My hospital is going into overdrive on this..I think it’s overkill. Caution is warranted, and as usual, common sense should be followed. I’m not impressed with the media coverage. Too much fear mongering!
I just stumbled across this thread again.
So, Asanta, looking back on it, what do make of the whole affair?
Was it a tempest in a teapot - of the scientists/doctors making or did the media do a bit too much over hype?
Were good lessons (& science) learned in the process?
How has it played out world wide - since the media, and I guess the rest of us too, seem to have lost interest?
H1N1 is a nasty influenza. Initial deaths mirrored the deaths of the 1918 pandemic (killing the healthiest and most vigorous). The 1918 influenza initially appeared in 1917 as a very bad, but not horrible flu…then it mutated and created a deadly pandemic. I think the government’s goal of getting everyone vaccinated was great, but I think the media handling of the flu was horrid. We don’t know if a disaster was averted because of the vaccination campaign, or if there was no disaster to avert. We also don’t know if it is busy circling the globe picking up nasty mutations to hit us again. We’ll see this winter…
When I worked in the PICU, whenever there was an influenza A (like H1N1) our large unit would be packed with sick and dying children, and the staff would get hit hard too. I had the last influenza A that came around, and I have never been so sick in my life. I received the vaccine, which (I understand) gave me some immunity. I felt like crap for one week instead of eight.
The government was in a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t position’, but the media were irresponsible as usual.
As I understand it, this year’s seasonal flu vaccine which usually contains antibodies (antigens?) for the three most likely strains, will contain H1N1 as one of the components.
As will I. I asked since I’ve already had the H1N1 late last year or early this year. I was told that a second shot of it will probably confer a bit of addtional immunity.
In my area I saw the common people take a sincere and intelligent attitude towards H1N1. I saw rubbing alcohol dispensers popping up everywhere, I saw people using them. I started washing my hands more (with soap). So I think that the people did well, no panic, just more diligence IMHO, they did what they could. Correct me if I’m wrong. Obviously, I can’t say if any of that was effective, or not.
I’m curious, how should the media have treated the H1N1 threat during last autumn? Isn’t there something they can do to help in a situation like that?
Hi friends,
Great topic you have shared here. Swine flu, which was initially only transmitted from pigs to humans, is now traveling through human to human contact, and is one of the most deadly of the flu viruses. At least 1000 people have died from Swine Flu infection in the United States and clusters of swine flu are found in areas all over the World. The Swine Flu is currently under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Swine flu symptoms include runny nose, muscle aches, lethargy, lack of appetite, fever over 101 and sudden onset. It is difficult to distinguish from other flu types, and does require a diagnosis.
Don’t forget birds…another important vector. I believe we have them to thank for the H1N1 strains. I guess since we eat them….it’s only fair that they have the ability to make us really, really sick!!
