Swine Flu
| Holy Crow, cases have been reported within 100 miles of my home! |   | 40 |
| Cases in my state have been reported. | | 39 |
| Nope, no word of those cooties being anywhere near me! | | 22 (your vote) |
| | Total Votes: | 101 |
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| Author | Message |
snowmonster  
It's getting cool out!
Posts: 19330
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 Posted: 07:06AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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First U.S. death from the Swine Flu has happened. There will be more. 
Take all sorrow out of life and you take away all richness, and depth, and tenderness. The capacity of sorrow belongs to our grandeur. It is the furnace that melts hearts together in love. In loving memory of my dear friend Guy - take care Goobs . . |
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jodocroco
Posts: 2804
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Posted: 10:37AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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Oh wow she was just a baby too. This sucks.
Hopefully people will start taking it seriously now. I know most are but a few are dismissing it as media hype. I dunno, better to be safe than sorry right :/
All I can do is stand on the curb and say "Sorry about the blood in your mouth. I wish it was mine." |
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Paladin
Posts: 7485
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Posted: 10:41AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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I know for a FACT that the CDC has issues very serious warnings to government offices here in the US. This is not smoke & mirrors.
"The greatest cause of unhappiness in the world today is trading what we want most for what we want now." |
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jaycr
Posts: 1967
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Posted: 10:57AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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The story I read said that this 22 month old boy and his family were visiting from Mexico City. He arrived here (Brownsville TX) with "underlying health issues". To call this the first confirmed US death of this flu strain seems a bit deceiving.
It's not what you know, it's what people think you know. |
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snowmonster
It's getting cool out!
Posts: 19330
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Posted: 11:04AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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I think the government is keeping very quiet about how bad this really is. Why, so people don't start to panic. But I will tell you, I'm all for stocking up on groceries, and staying away from public places, if I have to. I believe peeps are starting to panic already. . . . . and I won't be taking my kids to the clinic unless I really need to. . . . .a lot of stuff going around, and they don't need to get sick, with "anything". Not now.
Take all sorrow out of life and you take away all richness, and depth, and tenderness. The capacity of sorrow belongs to our grandeur. It is the furnace that melts hearts together in love. In loving memory of my dear friend Guy - take care Goobs . . |
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Paladin
Posts: 7485
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Posted: 11:15AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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In response to the intensifying outbreak, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 4.
A Phase 4 alert is characterized by confirmed person-to-person spread of a new influenza virus able to cause "community-level" outbreaks." The increase in the pandemic alert phase indicates that the likelihood of a pandemic has increased.
"The greatest cause of unhappiness in the world today is trading what we want most for what we want now." |
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dswilborn
Posts: 2120
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Posted: 11:38AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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As with any flu strain, the ones who need to be most protected are the youngest and oldest among us - and those with immune systems that have been weakened.
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snowmonster
It's getting cool out!
Posts: 19330
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Posted: 11:41AM Apr 29, 2009 |
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In a situation like this, there may not be any form of "protection", except to take precautions like, avoiding public places, and washing your hands often. They are saying that the masks that many are wearing in different places, mainly Mexico, may not even help a lot.
And if I am correct, and I may not be. . . . many that are dying of this, are young, healthy individual that have no health issues at all.
---This message was edited on 11:48AM Apr 29, 2009---
Take all sorrow out of life and you take away all richness, and depth, and tenderness. The capacity of sorrow belongs to our grandeur. It is the furnace that melts hearts together in love. In loving memory of my dear friend Guy - take care Goobs . . |
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Paladin
Posts: 7485
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Posted: 12:11PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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The CDC says that frequent hand washing with soap and warm or hot (not cold) water will help protect you. In areas where this is difficult, hand santizer can be used.
I think that younger and older people are more at risk, but even a healthy adult is at risk if not diagnosed soon enough.
This is all growing out of control, but it is serious and something we should all be aware of nonetheless.
"The greatest cause of unhappiness in the world today is trading what we want most for what we want now." |
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froggygg
Magical Sorceress Frog
Posts: 8787
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Posted: 12:55PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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I've also been following this issue. We've now had our first confirmed case of swine flu here in our city. I'm not sure of the age, but I think it may not have been an adult. To me, this is beginning to be something to be worried about and I agree that the general public may not be being told everything.
