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12 Dec 03 - 02:48 PM (#1071069) Subject: BS: The Flu. From: Kim C All right, so who's got the flu this week? Me, I just have a li'l cold - of course that's bad enough. But several in my office are out sick, as well as some of our vendors. Something I was wondering about... here in the U.S. we've had all this news on the flu season and how bad it's going to be and how there isn't nearly enough vaccine for everyone... is it possible that all the hubbub has psychologically thrown people into sickness somehow? Or am I just all wet? |
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12 Dec 03 - 02:50 PM (#1071071) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Peace And why is it that after one has had the flu, one doesn't then say, "I had the flung?" Had it a few weeks ago, and it was not fun. |
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12 Dec 03 - 03:36 PM (#1071107) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Rapparee Four out of the twenty-five on the staff here are out. |
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12 Dec 03 - 03:50 PM (#1071115) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Kim C About three or four counties in Tennessee have closed school on account of it - they have more than 20% absent. |
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12 Dec 03 - 03:55 PM (#1071120) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Bill D we 'think' our HMO has a shot saved for my wife, who is a heart transplant survivor, with attendant risks..she is headed there as I type. I am merely and old fart, and not eligible for the few doses left..Fortunately, I am not out in public a lot, so will cross my fingers. It is bad all across the country, and this is early in the season. I am seriously thinking of wearing a mask when I have to be out... |
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12 Dec 03 - 03:58 PM (#1071122) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Kim C Bill, they have recommended that here for people who are coughing. I have drunk so much orange juice the last 48 hours that I'll be so sick of it................... but I do feel better. |
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12 Dec 03 - 04:22 PM (#1071136) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: artbrooks I had my shot about a month ago...and, as usual, promptly got sick. Was it the flu? You don't really know unless you go to a hospital and have a positive test, and the treatment for flu and 'flu-like symptoms' is about the same. |
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12 Dec 03 - 04:37 PM (#1071150) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Rapparee Oh, yeah, the Malad City schools are closed here. |
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12 Dec 03 - 04:39 PM (#1071152) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Amos So far my head in the sand approach seems to be working perfectly.... S |
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12 Dec 03 - 04:41 PM (#1071158) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Kim C Isn't it hard to breathe that way? ;-) |
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12 Dec 03 - 04:42 PM (#1071159) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Sorcha No it is NOT fun, esp. when you add a staph infection in your lungs.... |
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12 Dec 03 - 04:53 PM (#1071168) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: NicoleC Every year, people die from the flu -- usually old folks and young kids -- without any media attention at all. This year, it's the same old folks and young kids. I think the media frenzy and subsequent fear-inspired vaccine shortage has more to do with the recent spate of average illnesses getting sensationalist coverage than any unusual severity this year. Influenza should always be taken seriously by groups of at-risk people. Almost every year the vaccine makers end up throwing out lots flu shots, I think they were as surprised as anyone that people have actually gone and gotten their shots this year! People have repeatedly pointed out that media "epidemics" like West Nile Virus were no here near as deadly as the flu is each year. So I guess maybe some of those media groups decided they had might as well hype the flu, too! Anyway, I had it a few weeks ago. It mostly made me very, very tired, but wasn't near as bad as some years seem to be. And I agree, Kim. People who think they will get sick usually do. |
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12 Dec 03 - 04:57 PM (#1071172) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Kim C Well, it seems like we go through this same hullaballoo every year. And I get a cold every winter, just about. I think it has to do with trying to do too much and not taking good enough care of myself. |
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12 Dec 03 - 06:20 PM (#1071223) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Jeri I know other people will disagree, but if you get a cold virus you have no immunity to in your system, you are GONNA get that cold. About all you can do is try to get over it as fast as possible and keep the symptoms as mild as possible by taking care of yourself ALL of the time. I got the flu shot in October and haven't had anything but allergies since last spring. I'd rather have a couple of colds a year than these stupid allergies though. I don't think I've had any sort of flu since I was a kid. Now, lemme go find a big hunk of wood to knock on! |
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12 Dec 03 - 06:58 PM (#1071248) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Bobert Wash yer hands.... Lots..... Keep 'em away from yer face.... Take yer Astragales if ya' haven't had yer shot or even if you have.... Bobert |
