# Swine Flu

Category: Health and Wellness

## Post 1 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Friday, 01-May-2009 12:06:04

Obviously, this is being plastered all over the news. People are scared and are being misinformed. What does everyone think? Are you taking precautions to avoid it? Do you think it's as big a deal as everyone's making it out to be?

## Post 2 by sugarbaby (The voice of reason) on Friday, 01-May-2009 12:15:16

no.
nine people are confirmed to have died worldwide, as although 156 people have died in meccico, only eight have been confirmed as having died of swine flu, and the one who died in the states was a meccican already receiving medical treatment for a different illness..
It's all about perspective really. nine deaths out of a world population of approximately six billion does not, IMO, warrant mass panic.

## Post 3 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Friday, 01-May-2009 12:20:06

I definitely agree. I think this mass panic is insane. If you're sick, keep away from other peomle. Don't put yourself in situations that could make it easier to get the flu; traveling to Mexico, milling in large crowds, etc. The whole thing is kind of rediculous, really.

## Post 4 by The Roman Battle Mask (Making great use of my Employer's time.) on Friday, 01-May-2009 14:14:17

I'm stock piling guns, ammo, and canned food. When civilization falls apart no ones taking anything of myne!

## Post 5 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Friday, 01-May-2009 14:24:28

I couldn't agree more. This thing is being blown way way out of proportion. I myself have had a summer cold for the past week and probably a low-grade fever and I got all these messages from friends saying be sure it's not Swine Flue. I've neither been to Mexico recently nor had any contact with anyone who has. And anyway, it's because of similar scares like this in the past that we now have the superbug we like to call MRSA, often pronounced as Mursa. Doctors started prescribing antibiotics and things for every little sniffle and suddenly the bugs mutated and became resistant to all the standard meds. I myself had MRSA two years ago, which I suspect I picked up from my x fiance or her children. It was a bitch to treat, let me tell you. And I see this swine flue business as having the potential to create even more of these superbugs. It's already being blown way out of proportion as I said. And if we aren't even sure that all the 100 or so people who died in Mexico actually died from this supposed disease...well that just goes to show we're a paranoid species. These days if you so much as scratch yourself at least one person's going to panic and say you've got something serious. Of course that does make for some great opportunities for humor. A few days ago my dad was at a hospital working (his company installs and maintains hospital machinery), and he sneezed. One of the nurses said bless you, at wich point my dad started jumping up and down yelling that "I've got the Swine Flue!" Luckily for him everybody thought it was pretty funny. But my parents and I definitely agree that the whole thing is way beyond riddiculous. If you ask me any trouble that comes from this is going to be as a result of this paranoia and not the flue itself.

## Post 6 by redgirl34 (Scottish) on Friday, 01-May-2009 14:39:27

Well it is quite scary, as my local hospital has got it. The first 2 people in the UK are in the local Hospital here in Scotland.

## Post 7 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Friday, 01-May-2009 17:06:41

People are coming to ER's when they're not even sick! There's whole school districts shutting schools for an entire week because of one kid! Unbelievable!!!

## Post 8 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Friday, 01-May-2009 17:50:32

Exactly. That's why I say we're blowing this thing way out of proportion.

## Post 9 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Friday, 01-May-2009 17:54:00

They do say though that pregnant women and the elderly should be careful around large groups and to wash your hands a lot. Since I'm four months pregnant, I find myself a little worried, but not enough to go skipping in to the ER everytime I sneeze. My son is almost 18 months and we are careful with him too, but there's no reason for the mass panic that's going on.

## Post 10 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Friday, 01-May-2009 21:08:25

Ad now we're suposed to stop calling it Swine Flue becase that apparently offends Mslims. Only problem is that the only way to pronounce either of the two substitute names is if you're able to tie your tongue in knots. Like I said, I firmly believe that any trouble that comes from this is going to be due to our reaction to it and not to the virus itself.

## Post 11 by The Roman Battle Mask (Making great use of my Employer's time.) on Friday, 01-May-2009 21:56:04

Time will tell, the latest computer models show that this will turn into a pandemic so I'm a little worried but am not going to change my entire life for something that may or may not kill less then 1% of the population.

