Scared of Swine Flu!

The virus won't die for a couple months. Is she not going to go to the grocery store either for the next two to three months, because there are 50x more germs there than at a dentist office. Not many people can completely (nor should they) put their lives on hold for two to three months.

I'm editing my original answer because I am angry that people spread misinformation on this website. The swine flu currently making tracks across the country is no hoax. I don't know how anybody could even say that considering that people have died in Mexico from this and if it were a hoax, then our government, Mexico's government and the media would have to be in cahoots in order for the pharmaceutical companies to make more money on a vaccine -- even though there is no vaccine. Seems like a very unlikely conspiracy to me considering how many people would have to be in on it.

This strain of flu (H1N1) is the same strain that killed people in the pandemic of 1918. Tell those people it was a hoax. Usually the regular old flu kills the elderly and the sick and young children. This flu seems to be taking the lives of young healthy people in Mexico, and has the potential to do so elsewhere. It also did this in 1918.

It's ludicrous that Toni says you can't get flu from pigs. You most certainly can with direct contact. It is unlikely, but it can happen and has happened. Viruses mutate and can infect other species in rare cases. Usually it's these viruses that are more virulent -- because they have mutated. Pigs, birds, humans and ferrets can all transmit viruses to one another and become sick with them. That isn't the case with all species, but it is with these. Pigs are vaccinated against flu all the time because they commonly get the flu -- just like us!

I am no expert, but I do have a background in biology and my ex-husband is a vet and I have known for years that humans could get viruses from these animals. I've seen it happen. I am no fan of government and have a certain skepticism of government authorities and motives -- but this is one case where nobody is trying to foist a hoax on us. Ask the dead people's families if they think it's a hoax.

Just a little F.Y.I This is from the Center Of Disease control-- There are 2 possible medications that show sensitivity to the virus. They both help to lower the severity of the particular virus that is going around. Keep in mind Medical Care has come along way and conditions are significantly improved in the U.S. vs Mexico. I would Definately keep her appt. you have to always be prepared for the worst, but living in a scared bubble is not the answer either------------

Antiviral Drugs and Swine Influenza
Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional. Influenza antiviral drugs only work against influenza viruses -- they will not help treat or prevent symptoms caused by infection from other viruses that can cause symptoms similar to the flu.

There are four influenza antiviral drugs approved for use in the United States (oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine). The swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses that have been detected in humans in the United States and Mexico are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine so these drugs will not work against these swine influenza viruses. Laboratory testing on these swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far indicate that they are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir.

Benefits of Antiviral Drugs
Treatment: If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. Influenza antiviral drugs work best when started soon after illness onset (within two 2 days), but treatment with antiviral drugs should still be considered after 48 hours of symptom onset, particularly for hospitalized patients or people at high risk for influenza-related complications.

Prevention: Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with swine influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective. When used for prevention, the number of days that they should be used will vary depending on a person’s particular situation.

CDC Recommendation
CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu ®) is approved to both treat and prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people one year of age and older.
Zanamivir (brand name Relenza ®) is approved to treat influenza A and B virus infection in people 7 years and older and to prevent influenza A and B virus infection in people 5 years and older.
Recommendations for using antiviral drugs for treatment or prevention of swine influenza will change as we learn more about this new virus.

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

I would not cancel a dentist appt. My plans are to just to avoid places with crowds of people if I do not need to be there. I will probably not eat out as much ( saves money), work out at home instead of the health club for awhile, and have the family take some supplements to increase immune system. All stuff I should be doing anyway.

Not much more we can do, my kids are in school, and husband is working, so they can bring home a bug no matter what I do. Just eat healthy, wash your hands, try to avoid crowds of people, and take some supplements to increase immune system.

I am personally handling this the same way I handle all flu seasons: I wash my (and my children's) hands much more frequently than usual, and I try my best to keep them away from playgroup buddies who seem to be sick. If we get sick with a fever or vomiting, we will contact our Doctor. Otherwise, we are not changing anything we are doing on a day-to-day basis.

