Is the Swine Flu, that the White House held a special meeting on today, concerning you greatly?

[Divine Discontent]

Poll question: Is the Swine Flu, that the White House held a special meeting on today, concerning you greatly?

I just find the transfer of a swine's flu strain being transferred to humans disturbing, and, that it originated here on our continent for once - and not overseas!

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection State # of laboratory confirmed cases
California 7 cases
Kansas 2 cases
New York City 8 cases
Ohio 1 case
Texas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 20 cases

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

WASH YOUR HANDS IN WARM SOAPY WATER AND TELL OTHERS TO OFTEN, ALSO ANYTIME THEY SNEEZE OR COUGH INTO THEIR HAND, OR BEFORE PREPARING FOOD.

[Divine Discontent]

1. OH, and since it's airborne, try to avoid sick people and large crowds where you don't know when

someone is literally going to cough or sneeze upon you, as nearly everyone has had happen to them at some point - it's gross, but I often dodge people I see coughing before I even get near them.

[Divine Discontent]

41. Read this VERY important post my mrs_p ----

IN SUMMARY: This latest swine outbreak is something to cause concern - it resembles antigenic shift, where genes from different viruses have been swapped in a mixing vessel (the pig). This occurs naturally (not in some government fortress where they brew bugs to kill us). Also, unlike what I've heard on the streets and read here, swine flu has been spread among humans before - this is not the first time. There are some differences, though - the fact that this strain is a combination of several swine strains plus avian and human strains is new (at least from what we know). I haven't seen the molecular data yet, but as we are naïve to this strain, it does have the potential to cause epidemic. There are some other factors involved in regards to its pandemic potential that the news isn't reporting (the HA needs to be cleavable by many proteases in the host, so as to enter many more epithelial cells than just what we see in a regular influenza infection). Whether or not this becomes a pandemic, there are things we can do: (1) don't come to school/work/anything if you are sick, (2) see a medical doctor right away as antivirals only work within the first 48 hours (also, a flu shot is not gonna help as this is a new strain), and (3) become informed and do not spread erroneous information (check out the cdc.gov site for the latest info). EDIT: TIME WILL TELL. BE CAUTIOUS.

Hope this helps, and best to all...


That is from a post by mrs_p that can be found here - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5537435&mesg_id=5537435

[Vidar]

2. Not at all.

[Divine Discontent]

4. I hope it's contained quickly. I know that Pres. Obama has heard about it, and certainly they'll do

what they can to prevent it from turning into mass deaths like Mexico is experiencing.

[Mojorabbit]

13. There is not a whole lot they can do

if it really gets going except give community support as possible..

[Maru Kitteh]

18. You don't "contain" influenze, 36,000+ people DIE every year from influenza in the US

If they could 'contain' it, they'd have done so decades ago.

The only reason people are upset about this particular flu is the novelty of the word "swine" in front of it.

[Divine Discontent]

23. Yes, that's why the CDC is on this every hour and the president is involved - just because they're

concerned about the word - swine.

[Maru Kitteh]

26. Logic is a recessive trait among humans, especially in groups.

The agencies and Obama are attempting to reassure the good children and nervous Nellies of the world that the grown-ups are in fact, in charge.

And yes, Swine. Absent the novelty of that descriptor you wouldn't know a damn thing about it because the deaths and disease would simply diffuse into the background of the 36,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands cases of regular flu that nobody much cares about.

[Divine Discontent]

32. you show intellectual disconnect from the fact that this is not the normal influenza virus

and because I deal with someone with a compromised immunity that could die quickly if they got this, I find your nervous Nellie name calling the act of a jerk that doesn't really understand what's going on. You clearly do not comprehend the facts that this is not your run of the mill flu that kills thousands each year, but a dangerous mutation that has the CDC on constant watch and the White House holding a meeting on Sunday.

Ultimately, this could die down in a week and probably will- that's what I hope for. It could also kill many if it mutated the wrong way yet again, and since it's already effected thousands of people's lives in Mexico, and it would effect people who are younger, older and who are chronically ill at a higher rate here, I am paying close attention to this.

[DainBramaged]

35. I have one simple question

Does the person with the compromised immune system go out in public?