## Post 12 by Sword of Sapphire (Whether you agree with my opinion or not, you're still gonna read it!) on Friday, 01-May-2009 23:03:12

Fuck computer models! Scientists always try to make things look so much worse with their damn computer models.
All this panic is unnecessary. There are always diseases around. I don't see any need to be afraid or worried here. There always seems to be a disease of the year if you think about it.
And I can't believe education is being put on hold for some strain of the flu. How ridiculous!

## Post 13 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 02-May-2009 3:15:38

I agree with others here, this thing is being blown way out of proportion. It's always a good idea to take precautions like washing your hands anyway, regardless of some new virus. I personally think that the media in general, and also many people, don't know what to do with themselves unless they have some crisis to worry about. When they don't, they invent one, or blow something that bears watching into a major issue. Some might be starting to get a clue though. I read an article in the Associated Press just a couple hours ago that said that maybe this swine flu thing isn't as big of a deal as everyone first feared. Maybe one news source is realizing that by blowing this up like they are, they're making themselves look foolish.

## Post 14 by blbobby (Ooo you're gona like this!) on Saturday, 02-May-2009 4:55:03

You know, they say that ignorance is bliss. Read up on the flu pandemic in 1918. That started out mildly and killed thousands before it was done.
The fact that this virus can spread from person to person so easily, and can migrate from a rather benign illness to a deadly one fairly quickly should give us pause to reflect.
I'm not saying this is the big one, but the big one will come, I am saying that this could be it.
So, sluff it off if you want to, that doesn't effect the outcome an ioda.
While you are at it, (just to give yourself a good fright), read Steven King's "the stand".
Bob

## Post 15 by Maiden of the Moonlight (Zone BBS is my Life) on Saturday, 02-May-2009 5:18:42

Hmmm, well, for one thing, I don't think it's as big of a deal as the media is making it because it's kind of their job to scare us. They jump on things that get them attention so that we watch their programs and that's just how they work. However, I do think it's something to pay attention too, especially for pregnant women, young children and the elderly. They're obviously going to be more volnerable to any sickness going around anyways. So while I don't think it's something to go crazy over, I do think we should all pay close attention to ourselves, our health, stuff like that, but most of us do that anyway. I'd been feeling kinda gross over this past week from working out really really intensely, and my dad kind of freaked out and got really scared because I'd come home from crew practice about to puke. That was just because I was working hard though, not because of any flu. But nevertheless, he took my temperature and made me take random pills to be safe. I love my dad. Hahahha. I'm not too worried for myself catching it, but I am worried for my friend's family because her mom is pregnant and she has some little sisters.

## Post 16 by Twinklestar09 (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Saturday, 02-May-2009 7:50:24

I agree with the last poster that while I don't think it's as big a thing as the news is making it out to be, we should still be careful. People are pannicking and everything about it, and that's where I think they're getting carried away with it. Any contageous illness that can possibly be deadly should be taken precautions for (especially with more medically volnerable people), but the news is really making it sound like it's the plague or something.
I'm glad the ABC's World News program was able to report a little more than what most other news programs are, and they got into discussing about the virus itself. So I had also heard that the virus may not be as fatal as some others are. Yesterday Mom, a neighbor and I went out to eat at a buffet restorant, and I was slightly worried since the food is in open things, but then I thought about it and decided that I probably have just as much chance of catching something else or nothing at all. I'm still washing my hands more often though, and really should get into the habit of doing that anyway, reguardless of anything. I think the precautions of washing hans, covering one's mouth when coughing/sneezing, and not touching mouth and eyes after touching something else are always a good idea, and it's crazy that it takes an illness scare to encourage people to do things that we should've been doing anyway.

## Post 17 by PorkInCider (Wind assisted.) on Saturday, 02-May-2009 8:51:44

Firstly, all a pandemic means is that the poticular strain of flu has travelled to enough countries for it to be considered a world wide problem.
Secondly, I heard this morning, that flu in the united States kills 35000 people every year, yet you've only had one death so far atributed to this swine flu, so why should so many people be panicking?
Finally at least here in the UK, we are advised if worried about having fallen to this virus, to call a helpline and not simply go to our doctor or emergency departments, as obviously if you did have it, that would be the way to spread it further.

