governments are breeding fear with everything they do, but I don't see a lot of freaking out.  People aren't rioting or running screaming in the streets.  It's not anywhere near a total panic. 

Mhm. I see ' fear ' but I don't see anyone freaking out. The fear isn't misplaced and it's within reason, imho. It's there because people are aware this a serious concern. That's all.  Some people respond with necessary safety precautions because they had/have a healthy fear.

Original Post by simwaves1:

ali - do you think that 500,000 deaths worldwide in a year really makes a difference? We're still talking about anywhere between 40 to 200 times the amount of deaths. 

This virus is already more serious than a normal flu virus. Cytokine storm basically means that this virus will push healthy people into septic shock. Even with our technology, septic shock has a very poor prognosis.

Freaking out about this flu and being aware of the "serious" potential that this virus holds are very different.

 Exactly.

Original Post by amy_blue:

Original Post by nomoreexcuses:

 I heard a report, not sure how accurate it was as it was before the folks from WHO went to mexico city, but the initial report from mexico was that the largest demographic hit by the flu in mexico resulting in death were aged 20-40.

be aware (not panicked). be informed (don't ignore it).  be ready to take responsible action if necessary.

I heard that too, about the age range thing. And because it's a "swine" flu we don't the usual natural immunities built up (compared to "regular" flu).

And I totally agree with your other statement about being aware and responsible. That is quite different from "freaking out."

  I agree. :)

Original Post by alibsam:

I read what you said. We just don't agree. I think this swine flu thing is ridiculous. 

Original Post by alibsam:

Original Post by caverlady:

I still think it's been overblown, but I also think calling it ridiculous is more than a little harsh.  People have died, young healthy people, and that surely makes it a cause for concern.  People are scared.  To call it ridiculous simply because you are not worried is thoughtless and cruel.

I said it was ridiculous to freak out. Please re-read. 

  That's a contradiction.  Running backwards? I suggest that you just retract your previous statement. It's a lot smarter than pretending that you never said it.

well, regardless of whether we are all freaking out or not, I think most people would agree that there is a healthy concern & fear for the swine flu.  I know I'm certainly paranoid about it!

I feel badly for the poor piggies though because they have the wrong side of the deal & are being slaughtered by the thousands...check out the story.  Which is probably why the World Health Organization decided to change the name of the virus to H1N1 influenza A.  I will never be able to remember that....

Enchanting: Again, learn to read. 

Original Post by tahitisweetie123:

well, regardless of whether we are all freaking out or not, I think most people would agree that there is a healthy concern & fear for the swine flu.  I know I'm certainly paranoid about it!

I feel badly for the poor piggies though because they have the wrong side of the deal & are being slaughtered by the thousands...check out the story.  Which is probably why the World Health Organization decided to change the name of the virus to H1N1 influenza A.  I will never be able to remember that....

I read that earlier and that is just plain awful. =(