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Can a Mask Prevent Swine Flu?
While a mask could theoretically help prevent swine flu, it’s a bit much for most people and really not necessary at this point.
Sure, if someone is coughing or sneezing in your face, a mask might help. Also, if you know that you're going to be around someone with swine flu, such as a loved one, a mask might be warranted. But otherwise, that’s not the most effective strategy for preventing swine flu because you don't catch most respiratory viruses from people coughing in your face.
Here's what generally happens. Someone with a virus sneezes or coughs in their hand. Then, they touch something like an elevator button or a doorknob. You come along a few minutes later and touch that same button or knob. Then, without thinking about it, you touch your face – your mouth, nose, or eyes – and the virus takes hold of you.
As mundane as it sounds, the most effective way to prevent getting respiratory viruses like swine flu is washing your hands. But most of us don’t do it often enough and don’t do it the right way.
Obviously, the biggest risk is when you’re in a public place. So, I do whatever I can to not touch anything when I’m out and about – or at least make double sure not to touch my face out in public.
To be more specific, here’s my strategy when I go into a public restroom. It goes without saying that I make sure to not touch my face once entering the restroom. But after I’ve taken care of my business, I wash my hands for a good 20 seconds. I know it feels like a long time, but believe me, it’s worth it. Need to occupy yourself? Sing happy birthday -- twice -- to pass the right amount of time.
Then, when you’re done, don’t touch a thing but a paper towel. Contort yourself or do whatever you need to do to get that paper towel without touching anything else. Turn the water off using the paper towel. Open the door to leave the restroom with the paper towel. And don’t touch anything else with your hands – without the paper towel. I throw the paper towel away when I get back in my office.
Washing your hands is extremely important after you sneeze or cough into your hands. Not around soap and water? Alcohol-based hand gels are also very effective for killing flu viruses.
And if you have any swine flu symptoms, the CDC says call your doctor. It's also a good idea to practice social isolation. Keep to yourself until you’re all better to prevent spreading your germs around. To stay up to date on the latest swine flu news and for more strategies of staying healthy, check out WebMD’s Swine Flu Guide.
So did I convince you to wash your hands or are you still hankering for a mask? Let me know your thoughts.
Sure, if someone is coughing or sneezing in your face, a mask might help. Also, if you know that you're going to be around someone with swine flu, such as a loved one, a mask might be warranted. But otherwise, that’s not the most effective strategy for preventing swine flu because you don't catch most respiratory viruses from people coughing in your face.
Here's what generally happens. Someone with a virus sneezes or coughs in their hand. Then, they touch something like an elevator button or a doorknob. You come along a few minutes later and touch that same button or knob. Then, without thinking about it, you touch your face – your mouth, nose, or eyes – and the virus takes hold of you.
As mundane as it sounds, the most effective way to prevent getting respiratory viruses like swine flu is washing your hands. But most of us don’t do it often enough and don’t do it the right way.
Obviously, the biggest risk is when you’re in a public place. So, I do whatever I can to not touch anything when I’m out and about – or at least make double sure not to touch my face out in public.
To be more specific, here’s my strategy when I go into a public restroom. It goes without saying that I make sure to not touch my face once entering the restroom. But after I’ve taken care of my business, I wash my hands for a good 20 seconds. I know it feels like a long time, but believe me, it’s worth it. Need to occupy yourself? Sing happy birthday -- twice -- to pass the right amount of time.
Then, when you’re done, don’t touch a thing but a paper towel. Contort yourself or do whatever you need to do to get that paper towel without touching anything else. Turn the water off using the paper towel. Open the door to leave the restroom with the paper towel. And don’t touch anything else with your hands – without the paper towel. I throw the paper towel away when I get back in my office.
Washing your hands is extremely important after you sneeze or cough into your hands. Not around soap and water? Alcohol-based hand gels are also very effective for killing flu viruses.
And if you have any swine flu symptoms, the CDC says call your doctor. It's also a good idea to practice social isolation. Keep to yourself until you’re all better to prevent spreading your germs around. To stay up to date on the latest swine flu news and for more strategies of staying healthy, check out WebMD’s Swine Flu Guide.
So did I convince you to wash your hands or are you still hankering for a mask? Let me know your thoughts.
Labels: health and wellness, prevention, swine flu
77 Comments:
Here is my concern. I am from Delaware and at the end of February a very close friend of the family took ill to what she thought was the flu and within 24 hours her heart rate increased and she had cardiac arrest and passed. They stated that it was infection that got in her blood stream and went straight to the heart. Now 2 weeks ago my brother's step son who is in his 40's had the same exact situtation and he passed. Both were very healthy people and she had not missed a days work in over 3 years. Now.... the US states that we have no confirmed cases that resulted in death. Well something happened to them and it sounds like it was the same thing as all symptons were the same. I do not feel that we are getting the information in a truthful manner. I now know of 3 more cases of co-workers who has a relative that has gone to the hospital and is on medication for the flu. So why do I not see Delaware reporting cases? I am very concerned.
If you remember the SARS examples from Hong Kong and Toronto, people will be wearing face masks no matter what the "experts" may say. Some even used a N95 respirator mask with a surgical mask over it. This swine flu outbreak (first wave) follows exactly the same spring pattern as the 1918 Pandemic, with the second (and worse) phase coming later in the winter, after it mixes with more deadly Avian (H5N1) strain.
I firmly believe that the world as we once knew it to be is heading for change, and I don't mean a positive change. I'am not a Bible Thumper, but the world is changing faster than most realize. Could we be beginning to witness the impending profecy of things yet to come? Just a thought.
I live in a border town and I am in complete fear...I am afraid for my family and for myself. I had laryingitis about a week ago but still have the low grade fevers on and off and the body aches...Could this be the virus?? I hope not, but it does scare me. I wish I could just stay home with my children and wait for this virus to go away but I know that is not the way to go about it. We have to be strong and pray...Pray for it to stop and for a vaccine that will stop this from spreading any further.
I'm wondering whether it is healthier to skip working out at my local gym every day until the world gets a handle on this flu strain? Everyone knows people that insist on "toughing it out" and continuing their daily routine no matter HOW sick they have become!
Is it more likely that if anyone DOES become infectious, that they could unknowingly spread the virus all over the gym before they even realized they were sick? The same goes for restaurant workers, shelf-stockers handling everything that we purchase, and everyone shaking hands in greeting.
Couldn't we possibly SLOW the spread of this flu if everyone just took a week off from life and stayed in their homes? Wouldn't you think that even a few DAYS of a cooperative world-wide isolation could possibly cut down the spread by a good percent?
Is the reason that no one suggests this because of the economic impact this would have on our world - to lose our potential purchases for those few days? Wouldn't saving lives be worth more than a few dollars? Just a thought.
No one in the United States has died. Get a grip!
I agree completely with what Danica Flyte said!
I take issue with Dr. Smith concerning not attracting the Swine Flu by someone coughing or sneezing in your face. If an infected person coughs or sneezes those germs are transmitted to you at speeds over 35 miles an hour. A mask will lessen the possibility of contracting the virus by protecting your mouth and nose. However, your eyes are still unprotected. I just heard a report of a young woman, in New York City, who held a 10 minute conversation with someone who had recently returned from Mexico. She claims to have contrated the virus from the person who visited Mexico. I also heard that 2 men have died in California today (Apr 28). The coroner is running tests to see if their deaths were related to the flu. Take all the precautions of washing your hands, etc., but think long and hard about NOT NEEDING a mask, as the good Doctor has suggested.
I went to an instant care walk in clinic having fever, chills, severe fatigue, dizziness, incredible sore throat, earaches, and a headache. They checked my temp which was normal and they checked my oxygen saturation which was normal, they checked my blood pressure, normal, bu my concern is they didn't do a swab for the flu, or offer tamiflu, they didnt even swab for strept. they gave me augmentin told me to take a day from work, fluids and rest,if this were the swine flu and there is such a concern for knowing the numbers and areas affected then why are they not testing people coming in sick like the flu. also if it is the swine flu, what can i expect? Will I get sicker, what's the outcome. How long can I have the swine flu, will it just go away? sick in KY,
We need to educate people on the necessity to "cover up" when coughing and sneezing in public. Some just spray themselves around. You can't escape them. They sit at a table in a restaurant and get the urge and turn away from their friends and direct their contagion toward others sitting a bit away. We need a big campaign to wear Tee Shirts and cough/sneeze into them. Complete with Comedians emphasizing the humor of it nationwide.
Wow, what is wrong with everybody? I agree with the guy who said get a grip.
Do you honestly believe this? This is a to draw your attention away from something else that is going on.
I am not sure what it is yet, but I promise you, there is no outbreak of swine flu. How stupid have we become?
what is the life span of these germs.. on the door knob or the elevator button..
Some one said "get a grip, no one has died" but they havent been watching the news. A child died.
I work in a pharmacy, and there is a growing concern in the public. I believe that we must all be prepared and keep watching the news. Many people have come into the pharmacy for face masks, hand sanitizers, alcohol wipes, surface disinfectants. I think these people have got an idea about be prepared. Washing our hands, keeping the germs away will help. This has been a global concern because Mexico is a popular vacation area, most countries are on their "holidays" and we americans have just come off our spring break. So if you know of some one in your office, or workplace that has traveled recently... and they are showing signs of a cold or flu... better be safe and wash your hands frequently.
All we have is today. It's a shame Pigs are getting a bad rap. They are such smart animals. Actually a lot smarter than some of the people I've encountered in my lifetime journey. Pigs should be pets, not Easter dinner.
does anyone know if there is risk from produce from mexico, for example fruits/vegetables?
I know it may not be a top concern but odes anyone know if the is a possibility that this could affect our pets as well?? The news is saying it was contracted from pigs and although it may be a stupid question, are our dogs and cats in danger as well???
I was wondering if taking high amounts of Vitamin C thus elevating the body defenses could help block the entrance of the swine virus in the body....
what do you think???
We are encouraged to come to work regardless how ill we are. My employer does not believe in missing work for illness. I was actually put on an 'attendence program' after my cancer diagnosis. Swine flu isn't supposed to keep us from coming in and infecting the entire office.
What about wearing a mask on airplane flights?
Yes, we are told (on WebMD, for one) that if we're old and need to travel, to pack some antivirals--but have you tried getting any? My doctor was happy to prescribe but the pharmacies are out. We are told to use fresh antivirals--and when I phone Roche, ask pharmacists, ask two doctors for how long Tamiflu or Relenza work (somewhat) beyond their official expiration dates, no one answers except a coy "What did Roche say? 'We don't recommend use beyond the expiration date'" (big help). How old are the U.S. stockpiles of these drugs? Some must be new, but the oldest--? How well do they still work?
The poster who wrote "We need a big campaign to wear Tee Shirts and cough/sneeze into them. Complete with Comedians emphasizing the humor of it nationwide" has a superb idea; can WebMD help promote it? And people here pointing out that their bosses insist people come to work sick or well [and even if their child's sick, thus forcing sick kids into schools or daycares] also have a serious point; I don't know why employers make those requirements, as it cuts into their own productivity too.
I agree that we should take precautions but everyone needs to calm down. Also, why is everyone recommending hand sanitizer? It's a virus not a bacterial strain. You can use as much Purell as you'd like but it's not reliably preventative of contracting viruses.
i just want to address the question about taking high doses vitamin c to prevent swine flu. indeed, vitamin c does help strengthen the bodys defenses, by reducing the duration or severity of the symptoms after invasion has taken place. your body can only defend against something once it has been attacked. in order for your body to prevent disease from taking hold, it has to be able to recognize the invader (from previous exposure via infection or immunization). your body remembers chicken pox and what worked the first time you got it. so if it ever tries to show up again, your body is ready to kick butt before that bug has a chance to do any damage. thats why people usually dont get sick with it again.
your body has not been exposed to swine flu so before your body has a chance to realize it has been invaded, the virus has multiplied billions of times, and continues to do so while your body desperately tries to find a weak spot and attack it. imho i say do whatever you can - vit c, acidophilous, masks, sterile gloves, hand sanitizer, whatever - to better your odds. in my area an entire school district just shut its doors due to one childs exposure. i dont think we can be too careful. take care and god bless.
I checked the CDC website to see how long Tamiflu or Relenza may be usable after their expiration dates (to see if my old package could still be usable in a pinch). Guess what? The government's Emergency Use Authorization for US stockpiles of Tamiflu allows its use to "extended expiration date", with no indication how the CDC (or other agency--?) might determine that date. So the old Tamiflu you have around may be no more expired than what your local hospital may get from stockpiles if things get bad--and if things get bad, it'll only be the sickest who'll get the antivirals. And how many of those antivirals will be old?
I would like to know what the incubation period is for this flu, how long one might be contageous if one catches it. I would also like to know, as someone else asked, how long it can live on door knobs, toilet handles, spigots handles, etc.
I've seen so many reports on TV about pork consumption and I agree that is not a problem when cooked properly.
My concern is eating out at Mexican Rest. The people working there go back and forth to Mexico and there are ALWAYS new employees coming in.
What are your thoughts on this?
What I haven't seen addressed is related to someone who has had a severe case of flu in last few weeks. Is that person likely to still be vulnerable to swine flu, or since it was such a short time ago, that person may have already had it, and recovered? Is there a better chance of not getting it now?
How effective are alcohol based hand sanatizers???? The directions on the bottle say they decrease BACTERIA on the skin. What about viruses. Is using a hand sanatizer as effective as washing your hands??
My husband has a compromised immune system because of serious COPD, and while best case scenario would be to stay home and not go anywhere, he does have a doctor's appointment he has to go to. We will wear a mask, latex gloves and have hand sanitizer handy!
For people who are healthy, washing hands and following normal "don't catch" procedures are fine and common sense should prevail. If you don't feel well, STAY HOME from work, school, shopping, etc!
i have fibromyalgia and autoimmune i have lupus symptoms but don't have it yet. so i was wondering about getting this swine flu. should i now keep my kids home from school? scared and don't know what to do...
Does anyone know? I had the swine flu back in 1970, can I get it again? Or am I imune.
Hand sanitizers, like Purell, have been shown in laboratory testing to inactivate viruses. Also, schools and daycares that use alcohol-based hand sanitizers have shown less incidence of colds (a viral infection). That said, you are still better off washing with soap and hot water frequently, not touching your mouth or eyes, and staying away from people with symptoms of illness.
Here is my concern, since i found out about the swine flu, i've been freaking out. I don't know if i'm just making up 'sicknesses' as in hallucinating. My ears feel as if they have air in them. I haven't gotten a fever, nor have i been vomiting. My throat does ache a little, but not enough to where i chough. Every time i sneeze, i freak out and say, "Oh God, I have the virus", sounds silly but when should i start to worry? Should i just wait for the fever, because obviously that's the main symptom, right? About how long will it take before they actually come up with a vaccine to get rid of the virus, and what meditations can i take if i get a symptom?
Thank you.
I am also wondering too I have Lupus and fibormilga too and a kid in school here in Milwaukee WI where they have closed 4 schools so far,should I keeep my little one home???? I work with the public also. I see my doctor on Monday but should I wait that long??? So many questions not many answers! So Anyone out there with some answers for me would be great!!! One of the schools closed is right down the block from my kids school. Many of the kids from that school come in where I work. I just want to be safe for everyone and myself. Thanks!!
Apart from covering one's mouth and nose, would it seem logical to also cover one's ears or or other bodily orifices to protect against a virus entering the body?
yeah anonymous watch the news we have had a death in the U.S.!
Very good advice, thank you. The reason I checked this topic out is due to an upcoming int'l flight and I was thinking about a mask on the plane.
I don't feel it will be necessary.
Another good way to know you've washed your hands long enough- say your ABC's 2x as you wash your hands!
Unfortunately, a death occurred to a young child who crossed our border from Mexico via Brownsville, TX to Houston, I believe. The child, most likely, would have died in Mexico had he remained there. He probably carried this "hot" virus to Houston to seek help and expired there.
So I, somehow, feel that this was a Mexican death about to happen....unfortunately, it happened on American soil.
I feel very sorry for this death.
Regarding Donny's comment:
It could very well be that wearing a mask won't be necessary NOW....but as the numbers of people affected with this virus grows, I feel certain that you will be seeing more people wearing masks.
I am not an expert in face masks, but my common sense tells me that masks should be re-designed to accommodate the ears as well--simply because they are another "opening" to the body.
I think that this is all very sad, but if we all freak out about it, then it will only make things worse. Everyone will start think they are sick.. Like mind over matter.
I was just today talking to a doctor That I have known for sometime. I live in Oregon, he said to me.. That he fills bad because he thinks the swine flu has already come, and gone in our city. Our whole city was pretty much, sick with what was inedvertaly a mutated flu virus. There were no deaths.. in our city, but we were ill.. it stated as a flu, then respirtory following, my family consists of myself, and my 17 month old daughter and my six year old son and my husband.. We are what you would consider young parents, I am twenty three, he is twenty six.. we were down for almost two months with this even with antibiotics. But we could function,my lady who is sixty seven that I take care of got this flu.. and has to permentally be on oxygen now. But she is a quadrapalegic, with ms an dwas able to kick this, we will be okay if we wash, clean, drink fluids, and take in the right amoutn of healthy food. We are the most adaptable creatures on earth, we will be okay keep your head up !
In all the noise, there are very few voices talking about how is swine flu *different* from the seasonal influenza we all know and have come to accept as an inconvenience for most healthy people. On NPR this morning, a health official (didn't catch the name) stated 36,000 people die from seasonal flu a year. We all accept that as *normal*. Does anybody have enough information at this point to say that swine flu will double that figure, or simply be a blip--as in it is most likely to kill those who would have died from regular flu?
As for wearing a mask? From the article, sounds like you'd be smarter to wear gloves. At this point, I doubt either is appropriate unless you're immune compromised.
I heard an explanation on the radio from a virologist who studies, tracks, traces viruses on a global scale. I am not a scientist of any sort, but from what I understood, I found this interesting:
At a period of time when both the seasonal virus and the swine virus came together into the same host (person), a DNA "exchange" took place- creating a hybrid or mutation....there might also be an "exchange" of avian flu as well. So, what you get is a "good" strong mix of DNA material which would be hard to fight off. An unknown blend of viral matter.
If you listened to the Michael Savage radio program during the past few evenings, you would have heard excellent advice/explanations on this virus, for he is a Ph.D. in Epidemiology.
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I was also told by a friend who is a physician/ homeopathic physician that if one takes Vitamin C
in very high doses, (perhaps by an IV??) one can knock out ANY virus. Of course, there might be side effects.... like kidney stones?
I have a very weak immune system and I have to fly next week...I was thinking of wearing a mask on the plane because of the recirculating air. Is this a precaution I should take????
It is interesting that this virus has been able to kill "healthy" individuals.
Regarding masks: I have heard, but do not know, that not all masks are "equal"..... I'm not sure if there is a woven weave involved or a molded material which wouldn't be porous?! I heard that some weaves could have wider-woven gauges- then others. A tight-woven weave would probably prevent the virus from penetrating the nose and mouth?
An expert would have to "jump in" and explain masks/materials of masks/which ones would be suitable to use, etc???
re: a couple people's entries about the virus entering through the ears or other orifices, it can only be contracted by contact with mucous membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) is my understanding
"I agree that we should take precautions but everyone needs to calm down. Also, why is everyone recommending hand sanitizer? It's a virus not a bacterial strain. You can use as much Purell as you'd like but it's not reliably preventative of contracting viruses."
The reason for hand sanitizer is to disinfect anything that you may come in contact with on your hands. People catch the flu mainly from touching things that other people WITH the flu have touched (or just nasty people who touch themselves then grab for a door handle) just moments before and then you unknowingly touch their faces/ eyes/nose and become infected. The hand sanitizer is to be used when you can not wash your hands such as on buses, trains, or any public place without sinks or cleaning stations.
A virus can live 24 hours without a host. 24 hours on a doorknob, elevator button, grocery cart... etc.
Dave, Thanks for all of the information about masks and preventative measures that would help in defending off the possible chance of obtaining and spreading the virus. It was helpful and I do agree that washing your hands as much as possible will help. also about using a good hand sanitizer after touching areas of risk when visiting areas such as restaurants and shopping areas, plus using a good hand sanitizer is a plus. With Much Thanks; Signed: Concerned
As always taking the proper percausions can help prevent the spread of any flu or sickness. However, my concern is taking the flu seriously and I dont just think that washing hands and sanitizing our homes and schools are the only steps. We should close the borders and test everyone in the united states. we can not be to safe. It may just be the flu today, but someones life tomorrow. It is a strong concern of mine. But unless everyone does the same thing I is gonna get worse and more then likely more people will die. not to be a pestamist but the truth is the truth come on people does it have to be your child or a loved one before it is important?
how long with the swine flu last? Im so scared...... each day it is getting closer to where I live. Is there anything else we can do to protect ourselves? I keep praying to keep my family and friend safe. Hopefully, this swine flu goes away ASAP!
Buying a mask is going way overboard. You look stupid wearing a mask in public places. What's next? The air we breathe is so polluted that we need to buy an oxygen tank to walk outside the house.
I can't live my life in fear of everything.
This is dumb I agree this outbreak is to keep us from watching things like the rising gas prices. the grocerie prices raising. This is the governments way of covering up something the media always has been. The government knows that is one way to keep our eyes away from things they are doing. look at 9'11 that was on purpose to keep us from saying anything about us invading Iraq.IT WAS FOR OIL PEOPLE. Obama is their way of promising change that will never happen. everything will stay the same poor people stay poor, middle class stay middle class, and rich stay rich. We are dumb we let our government scare us over stupid things. We all die if we are going to we are going to. no not because of god I dont beleive in that crap either, because that is what all things do they die eventually. Get over yourselves, it will happen anyways.NOTHING YOU CAN DO.
This is all hilarious.
First, this is not a government conspiracy tool. There is in fact a mutated strain of the flu virus. Whether it is more dangerous than other forms of the flu has not been determined.
Second, check the numbers. People in areas with poorer health care die from diseases that are easily cured in the States. Influenza is one of those diseases. The common cold kills people like the young, the infirmed, the elderly and plenty of homeless in even America. Not like in other countries without solid healthcare, like Mexico. Yes thee are precautions that can be taken. Courtesy and hygiene are both ways to help, like the well-trained doctor who wrote this article for a reputable medical website said. What did you people do for flu season? Run and hide from all who seemed a little green? No, you lived your lives normally. This isn't an Ebola outbreak.
Thirdly, Vitamin C has not been found to provide any preventative benefit regarding viral infection. It does have some bacteriostatic properties, but influenza is a virus and not a bacteria so vitamin C won't really help. Eating right and exercising regularly is better than a sudden boost of vitamin C. Most is flushed from the body anyway. I would hope that a pharmacist would know that.
Also, look-up Psychosomatic Disorder. Don't fool yourselves into feeling "sick".
Kevin
Okay - as a person who has done a HUGE amount of research on Influenza for years, I want to say this:
There are indeed conditions which can make you feel like you have symptoms if you are stressing about something. People have been known to have diarrhea for weeks from stress. So relax, and take this opportunity while the strain is mild to be prepared.
Secondly, Vitamin C cannot hurt. It is an inexpensive way to boost your immune system so why not try it? Be sure to combine it with other Vitamins like D & E for maximum absorbtion. Do your research and ask your Doc.
Third, the respirators people need are called N95's. Other than an actual "respirator" which has filters, is reusable, etc. these are the best bet. Far better than these ridiculous surgical masks people are running around with.
Seriously, be aware and prepared. Take this time now to stock up on some items and review your families emergency plans. Do some research on Herbal remedies because they will likely be all anyone has when the Government starts holding the Antivirals for healthcare workers, themselves, etc.
What bothers me is that viruses by their vary nature, irritate tissues around eye and nose when they arrive there and cause an itch that gets them implanted.
I've experienced this time and time again, and I think that many others have as well. We may not be able to see them, but we are aware of when they are present.
So, avoiding a touch or scratch around your nose or eyes is going to be very difficult to do if you are exposed.
I also believe that we are not getting the full story on the gravity of the situation, probably because there is no vaccine at the moment to treat it.
It would seem to be a dry rehearsal for a potentially more serious epidemic.
It's honestly no large deal, considering that it hasn't mutated into any strain, yet people are still going berserk. The only victim in the United States happened to be a very young Mexican child visiting his aunt along with his parents.
We can "hope" it isn't a big deal...but with the recent findings of the farmer who has passed H1N1 onto the pigs in his farm...well it opens up the door for new strains and mutations.
It people sat down...prepared themselves, and kept clean - they could relax a lot more.
Wash your hands, use a kleenex, stay home if you are sick. Stock up on items, and keep yourself healthy.
i may be wrong but i believe many of us are going over board by freaking out over the swine flu. i can understand why many people would be concerned in Mexico where the flu originated. like many have said before, the seasonal flu has caused much more harm than the swine flu. why dont we treat it the same? also, the boy who died was very young. when a baby or toddler or whatever one prefers to call him gets infected with anything, their immune systems are weak and may not be able to fight off viruses and bacteria as easily. many people who are concerned about the outbreak from a religious perspective should consider the fact that God is in control. whether the flu spreads and kills many or is a false alarm, it was apart of his divine plan. for those who do not believe, stuff happens. death and sickness is apart of life. lastly for those who want to "call border control" and stop eating in mexican restaurants need to calm down a notch. they are people just like we are and should be treated with respect. we are no better than they are (although we may be a little for fortunate).
My problem is being a transplant reciepiant, non-rejection meds lower the immune system, I can not afford to get this flu, it has been a long haul to get to where I am now. I would really hate expiring from the flu...What a bummer!!! So when you see me wearing my mask at the large Dr.'s office you'll know why. Don't think I'm just another, "going overboard," on this flu...
Is it possible if a mosquito feeds off someone infected with this flu, that it can transfer to the next person it feeds from?
what boss in their right mind would tell ANY employee to come to work NO MATTER how sick they are???? My brother & I own a restaurant and we preach to NEVER, EVER come to work sick, & washing your hands constantly is greatest thing we can do for all our diners. Please people, use YOUR own brain and NOT someone elses who is only interested in making a buck.!!!!
here's what i think-
this can turn into a very serious epidemic, but it isnt yet so dont worry about masks or gloves. keep clean and healthy.
also, the child that died WAS very young and his immune system wasnt completely built yet. i think parents need to keep their kids especially safe and older people too.
dont pass this off too quickly.
thousands of people die of the regular flu every year in America, and only one has died so far so dont panic. i would advise to not take any trip to mexico unless you absolutly have to.
this can very easily turn into a major outbreak, but right now it isnt, so if you have symptoms stay home and pray.
I wash my hands and use hand santizer frequently. However, living in New York City and having to ride buses and the subway to work each day with people who generally do not cover their mouths when they cough, I've always felt more comfortable wearing a mask during cough, cold and flu season. It may not be effective in stopping the spread of the virus, but helps me feel a little cleaner. Not being from the US, however, I am amazed and disgusted by how few people here cover their mouths when they cough...and by the number of people who spit on the streets, in the subway, wherever...even highly educated people who ought to know something about health & hygiene. Coughing (or spitting) into tissue and then discarding it, and washing of hands are the best ways to deter the spread of the Swine flu or other flu viruses. Public health education seems to be needed...at least here in New York.
Questions are asked by people who would like to see responses. I, too, would like to see answers to questions that could affect us all. We are all concerned or we wouldn't be in WebMD.
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damn i feel sorry for them
If someone coughs or sneezes into your face, a mask wouldn't help as most don't know how small a virus is. All virus can pass through any mask.
Its every one gone crazy? The whole thing was taking out of proportion just to stop people from traveling outside the country. The Goverment couldn't keep up with the numerous passaport applications, so now as soon as they catch up everything goes back to normal.
Virus and bacteria have been around since the begining of time. They will keep killing people. People write that they are scared, yes it is scarry, but we are sorounded by bacteria all the time we carry a sample of it in our blood stream. What happens in cases like this new "swine flu"? Take a look at our world medical history of virus and bacteria, the same will happen, it is inevitable of what is to come.
So far the CDC and other official sites have Not added Michigan to the list of infected areas. Right in my city, Brighton, the news reported of a family that was possibly infected with the swine flu. Days later they reported that lab results confirmed that it was indeed swine flu. It was a mother, father and 3 year old kid.
