Why should we be worried about this flu?

Why has the media not addressed the fact that due to health care limitations, the severity of the flu may not be at issue, rather the ability and knowledge to take Acetominophen or Ibuprofen for high fever and fluids for dehydration. This may be part of a remedy to prevent the extreme results of a common ailment as a flu. There also has been a downplay of how the H. Infuenza (the flu) affects our population with mortalities just the same.

Those of us who work in the swine industry are asking you to keep reporting that you can't get this virus from eating pork. Our industry has been hurt enough these past few years. Please keep telling people that pork is safe!

Please explain what steps the government takes at each level of the Swine flu alert.
Surely we have actions taken at each level that will progress from the previous level.

Why aren't the airlines extending the cancellation grace period 'till the end of May? I have a trip planned to Cancun, May 18th, the airline is granting refunds up unitl the 16th of May. Do they really think it wil be all clear by then? You would think they would cease travel to Mexico and protect their crew.

There were 12 probable cases at my university (U. of Delaware). As of 1:10 pm, Thursday, April 30th, 4 of the 12 have been confirmed by the CDC. Read more at http://www.udel.edu, "Four swine flu cases confirmed in Delaware"

remember, that even during seasonal cold/flu season, your whole family can be hit with seasonal flu one by one, a few days after each other. The difference is, if you don't feel well, you really need to stay home to stop this from continuing to spread – it's clearly a strain with a lot of moxy.

Why don't you stress the fact that H1N1 is a human to human virus that in NO WAY can be contracted by eating pork. Your network seems to be fanning the "swine flu" fire in the interest of tv ratings, with absolutely no regard for the impact on the pork industry. Shame on you and shame on your network for encouraging this misinformation. Showing picuturs of pigs while discussing H1N1 is sinsational and irresponsible reporting.

Do the right thing for once, even though that might not squeeze that last viewer in for your ratings.

The question that needs to be asked and answered is whether the current H1N1 virus carries a significant risk of "cytokine storm" and associated ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome).

The lethality of the aforementioned 1918-1919 pandemic as well as that of the SARS outbreak in 2003 were both remarkable in the paradoxically high mortality rates among healthy individuals in the age group 20-40, those with the presumably most robust immune systems.

It's my understanding that this "paradox" is now attributed to a malfunction of the Immune system called a "cytokine storm." Cytokines are chemical messengers which some cells including those associated with the immune system (e.g. : t-cells, macrophages) communicate with each other. Some, for example, cause the production of new T-cells; some others say enough already. Some are "pro-inflammatory"; others "anti-inflammatory". The term "cytokine storm" describes a literal flood of cytokines which wreaks havoc throughout the body, the apparent result of a failure of the immune system to properly regulate itself. Just one of the results is a condition called ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome), an often fatal inflammation of the lungs. Simply put, death isn't the result of the virus per se, both rather the immune system's improper reaction to the virus. (see Wiki:cytokine storm or a more technical review at http://www.cytokinestorm.com – mostly "bird" flu references).

What's alarming the world health officials is that the early numbers out of Mexico follow demographics similar to the 1918-1919 pandemic and SARs (high mortality in the 20-40 age group). What's confusing them is that lethality elsewhere (like in the U.S.) doesn't follow those patterns

Cases of swine influenza in humans: a review of the literature.Myers KP, Olsen CW, Gray GC.
Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. kendall-myers@uiowa.edu

As the threat of a pandemic looms, improvement in our understanding of interspecies transmission of influenza is necessary. Using the search terms "swine," "influenza," and "human," we searched the PubMed database in April 2006 to identify publications describing symptomatic infections of humans with influenza viruses of swine origin. From these reports, we extracted data regarding demographic characteristics, epidemiological investigations, and laboratory results. We found 50 cases of apparent zoonotic swine influenza virus infection, 37 of which involved civilians and 13 of which involved military personnel, with a case-fatality rate of 14% (7 of 50 persons). Most civilian subjects (61%) reported exposure to swine. Although sporadic clinical cases of swine influenza occur in humans, the true incidence of zoonotic swine influenza virus infection is unknown. Because prior studies have shown that persons who work with swine are at increased risk of zoonotic influenza virus infection, it is prudent to include them in pandemic planning efforts.

Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Apr 15;44(8):1084-8. Epub 2007 Mar 6

Is the sequence of this new virus available for the scientific community to study and/or come up with suggestions and ideas to deal wit it?
Has the HLA class I and II alles of the patients who have died been determined to look for a possible link to immune responsiveness to this virus strain??
thank you

I am 49 and never had any type of flu before, just several colds a year. I have never had a flu shot either. I know I have been around people with the flu but I figure I must have a good immune system. Since the flu changes every year, do we still build up an immunity against it because it is similar enough to last year's strain? Or do we have to build an immunity each year to the new strains that appear? I am wondering if the swine flu is so different that just because I have never had the flu before means nothing with this one. I mean, I am hoping that never having the flu before might mean that my immune system is strong and hopefully I wont get this one either. Of course, I will take extra precautions (handwashing, staying away from crowds when an outbreak is in my area, etc) just in case.

it would see prudent to stop calling this the "swine" flu and start using the much more accurate term "H1N1 flu".

CNN could do a great service to Public Health by using the proper term for this 'bug'

When they first started talking about this flu and it's unusual genetic makeup, almost like several "pieces" of other strains of flu, I am wondering if the U.S. cases being less severe than the Mexico cases has something to do with the fact that a lot of people in the U.S.get regular flu shots every year, different strains every time, and since the antibodies for those flus would stay in the body for years, it would have some kind of cumulitave effect on the immune system being able to better fight this flu.. I'm not sure if this would work this way, it was just a thought. Cat

Can we just keep from talking about it all the time. It is consuming all our days with flu. There must be other important news for the cable networks. This is really being over blown way too much.

To those people in the Pork industry whining....tough. I don't eat pork and never will and it's not because of the swine flu. Evolve, find a new industry, reinvent yourself – just because what is good for you wallets and bad for the rest of humanity and the pigs doesn't mean CNN needs to help you out. Please, everyone else has to do it....and without the gov't subsidies.

I have friends both in the military and who work for state-level government organizations focused on disease prevention. The general consensus I've gather from these associations is that all this "swine flu" paranoia is just that – paranoia. There have been other variations of animal-to-human flu illnesses that have received far less media attention (and this isn't the first to come from pigs). Not to mention that hundreds of thousands die annually from flu strains in general. Is it really necessary for the media to spread fear in this infectious manner over something hardly more disconcerting than the common cold? Use your heads people! Wash your hands, avoid sick people, sick people should avoid healthy people, etc. Just because we've all gotten bored with the Obama's new puppy already and the wars are getting along so poorly that the reporting would be too dismal to draw in serious audiences doesn't mean we need to make people sick to death with fear over the flu! We are at no more risk of a pandemic today than we have been nearly every other year for the past several decades.

Obama's aid was sick when he flew back to the US on a regular plane. Granted, he did not know about swine flu, but....

Why not close the border for at least a week? Sure, Obama is not worried, he can get his hands on the best medical team and medications, but what about the rest of the people? There is not enough medication for everyone, should everyone become sick.

And Biden himself told his family to avoid crowded/confined places. Sure the White House tried to fix it, but Biden said what he said, no matter how much the White House tries to fix it.

I bet CNN will not post my comment since anything against Obama seems to be put on "review" indefinitely.

If the United States issues warning to avoid travel to Mexico due to the Swine Flu. Why are there no warnings to avoid travel to the 19 states in the United States that have reported cases. The Swine Flu is located in Mexico City and no other states. Lighten up on Mexico.

The most common belief for transmission is by respiratory droplets (coughed or sneezed into the air becoming unseen, micronized particles) & contaminated hands coming into contact with mucous membranes (skin stops it, but the inside of your nose, your eye, & your mouth is obviously not regular skin but mucous membrane=less barrier). It makes sense then to wash your hands & wear a mask in public places. The eyes are still vulnerable, but your mouth or nose (which actively pull in air) would have an added barrier. You have to think about what new things you touch (money, mail, etc.), & try to keep your hands sanitized after exposure & yourself as isolated as possible for right now. It is a temporary modification in lifestyle for now

Is the best protection from "death" from the Flu, a Pneumonia vaccine?

If an opportunistic lung infection cannot follow your compromised lungs from the Flu, isn't a Pneumonia vaccine your best protection?

I also hacve my N95 mask at the ready.

Thanks,

Bob

the question also arises
what were the pervious heath conditions of the victims
were they exercising regularly
and other problems with them

The swine flu could very well be a virus that has been dormant for centuries under tons of ice. As the ice melts from global warming migrating birds are given the opportunity to nest where ancient migrating birds once nested. Ancient migrating birds carried unknown viruses to their nesting areas to be frozen in time only to be unleashed upon modern man by our current migrating birds.
Attachment…Testing sickly or recently deceased birds rather than healthy birds before they migrate may give us a head start for developing a vaccine.

