Registered User
That's the sensible approach and the one I am taking. The reason they are trying to restrict the spread is not because it is a Terrible Fatal Illness but because it is highly infectious and they are concerned about the pressure on the health system and the economy coming all at once - far better to have it staggered across the whole flu season.
Of course, small children and those with health problems need to avoid catching it if they can, and to that end, I won't be taking public transport and will be careful when out in public to avoid people who seem ill. But that's about as serious as we need to get, I think.
The trouble is, there is so much emotion around the words "epidemic" and "swine" that people are losing perspective a little bit.
Registered User
Media hype has everyone in a panic.
As has been said in this thread it has shown to be no worse than other regular flu strains. I would rather get it this time round than when/if it comes back a more virulent virus. At least i'd have immunity.
I have a 20 month old and a 10 week old, i am going about life as usual.
Administrator
Ok my problem with this situation is what its doing economically. I can tell you right now if we had to be quarantined for a week we would be financially screwed. DH doesn't work he doesn't get paid.
The thing they are most scared about is not getting sick the first time, in the 70's or whenever the last outbreak was it wasn't the first round that caused people to die it was the second time.
I really think the govt should be doing something to help the people who are being quarantined, because with this on top of the financial crisis its going to be a very expensive year for a lot of people.
The other problem is what is going to happen is people are going to start refusing to get tested, they are going to see the hype and they are going to not get tested, they are going to fear for their financial security and basically cause a wider spread.
My other problem is (and no I'm not wearing a tin foil hat I still don't think its a produced virus) is WHAT is it with this flu that is so bad. Why are we panicking. There have been over 15000 worldwide cases and only 99 deaths. Thats not that bad, so why is there a threat? I know that this is not normal swine flu, the most confusing part of this virus is the fact that its different, and they can't figure out why. But does that warrant the hysteria, or is there something they know that we don't? And if so at what point are we allowed to know about it.
Am I worried about the flu? No. Am I worried me or my family members will die from the flu? No. Am I worried about how this is going to affect my family financially, yes I am terrified. We have insurance for if he can't work, but what are the freaking chances its going to cover swine flu.
Registered User
Yes I agree about the financial side. I was saying to DH that it's all good and well to quarantine people but it could mean loss of job. Especially if someone gets it, it can be an excuse for work to lay them off. I think in this time of economic crisis, it is bad timing.
I also believe as well that people wont bother going to the Docs and there will be MANY undiagnosed cases. In my opinion, that would be better for the public panic. The media are creating a monster...
BellyBelly Member
We aren't doing anything different - although having said that both my kids have come down with their second head cold in 2 weeks so we aren't going anywhere till they are better so they don't infect other people. I hope they are better by Friday - it is DS's first birthday.
I think the middle road needs to be taken here.
Swine flu is seen as more of a threat as it is a new virus with no vaccine as yet. This does pose significant threat to those immuno suppressed... (elderly, babies, pregnant women, those on steroidal meds, the terminally ill).
Its not a disease to just fling off as being mild. It is reported my sufferers to be more severe than the "usual" flu.
It is sensible to be mindful that this is around - without pressing all your panic buttons. Stay healthy. Eat well. Get good rest. (for all the family). I wouldn't be takinga new born to a big shopping centre, nor a sick or immuno suppressed person. Simply because this increases risks of being in contact. Just commonsense.
I think our society has become complacent to contagious illnesses due to vaccinations. We have a responsibility if we feel unwell to stay home, limit contact with others. This is commonsense weather or not there is swine flu or any other type of contagious disease. Sadly many don't. They "push through" and end up spreading their germs among work colleagues and friends.
If you have flu like symptoms - see a doctor. Otherwise be mindful that this is around and take simple precautions without panicing and being over the top...
Below is an excerpt from WHO on this issue...
About the disease
1 May 2009
How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?
Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed. To prevent spread, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.
What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.
Regarding study of the first outbreak, have you received any feedback from the WHO team sent to Mexico to investigate the outbreak?
Teams are already sending epidemiological evidence but we will know more over the next few days.
Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?
No.
Is there any information on the economic impact of the outbreak so far?
No.
Why are we so worried about this pandemic possibility when thousands die every year from seasonal epidemics?
Seasonal epidemics occur every year and we are able to treat the virus with seasonal vaccines. A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic. It is a new virus and one to which the populations will have no immunity.
Registered User
So from that it would be sensible to conclude that Yes, alot of people will get it as it is a new virus and no-one has immunity, but still there is no need to panic. I don't get immunised for the regular flu. I've never had it, so i guess i am at risk of getting some form of flu if there is alot going around. But i still think there is no need to fear swine flu any more than any other influenza virus.
Just a side note..... There are many strains of influenza, even the vaccine doesn't immunise against them all, just the main ones.
Registered User
Today we have changed our routine for the first time since the outbreak. I have kept my 5yo home from school even though he only has a dry cough. If there wasn't the H1N1 virus outbreak I would have sent him. But my 2yo is also slightly under the weather and I also started to get a bit of a sore throat last night. So today i am just being conservative until I can establish where we are all "at". We live very close to Melbourne's "Ground Zero" for the virus (northern suburbs). If we lived in a rural area of Victoria I would have sent my son to school today.
I think Flowerchild's post is spot on. No use being panicky... but it's wise not to be complacent.
Another factor for me is that I have a chronic health condition (thyroid disease) that could get significantly worse if I develop a bad case of flu. I just don't want to risk that. I am already thyrotoxic and any extra stress/illness will make it worse.