Those reports came out right when my 2 almost 3 year old son was sick on the couch. First day of sickness was non stop vomiting that lasted from 11am saturday untill 3am sunday. My concern was him getting dehydrated. Couldn't keep ANY liquids down no urine all day. I took the proper steps and wouldn't give him any liquids untill it was a hour after vomiting (around 3 am) and gave him 1 oz.of pedialite every 20 min. Doing it that way kept the fluids down. When it was 2 hours of no vomiting I bumped it up to 2 oz.every 20 min. Sure I was up all night but by morning he was hydrated and went to the bathroom. I thought we were getting over the bug and around noon sunday he started getting a fever, around 101. I didn't give any meds knowing that's how your body fights off illness...untill it went up to 103 and he was acting very ill, no moments of getting up and playing..nothing, just laying on the couch. I called the pediatrician and they said not to worry, the usual advice of it will pass it has to run its course,( so annoying.by monday his fevers were getting higher and meds weren't bringing it down. I was not aware yet of confirmed swine flu in my area. Then tuesday, after a night of no sleep so I could constantly watch him and do sponge baths when his fever was Really high, I took him into the ped and said figure it out now, he's getting worse. He looked in his ears and said both were infected and sent us with a script for antibiotics. By wednesday he seemed to be getting better. That night I heard of the confirmed case and the news said if your having flu symptoms along with high fever to go to the ER right away.
Now its monday and he's definitly better than last week but he's still not 100%. Getting tired more than usual and picking at his ears. The meds should have worked by now and wiped this out.
So my point is, should I still be concerned about if he has/had the swine flu?
Don't worry were not going around getting anyone sick. Even thinking its just the regular flu I kept my son home , I even kept my 4 year old home from school not knowing if he had the germs on him and could get another kid sick even though he's not. My poor lil guys have been home for days, missing all activities because I want everyone fully healthy and up to par before we get out and get anyone else sick or they catch something being immune system is already fighting.
I know its a pretty slim chance it would be this swine flu, but IF it was, is there still concern? I would think the worst is over. I always keep in mind that the people who die from the flu die from the complications, not the actual virus..things like dehydration and pnemonia. Were clear of that so are we ok?
Signed...Flu Fighting MOM
i live in pa and from what i know of noone has died other than washing hands more often and doing it right how else can you prevent the swine flu???
People have posted comments about Mexican restaurants and Mexican’s working in them. But what about all other restaurants a lot of the cooks are Mexicans are you going to avoid all restaurants???
I have a medical background and am in the loop several times a day. This is a developing situation, so there are constant updates.
Go here for the latest information: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
This is a mutated strain of flu that is part pig, part bird, and part human. It is a virus unlike any ever seen before and is being referred to as "novel". And, yes, a farmer infected his pigs, which opens the door to further mutation. As far as I know, other animals (i.e., cats, dogs) have not caught the virus.
People with compromised immune systems need to take different precautions than the average person. However, this virus is to be taken very seriously by everyone!
Everything you could possibly want to know is explained on the World Health Organization site. They post daily updates.
Don't be afraid, be smart! Take proper precautions and follow the WHO guidance that fits your particular situation.
Some cases are mild and people get well without treatment, but others get pneumonia and die. There are people on respirators from this, while others just have a fever and a scratchy throat. It is unpredictable and the CDC and WHO are working frantically to create a vaccine in time for this fall, when they fear the virus will return.
Relenza and Tamaflu are effective antivirals, but the Relenza has proven to be the best so far. These drugs are being reserved for only the most severe cases. The human body is marvelous and does a good job of fighting off most bugs. However, if you or your child has trouble breathing (i.e. wet sounding lungs or wheezing) or the child is listless with a fever, then get treatment right away.
Again, read from a reliable source (listed above) and take steps to care for yourself according to the guidance most appropriate to you.
I have a question about this virus, I hear that bird flu can die when the virus is exposed in sun light, and what about this virus?
A whole lot more people die every year from the annual winter flu. Yes, there has been someone or a few people that have died in the U.S. from the swine flu but those were people with underlying immune deficiencies; people who wouldn't have even made it through the winter flu, like the elderly or small children. That's what the media doesn't tell us, so a panic is created, when it's not that big of a deal.
The way I understand it, alcohol only kills bacteria. But swine flu/HINI is not a bacteria, it's a virus and alcohol does absolutely NOTHING to a virus. It's very important to give accurate information to readers who trust WebMD for their health. And unless my information is way off base (I'd bet good money on this source), alcohol doesn't even phase a virus, and that includes swine flu. Readers need the right info, even as the government (CDC) misinforms us.
here's the thing i have heard a lot about the swime flu and is very nervous for me and the people around me. so i use hand sanitzer everywhere and everytime i go some where or do things. so god will help everything and i know he will make everything better. i just know.
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