BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it

Subject: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 09:18 PM

Montana has no other active strain of flu right now, only H1N1.
At first I thought I'd woken up with a cold, but it's basically the symptoms our local university health office describes for all the students in town who have it. My job has me in a lot of contact with the public and going in and out of a lot of public places. I try to wash hands a lot. Oh, well. It seems milder than other flu I've had, just incredibly tired, unable to stay awake today and took the day off from work. Hot and cold, a cough, etc. As flu symptoms go, it seems pretty mild so far. Here is the article from today's newspaper.

------


Swine flu spreading at MSU, area schools
By GAIL SCHONTZLER Chronicle Staff Writer

Swine flu is spreading among college students and school kids around Gallatin County, and the first batch of vaccine against the virus is expected to arrive later this week.

The virus has sent 126 Montana State University students to the Student Health Service since fall classes started six weeks ago, director Jim Mitchell said Tuesday.

"For the past two weeks, we've been running 35 to 40 cases a week n it seems pretty stable," Mitchell said. "That's less than 2 percent of our patient visits. That's pretty low. It's not putting a strain on our system at the moment.

"Most symptoms have been equal to or less serious than the regular, seasonal flu," Mitchell added. "That is good news. It means the virus is not evolving in a dangerous direction."

MSU students who come down with the virus feel achy, feverish and miserable, but so far only one student has been treated at the hospital, Mitchell said. The hospitalized student, who had asthma, only stayed one night.

Swine flu has also been showing up among school children at a couple schools outside of Bozeman, said Stephanie Murphy, human services director for the Gallatin City-County Health Department.

Last week, the county received reports from health care providers of 42 swine flu cases, which means most were at MSU, Murphy said.

"I think there are a lot of sick people out there who are not all going to the doctor," she said. "It's very treatable at home if there are no complications."

Gallatin County expects to receive the first 500 doses of vaccine against the H1N1 virus later this week, Murphy said.

It will be the live nasal vaccine, which presents some problems and concerns, she said. It cannot be given to pregnant women, diabetics, asthmatics, children under age 2 or people over age 50.

The county will survey health care providers to assess patient loads and decide who should get the first doses.

Eventually, Gallatin County expects to receive 26,000 doses of the vaccine, Murphy said.

Meanwhile, people are being urged to wash their hands regularly and cover any coughs to avoid spreading the virus.

Swine flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, cough, sore throat and feeling incredibly tired, Mitchell said. But it only lasts a couple days.

MSU students who come down sick are urged to stay "home," whether that's an apartment or dorm room, until the fever has been gone for 24 hours, Mitchell said.

Flu victims are urged to take over-the-counter medicine, like Tylenol or Ibuprofen (not aspirin), to keep down fever, drink lots of liquids, have a friend bring meals and stay home.

If MSU experiences a large outbreak, as has occurred some other college campuses, the Health Service plans to advise as many ailing students as possible over the phone, so they don't all congregate in the center's waiting room and spread the virus to other patients, Mitchell said.

College students "are the hardest kids to keep home," Murphy said. "We tell them to stay home until they are free of fever for 24 hours" without help from medication.

People at greatest risk from swine flu are those with chronic health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart conditions, or compromised immune systems, and pregnant women, Mitchell said. They would likely be the first to get flu shots.

The next priority would be young people age 24 and under, which at MSU means thousands of people. MSU, which vaccinated about 1,000 students against the seasonal flu, hasn't planned any clinics for swine flu shots yet, waiting to find out how many doses it will have.

Swine flu is considered to be the only strain active in Montana at the moment, Mitchell said.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: maeve
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 09:27 PM

I hope you recover soon, Alice. Take good care of yourself.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Peace
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 09:44 PM

Lotsa liquids, Alice. Hope you're feeling much better real soon.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: bobad
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 09:49 PM

Don't forget that there are other viral infections which cause symptoms that can be described as flu-like by are not technically "flus". Rhinovirus and RSV (human respiratory syncytial virus)are two common infections that can cause symptoms similar to what you are describing. I was told that if you don't have a significant fever then you most likely don't have H1N1.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: heric
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 09:58 PM

If you get care within 48 hours of symptom onset, you can get Tamiflu to ease the course.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 10:01 PM

I'm stuck in a hotel room in Butte and will drive home on Friday. Tea and water, tea and water. Had weird dreams all afternoon with the chills and fever. I had a dream that I was in a different hotel room where a previous guest had left dirty dishes under the bed, including a half grapefruit in a bowl. Weird fever dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 10:29 PM

Alice - follow the CDC webcasts.