## Post 18 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 04-May-2009 6:44:05

I'm not saying this doesn't bear watching, because it does. I just don't think there's a need for all the panic that's going on. And Kevin is exactly right, many people die from the regular flu, and only one death has been attributed to this particular strain in the US. I think people should take the normal precautions that can be taken against illness, keep an eye on this, but otherwise go about their lives as usual.

## Post 19 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Monday, 04-May-2009 12:59:48

Very well said Kevin and Alicia. I've actually got friends who won't eat out or go to the movies for fear of catching this "Swine Flu." It's rather ridiculous in my opinion. I honestly think that part of the reason for mass panic is the lack of education on this subject that people have. Many shows, like The Doctors are being very thorough in their explanations about this pandemic, but all people want to do nowadays is gleen information fro1m the dude on the corner who knows about as much as what he's been told. People seem to want to get their information via word-of-mouth instead of viable resources.

## Post 20 by Sword of Sapphire (Whether you agree with my opinion or not, you're still gonna read it!) on Monday, 04-May-2009 15:55:15

Ah, Kevin, you're so right.
And not only has the U.S. had one death, but it was a little kid, someone more susceptible to viruses and diseases, that has died.
I can't believe schools are actually being closed over this. And the ridiculousness of this doesn't stop there. In my state, Michigan, many high schools are being closed, but junior high and elementary schools remain open. Wouldn't you think that this virus would be spread more easily among the younger kiddies?
These people are freaking out because two or three out of a wopping 2200 to 3000 of these kids in each school are catching this virus. And I heard that my school might be closing down temporarily tomorrow because one chick is suspected of having this swine flu. That makes me irate!
And while all these schools are being closed temporarily, is anyone considering the fact that these lost days will have to be made up for? I don't know if this is a state or federal law. But here in Michigan, children have to attend school for 180 days.
Another thing I don't like about this is that we are being warned about this flu, but I've heard nothing of any warning signs of this virus. I want to know why it's thought to be more harmful than the regular flu. All I keep hearing is that it's a different strain of it.

## Post 21 by turricane (happiness and change are choices ) on Tuesday, 05-May-2009 13:14:55

Bravo!!! Bravisimo!!! i'm so glad to see other people who are not totally freaked out by the piggy pox i mean swine flu. Oh did you know it is now supposed to be called the hn4n virus because the pork producers have their feelings and proffits hurt by the references to swine?
On the other hand, I can see that some concern is warranted. Back in 1918, the spanish flue, which was the name given to it before the piggies got blamed, killed more people then died in world war one. I remember back in the 60s a headline that 6000 people died of flue in one week. It was the last story on the news after vietnam and what congress was doing.
We have antivirals and medications now that will help take care of those who are sick. The media likes to scare us. their ratings go up. the government likes to keep us in suspense. a cowed people is an easily lead population.

## Post 22 by redgirl34 (Scottish) on Tuesday, 05-May-2009 14:47:35

I think my sister has got the flu. But she says she is feeling a bit better now. i am a bit cramped but that's something else.

## Post 23 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Tuesday, 05-May-2009 20:46:43

Ok so we've had one more death apparently attributed to the Swine Flue, making for a grand total of two here in the US. Ad this one was a lady in her thirties who, I must point out, had chronic health problems anyway so was bound to be more susceptible to illness in general. All I can say is this is really starting to remind me of the big Y2K non event. We spent months panicking about that, then January 1, 2000 rolled around and all that happened was that a very few computers in movie rentals got confused on what the date was. The world didn't come crashing down. I figured if anything did happen it would be because everybody went to their bank on New Year's Eve and pulled all their money out. And I see the same potential in this Swine Flue business. Another reason why I hear we're now supposed to call it H1N1 instead of Swine Flue is that the mention of swine offended Muslims. I'm all for being prepared but this is way beyond riddiculous.

