Flu Pandemic?

@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
June 11, 2009 2:10pm CST
The WHO has raised the alert regarding the H1N1 flu to the highest level -6, and I think that most of us probably saw this coming. What this means, they say, is that the flu is spreading rapidly and has reached pandemic proportions. It is expected to affect one third of the population in the early stages, with recurring outbreaks over the next several months. I find this whole thing to be scary(especially since I am just getting over probably the worst cold I've ever had in my life). Some people in my area have resorted to wearing surgical-type face masks. On the news a couple of days ago there was a concerned mother who had rushed to her daughter's school after learning that a student there had been diagnosed with this flu. She took her daughter a face mask, which I'm pretty sure might have embarrassed the girl if she was to be the only student wearing one. Do you think that measures like this should be taken to prevent the spread of the flu? I think that I might have had some kind of flu because it seemed to be much more than an ordinary cold.
2 people like this
13 responses
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
12 Jun 09
The swine flu isn't really much more deadly as the regular flu. I heard that it might actually become weaker the more it spreads...even if that's not true, I'd just recommend eating a ton of garlic and just being mindful of who breathes on you. I'm not worried. Also; surgical masks are only useful for about twenty minutes. Why? Because that's how long it takes for you saliva to compromise its ability to protect you. So no...I don't think it's a good method for avoiding this flu. Anyways some factoids for you about colds and flus; they are constantly mutating organisms that only last for as long as they can be spread host-to-host. Normally we get them from birds (that's why the bird flu was supposed to be a big deal, it would infect the animal carriers in order to jump to humans, it was just a sort of hyper-aggressive flu). Our bodies' immune systems, when healthy and frequently exposed to germs, dirt, and viruses, adapt and learn enough to battle most new viruses. There's always a few, even if they're healthy, that don't make it...but largely, those in the worst danger are those with sucky immune system (lack of a proper diet, not enough exercise, hereditary diseases, or chronic and unfixable conditions that otherwise hinder their immune systems' ability to react appropriately to new threats...). Now the swine flu...basically does the same things that the regular flu does to you. Scratchy throat, stuffy nose, general crappy feeling. They say that when you get it, you probably won't even know that you have this version of the flu because it feels like a normal one. And, so far, in my observance...you only die if your immune system's been compromised or you live in a hot climate -- your body usually tries to heat a cold out, with a fever, you know? Heat when you're already heated has killed people before...and if you've read much about human health before the era of modern medicine you've got a clear idea of what I'm saying. ^_^ I would not be worried or paranoid, yet. If you hear tell mass cases of healthy people dying with no circumstances that would otherwise have made them susceptible to getting killed off by it...THEN I'd get worried and paranoid.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157049)
• United States
12 Jun 09
The other group that is more seriously affected is children because they have no residual immunity built up from exposure over the years. I still would not be paranoid about my kids. They were always very healthy, and still are.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Thank you for sharing your knowledge about colds and flu, xparanoiax!I might be wrong but I think you just diagnosed my illness.Anyway, I am feeling a bit better than I was a couple of days ago. I now believe that I might possibly make it.
• United States
13 Jun 09
I agree Gerty, I was thinking about the cases in children in this country but I didn't know that I hadn't mentioned them in my post. But kids also have the advantage of being able to recover a bit more easily, because they're still growing -- if their diet's good, and knowing you Gerty I daresay it's gotta be pretty awesome..I wouldn't worry either. Anyway, Worldwise, I did? xD =D Lol, glad to hear you're gonna be alright! Mylot wouldn't be quite the same without you. =)
@GardenGerty (157049)
• United States
11 Jun 09
The way I understand it, the face masks are only helpful if they are of medical quality and if the SICK person wears it. Hand washing, covering face and mouth when coughing and sneezing, wiping down surfaces all do more good than masks. So do fresh air and sunshine. What were your symptoms? Body aches, fever? I think colds this winter and spring have been lasting longer due to high pollen and allergen counts.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
12 Jun 09
It is also depending on exposure. People who travel should be very careful, because traveling in close space like airplane or train can makes things worst... Many people don't remember to wash their hands few time a day...with flu pandemic, we should not only wash but wipe hands down with antibacterial wipes...
3 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
I don't understand why, GG, some people always like to think that they are the exception to the rule, but I have seen people who carelessly spread their germs to others. I have always been a fanatic about hand-washing, and I had to laugh when one of my g.grandsons who was spending a couple of days with me last week asked me if I had washed my hands after using the bathroom.He is six-years-old, and I think he was tired of me reminding him to wash his hands each time he went.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
14 Jun 09
THere are people in the world that like to live dangerously. That's okay for them. However,I dont want to hear it when something bad happens that could have been avoided. Its on thm. People should be aware of what is going on healthwise. That doesnt mean we should become hermits, start to panic, or become paranoid. From what I understand, we are more likely to die from the regular flu. If we practice healthy hygiene, stay away from sick people. Most importantly, if you begin to feel sick, dont wait, see your doctor immediatly. What quality of life will you have if every time there is some sort of outbreak we panic and start to over-react? None. Just keep a close eye on you and yours. If you see someone coughing stay away. Always carry sanitizer with you and your kids. God Bless. dl
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
11 Jun 09
It is scary, but I haven't went crazy about it yet. I hope it gets under control soon.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
They are predicting, Thoroughrob, that what we are seeing now is just a preview of things to come. I truly hope that they are wrong.