There is a POSSIBLE serious prognosis for those under age 30.

Contact your medical practioner - and consider Tamiflu in the first 36 hours (GILEAD)

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 10:39 PM

I'm not under age 30. I'll be 58 in December. But thanks for the info. I've been worried about my 22 year old son who still is in contact with the university students.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: heric
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 10:54 PM

Consider Tamiflu immediately. The physicians at Childrens Hospital said they would give it to my son because he was within 48 hours. Point is, don't give up just because you've hit 36 and think they won't give it to you.

Stuck in a hotel away from home with a big drive in two days? ooohhh.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Rapparee
Date: 07 Oct 09 - 11:42 PM

Get medical attention. It can be mild for those over A Certain Age, but then again it might not be.

Get medical attention.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Rapparee
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 12:07 AM

It could also be something else. Go to a doctor.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 12:18 AM

My daughter had it two weeks ago. She has a pre-existing medical condition so they bumped her to the top of the list--her hematologist has standing instructions if she develops flu-like symptoms, so they followed those but also gave her tamiflu. She had called in the morning to tell me how she felt, and wondered if she should go to class. I had her make an appointment with the student health folks. The doctor walked in and asked "what do I need to know today about your medical condition" and the answer was "I had a splenectomy." "That'll do it" the doctor said, and she was tested (the test is inconclusive 50% of the time, but they were sure it was H1N1 because that's what everyone has up there right now).

She was feeling much better a couple of days later. The rest of her household suffered longer with it.

I've had the seasonal flu shot--sometime next week they'll get the second shot on campus, and I'll go get in line for it. The first 15,000 will be free, they said. We have more folks than that, but hopefully I'll get one of them.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: open mike
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 01:54 AM

ihave had some wierd fever, aches, congestion, etc.
i wonder if it is possible to get a test to see if
it is swine-ish. (blood? swab? )

do not be afraid to rest, and don't try to do too
much too soon...Alice,

i have been knocked out for about a week...
still have a nasty cough...

i thought flu was usually an intestinal deal..
vomiting, etc, but i guess it can settle in
the lungs as well as the tummy and G.I.

get better, and take care.

i have heard of some swine cases in this county,
and others in neighboring counties...so it is
around.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 05:34 AM

Call your doc, and head for home. No fun being ill in strange suroundings. Just being home, and in your own environment, will make you feel better.
Hope you're feeling better soon.

JM

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 09:58 AM

Laurel, what you have sounds like flu. The vomiting and intestinal thing is usually a virus. They do a swab in your mouth for the flu test. I suppose there is also a blood test, but the swab is faster.

I was on campus (not my daughter's campus, my campus) yesterday. I've been making a point of taking stairs, not elevators, and sitting at a distance from others in the room.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 10:02 AM

If heading for home means driving with the flu, stay where you are. Do they have room service? Stay hydrated.
Auntie SINS

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 10:06 AM

Influenza is a respiratory virus. Intestinal things are normally bacterial, and quite frequently food or water borne.

The thing that differentiates the flu from a cold is a fever of 101°F or higher. This may not be universally true, but it's the criteria we used to do throat swabs for influenza surveillance (back when I was involved in that).