## Post 24 by turricane (happiness and change are choices ) on Wednesday, 06-May-2009 6:46:59

Comparing this with the y2k is a very good analogy i think. We just got the following email from our employee health. It is too bad that we must have this stuff pointed out, but it is worth reading I think.
**
*SUBJECT: Common Sense Swine Flu (H1N1) Checklist* *CDC/Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene*
*The Citizen’s Common Sense Swine Flu (H1N1) Checklist *
*If YOU have a Flu-Like Illness
Including:
Fever > 100ºF (37.8ºC)
**_AND
_COUGH _OR_ SORE THROAT*
*/And / *
*History of travel to an affected area within 7 days of illness onset*
* *
*OR*
* *
*Contact with an ill person fitting the above travel description within
7 days of illness onset*
* *
*Then Stay Home and CALL your Doctor *
* *
*IF _no link_ to /affected areas/ or /travelers /from affected areas, but you are mildly sick with flu-like symptoms – STAY HOME and recover, unless you have the following worrisome WARNING SIGNS: *
*_In adults_, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention
include: *
**
*
*Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath *
*
*Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen *
*
*Sudden dizziness or confusion *
*
*Severe or persistent vomiting *
*Common Sense Precautions Include:*
*
* Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and
wiping or blowing the nose.*
*
* Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.*
*
* Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw
tissues away after use.*
*
* Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.*
*
*Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them
from catching your illness.*
________________________________________________________________________
This message was generated for the SSMC Health Unit by NOAA Information Technology Center/Financial and Administrative Computing Division

## Post 25 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Wednesday, 06-May-2009 10:00:24

Exactly. Things we should be doing anyway.

## Post 26 by Texas Shawn (The cute, cuddley, little furr ball) on Wednesday, 06-May-2009 11:07:16

well if they, they meaning the governmen didn't do anything they'd get nailed if something really did happen. so I figure it's a lot of cover your ass going on!

## Post 27 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Wednesday, 06-May-2009 11:20:42

I agree Shawn. Seems very much a cover the ass tactic. But it's scaring the crap out of ignorant people who believe everything they hear on the news.

## Post 28 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Wednesday, 06-May-2009 20:09:51

Then again it's no secret the government's composed of idiots. That's why our economy tanked. This is just another thing they're probably going to screw up.

## Post 29 by turricane (happiness and change are choices ) on Thursday, 07-May-2009 8:22:43

whoa there!!!!! brian!!!! Get a grip!!!!!
It's easy to pick on the government. I'm a federal employee and have been for 30 years. There are lots of policies and programs to not like, but lots of things we do which are valuable and important.
If you want to blame anyone, kick the lawyer's butts. they are the power behind all this warning and scaring. No one wants to get sued. Therefore if the obvious is pointed out loudly and often enough it is prayed that no one will lose money. Once again, I am going to mourn the terminal illness of my guide for life, which is common sense.
Your example of the economy shows your confusion and misplacing of blame. Who owns the fdic, federal deposit insurance corporation, and the fslic which is the equivalent for the savings and loans? If it weren't for the government your butt and all the other people who invested in private entities like the stock market and other get rich options which tend to be managed by people with the morals of hyenas and with mission statements which often are motivated by proffit and greed would be in a sling. The evil uncle insures our investments in banks and stocks. If it weren't for us the world would be a heck of a lot worse. With out the idiots who are protecting us from ourselves, We would be in a totally unregulated mess like the great depression. We would be holding up our bank tellers and/or hiding our hard earned dinero in the mattress.
Without our president the us auto industry would be morribund. That means dead. People would be starving. Granted the big boys have made crap cars that no one wants and which are killing the environment. The man on the assembly line and the lady in the car dealership would be making the unemployment lines even longer then they are already.
This mess we are in now has a lot more to do with greed and mismanagement then with the federal government. The love of money not the federal employee is the root of all evil.
The agency for which i work, makes sure your weather is predicted, there are enough salmon and other marine fish for you to eat, that nautical charts are produced and sold to commercial and recreational mariners and your climate is monitored. Maybe we should all stop working and see how well the profit motivated businesses manage these things.
Sorry if I came on strong. Buddy, I am not an idiot and you are painting with a pretty broad brush. The hated federal government has the best record for hiring blind people. NOAA where I work has a huge presence in seattle. I see from your profile that you want to move there. Get over yourself and put out an application.
When 50k hammers are bought, and pork barrels are passed I am all with you. Stupidity should be quelled wherever and whenever it appears.
Saying your sorry would be nice. However, being a male under 30 I realize the statistical probability of my seeing that is equivalent to my growing bigger boobs and learning to dance. Enjoy your day.