[Divine Discontent]

38. isn't it gorgeous out today? eom

[DainBramaged]

39. That's a question, not an answer. But you know that. Oh well.

[aquart]

48. So you expect to lose NO family members or friends?

[DainBramaged]

34. You hit the nail on the head, but don't let those who want to grasp

anything to angst about deter you from logical thought. :hi:

[BlooInBloo]

3. Outbreaks come, outbreaks go.

[Divine Discontent]

5. yep, just hope none of us are in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that it's one of those

"outbreaks come, outbreaks go" that we all see every couple years, and not a BIG one...

[BlooInBloo]

9. Yup.

[aquart]

49. But mass graves linger.

[rollin74]

6. 20 cases in the U.S.

a nation of well over 300 million.
not one fatality (U.S.)
seems to be treated well with Tamiflu

I'm not terribly concerned at this point

[Maru Kitteh]

19. Exactly, vs. the 36,000 people who die in the US every single year from the "normal" flu

So which one are people flipping out over? Makes no sense.

[Divine Discontent]

22. it makes sense if the president of the United States is involved & there's a Sunday meeting about it

at the White House. I hope it will all fade away, just like you do, and hope it doesn't jump over into the deadly level that has killed dozens in Mexico already.

[willing dwarf]

7. If it gets serious, I hope they'll cancel schools

I worry mostly about my kids-- schools are such breeding grounds for diseases!

[aquart]

8. My mother shops in Fresh Meadows, so YEAH, it concerns me.

[janx]

31. What/where is Fresh Meadows?

:shrug:

[aquart]

47. Queens. Where St. Francis Prep is located.

But everyone there has cars and they shop far wider than the immediate neighborhood depending on sales. My mom drives out to CostCo on Long Island as least once every two weeks. And we all grew up going to the Fresh Meadows movie theatre. And, IIRC, Francis Lewis High School is nearby on the other side of the street just to add another opportunity for contagion. And Queens College. And all the lower grade schools their brothers and sisters attend.

[janx]

51. Thanks for the explanation.

I had no idea.

[hlthe2b]

10. hmmm

[saltpoint]

11. Concern only for anyone who is sick from this flu or from

anything else.

If there is no public outcry for comprehensive health care prior to this story, I don't especially think this particular contagion deserves a higher level of attention.

If this influenza becomes a biophysical flashpoint we'll know soon enough and can respond accordingly. Unless events are dramatically under-reported, though, it doesn't appear that we are at that point yet.

[Divine Discontent]

17. true! those with compromised immunity do not want to be hearing this going on. sigh... disturbing

hoping that it doesn't turn into a flashpoint. take care!

[saltpoint]

50. Hi, DD. I began by wondering if "vulnerable" populations would be

even more victimized by rapid contagion, but against viral mutations in a way everyone is vulnerable.

It could become far more serious than I hope it will.

[madrchsod]

12. my wife works with mentally challenged and disabled

this last season her employer would`t supply flu shots or masks and not even an advisory or special precautions. needless to say a majority of the workforce became ill with a very virulent respiratory disease. she along with many others developed pneumonia. no one there has ever studied the transmission rates and methods between the staff and the people they care for. if flu becomes serious it does`t bode well for the staff and their "clients."

[opihimoimoi]

14. Those beer and hot dog venders at the NASCAR race(Jr had the lead)

had better be Healthy and not sick.....250,000 in the stands...

[Divine Discontent]

15. Jr had the lead! well that's rare! and yeah, exactly, it just takes one person to infect hundreds,

and the chain is multiplied to thousands in 24 hours.

[opihimoimoi]

25. Jr now 3rd......yup...we had better be like those BSA guys....Be Prepared...

[DainBramaged]

37. The Jr Nation IS alive and well on DU

:fistbump:

[opihimoimoi]

46. Jr almost...it was close....2nd is something to be PROUD of

99 car was hammered into wall...lucky he lives....

[DainBramaged]

52. That was a great finish. Jr is lucky to have snuck under the wreck.

[Maru Kitteh]

16. I think my concern is appropriate. I'm not sticking my head in the sand but

I won't be losing any sleep over it either.

There is absolutely NO point in my worrying about it because there is nothing I can do to change whether or not it becomes a problem in my community or not. I already wash my hands often. I don't go out when I don't feel well. I already try to get my rest and eat nutritious food.

The end.

[TahitiNut]

20. It's God's way of punishing devout Catholics who attend mass weekly.

It's the perfect setting for transmitting the flu virus. :shrug:

[Individualist]

21. Cautious but not panicked by any means

We simply don't know how widespread this flu will be. It may become pandemic or may not. I am increasing my vitamin D intake to 2,000 IU per day, and if cases develop in my area will avoid crowds as much as possible.