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12 Dec 03 - 11:07 PM (#1071359) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Kim C I know they say to be diligent about washing your hands, and I think that's a good idea. But how does that keep you safe from airborne viruses & bacteria? |
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12 Dec 03 - 11:22 PM (#1071365) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Bobert Lots of gems are carried on one's hands, Kim... Where ever you go you are touching doors and other public things where flu germs have been inadvertantly left to be spread. Thin about Christmas shopping and how many folks used the restrooms or picked up a shirt or... It's endless.... Like I said, wazsh your hands as many times a day as you can. It only takes *one* germ to find you and then it multiplies in its new host (you) like rabbits, except much faster and then..... I've been washing my hands 6 times a day or more and if in a public restroom using a towell to open the door on the way out... Paranoid? No... Just dedicated to not gettin' sick... Bobert |
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12 Dec 03 - 11:57 PM (#1071378) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Rapparee 23 kids are dead so far. |
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13 Dec 03 - 02:40 AM (#1071405) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Mickey191 CBS Radio News said over 200 have died, many children. I've a friend who was down for over two weeks, terrific headache, sweats, fever & chills. She is a strong woman, not the complaining type. I think it's a disgrace that there's not enough medicine for those at risk. A wag suggested it's Bush at work, trying to thin the Social Security Crowd. |
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13 Dec 03 - 08:58 AM (#1071477) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Jeri Kim, washing your hands won't prevent inhaling something airborne, BUT... What Bobert said. Cold and flu viruses aren't airborne. If somebody coughs or sneezes, the viruses don't stay in the air. They cough or sneeze, 'stuff' comes out, whether in large globs [sorry] or minute invisible droplets and it falls on surfaces. You touch the surface, then scratch your eye, stick a finger in your mouth or up your nose, and you have it. Somebody blows their nose, and 10 minutes later shakes your hand. You wash your hands after someone who's sick washes theirs. Good, but there's the faucet handle on the sink, the surface around the sink, the handle on the paper towel dispenser, the doorknob... Now, you can try to get the paper towel out before you wash your hands, and when you're done, turn the faucet off with the towel, then open the door with it before going for the 3-point shot into the trash bin. I once worked in an office and tried all of this stuff and STILL got the stupid office cold. I probably touched a desk or phone or pen or something else. I DO wash my hands, but I'm still going to get colds. I try to look at them as unpleasant workouts for my immune system. Influenza, however, is something I really don't want. I don't believe there was a shortage of vaccine before increased cases of flu and flu deaths began being reported. I think the post-media focus demand is what created the shortage, but I'm guessing. The time to get the vaccination is before, not after an epidemic starts - it's prevention, not a cure. It takes two weeks or longer after the shot for immunity to develop. If someone had already been infected or becomes infected in that period, the shot isn't going to do them any good. Barn door/horse analogy. People should still get the shot if they're at risk, and the vaccine should be available - there's no 'cut-off period' for flu season. |
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13 Dec 03 - 10:14 AM (#1071509) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Peg Just get yourselves some tea tree essential oil. It is a powerful anti-microbial. Add a drop to some warm water and gargle twice a day. that will help to kep the flu, strep and other upper respiratory nasties away, plus it's great for dental hygiene. You can also add a few drops to a water mister and spray indoors where recycled heated air makes germs stick around... Oh, and be sure to take extra vitamin C EVERY day, and plenty of water. This really helps keep your resistance up. |
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13 Dec 03 - 04:16 PM (#1071700) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Arnie Just heard on the BBC that we are exporting UK vaccine to the States. Great stuff! My wife, a teacher, was refused the flu vaccine last week because (she was told by the nurse) the stuff is so scarce here and she is not considered at risk. I'm on the risk list and fortunately got my shot a couple of weeks ago - just as well if someone's selling our stuff to the US. Now I don't begrudge our American friends flu protection but not at the expense of those who need it here. You would think a country the size of the US could produce enough flu vaccine for themselves and half the rest of the world as well. Obviously not! Scarce flu vaccine from UK to US, contaminated warships from US to UK - not really a fair exchange!! |
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13 Dec 03 - 07:59 PM (#1071790) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Dani Listen, CDC says that in an AVERAGE YEAR 36,000 folks die from flu. Quit watching the damn TV. And wash your hands, and cover your mouth when you sneeze. A friend told me his little son is scared about the whole thing. Turn off the TV! Dani (on her anti-massmedia soapbox) |