But if we were a healthy family I wouldn't be as concerned.... but still vigilant. My DH still catches the train. You mainly just have to be observant (notice is someone seems ill around you) and extra cautious about hygiene. He has upped the hand washing. The first thing he does when he gets home of an evening is "wash the public off" his hands. Infact we've alll been doing that for a while now.
They say that 1 in 5 will end up contracting H1N1 in Australia before the epidemic is over but I don't know where they pulled that figure from. If we get it then I guess we'll deal... and at least see the positives in that our bodies will create their own antibodies which like Niliac said: might serve to protect us in the long run.
Registered User
This Swine Flu thing makes me soo cross but not for the hype.
I work in a Visitor Information Centre and we see people coming and going all day every day.
Its ok for people to say "its just another flu strain" or the like but I see people every day coughing and spluttering and sneezing all over the place with so much as using their hands let alone tissue to cover their faces. Its disgusting, humans as a general rule are filthy filthy creatures.
What makes me maddest about this whole "Swine Flu" thing is everyone thinks they are not going to get it or going to spread it.
People STILL do little about their own personal hygiene and STILL cough and Splutter all over the place and we now have this global disease that is infecting more and more people.
I am sorry but I am pregnant, and while there is a product on the market which can be taken to help "get over" this particular strain of flu, it is a category C product which makes it potentially harmful for my baby.
Cover your faces when you cough and sneeze people FFS!
Grrrrr
Registered User
Refusing to panic here, but not sticking my head in the sand. I always take proper precautions (hand washing, staying home when sick, etc, etc) during winter anyway, and I'll continue to.
I think it's interesting to note there were (from memory) over 1200 cases of whooping cough in australia last year. That's a highly contagious, deadly disease, even when have a vaccine against it. And no one paniced, or restricted their daily activities.
Registered User
spot on lorirae, i am much more concerned about the whooping cough.
Registered User
Nae you are spot on. I suddenly find myself in the category of people for whom regular colds/viruses/flus are potentially life-threatening events. We have this ad on the telly here in SA where a woman is sneezing in slow motion to operatic music - you can SEE the droplets spraying out. And yet people STILL go about hacking and sneezing without even waving their hands vaguely in their face direction. HELLO??? Basic hygeine, people!!!Its ok for people to say "its just another flu strain" or the like but I see people every day coughing and spluttering and sneezing all over the place with so much as using their hands let alone tissue to cover their faces. Its disgusting, humans as a general rule are filthy filthy creatures.
Nae and Marydean... I agree & MD I hear you...
It is just illogical to say it's a mild illness. It is not and can be life threatening. As a community I think it's our responsibility to ensure we do our bit not to increase others risks. Panicking is not helpful nor is the attitude that it's not gonna happen to us and if it does it's just a sniffle. This flu potentially is dangerous. Not everyone will have a mild case and not eceryon will have a severe case. Fact is it's out there and we need to deal with it as a community...
Falguni brings up a very valid point. Each year there is a new strain of the influenza virus - this being another...
I had Influenza A when I was pregnant with Immy. I was incredibly sick for weeks. Great if all your family are healthy. Not everyone is. Your child has a runny nose and a cough - the lady ahead of you in the checkout is undergoing chemo and has nano immunity... You are aching, headache, temps but you "soldier on" and go to work... At work is a woman in the early stages of pregnancy, a man who has a wife at home with a premmie baby...
Can you see that we need the middle road.
Be sensible, be mindful - how are my actions potentially going to affect others... etc.
I hear you Cai about the financial implications. It's very difficult and I hope that you do not have that reality to face...
Registered User
Totally agree.........we are a disgusting society who are happy to spread germs willy nilly! It really annoys me when people bring their germs to work/school/playgroup. If your sick youshould stay at home. Not only for the rest you prob need to get better but to stop the spread of germs!
If we become a more hygenic and thoughful society (in relation to spreading germs) because of this swine flu then that is a great thing.
Registered User
maybe the one good thing about this swine flu will be the possibility of teaching ppl proper hygiene measures!
i know for a fact that here at uni, ppl who are even mildly sick are thinking twice about coming in and DDs kindy is almost a ghost town.
that said, i am concerned about some quarters in local qld governments that are deliberating on whether to force sick workers home for a week. i am worried about the protection that may not be afforded to them financially for taking time off work. (there have been rumbles in the jungles in FNQ about giving employers powers to force workers home...). so although i agree that if you are sick you should stay home, i am also very aware that some ppl just dont have the luxury of paid sick leave.
Registered User
3 yo DD1 is currently at the GP wearing a mask and getting tested for swine flu as she has a temp, cough, sore throat and headache. Fortunately DP works at a place that has "isolation leave" so he can access that if we have to be quarantined. Needless to say I am not happy given that we also have a 3mo old baby.
I would be this worried if it was seasonal flu and I certainly won't be taking risks with others - however, we went to an 80th yesterday with LOTS of old people and a wedding the day before where the bride has Chronic Fatigue. What a nightmare
Registered User
Totally agree FC. Twice in the last few weeks I have overheard conversations between parents regarding an illness their child has. One was at a popular tourist attraction, talking about their son, who was with them, who had a cough and sniffle. Another was at a childrens playground packed with kids- a mother was telling her friend about the rash her daughter had broken out in that morning and actually got her to lift her shirt to get the friend's opinion. I was gobsmacked.
But I have to confess, before I worked in a hospital I rarely washed my hands and had no idea about infection control. When I look at myself then, as a member of the general public with little knowledge about serious illness and infestious diseases, it's no wonder this flu (like most others) has spread so quickly. people maintain a general ignorance about their safety and hygeine and that of others.
EtA- Nai! That's terrible. I hope it turns out ok
Nai thinking of you my love...
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