## Post 30 by SunshineAndRain (I'm happily married, a mom of two and a fulltime college student.) on Thursday, 07-May-2009 17:31:34

Oh that's real positive proactive thinking Bryan. Just blame it all on the Government. Part of the reason this whole system's gone to shit is because of people like you who point their middlefinger at the people who are just trying to keep us safe. Understandably, the put a lot of unnecessary pressure on everyone to, "Be Aware!" "Be Afraid!" "Pay Attention!" but the important thing ultimately is that everyone is safe and uses common sense to avoid this whole thing instead of getting angry or afraid.

## Post 31 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Thursday, 07-May-2009 21:49:41

I'm not out there blowing up government buildings am I? I don't think so. I just happen to believe the government is composed mostly of idiots anymore. Note that I did not say they were evil. We're unnecessarily paranoid about the swine flue just like we were about Y2K. And now they're saying the swine flue is less dangerous than they thought? That's ecouraging I'll admit, but I wish they'd make up their minds.

## Post 32 by turricane (happiness and change are choices ) on Friday, 08-May-2009 5:38:24

brian, dear, remember that ignorance and intolerance take many forms. No you certainly aren't blowing up government buildings. Lucky us. Congratulations on your forebareance.
If you said what you did about an entire group of people like african americans, gay individuals, or, god forbid, blind people being idiots, you'd rightfully get stomped on and laughed out of dodge. Your opinion would be much more believable and intellectually impressive if you could separate the policies from the people who are required to carry them out. Many of the former may seem stupid and I'm not going to disagree. Most government employees have more intelligence and compassion then you obviously do. It is wise to remember that we get paid about half what workers who do the same job get in the private sector. Most of us do what we do because, corny as it sounds, we believe that service to youtaxpayers and the ideals of our country means something.
It is also wise to remember that many of our functions are mandated by law. Do I sit on capitol hill? Did I get elected? Nope. Therefore, to maintain the lifestyle to which I have become accustomed, I must enact the laws andrules and whatever that congress mandates.
Why am i even bothering with sharing my point of view? You will not change your mind and neither will i.
Oh yes, little boy, how old were you exactly when y2k happened? I know programmers who worked on top secret stuff which solved big problems so well that you can laugh at what idiots the people who believed that the sky was going to fall were. Did they ask for plaudits? Did they receive appreciation Once again, I give up.

## Post 33 by Daenerys Targaryen (Enjoying Life) on Monday, 06-Jul-2009 12:23:27

During a press event held today in London, England before the UK premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, actor Rupert Grint made some new comments about his recent bout with Swine Flu. As we reported the other day, Rupert had a mild bout of the deadly flu, but is well on the way to recovery and will attend the official premiere of the sixth Harry Potter film tomorrow in London, England. Speaking to reporters today, Rupert stated:
"It was quite scary when I first found out I had swine flu," he said at a press conference with other Potter actors including Emma Watson in London."I thought 'Am I going to die?' But it was just like any other flu really.""I had a sore throat and I went to bed for a few days."

## Post 34 by bozmagic (The rottie's your best friend if you want him/her to be, lol.) on Tuesday, 11-Aug-2009 13:10:11

Swine flu's about as fictional as Harry Potter itself for fuck's sake! Braille swine flu leaflet met shredder today without my bothering to read all the scaremongering shite in there or the newspapers or on the news, which is why i have no interest in those as of late. For god's sake, common sense should tell people just to take a couple of Nurofen Plus or something of that equivalent and have done with it if you experience stomach cramps or milk of magnesia should you feel you're going to vomit, day and nightnurse capsules if you feel bunged up and 'orrible. It's only a matter of swallowing a couple of pills smaller than watch batteries, no size at all, whenever those setbacks should arise. If you've got your health like myself, you've nothing to fear.
Jen.

## Post 35 by BryanP22 (Novice theriminist) on Friday, 14-Aug-2009 19:02:16

Exactly. But we tend to blow things all out of proportion, and our government, I'm sorry to say, really is no help. I just happen to believe that they've lost touch with what people really need and want. But then again I hate politics and normally wouldn't even bother. I just think this is so riddiculous.