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: olddude
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 10:18 AM

That is serious, get yourself right now my friend to the ER room and get started on the tami flu stuff. My doc said in many people it hits the gut ... get over there now ok

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 10:54 AM

The following is from the CDC:

---

People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications

October 8, 2009, 12:45 AM ET

Most people who get the flu (either seasonal or 2009 H1N1) will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. The flu can also make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu. The list below includes the groups of people more likely to get flu-related complications if they get sick from influenza.
People at High Risk for Flu Complications:

    * Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
    * Adults 65 years of age and older
    * Pregnant women
    * People who have:
          o Cancer
          o Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)
          o Chronic lung disease [such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]
          o Diabetes
          o Heart disease
          o Kidney disorders
          o Liver disorders
          o Neurological disorders (such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain or spinal cord injuries, moderate to profound intellectual disability [mental retardation] or developmental delay)
          o Neuromuscular disorders (such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)
          o Weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV or AIDS or who are on medications that weaken the immune system )

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 11:11 AM

Feel better!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: open mike
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 01:10 PM

on the local news last night was a website where you can take a quiz to see if you have it.

local health officials recommend not exposing other patients in the
waiting room at e.r. and dr. office...

the web site given was www.h1n1responsecenter.com

which did not bring up a site, but a search led to this:

https://h1n1.cloudapp.net/

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: open mike
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 02:45 PM

also check here....http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 03:04 PM

I had my flu vaccine last night. Arm is sore. But now my tum is terrible. Been very sick with tummy troubles since about 3am this morning. I could only eat tiny bit of lunch and dinner.

Also fluctuating between cold and hot, but no fever. I checked. But then I have a really low normal temp anyway, so maybe a fever on me is normal for someone else.

Scuse me, think I may need to talk to Ralph on the Big White Phone again.


Hope you feel better soon Alice.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: topical tom
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 03:16 PM

Seek competent medical attention right away, Alice. Keep downing the fluids and get all the bed rest you can. Good luck and get well soon.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 05:07 PM

Mudcat is NOT the place to get help with swine flu-- not now and not all winter.

I know that's not why you posted here Alice, but please, resist the temptation to substitute the Cat for medical attention, on this one. And you may be sick enough not to be making the best decisions. You need to get moving. Now.

You have too much going on in the world to take a chance. Call the nearest ER (NOW) and get instructions so you don't get sicker and don't infect anyone else, please.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 05:29 PM

Stop yelling at me.

I didn't ask for advice.

I'm isolated, bored, waiting it out sleeping off and on until tomorrow when I can pack up and drive home. The symptoms are not severe, and as the CDC says, in that case I just need to rest and stay hydrated.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: LilyFestre
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 07:27 PM

Sweet dreams...hope you are feeling much better in the morning.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 06:36 AM

Please let us know when you get safely home, Alice.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 10:46 AM

Chicken soup! I know you didn't ask for advice, but chicken soup is always good... unless you're a vegetarian, in which case, some nice lentil soup with lots of garlic and onions.

Some sympathy from me. I just got a flu shot yesterday, and I feel crappish. My immune system will stop feeling insulted in a couple days though, and it can't even be close to having the real thing.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 11:23 AM

Hope you are feeling better, today, Alice. Any good movies on the telly? If you aren't too tired, you might enjoy reading some books online. I know how boring it can get, lying around letting our bodies work things out. Take care,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:14 PM

Just went out and cleared all the snow and scraped off the ice on the car so I can load up and drive across the continental divide back home. No food in this hotel, so I was living on chicken cup 'o noodles and apples and grapefruit that I had with me. I feel better now, just really hungry!! As I said, it was milder than some flu I've had in the past, but still knocked me out of 3 days of work. Thanks for the good wishes. No snow tires on the car yet, but I think the highway has been cleared.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:24 PM

Safe trip. And if you stop at a Cracker barrel, pick up some grits for Spaw.
Glad you're feeling better.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:33 PM

Oh Mary don't.

I can't get Grits in the UK.

Glad you are feeling better Alice. Go carefully.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: maeve
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:34 PM

Thanks for the update, Alice. I'm glad you feel better.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 12:43 PM

Does bold type count as yelling, like UPPER CASE? I'd see it more as speaking emphatically.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 01:10 PM

Yes, imo, when it is the whole posting.

Alice, good to know you are on your way home and that you are hungry. That's a good sign! Safe journey.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 01:50 PM

I think it is Jacqui's turn in the ringer. She isn't sounding or feeling so well. And Kendall is iffy as well.
Damn! The whole Getaway crowd may be in for it.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 01:57 PM

actually I'm a bit low in the physical wellness bit ... probably the H3N2 flu.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 04:03 PM

I made it back home over the continental divide with steep icy roads and driving through some falling snow in places.

For those reading this who may get the h1n1, I hope you have it as mildly as I've had.

I think it is typical from what I found on the web that this h1n1 flu right now is maybe milder than the normal seasonal flu, unless you are in one of those risk groups.

As I found it described, it came on suddenly, had sore throat/sniffles/coughing, felt hot and cold and mainly felt very, very tired. I couldn't stay awake during the day. I had a fleeting headache, but not the kind of aches and pains as severe as other flu I've experienced. I'm staying away from people, using hand sanitizer, spraying knobs with lysol at home now, so my son hopefully does not get it from me.

Take care, everyone. I was very isolated, bored and lonely the last 3 days, so thanks for your good wishes!!

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 04:06 PM

Glad you're home safe. Be careful. If it comes back it is wise to see a doctor right away.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 02:19 PM

I see in my cupboard that I'm out of Lipton chicken noodle soup. It isn't like homemade, but if you don't feel good and you want something that feels good going down and doesn't mean a couple of hours of cooking, it's a good short cut. I'll get some for "just in case," but I think I'll also make a batch of stock and freeze it in 8 oz containers (yogurt cups). Pop one into a mug and heat it in the microwave when needed.

My son has bad allergy stuff going on right now, and I'm keeping a close eye that it isn't flu mimicking allergies. So far just stuffy head stuff, nose blowing. We haven't been able to get him a flu shot--everyone is out. His annual physical was yesterday and they said try back on the 15th. The local pharmacies are out. I'm going to see if I can get him one at the university where I work because there are some family members I can do it for, I just don't remember if it is a kid or spouse thing. Meanwhile, hot herbal tea has actually appealed to him and might also appeal to someone with the flu. I like the Celestial Seasons "Wellness" teas because they really do help (especially the sore throat one).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 02:33 PM

CDC recommends that you stock your kitchen with food for enough days you may have to be home sick and your medicine cabinet with the sore throat lozenges and other over the counter flu things you might need.

I've been stuck working on the road before, sick in a hotel. It is harder to be away from home and your own kitchen when that happens!

They closed the school in Anaconda (next to Butte) because so many kids are sick. The state is not keeping track of the number of h1n1 flu cases, as there are just too many.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 03:05 PM

article, Click Here

"We know H1N1 is widespread throughout the state, so it's kind of pointless to keep testing people over and over, especially since the treatment is the same whether it's H1N1 or you're sick with anything - stay home, wash your hands and don't cough on anyone."

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 07:01 PM

Does "H1N1" mean something different from pig flu? I prefer my plagues to have proper names, rather than sinister strings of letters and numbers.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 08:58 PM

H1N1 is its proper name.
Quite awhile ago, the public were told it is not
just a mutation in swine and not to call it swine flu,
as that is an inaccurate label. In addition, it gives
people the wrong impression that they can get it from pork.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 09:01 PM

from Reuters (what to call the flu)

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 09:26 PM

H1N1 is not the swine flu, and the current standard flu shot has protection against a couple H1N1 viruses NOT including the swine flu, BUT the swine flu IS an H1N1 strain.

See, the H1N1 is like saying it's a cow. The name identifies it as Holstein or Angus. Your cow isn't always a Holstein, but your Holstein is always a cow.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Alice
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 09:51 PM

A friend of mine who is a physician's assistant told me this today:

"Those of us born before 1957 are supposed to have some natural immunity, they think a previous strain was very similar, and is why it's mainly young people catching it and having worse cases."

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 09:58 PM

I got the swine flu vaccine in Feb 1977 (end of the 1976 epidemic), but I don't know how effective that is now. I've heard it still might afford a small degree of protection.

Subject: RE: BS: H1N1 flu, I think I have it
From: pdq
Date: 10 Oct 09 - 10:18 PM

The current flu epidemic is caused by the Type A influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 variety.

It has four main components, two of them come from swine flu strains.

Yes, the 2009 epidemic is properly called "swine flu".

Israel has coined the name "Mexico flu" because it came from Mexico. They feel it is an insult to say that a disease that infects humans came from pigs.

No, flu shots for the "standard flu" will have little or no affect on preventing the swine flu, according to experts.