Swine Flu Outbreak

So has anyone else been keeping up with this:

U.S. declares state of emergency as 20 cases confirmed; 86 dead in Mexico

The world’s governments raced to avoid both a pandemic and global hysteria Sunday as more possible swine flu cases surfaced from Canada to New Zealand and the United States declared a public health emergency. “It’s not a time to panic,” the White House said.

Eight high school students from New York are among those who fell ill in five states, including New York, Ohio, California, Texas and Kansas. Patients have ranged in age from 7 to 54.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30398682/?GT1=43001

I didn't post the whole story just some pieces. But the link is there. That to me is kind of scary......

How in the heck do we catch animal diseases?

 

I would assume it would be consumed? But yeah kinda scary, especially since it affects all age groups. With wet Nile it only hit young,old and those with poor immune systems.

 

Not me.

Improper storage of the animals could lead to the spread of disease. If one oinker had a sniffle, then had to be caged 50 high, then others would catch it, then we eat it...it's one of those things where it's hard to stop once it gets started.

Kinda like a giant ball of disease rolling down a hill.

 

kinda scary

 

They have not been able to contain it, it's passed on like the flu, not thru eating it. I think thats why it has peeked my interest. I just went back online to look at some more info and it looks like it is getting out of hand. I mean 81 dead and 1000 or so infected.... not good. Yeah your right about the west Nile, but this is hitting people who were healthy. The age group so far is 7 years - 54 years old that it had infected. I can't imagine if it gets out in a nursing home or a hospital with babies.....

 

WOW, this is crazy stuff! Been hearing/watching about it on the news the last few days.

How the hell do we avoid it? ?

 

seems to be treatable so far though....

 

large scale animal agriculture at its finest

 

I've been watching this for a few days. Not something I want. Think the best way to avoid it is to wash your hands!!!! and stay away from crowds and do as Michael Jackson does... wear a mask when out in public.

They've been so worried about a bird flu pandemic and now it could be pig flu.

It's definately scary since it's mainly killing healthy, young people, not the sick or older folks like most do.

 

treatable for some.... 81 have died even with treatment. They say they do not have a vacination for it. But some of the regular flu meds have been working on some people. Still scary....

 

I'm definitely scared since I'm sort of a germa-phobe. But... the "good" news is that none of the cases in the US or anywhere else have been anything other than mild and non life threatening. Secondly, it seems that Tamiflu works to treat it. Lastly, 1,400 sick with 80 dead doesn't sound like awful odds. We're talking roughly a 7% death rate here, and not all of those deaths are neccesarily tied to swine flu. Only 20 thus far.

But, here's what SUCKS: I am flying across country on Wed. A plane right now is the LAST place I want to be.I haven't traveled in over a year, and whadya' know? A flu outbreak!? I'm paying close attention. If it gets serious, I'll cancel the trip period. Its not worth it. But ya- I'm kind of scared. I hate germs!

 

My girlfriend where a mask on flights regularly. It looks funny, but she never gets sick. Never drink the aircraft water and wash your hands.

 

just came back from Sacramento.. had 2 cokes with ice.

BUT yeah, its some crazy shit - the hospital i work with/for is talking about shutting down the section i work in because of it - that is if it gets any crazier. Mostly because we are in San Diego and SO close to the border. We have a lot of people who live across the border come to our ophthalmology clinic because we're the only Children's Ophthalmology and take different kinds of medical.. soo yah. crazy.

 

Death rate is up and the amount sick are up..... if you are traveling I would say keep the small spray container of germ killer spray. And before you get on the plane, spray your hands and arms.... lol today I did that and even wiped my nose with it just to keep it out...lol ya I know... A little crazy, but I have a 3 year old and damn to hell if she is gonna get it.

 

Swine's got nothing on SARS! Everybody run to the store and get some face masks!

 

There have been at least two confirmed cases of the same strain of Swine flu here in San Antonio. The cases were confirmed by the DoD, and consequently the school district where the two kids went to school have been entirely shut down for at least a week.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/San_Antonios_swine_flu_strain_matches_Mexicos.html

 

i just saw this on yahoo. where in cali has this flu been surfaced?

 

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.