Codger_64
Moderator
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2004
- Messages
- 62,324
We are currently, here in the U.S., experiencing an epidemic as defined by CDC statistical measurements. It covers most of the Continental U.S. It is the H3N2 strain of influenza, the flu. However about 20% of reported cases are the H1N1 strain, so we have two going around and weeks earlier than it normally begins, late January through February. CDC reports that 7.3 percent of deaths last week caused by pneumonia and the flu, pneumonia often being caused by weakened immune systems due to the flu.
My Pulmonary specialist advised me last week to get innoculations against both diseases, telling me that either, or particularly both together could well be fatal to me. I politely declined. We each make our own choices regarding particular innoculations and ths has been mine for years. And so far I have never contracted the flu or pneumonia. Weigh this choice for yourself, don't emmulate me.
What can you do? Hospitals and clinics are beginning to be innundated with patients. And they therefore are becoming vectors for the disease. Don't go there unless you must. If you must, most medical facilities have small signs offering you surgical masks if you have a cough. Grab one. They also have hand disinfection despensors in most rooms and hallways. Touch as few surfaces as you can and disinfect your hands. Realize that helthcare professionals themselves may be vectors, even if they are asymptomatic. They touch and share air with hundreds of patients a day.
As for myself, I cannot avoid going there, so I try to protect myself from infection as above. I also bathe thoroughly when I get home and put on fresh clothes. I am single now and don't have a lot of friends or family over. I limit my exposure to crowds in social events and in shopping, going to smaller stores during off-peak hours. I restrict my frequenting of restaurants where a worker might be a vector. I wash my raw groceries before putting them up. I don't share any personal items with anyone.
IF you experience flu symptoms yourself or in members of your family, get it diagnosed quickly. Twenty children have died in this current epidemic so far (does that number ring a bell?). Several school districts reportedly have closed due to the epidemic already.
It has been more than a half century since I have had a case of the flu. I hope to make it a bit longer. If you have been considering getting the innoculation and think it is right for you, don't delay. Suppies are reportedly beginning to run short, though not nearly gone yet. As well, if you have a compromised immune system, ask your physician if a pneumonia innoculation would benefit you and your family.
Stay safe out there. Awareness and preparation are essential survival skills.
Michael
ETA: I have not found current stats for all states, but Illinois reports 15 deaths, Minnisota 27 deaths so far; Texas 6 children/teens.
Oklahoma Department of Health said Thursday the state has had eight influenza-linked deaths. Pennsylvania has had 22 deaths. Arkansas has seven confirmed flu fatalities. South Carolina has counted 22 deaths.
My Pulmonary specialist advised me last week to get innoculations against both diseases, telling me that either, or particularly both together could well be fatal to me. I politely declined. We each make our own choices regarding particular innoculations and ths has been mine for years. And so far I have never contracted the flu or pneumonia. Weigh this choice for yourself, don't emmulate me.
What can you do? Hospitals and clinics are beginning to be innundated with patients. And they therefore are becoming vectors for the disease. Don't go there unless you must. If you must, most medical facilities have small signs offering you surgical masks if you have a cough. Grab one. They also have hand disinfection despensors in most rooms and hallways. Touch as few surfaces as you can and disinfect your hands. Realize that helthcare professionals themselves may be vectors, even if they are asymptomatic. They touch and share air with hundreds of patients a day.
As for myself, I cannot avoid going there, so I try to protect myself from infection as above. I also bathe thoroughly when I get home and put on fresh clothes. I am single now and don't have a lot of friends or family over. I limit my exposure to crowds in social events and in shopping, going to smaller stores during off-peak hours. I restrict my frequenting of restaurants where a worker might be a vector. I wash my raw groceries before putting them up. I don't share any personal items with anyone.
IF you experience flu symptoms yourself or in members of your family, get it diagnosed quickly. Twenty children have died in this current epidemic so far (does that number ring a bell?). Several school districts reportedly have closed due to the epidemic already.
It has been more than a half century since I have had a case of the flu. I hope to make it a bit longer. If you have been considering getting the innoculation and think it is right for you, don't delay. Suppies are reportedly beginning to run short, though not nearly gone yet. As well, if you have a compromised immune system, ask your physician if a pneumonia innoculation would benefit you and your family.
Stay safe out there. Awareness and preparation are essential survival skills.
Michael
ETA: I have not found current stats for all states, but Illinois reports 15 deaths, Minnisota 27 deaths so far; Texas 6 children/teens.
Oklahoma Department of Health said Thursday the state has had eight influenza-linked deaths. Pennsylvania has had 22 deaths. Arkansas has seven confirmed flu fatalities. South Carolina has counted 22 deaths.
Last edited:
