Pandemic In the Making?

[strollingbones]

o for crying out loud kitten its 6 ish....bottom line that in simple terms

 

[strollingbones]

containment and how quickly people seek medical treatment will be the key...unfortunately with the economy...people are not paying to see a doctor till they have too...that might be a factor...making it what....say it with me...


bush's fault!!!!!!!

 

[strollingbones]

So far, there have been at least 11 confirmed cases of swine flu in California, Texas and Kansas. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to over 50. At least two were hospitalized. All recovered or are recovering.

New York health officials said more than 100 students at the St. Francis Preparatory School, in Queens, recently began suffering a fever, sore throat and aches and pains. Some of their relatives also have been ill.

Workers were sanitizing the school as a precaution. But a class reunion featuring cocktails, dinner and dancing for hundreds of alumni from as far back as 1939 went on as scheduled Saturday.

Symptoms in the New York cases have been mild, said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. But the illnesses have caused concern because of the outbreak in Mexico, where health officials say a strain of swine flu has killed up to 81 people and sickened more than 1,000.

The World Health Organization chief said Saturday that the strain has "pandemic potential," and it might be too late to contain a sudden outbreak.

If the CDC confirms that the New York students have swine flu, Frieden said he likely will recommend that the school remain closed Monday "out of an abundance of caution."


NY awaits confirmation of probable swine flu cases

 

[strollingbones]

btw i would pick up some "symptom" treatment stuff...cause there is gonna be a run on it....nyquill? and that stuff?

someone, hell allie, was talking about how living in a rural area will protect you...i guess she didnt get the part where it jumps from pigs to humans....

and then someone else talked about having a few weeks of food...people amaze me at how simple they think...now kitten talk down to me...lol

 

[KittenKoder]

Bottom line ... healthy doesn't mean strong.

 

[Valerie]

CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Swine Influenza (Flu) Investigation

Human Swine Influenza Investigation

April 25, 2009 19:30 EDT

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the U.S. in San Diego County and Imperial County, California as well as in San Antonio, Texas. Internationally, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in Mexico.

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
State # of laboratory
confirmed cases
California 7 cases
Texas 2 cases
Kansas 2 cases
TOTAL COUNT 11 cases
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
See: World Health OrganizationExternal Web Site Policy.
As of April 25th, 2009 7:30 p.m. EDT

Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.

CDC is working very closely with state and local officials in California, Texas, as well as with health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization. On April 24th, CDC deployed 7 epidemiologists to San Diego County, California and Imperial County, California and 1 senior medical officer to Texas to provide guidance and technical support for the ongoing epidemiologic field investigations. CDC has also deployed to Mexico 1 medical officer and 1 senior expert who are part of a global team that is responding to the outbreak of respiratory illnesses in Mexico. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.

CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Flu Activity

PandemicFlu.gov

Swine Flu Investigation

The CDC is actively investigating isolated human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) in California and Texas, and is working closely with its counterparts in Canada and Mexico and with the WHO. The CDC is continuously updating investigation information

As with any infectious disease, CDC recommends that people should take everyday preventive actions.

There can be a pandemic of swine flu. The term pandemic means widespread across many large areas.
If this human version of swine flu is virulent enough it could reach pandemic proportions.
The fact that we don't control the borders better is making the entire world susceptible since most world air traffic originates or passes through the US.

I personally think it's time for a thinning of the herd.

Yes, it can potentially become pandemic. That's why they're watching it closely because it is a strain they've never seen before.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

[Ravi]

btw i would pick up some "symptom" treatment stuff...cause there is gonna be a run on it....nyquill? and that stuff?

someone, hell allie, was talking about how living in a rural area will protect you...i guess she didnt get the part where it jumps from pigs to humans....

and then someone else talked about having a few weeks of food...people amaze me at how simple they think...now kitten talk down to me...lol

You'd do better purchase masks, gloves and soap. Alleviating symptoms only makes you feel better but does nothing to kill the virus.

 

[Valerie]

So far, there have been at least 11 confirmed cases of swine flu in California, Texas and Kansas. Patients have ranged in age from 9 to over 50. At least two were hospitalized. All recovered or are recovering.

New York health officials said more than 100 students at the St. Francis Preparatory School, in Queens, recently began suffering a fever, sore throat and aches and pains. Some of their relatives also have been ill.

Workers were sanitizing the school as a precaution. But a class reunion featuring cocktails, dinner and dancing for hundreds of alumni from as far back as 1939 went on as scheduled Saturday.

Symptoms in the New York cases have been mild, said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden. But the illnesses have caused concern because of the outbreak in Mexico, where health officials say a strain of swine flu has killed up to 81 people and sickened more than 1,000.

The World Health Organization chief said Saturday that the strain has "pandemic potential," and it might be too late to contain a sudden outbreak.

If the CDC confirms that the New York students have swine flu, Frieden said he likely will recommend that the school remain closed Monday "out of an abundance of caution."


NY awaits confirmation of probable swine flu cases

>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release # 015-09
Saturday, April 25, 2009

CONTACT: (212) 788-5290
Jessica Scaperotti/Erin Brady: [email protected]


Health Department Testing Finds Probable Cases of Swine Influenza in Students at a Non-Public School in Queens

Department calls for increased vigilance for possible spread of swine influenza virus




April 25, 2009 – The Health Department is investigating a cluster of respiratory illness in a non-public school in New York City and has determined that at least 8 students have probable human swine influenza. More than 100 of the school’s students were absent several days this week due to fever, sore throats and other flu-like symptoms. The Health Department has interviewed more than 100 students or their families, and all students have had mild symptoms; none have been hospitalized. Some family members have developed similar symptoms, suggesting spread in the family.

In response to confirmed cases of swine influenza (swine flu) in Mexico, California and Texas, the New York City Health Department is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess the possibility of the spread of swine flu.

Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza type A viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can occur. Human cases typically involve people who have had direct contact with pigs, but person-to-person transmission is suspected among recent cases in the Southwest. The cases in Mexico have had a high fatality rate, but the eight recently confirmed cases from California and Texas have been mild. All of the non-NYC patients have recovered.

The Health Department’s Public Health Laboratory has completed preliminary viral testing on nose and throat swabs from nine affected students. Eight of the nine tests are positive Influenza A. Because they do not match H1 and H3 human subtypes of influenza A by available testing methods, they are considered probable cases of swine flu. The specimens have been sent to the CDC in Atlanta for confirmatory testing. Results of those tests are expected Sunday. (The attached chart outlines the steps required for confirmation.)

Patients experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek health care and treatment. Otherwise, the Health Department recommends at-home care. If affected students at the school in question have household contacts at high risk for complications from influenza – young children, the elderly, and people with chronic illness – those at risk should receive preventive treatment. The most effective way to lower the risk of transmission is for people with symptoms to stay home.

All New Yorkers should cover their mouths when they cough. Additional precautions:

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Swine influenza cannot be transmitted from eating pork or pork products. The symptoms of swine flu in people appear to be similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

For facts about influenza, and more information about swine flu, please visit the Health Department and CDC websites. Some specific resources:
From New York City Health Department

Facts about flu
Influenza (Flu) : Flu Information : NYC DOHMH
From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

General information about swine flu
CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Swine Influenza (Flu): General Information

Swine Flu Case Definitions
CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Interim Guidance on Case Definitions for Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Human Case Investigations

Swine Flu Infection Control and Patient Care
CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting

Preventing the Flu
CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Fact Sheet: Good Health Habits for Preventing Seasonal Flu
Chart: Steps Required to Confirm Suspected Cases of Swine Flu

Health Department Testing Finds Probable Cases of Swine Influenza in Students at a Non-Public School in Queens

 

[KittenKoder]

btw i would pick up some "symptom" treatment stuff...cause there is gonna be a run on it....nyquill? and that stuff?

someone, hell allie, was talking about how living in a rural area will protect you...i guess she didnt get the part where it jumps from pigs to humans....

and then someone else talked about having a few weeks of food...people amaze me at how simple they think...now kitten talk down to me...lol

You'd do better purchase masks, gloves and soap. Alleviating symptoms only makes you feel better but does nothing to kill the virus.

No ... you'd do best to just eat healthy, and when you do get sick let it run it's course. Then the next time you encounter it you won't have to worry ...

 

[Ravi]

btw i would pick up some "symptom" treatment stuff...cause there is gonna be a run on it....nyquill? and that stuff?

someone, hell allie, was talking about how living in a rural area will protect you...i guess she didnt get the part where it jumps from pigs to humans....

and then someone else talked about having a few weeks of food...people amaze me at how simple they think...now kitten talk down to me...lol

You'd do better purchase masks, gloves and soap. Alleviating symptoms only makes you feel better but does nothing to kill the virus.

No ... you'd do best to just eat healthy, and when you do get sick let it run it's course. Then the next time you encounter it you won't have to worry ...

That isn't true because viruses continually mutate, so having the flu once doesn't protect you from the next mutated strain.

But this may be why it kills otherwise healthy people instead of the young or the old...because healthy people think they can just fight it off on their own.

 

[editec]

Except for the high fever, I, my son, and a number of his chums have the symptoms of this so called swine flu right now.

We have the hacking cough, the body aches, the headaches and the general weakness that they're describing on TV.

Now here's a thought...we all smoke hemp from where?

Mexico, probably.

Yup, that law against American growing their own dope legally for their own use is real smart, isn't it?

 

[Valerie]

This is an official
CDC HEALTH ADVISORY


Distributed via Health Alert Network
Friday, December 19, 2008, 11:50 EST (11:50 AM EST)
CDCHAN-00279-2008-12-19-ADV-N

CDC Issues Interim Recommendations for the Use of Influenza Antiviral Medications in the Setting of Oseltamivir Resistance among Circulating Influenza A (H1N1) Viruses,
2008-09 Influenza Season

Although influenza activity is low in the United States to date, preliminary data from a limited number of states indicate that the prevalence of influenza A (H1N1) virus strains resistant to the antiviral medication oseltamivir is high. Therefore, CDC is issuing interim recommendations for antiviral treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza during the 2008-09 influenza season. When influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or exposure is suspected, zanamivir or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantadine are more appropriate options than oseltamivir alone. Local influenza surveillance data and laboratory testing can help with physician decision-making regarding the choice of antiviral agents for their patients. The 2008-09 influenza vaccine is expected to be effective in preventing or reducing the severity of illness with currently circulating influenza viruses, including oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) virus strains. Since influenza activity remains low and is expected to increase in the weeks and months to come, CDC recommends that influenza vaccination efforts continue.

Background

Influenza A viruses, including two subtypes (H1N1) and (H3N2), and influenza B viruses, currently circulate worldwide, but the prevalence of each can vary among communities and within a single community over the course of an influenza season. In the United States, four prescription antiviral medications (oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine) are approved for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza. Since January 2006, the neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir) have been the only recommended influenza antiviral drugs because of widespread resistance to the adamantanes (amantadine, rimantadine) among influenza A (H3N2) virus strains. The neuraminidase inhibitors have activity against influenza A and B viruses while the adamantanes have activity only against influenza A viruses. In 2007-08, a significant increase in the prevalence of oseltamivir resistance was reported among influenza A (H1N1) viruses worldwide. During the 2007-08 influenza season, 10.9% of H1N1 viruses tested in the U.S. were resistant to oseltamivir.

Influenza activity has been low thus far this season in the United States. As of December 19, 2008, a limited number of influenza viruses isolated in the U.S. since October 1 have been available for antiviral resistance testing at CDC. Of the 50 H1N1 viruses tested to date from 12 states, 98% were resistant to oseltamivir, and all were susceptible to zanamivir, amantadine and rimantadine. Preliminary data indicate that oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) viruses do not cause different or more severe symptoms compared to oseltamivir sensitive influenza A (H1N1) viruses. Influenza A (H3N2) and B viruses remain susceptible to oseltamivir. The proportion of influenza A (H1N1) viruses among all influenza A and B viruses that will circulate during the 2008-09 season cannot be predicted, and will likely vary over the course of the season and among communities. Oseltamivir-resistant influenza A (H1N1) viruses are antigenically similar to the influenza A (H1N1) virus strain represented in 2008-09 influenza vaccine, and CDC recommends that influenza vaccination efforts continue as the primary method to prevent influenza.

Oseltamivir resistance among circulating influenza A (H1N1) virus strains presents challenges for the selection of antiviral medications for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of influenza, and provides additional reasons for clinicians to test patients for influenza virus infection and to consult surveillance data when evaluating persons with acute respiratory illnesses during influenza season. These interim guidelines provide options for treatment or chemoprophylaxis of influenza in the United States if oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 viruses are circulating widely in a community or if the prevalence of oseltamivir resistant H1N1 viruses is uncertain.

Interim Recommendations

Persons providing medical care for patients with suspected influenza or persons who are candidates for chemoprophylaxis against influenza should consider the following guidance for assessing and treating patients during the 2008-09 influenza season (see Table below). Guidance Table):

1) Review local or state influenza virus surveillance data weekly during influenza season, to determine which types (A or B) and subtypes of influenza A virus (H3N2 or H1N1) are currently circulating in the area. For some communities, surveillance data might not be available or timely enough to provide information useful to clinicians.

2) Consider use of influenza tests that can distinguish influenza A from influenza B.

a. Patients testing positive for influenza B may be given either oseltamivir or zanamivir (no preference) if treatment is indicated.

b. At this time, if a patient tests positive for influenza A, use of zanamivir should be considered if treatment is indicated. Oseltamivir should be used alone only if recent local surveillance data indicate that circulating viruses are likely to be influenza A (H3N2) or influenza B viruses. Combination treatment with oseltamivir and rimantadine is an acceptable alternative, and might be necessary for patients that cannot receive zanamivir, (e.g., patient is <7 years old, has chronic underlying airways disease, or cannot use the zanamivir inhalation device), or zanamivir is unavailable. Amantadine can be substituted for rimantadine if rimantadine is unavailable.

c. If a patient tests negative for influenza, consider treatment options based on local influenza activity and clinical impression of the likelihood of influenza. Because rapid antigen tests may have low sensitivity, treatment should still be considered during periods of high influenza activity for persons with respiratory symptoms consistent with influenza who test negative and have no alternative diagnosis. Use of zanamivir should be considered if treatment is indicated. Combination treatment with oseltamivir and rimantadine (substitute amantadine if rimantadine unavailable) is an acceptable alternative. Oseltamivir should be used alone only if recent local surveillance data indicates that circulating viruses are likely to be influenza A(H3N2) or influenza B viruses.

d. If available, confirmatory testing with a diagnostic test capable of distinguishing influenza caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus from influenza caused by influenza A (H3N2) or influenza B virus can also be used to guide treatment. When treatment is indicated, influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B virus infections should be treated with oseltamivir or zanamivir (no preference). Influenza A (H1N1) virus infections should be treated with zanamivir or combination treatment with oseltamivir and rimantadine is an acceptable alternative.

3) Persons who are candidates for chemoprophylaxis (e.g., residents in an assisted living facility during an influenza outbreak, or persons who are at higher risk for influenza-related complications and have had recent household or other close contact with a person with laboratory confirmed influenza) should be provided with medications most likely to be effective against the influenza virus that is the cause of the outbreak, if known. Respiratory specimens from ill persons during institutional outbreaks should be obtained and sent for testing to determine the type and subtype of influenza A viruses associated with the outbreak and to guide antiviral therapy decisions. Persons whose need for chemoprophylaxis is due to potential exposure to a person with laboratory-confirmed influenza A (H3N2) or influenza B should receive oseltamivir or zanamivir (no preference). Zanamivir should be used when persons require chemoprophylaxis due to exposure to influenza A ( H1N1) virus. Rimantadine can be used if zanamivir use is contraindicated.

Enhanced surveillance for influenza antiviral resistance is ongoing at CDC in collaboration with local and state health departments. Clinicians should remain alert for additional changes in recommendations that might occur as the 2008--09 influenza season progresses. Oseltamivir resistant influenza A (H1N1) viruses are antigenically similar to the influenza A(H1N1) viruses represented in the vaccine, and vaccination should continue to be considered the primary prevention strategy regardless of oseltamivir sensitivity. Information on antiviral resistance will be updated in weekly surveillance reports (available at CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Flu Activity)

For more information on antiviral medications and additional considerations related to antiviral use during the 2008-09 influenza season, visit CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Antivirals

Health Alert Network - Archive System

 

[Valerie]

The students were among about 100 at St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows who became sick in the last few days, said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City&#8217;s health commissioner.

&#8220;All the cases were mild, no child was hospitalized, no child was seriously ill,&#8221; Dr. Frieden said.

Health officials reached their preliminary conclusion after conducting viral tests on nose or throat swabs from the eight students, which allowed them to eliminate other strains of flu. Officials were also suspicious since some St. Francis students recently had been to Mexico, where the outbreak is believed to have started.

In New York, the samples from the Queens students have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the only lab in the country that can positively confirm the new swine flu strain &#8212; which has been identified as H1N1. Results were expected on Sunday, officials said.

Fearing a panic that might tax local health facilities, Dr. Frieden urged New Yorkers not to go to a hospital if they had typical mild cold or flu symptoms. If they are seriously ill, especially with lung problems, they should seek medical attention promptly, he said, because antiflu drugs work best if taken in the first 48 hours.

Because of fears of the H5N1 avian flu, both New York City and the United States have had detailed pandemic emergency plans in place since 2005, as well as stockpiles of emergency supplies and flu drugs (the plan can be read at PandemicFlu.gov).

Dr. Frieden said that for such an emergency, the city had extra hospital ventilators, huge reserves of masks and gloves and &#8220;millions of doses of Tamiflu,&#8221; an antiflu drug that thus far appears to work against the new swine strain.

The eight Queens students were positive for an A-strain flu virus but negative for all previously known A-strains. That result, called &#8220;A-untypeable,&#8221; led officials to suspect it was the new swine flu.

Dr. Frieden said the city was also testing samples from students from a day care center in the Bronx. Health officials would not identify it.

Thomas Skinner, a spokesman for the C.D.C., said the agency would send a team to New York, as it has to California, Texas and Mexico, if requested.

New York has one of the most sophisticated health departments in the world, but the C.D.C. can assist by releasing supplies from the National Strategic Stockpile. Tamiflu, masks, gloves, purifying gel, ventilators and other goods useful in a flu crisis are kept in warehouses around the country and can be moved out in a matter of hours, Mr. Skinner said.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/world/americas/26flu.html?_r=1&hp

 

[random3434]

 

[Annie]

EZ, LOL! Homeland Security and CDC addressing the US on flu outbreak at White House, 12:30 pm EST.

 

[random3434]

EZ, LOL! Homeland Security and CDC addressing the US on flu outbreak at White House, 12:30 pm EST.

I will watch if I'm still at home.


I know, sorry about that, but that's what this thread reminded me of!



M.O.O.N.-That's how you spell scared!

 

[Valerie]

EZ, LOL! Homeland Security and CDC addressing the US on flu outbreak at White House, 12:30 pm EST.

People die from the flu every single year, so don't panic.

Just be alert and informed.

 

[Annie]

EZ, LOL! Homeland Security and CDC addressing the US on flu outbreak at White House, 12:30 pm EST.

I will watch if I'm still at home.


I know, sorry about that, but that's what this thread reminded me of!



M.O.O.N.-That's how you spell scared!

Oh, I didn't mean 'scared', I thought that was funny pic! There's no sense in any panic, rather take reasonable steps to keep virus away. Of course as you know, staying away from sick kids not easy. I do hope they stress that 'sick kids' stay home and that my school enforces that.

 

[random3434]

All I know is when Captain Trips comes I'm moving to Boulder, Colorado!

 

[Said1]

EZ, LOL! Homeland Security and CDC addressing the US on flu outbreak at White House, 12:30 pm EST.

I will watch if I'm still at home.


I know, sorry about that, but that's what this thread reminded me of!



M.O.O.N.-That's how you spell scared!

M.O.O.N. That spells - LOL!