SWINE FLU INFO

[iJenny]

Hey gals. I saw the other thread about swine flu and thought I'd share a few things with you. First, all of my information is as of today, April 28th 2009 and straight from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). As a school nurse, I recieve twice-daily updates on this situation straight from the CDC. Here's information from the final update this afternoon.






First, here are the states in the U.S. that have confirmed cases of swine flu... California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York.

Second, everyone should know that there have been no U.S. deaths related to swine flu. Of all the U.S. cases, only one has resulted in hospitalization and ALL of them have recovered.

Third, as it stands as of today, 4/28/09, swine flu in the U.S. acts just like seasonal influenza (fever, body aches, etc.) with symptom onset within seven days of exposure. It is treated and cured with the same medications (TamiFlu, etc.) as seasonal influenza.

Fourth, swine flu is transmitted through DIRECT contact with an infected person. Anyone who has travelled to Mexico (namely, Mexico City) within seven days prior to onset of symptoms should contact their healthcare professional.









So, there ya go, ladies. I hate to say it, but the media is sensationalizing this into a bigger deal than it is at this time. Yes, it may become more of a problem. The situation changes every day. But panic is not going to fix anything and I wish the media would stop using words like "pandemic" and "the big one" when describing swine flu.

Just be smart, ladies. Wash hands, limit exposure, and stay safe.

[lauren grier]

Have I Told you lately that I love you :]

[iJenny]

Originally Posted by lauren grier

Have I Told you lately that I love you :]

no, but thats ok. In my heart, I already know it.

[nesser1981]

Thanks Jenny. That's good to know.

[newfiemountiewife]

Jenny rocks.

[LeeAndra]

They just confirmed a case in Indiana. A student at Notre Dame hac it last week and has since recovered, but they have not yet figured out how he got it.

[Leah]

They're making a pretty big deal about it here in Canada too.

[Sharon Kay]

Thanks Jenny!! Even though there has been 2 cases in KS...I'm not worried about it...jeesh in our CITY alone there is over 50,000 people! No idea how many people live in KS...so it's just a teensy teensy percentage.

[rachaelsscraps]

I just wanted to add that there has been a confirmed death in the US due to the swine flu....

[iJenny]

Originally Posted by rachaelsscraps

I just wanted to add that there has been a confirmed death in the US due to the swine flu....

yeah, saw this this morning. A 23-month old. Very sad.

But I keep telling myself.... people die every year of seasonal influenza too.

Just tryin' to stay positive.

[ColleenSwerb]

Right Jenny, people die from the flu all the time. People with weaker and compromised immune systems are more suseptible to any type of illness and will have a harder time fighting it.

I'm sick with flu-like symptoms right now. After 3 weeks of incredible stress, I flew out to TX this past weekend and was stuck in 2 airplanes for 8 hours. Not surprised I got sick at all, and I'm already back on the mend.

[rachaelsscraps]

Right, that's what I was thinking, that the very young and very old may end up dying if they contract it because their immune system isn't as strong. It's so sad!

[Angela Spangler]

Originally Posted by rachaelsscraps

I just wanted to add that there has been a confirmed death in the US due to the swine flu....

True, but this child is a Mexican citizen who traveled with his family to the US, and was likely already ill when he got here.

[rachaelsscraps]

Originally Posted by Angela Spangler

True, but this child is a Mexican citizen who traveled with his family to the US, and was likely already ill when he got here.

Yeah, I didn't realize that at first! I don't know why they wouldn't announce that right away when they first reported his death...

There are "3 possible cases" close to home for us, I'm waiting to find out if they're actually confirmed or not- there's 1 in Albany, 1 in Schnectady, & 1 in Washington County. We're about an hour away from Albany so I'm a little concerned about that one!

[maryinaz]

Originally Posted by Angela Spangler

True, but this child is a Mexican citizen who traveled with his family to the US, and was likely already ill when he got here.

Exactly. The government needs to close the borders so the disease can be contained and treated.

[rachaelsscraps]

Originally Posted by maryinaz

Exactly. The government needs to close the borders so the disease can be contained and treated.

You'd think they would! I don't see it happening, though!

They should close the borders and stop all airline travel to Mexico- period!