SMILE and people will wonder what you are up to! |
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snowmonster
It's getting cool out!
Posts: 19330
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Posted: 01:43PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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If it gets to the point where health officials are telling people to stay away from crowded public areas, and to not travel unless completely necessary, then I'd have no problem stocking up on groceries, etc. and hunkering down for the long hull. My oldest wouldn't stand a chance with this flu. But then, if they are accurate, this flu is even taking the strong and healthy. So . . . . . . . I say, keep a watchful eye and keep your ears alert. And be prepared as an individual and a family. 
Take all sorrow out of life and you take away all richness, and depth, and tenderness. The capacity of sorrow belongs to our grandeur. It is the furnace that melts hearts together in love. In loving memory of my dear friend Guy - take care Goobs . . |
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PineappleMama
Posts: 13811
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Posted: 01:59PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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Paladin wrote: The CDC says that frequent hand washing with soap and warm or hot (not cold) water will help protect you. In areas where this is difficult, hand santizer can be used.
They actually said to use hand sanitizer? The CDC? On a virus??
I could be wrong, but I though those things were anti-bacterial... so like soap it won't kill a virus.
In fact, if people are believing that that goop does kill it, they may just settle for using that instead of washing their hands. Even with plain old soap, that works better than sanitizer because at least some of the viruses get washed down the drain. Simple gravity at work. People have become entirely too dependent on that goop... it'll work for salmonella, since that a bac, but not on this or any other virus... dang... I hope people realize that or this could get really ugly.
Anyone know what the label says? I don't have any of that stuff here so I can't look.
Does it actually claim to kill viruses, or just bacteria?
I'm bringing back my handy dandy health avatar... one I made when the norovirus hit...
I Feel Like Chicken Tonight Like Chicken Tonight... |
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Paladin
Posts: 7485
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Posted: 02:05PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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Yes, the following is the quote, specifically, from the CDC:
To prevent the spread of swine flu:
• Avoid contact with ill persons.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do
not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.
• After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based
hand gel.
• If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay at
home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having
trouble breathing). There are antiviral medications for prevention and treatment of swine
flu that a doctor can prescribe. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.
Swine Flu Travel Health Alert Notice
04-09
"The greatest cause of unhappiness in the world today is trading what we want most for what we want now." |
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froggygg
Magical Sorceress Frog
Posts: 8787
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Posted: 02:33PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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An update on our area from the local news station. We now have two confirmed cases here in our city and one local elementary school has just been closed by the Tulare County Health Officials as both students attend it. This elementary school is only about a 5 minute drive from our home and my son's Jr. High. I received an automated telephone call stating that there are the two "suspected" cases with the one school closure but that my son's school (Jr. High) will remain open. So, the news says confirmed but the automated message says suspected. Sounds like more trying to cover up a bit here to me.
What bothers me is that the elementary school which closed is one of the schools that feeds into the Jr. High that my son attends. The one confirmed and second suspected case could have brothers or sisters that attend the Jr. High or even neighbors that have been exposed (may not be sick but carrying the bug) and attend the Jr. High. Some parents are actually beginning to pull their kids out of the different local schools within this very close radius. We have 3 elementary schools, 2 high schools, and my son's Jr. High that are all within a very small radius from each other, so I completely understand the concerns as I am wondering what to do as well.
SMILE and people will wonder what you are up to! |
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PineappleMama
Posts: 13811
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Posted: 03:35PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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We've got TAKS testing this week, so if people pull their kids it could result in failing for the year.
Thank you Gov. Perry.
Thanks for posting that Paladin, I didn't realize they'd done that.
I just wish they'd included something about if you have to use the goob to wash with water as soon as possible.
If people depend solely on that stuff they're gonna be sorely disappointed.
I Feel Like Chicken Tonight Like Chicken Tonight... |
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froggygg
Magical Sorceress Frog
Posts: 8787
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Posted: 07:40PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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Well, we are now up to four cases from the same school. 