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13 Dec 03 - 09:21 PM (#1071801) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Bill D the flu vaccine is not just cranked out in a lab...it needs eggs to be incubated in, and it takes about 2 months to BUY lots of eggs, grow the vaccine and get it into a usable form....the drug companies guess each summer how much they're going to need and how bad it's going to be...and this year there is a sub-strain they didn't count on....and THEN the news media panicked everyone and remaining stocks went quickly. It's doubtful any significant amount could be made in time to help a lot this season.. My wife DID get one of the very last available at our HMO, I did not. We will just hope her shot takes effect before she gets exposed...(Maryland was not a major affected area as of this week...Virgina was, so I imagine it will get here.) |
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13 Dec 03 - 09:33 PM (#1071807) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: McGrath of Harlow Colds aren't the same as flu. People are always takling about "coming down with flu" and most times they mean a cold. When you get real flu you know it. A couple of winters ago we came down with it for Christmas. Since then I've been to get my flu jab within a few days of them starting doing them each winter. "Late onset Asthma" entitled me to it. I'd reckon any shortages of flu vaccine here must be local, they seem to have plenty round or way. It could be that the stuff in the press and telly about all this has meant that the people on the jab list have gone for it in a bigger way than expected in some places. Anyway I got a song out of the last time I got flu. And I hope it was the last time) - The Millennium Flu - the first verse sums up what it's like: They call it the flu, but you don't fly, just hang around, and wait to die - it seems like time's just crawling by Millenium Flu, it's got to you. When your body aches, your mouth is dry, you pray to live, but you can't think why - Millenium Flu, it's got to you. Now my head is so dizzy and my mind is confused My body feels so shaken and so worn out and used Like I'd been drinking, getting stinking, And I just couldn't stop, All the perils of the bar-room - And I'd not had a drop. |
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14 Dec 03 - 02:10 AM (#1071899) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Mudlark I dont even want to READ abut flu. I always get sick, really sick, after taking flu shots, maybe because I react badly to eggs...the doc tells me it's "impossible" to get flu from shot. I don't know, sure felt like flu to me, so I quit taking them some years ago. \I not only wash hands often, and keep handwipes in car, but have also tried to school myself to not ever put my hands to eyes, nose or mouth, when out and about. It's impossible to keep hands sterile all the time. Tons of C and echinacea whenver I feel even a suspicion of illness also seems to help, but only in the early stages. Once it settles in, nothing shifts it but way too much time. |
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14 Dec 03 - 04:34 AM (#1071940) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Mr Red Well mine is barely a cold but I ran on adrenaline Friday and as soon as I got home I went straight to bed and slept 14 hours - spent most of the time in bed since. It looks to have mostly gone now, bit bunged-up and aching joints. I expect to be at work Monday. The bugger of it is I missed a ceilidh - which IS sesrious - not much stops me doing them. |
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14 Dec 03 - 11:19 AM (#1072021) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: The Fooles Troupe It's not really recommended to take tea-tree or eucalyptus oil internally, even in small doses.... you shouldn't drink things like Dettol or other disinfectants either... Consider that when you take a dose of antibiotics, it kills the GOOD little greeblies as well as the BAD, which is why they sell those tablets and little bottles of yoghurt GOOD bacterial greeblies extract stuff.... Vitamin C is ok, but the flavioids in the citrus juice assists it - drink lemons or oranges... In Australia, most echinacea formulations were recently found to not have sufficient of the real ingredient to be of any use at all. Garlic Is As Good As 10 Mothers! - sorry can't do blickie at moment - see "The Garlic Song" in the DT.... :-) My Favourite - Hot Rum & Lemon Juice! Robin |
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14 Dec 03 - 11:56 AM (#1072055) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Peg Gargling is not ingesting, Foolestroupe. You shouldn't swallow toothpaste or Scope, either. But using tea tree or eucalyptus in a gargle is an excellent preventive measure during cold and flu season...I have been doing it for years and have sucessfully killed a strep infection more than once when caught in the early stages. |
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14 Dec 03 - 12:00 PM (#1072057) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: GUEST Excessive use of vitamin C is linked to acid reflux and ulcers. Pick your poisons and cures wisely. |
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14 Dec 03 - 12:25 PM (#1072082) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: catspaw49 Hey Bill!!! Kick Rita's rump for me! She knows damn well that she should have had that shot 6 weeks ago or more! I dunno' if they are totally effective, but it beats NOT taking one and you both know that. I assume she has also had a pneumonia shot??? They're good for ten years and I'm sure she has had one........Right? Say right. I have all three of mine sick right now.....Tris went down first on Wednesday, Karen on Thursday, Michael on Friday!!! Tris is now doing well and will go to school tomorrow, Karen is just about over the worst, and Michael is still sick and will miss school tomorrow. My flu shot seems to be working but my ass is worn out! Spaw |
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14 Dec 03 - 02:53 PM (#1072203) Subject: RE: BS: The Flu. From: Kim C Well, Good luck everyone. My cold is lots better but it still makes my head all foggy. |