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
11 Jun 09
Get to the Doctors and get it sorted as in get it checked out again, please do not be fobbed of by the Doctor for your Peace of mind and also for mine
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
My doctor has advised me to take OTC meds, gabs, and I am feeling somewhat better today. I really hate colds and flu!
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
11 Jun 09
When all schools are over, maybe the spreed is slower again. I was talking to my friend in the beginning of May and I said that flu is not over and will continue to grow rapidly later on...I wish I was not right... In many countries people with flu were isolated for one week to make sure the flu is not spreading...not in USA.... I am watching this site everyday and I see the numbers rapidly growing.... http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Thanks for the link, pola. I will be visiting the site to keep up to date on the progress of this flu.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
11 Jun 09
I do think that it is something to be aware of. However, I dont think that we should panic. More people die each year from the regular flu. If we follow simple practices it will help reduce our chances of catching anything transmitted by germs. Wash hands, use antiseptic skin cleaners, carrying some sort of sanitizer, dont use other peoples cups, lip products, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. If we implement these simple practices into our daily routine, it will help avoid colds, flus, and any other contagious bugs being passed around. Most importantly if you begin to feel sick, dont go to school or work. Its selfish to do so. Its not fair that someone will go into public venues knowing that he/she is transmitting unhealthy germs. Unfortunately not everyone thinks in the same manner so we have to protect ourselves. Wishing you good health to you and yours. dl
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157049)
• United States
11 Jun 09
You are correct about not spreading illnesses. I have a client who may have had the flu, she was sick quite awhile. She is now on allergy meds, though and the illness ran its course, it just took forever and made her exhausted. I wish they had done a culture to see if she had the flu. I kept her home for most of two weeks.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Also, dloveli, people should not forget that your risk goes up if you have school-age children around you. I think that I caught whatever it is I have from my g.grandchildren. They were over visiting for a couple of days and two were coughing /runny noses. I remarked to my daughter that the parents aren't teaching the children to place their hands over their mouths when they cough.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157049)
• United States
14 Jun 09
We are taught to cough into our elbow. Or into the neck of our shirt.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
11 Jun 09
here in canada we are ready for one and have been for several years. i think it is only a matter of time before one hits to be honest. it just depends on how it spreads. the spanish flu pandemic spread at the end of ww1 because soldiers were going home and were carrying it.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Yes, cher, this pandemic has been forecast some time ago now. Means of travel have opened up so much over the past few decades that these viruses are pretty easy to spread.
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
11 Jun 09
I think it is good to take precautions. Stay home if you have the flu, go to the doctor if you show signs of the flu. I am carrying a hand sanitizer, you know one of those 70% ethanol jobs, but a facemask? Don't think I'll get as crazy as that and I work at a college so I come into contact with a lot of people.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
You are right, Aurone. If everyone takes proper care it will prevent this flu from spreading so rapidly.
@agv0419 (3022)
• Philippines
12 Jun 09
Here in the Philippines the swine flu is spreading because of the vacationers went abroad they carried the virus when they gets home. The opening of the class is another problems because of some infected students the classes postponed to another week. WHO announcing that it is already a pandamic I really worried but I think this illness is curable so what we need to do now is to observe if we had the symptoms we need to seek medical attention immediately.
2 people like this
• Malaysia
12 Jun 09
I think if we follow the prevention steps provided by government and media. That should be fine. I guess everyone over the world are afraid of the flu now. So take care ourselves nicely and keep clean from time to time.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
There is nothing to fear but fear itself, right?
@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
12 Jun 09
You just don't know now days. Doctors in such a hurry they misdiagnose I am sure of it. A face mask isn't going to do all that much help after the fact anyway. You could very well have had a flu strain indeed. Clinics and doctors are over worked and I can see where a misdiagnosis could occur. Scarey. Especially in an area where the flu isn't prevalant and doctors aren't used to seing it.
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@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Those factors do weigh heavily into the mix, celticeagle, and I am increasingly more sure that what I had was indeed the H1N1 flu.
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@celticeagle (157593)
• Boise, Idaho
15 Jun 09
Oh my.
• Philippines
12 Jun 09
This flu pandemic is all over now. I think and it's a must that we should take proper precaution on everything so that we won't be affected with this. Let's take care of our health.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
The popular concensus, snugglepuff, is that it is not over, but, in fact, just beginning. I hope you are right though.
@kingxu (44)
• China
12 Jun 09
The H1N1 flu should not be feared in such a scale.The reason why the WHO raised the alert level to the highest level-6 is that its spread is unstoppable,but the flu itself won't be a deadly disease.I think doing more exercises and keeping clean can keep the flu away.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Let's hope you are right, kingxu!
@mimiang (3760)
• Philippines
12 Jun 09
There's nothing wrong with wearing mask.That should be mandatory.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
13 Jun 09
I'm afraid that everyone would not agree with you, mimiang, but I suppose it is up to the individual.