SMILE and people will wonder what you are up to! |
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PineappleMama
Posts: 13811
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Posted: 10:40PM Apr 29, 2009 |
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WARNING: I kept editing this post as I found more news so it's quite long, but better than double posting.
Latest 'Round Here
17 Confirmed Cases In Texas...
Ft Worth sent in sample/s, but they aren't getting their results... supposed to be 48 hours so that officials can make decisions. So, since they aren't hearing bumkis they're going to go ahead and shut down 144 schools. The earliest students can return is May 11.
Counting today (and not Monday's Cinco holiday) that'll mean the kids miss 7 school days.
Okay, Arlington already had to extend our school year to June 4th to make up an ice day... think it was Jan 28. Ft Worth was closed too, but made up the day already... are they going to have to extend their year by seven days to make up for this closing? Last day is supposed to be Friday June 5th, 7 more days would mean last day would be June 16th... Kid's Birthday.
I'm going to be really peeved if Arlington closes... one because of the TAKS testing... that's make or break in Texas.
If you fail you don't advance to the next grade, and the tests must be given (and reported) on certain days following certain rules. This could be a HUGE problem.
But also, we just got the info for Scouts Summer Camp... they're planning to leave Friday the 12th @ Noon.
If Arlington closes for 6+ days then they'll still be in school on the 12th, thus the trip is in shambles.
Not to mention that with all these school closings we're going to have hundreds/thousands of kids without care.
Parents may pay for after school, but it's a lot more for all day.
So, for single parents, or both parents working households this will be a disaster too.
No sitter means someone can't go to work, no work means no pay, no pay means no food.
OY, nightmare.
ARGH! Oh, and as a little added insult, some folks in Mexico are saying that it was Americans that brought
the swine flu to them... not the other way around... nice.
Also, they're considering locking down the border... from our side.
US Citizens wouldn't be allowed to enter Mexico, but Mexicans would still be allowed to come here.
Oh yeah, that'll help.
But, one positive note. Papa and I were researching the hand sanitizer thing more.
That goop won't do doodly against staph, hepatitis, etc.
BUT IT WILL BREAK DOWN THE WALLS IN HIV, FLU VIRUSES...
I just hope this Swine Flu isn't so far different that the cellular walls aren't susceptible to alcohol.
OH CRAP... I forgot about the PTA Calendar...
May 9 is our Fun Run and Carnival... then the 12th/13th are Field Days....
Oh I really, really really, hope Arlington doesn't close... we'll be in deep doodoo...
Illness is bad enough, but to botch our budget for next year by killing off two big fundraisers...
Fundraisers that have already been invested in... food, drinks, equipment rentals, police for the trail... OUCH.
The AISD website says....
Special Notice:
At this time, all AISD campuses and facilities will remain open and operate on a normal schedule. The district will continue working closely with the city's office of emergency management to monitor the public health concerns regarding swine flu. We encourage students, staff and families to take all flu precautions, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with individuals showing flu-like symptoms. Click here to learn more.
The Tarrant County Health Dept sent out this letter to the School Districts on the 26th...
April 26, 2009
To: Tarrant County Independent School Districts and private schools
Re: Human Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Infection
Cases of human swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have now been confirmed in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio and Guadalupe County, Texas. There are also numerous confirmed cases in Mexico. Investigations of the cases are in progress with contact investigations extending to Tarrant County.
This strain of human swine influenza A (H1N1) is unique because it is a combination of swine, avian and human influenza viruses. Human-to-human transmission of this virus is occurring, but the ease at which this happens is unknown. The incubation for this strain is currently unknown, but is estimated at 1 to 7 days. Persons should be considered contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for 7 days following illness onset. This virus is sensitive to the anti-viral medications, oseltamavir and zanavamir, but is resistant to amanatidine and rimantadine.
Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) remains watchful and along with regional, state and national partners is involved in enhanced regional surveillance activities. According to TEA Commissioner Robert Scott and DSHS Commissioner David Lakey, schools are asked to work with their local health department to identify and investigate possible ill students. After reviewing attendance records for the past two weeks, if there are any absences related to influenza-like illnesses (ILI), please report this information to Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) at (817)994-3708.