I have no idea where Toni gets any of her information, but she is absolutely wrong. According to the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 91 cases of Swine Flu documented (by laboratory testing) in the United States thus far.

As for this being "a hoax created by the pharmaceutical companies," I find this to be an unreasonable over-reaction. Especially since there is NO vaccine or drug being offered to help prevent you from getting this flu! If you are very sick with influenza, your physician can offer you an anti-viral treatment if s/he believes you may benefit from it. Just as your physician would with ANY influenza you presented throughout the year.

The only thing I would avoid doing is going to Mexico.

More people have died of the 'regular flu' this year than swine flu. While I'm not prepared to say that swine flu is not a real problem, it definitely should be considered.

Wash your hands frequently. Avoid coming into contact with sick people (shaking hands, etc.). If you think you or your children are sick, go see a doctor right away. Use general, universal precautions like you would any other day of the year.

As far as the dentist visit, I think she might be overreacting. They use gloves, wear masks, and take a lot of preventative measures (even before swine flu) just to be on the safe side. Personally, I know how hard it is to get an appointment with the dentist and I usually schedule my regular cleanings 6 months in advance, therefore I wouldn't cancel/reschedule. But, to each his own!

As for this being a hoax, well, try telling that to the family in Texas who lost their child. I'm pretty sure they see things differently...

I'm taking 1 kid to the dentist this week and 2 go there next week. I'm not changing anything I do, just washing my hands and reminding my kids to do it.

My oldest had influenza in February, so I know what to look for. Unless I keep my kids home with me all day, there's no way I can keep them from getting exposed.

There has been 1 case at Notre Dame in Indiana and the student recovered from it just fine. I am not panicking.

M.

C. if you are really concerned go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website: cdc.gov/swine flu or call them at 1-800-CDC INFO. this you will at least get some up-to-date information.
As for the media over reacting it could be but on the other hand it may not be. I rather they over react instead of under react. I would not cancel a dentist appointment yet but if we have anything like in Mexico I will not be going to any unneeded appointments. Why take the risk?
As for Terri please stop calling this a hoax. The flu is real and there is no way to predict yet how severe it is going to be. Many people are sick and some have died from it. Stop telling these families their loved ones died from a hoax!

You can refer to the article I wrote on the Chicago Examiner:

http://www.examiner.com/x-7158-Chicago-Family-Health-Exam...

It will help put things into perspective. :)

J. W. MPH
Chicago Examiner Family Health Expert

EDIT: True it sounds scary but Toni V.'s response was interesting - I believe that the media could be a bit sensationalistic about their approach to this, but a hoax??? I'm not convinced of that. It is important that we are alerted to health concerns.
Someone sent me this link from the lung association today, regarding this strain ...I thought I would pass along
http://www.lungchicago.org/

Personally, no, I would not cancel a Dentist appointment because of the concern (nor will I, I'm going next week for a cleaning.) Vigilance in hand washing is key in not contacting any flu. Also people need to be reminded that they need to do their best at containing ANY flu-like symptoms that they may be exhibiting, by covering their mouth, washing their hands, stop sharing food and drinks with others and limit exposing others to your germs when acutely sick, by staying home. The three places that concern me more than the dentist's office are grocery stores, my child's classroom and Church!

I think everyone should be on heightened alert, if only for the benefit of making some more conscientious about hand washing and mindful about not spreading germs. However, if there is anything this winter flu season has taught me is that parents will continue to send their very sick children to school and I think that is so wrong!

I read all the post so far. I do not know if the Swine Flu is a hoax... it sure doesn't sound like it is... me and my little one have allergy testing next week and I was concerning canceling this appt. I don't know what to tell you or your friend about the dentist appt but let her know that she is not alone... I'm scared too... they just closed one of the schools in Chgo. I'll decide what to do about the appt before the end of this week, I really hope it is a hoax or at least not as bad as they are saying but I guess we'll see with time.