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maxrandb

(15,187 posts)
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 01:18 PM Oct 2014

Why isn't anyone calling for a mandatory quaratine

for anyone exposed to the flu, or sick with the flu?

The flu kills 10-20 thousand times more Americans every year than Ebola ever could.

In fact, you could argue that the survival rate of Americans who have contracted Ebola (4 for 4) so far, is significantly higher than the survival rate of the flu.

19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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JonLP24

(29,322 posts)
3. Well the problem with 4 for 4
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 01:23 PM
Oct 2014

is you shouldn't trust small sample sizes but I'm not for a mandatory quarantine.

TBF

(31,919 posts)
4. Not a particularly strong
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 01:23 PM
Oct 2014

Argument given that the disease has just gotten here and could very well wreak havoc since there is no vaccine and in other areas the survival rate has not been very good.

But I do agree that getting a flu shot should be a higher priority than worrying about Ebola (at least for most folks) at this point in time.

 

HERVEPA

(6,107 posts)
8. It is incredibly unlikely to wreak havoc. Why would you write that???
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 01:38 PM
Oct 2014

Survival rate is high because it is being identified early and we have a high-functioning medical system in this country compared to where it has spread in the three African countries.

 

HERVEPA

(6,107 posts)
13. If you don't think we have a high-functioning medical system compared to those African countries,
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 02:14 PM
Oct 2014

you're not thinking straight. And yes, I wish it was single payer.

missingthebigdog

(1,233 posts)
5. Because the flu is an AMERICAN disease, don'tcha know?
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 01:26 PM
Oct 2014

We don't need to be afraid of American diseases. Ebola is an AFRICAN disease. No way to know how our systems will react to it. It will likely mutate and become transmissible by ESP.

(just in case that's necessary)

missingthebigdog

(1,233 posts)
7. It isn't??? WOW !
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 01:36 PM
Oct 2014

I can start watching it now. I thought it was for real and I might catch it by knowing about it.

MrNJ

(200 posts)
9. False premise
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 01:44 PM
Oct 2014

Your post suggests 0% mortality rate.
In fact it's 70%.
Chances of dying from the flu if you get it are much less.
Plus you can vaccinate against the flu with some success.

 

HERVEPA

(6,107 posts)
14. 70& in African countries lacking much in the way of doctors and basic health systems.
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 02:16 PM
Oct 2014

Much lower if caught early (onset of symptoms) in a "developed" country

uppityperson

(115,674 posts)
15. Influenza can be passed on before you have symptoms, unlike ebola
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 03:16 PM
Oct 2014
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
How flu spreads

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.

Period of contagiousness

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

Complications of flu

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.


Link to map showing where flu is, with "previous week" link below the map so you can scroll back wk by wk to watch it make its way across the USA.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm

alarimer

(16,245 posts)
18. We do have a vaccine for the flu.
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 06:07 PM
Oct 2014

Though it includes only the strains they think are most likely to occur in a given year.

But you are right, quarantines are generally ineffective. We are panicking for no reason.

ecstatic

(32,566 posts)
19. Every hospital can treat flu patients. There are only 4
Fri Oct 31, 2014, 06:13 PM
Oct 2014

biocontainment unit hospitals in the country. Collectively, they have 9 beds total. If we ever get to more than 9 active ebola cases in the country, we're screwed. If Bellevue is successful at treating Dr. Spencer, that will be very encouraging. Last I heard, he was in serious condition. Bellevue has transferred their other ICU patients to other hospitals in order to care for 1 ebola patient.

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