Tarrant County
1101 S. Main Street Fort Worth, Texas 76104 (817) 321-4700
http://health.tarrantcounty.com
Of course, this was before the news from Ft Worth... the CBS story was posted Apr 29, 2009 9:50 pm US/Central
Went to the website... not pretty...
4-28-09 5 Probable Cases of Swine Flu in Tarrant County
4-29-09 5 NEW Probable Cases
Brings the total suspected cases to 11 for Tarrant...
"Conclusive laboratory test results, which are performed by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), are pending on all 11 specimens. Seventy-four specimens have been
received since testing began on April 24. On average 30-40 are tested daily. There are no
confirmed cases in Tarrant County."
Okay, if only 74 have been sent in, in the last 5 days, with 30 done a day why are people who sent them in on Monday still waiting to hear? Given the severity of this outbreak, just the sheer spreading of it, and the (above mentioned) consequences of school closings, business closings, etc. you'd think they'd be getting back to people A.S.A.P. even if it isn't life threatening in most cases.
Good and Bad News
CONFIRMED cases in Texas hit 16, plus the 11 that aren't CDC Confirmed.
One child has died from a confirmed case.
Two Non-Confirmed folks (23 month old, and a just delivered by c-section mom)are in critical condition waiting results from CDC.
While a "handful" of districts (effecting 53,000 kids) have closed Texas Gov isn't panicking... but did declare a Disaster and they're gathering more Anti-Viral meds.
The good news...
"The vast majority of our public schools continue to operate normally," he said. "That being said, we want to send a message that there will be no penalty for any district - financial or academic - if they take the steps of closing a campus or district. We will offer waiver days for their school calendar to make sure they don't have to make them up in the summer."
Still don't know about how this may effect testing in those districts, but that is definitely something! 
OY, reading further, even with the allotment and with buying extra Texas still won't have enough meds to treat everyone if this reaches Pandemic...
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a pandemic can start when three conditions have been met:[1]
* Emergence of a disease new to a population.
* Agents infect humans, causing serious illness.
* Agents spread easily and sustainably among humans.
So... yeah... 25% of the CDC's allotment for Texas is already here (850k doses) plus 840k that Texas has bought. Total of 1.69 million doses, with the CDC reserving another 2.55 million (assuming of course they do actually have every states allotted numbers!!)
So... have 1,690,000... could get a total of 2,550,000... Texas Population 24,326,974 (as of July 0
Meaning that if this hits more than 10% of the population we're in deep doodoo.
Let's hope that people will shape up and start washing their hands!
That and visit our country's own landmarks instead of insisting on going international...
---This message was edited on 12:41AM Apr 30, 2009---
I Feel Like Chicken Tonight Like Chicken Tonight... |
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jaycr
Posts: 1967
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Posted: 10:03AM Apr 30, 2009 |
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If I could change my vote, I would have to. We have had our first confirmed case. Not much info was given, except that the girl is recovering, and two connected middle schools were closed. They didn't mention how she came in contact with it, but she had not been to Mexico. Apparently some people have started looking very carefully at the workers doing work on their roofs or landscaping work. I still haven't heard of any deaths in the US besides the boy from Mexico who came here sick. Of course the young, elderly and those with underlying health issues are at the greatest risk, as it would be with any type of flu outbreak. I still haven't gone into panic mode.
It's not what you know, it's what people think you know. |
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glowingredbob
Posts: 24
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Posted: 02:08PM Apr 30, 2009 |
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The shut down all the schools in a city sort of near to where I'm currently living. 3 cases have been reported.
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stephiesd
Posts: 2801
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Posted: 06:03PM Apr 30, 2009 |
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The grapevine says that Swine Flu has hit my city.
MY CITY.
Things like that don't happen here.
They just don't.
=/
This can get real sucky real fast. If more cases are reported, the schools will close.
If the schools close, graduation gets pushed back.
If graduation gets pushed back, I'll be out of town during the ceremony, which means that I WON'T BE ABLE TO WALK WITH MY CLASS.
And if this happens, Swine Flu won't be the biggest threat this country is currently facing.
"You can't stop the pterodactyl. The pterodactyl does what the pterodactyl wants." - JMM |
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