[Politicalboi]

24. I wish they would stop flights from Mexico

Tell us the truth are you sick? That is all they are doing. That is not enough since sometimes it takes a few days to be sick. And some might lie or not even know the flu they have is serious. They are playing with fire on this issue.

[Texasgal]

27. Are you serious?

[hlthe2b]

28. This might be an interesting barometer for how DUers perceive

Consider kicking and recommending to get it on the front page so more might "vote"

[stillcool]

29. Not for myself..

I'm knocking on wood here, but I don't get the flu. I think I must have a super-duper immune system. I feel for anyone else who is susceptible, especially those with young children.

[Dappleganger]

30. Watching with caution.

My immune system is still shot to hell, so yes it concerns me.

[shimmergal]

33. Much more concerned since I

got a diagnosis of pneumonia just yesterday.

Walking pneumonia, I guess. Fortunately I didn't have to go into hospital, just taking antibiotics and being massively tired, so hopefully I'll overcome it in a few days.

But--it came upon me suddenly--well, not really, but I just thought I had a bad cold and no energy. Didn't go to the Dr. earlier because of the several-hour wait at quick-care clinics, and in previous experiences I've gone thru all that merely to be told to drink fluids and take expectorants. Well, duh! If I'd had antibiotics sooner maybe I wouldn't have gotten so bad.


Anyhow its scary; I can imagine flu victims also going thru this inner debate "Am I really sick enough that they'll do something for me?" And that's people WITH health insurance--for the 40 million-plus who don't have any, the decision-making is even more agonizing.

[Divine Discontent]

36. my thoughts/prayers for your speedy recovery! You'll get better!

and yes, those with compromised immunity, and those who have a good brain who understand that this is a serious matter for those with one (I know people with weakened immunity), hope certainly this passes quickly through it not being spread, and people using caution around the sick.

And yes, what a debate about the insurance drama people go through, and those who don't even have any. I expect national healthcare to happen soon!

best to you, again! :)

[1776Forever]

40. Please read this post by cali on link between factory farming in Mexico & the outbreak - link:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5536668&mesg_id=5536908

......

Again we see that greed kills! It is so disturbing to read this but not unexpected.

:argh:

[Divine Discontent]

42. also this post by mrs_p (molecular biologist) is very imporant - she says it causes concern but not

panic at this time, just some good info - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5537435&mesg_id=5537435

I think what's important here is that the next couple days are the most serious - if it can be contained to only x amount of people and the numbers drop, then great - otherwise, like mrs_p said, the scientists studying this mutation are naive to its way right now, and are playing catch up, so it is unknown if it will turn for the worse. Hope people heed Janet Napolitano and stay home if they're sick, and go to the doctor or ER if they get this!

[1776Forever]

43. I just posted this for the CDC site email alerts concerning this. Just need to be vigilant.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5539734&mesg_id=5539734

[Divine Discontent]

44. well, going off the net for the rest of the day, wishing you all good health, I gotta get

essentials, and some vitamin D like someone advised.

let's hope tomorrow we hear of less new cases than the past day!

[starroute]

45. My grandmother died in the 1918-19 pandemic -- she was only 29

My father, who was just short of his fourth birthday when she died, didn't remember her, and I know hardly anything about her. But I think about her from time to time. She was about the same age my own kids are now.

I also remember how during the Jerry Ford era, we all went out and got vaccinated against something that never happened.

So I suspect this may be one more false alarm -- but every so often I think "what if," and it's like a cold hand clutching my heart.

[aquart]

53. With the death pattern in Mexico, responsible nations must act this way.

Flu strikes every year and those of us at risk just go for our shot and hope that's good enough and for most of us, it is.

But the Mexico flu is killing healthy young people. That is no false alarm. That is the pandemic demo and governments are responding as well as they can.

But tonight someone here really frightened me with something I didn't know. Said the 1918-19 pandemic began in summer as a mild bug. Came back in fall and then in winter, each time more deadly.

[Hippo_Tron]

54. It has kind of re-enforced my decision not to go back on Enbrel for now

I had psoriasis literally all over my body and went on Enbrel for a few months and it almost completely cleared up. But then I started getting sick during the winter so I had to go off of it. Fortunately for the most part the psoriasis really hasn't come back and so I've been thinking that I will stay off the Enbrel unless I really need it again. The swine flu thing kind of re-enforced that decision.