Okay, here are MY views on this virus:
First of all, the media is blowing this out of proportion. So far, it isn't getting that bad, but everyone is talking about it as if you get it, you die. That is not the case, because there has only been one death in the US, and it wouldn't even be one had that person crossed the boarder to Texas. They caught it in Mexico, so technically, it wasn't even one death here. The media should of kept this quiet so maybe there wouldn't be such a panic.
Next, it's not like it is such a terrible flu yet. It's practically a cold. Yes, people should be informed that if they have the symptoms, they should stay home and wear a face mask. Therefore, the media shouldn't be scaring everyone by talking about it spreading every single day. If people are really concerned, they will check a website, such as this one, and maybe they will mention things about the virus on the news once in a while. But if it starts to get bad, then the public should know, and maybe a more suttle approach to tell us this time won't cause such a panic.
Finally, if the news hasn't said what the symptoms were in terms that grade school kids wouldn't understand, then they should, because people should know what kind of virus is going around that everyone is freaking out about.

Lets just all chill out for now, and if things start to get really bad, then lets worry.

My mother said the old custom of wearing white washable gloves would go a long way if it became fashionable again. There are some things people just can pick or scratch when wearing gloves.
It'll also boost the economy by creating a new business.

Not a surprise that the swine flu is fizzling. There was pressure on health authorities to move faster than good data could be collected. Well, at least it was a good exercise in testing out world pandemic systems. They have wanted to rename this swine flu simply H1N1. It probably is a "Chicken little flu".

While at classes last week and trying to go to a bookstore Friday afternoon, I was stunned by the number of people having coughing fits. Why don't people realize that when they are sick, they need to stay home. People do not seem to be taking this seriously at all. Several schools in the DFW area have been closed. People who appear to be ill are out and about in crowds. What can be done to help people realize they are extending the length of the illness and also exposing healthy people to their illness. Where is their common sense?
Thanks
Mary

This is just a big sad farce. Scaring people needlessly. This flu is not proving to be as dangerous as the average flu that goes around every year.

In light of the world population or the US population the number of people who have gotten this flu is statistically insignificant. If it were super contagious we would be seeing it by now. If it were super deadly we would also be seeing this by now.

I find it epically telling that when reporters get people on the phone who actually have the flu, the cut them off when they try to say it's mild.

It's good that people track these things, but they should do so quietly until it is clear that there is some serious risk to people. As far as this flu goes, if you catch it, you'll be fine. So big deal, why are you scaring people, closing schools, canceling events.

I listened this Sunday morning to the news on CNN and the interview they had with so called professionals. They had two doctors and someone who is a professor about too much media. This Professor said that there is too much coverage and it stirs people to panic. I would have agreed with him on friday, but I got very sick on saturday and now I'll wait til tomorrow to go to the doctor.I have a fever, sore throat, bodyaches, feel real weak and as of now have not left my house and told family and friends to stay away. Yes, I probably over react, but because I do not know what it is, I want nobody else to get what I have. Yes it is probably too much news, but I do feel different about it now, since I've been sick. I live in northeast Ohio and now I am scarred.

To really prevent the spread of all kinds of contagious diseases, don't cover your mouth with your hand! Cover it with the crook (inside) of your elbow, because the germs or virus will stop there, and not be spread to the next thing you touch – like a door knob. Coughing into our hands is one of the worst ways to stop the spread of infection. Use your arm over your mouth – it fits, and it works!

Dr. Gupta could demonstrate this on television and all of us can teach those we know.

Once a person has survived the H1N1'09 are they immune from having it again? If so wouldn't that be a resource for a vaccine? Wouldn't patient "zero" be a good resource?

Question: I am a healthy adult female. If I get the h1n1 virus right now while it is apparently non-lethal (for the most part), will I build immunity that will help me combat a more dangerous h1n1 virus that comes back in the fall?

I am supposed to get married in Mexico with 40 guests in the middle of June. All of my guests are in panic and many say they won't come even if it gets better. It seems this is all overblown. This is devastating. I've spoken to people at the hotels in Riviera Maya and those that have families on the coast below Riviera Maya. They say it's business a usual and nothing to worry about. They keep saying people from the US are getting it after traveling to Mexico. Where in Mexico are they traveling? I wish the media would be more clear. Did they spend time in or connect through Mexico City? Has anybody gotten it that has traveled just to Riviera Maya and through Cancun? If it is in the beach region, is Mexico being purposely vague to fool tourists into continuing to visit? It would really be helpful to those of us with important trips to know more details about what areas of Mexico are impacted.

I've been following the swine flu since it became publicized, and like everyone else i was completely worried and stressed and feared the worse. As the days have gone on after read reports and blogs i feel like the I'm more aware and not so stressed. But I find it truly amazing to hear people say that they will no longer go out, travel or meet in large groups. Personally I think with the introduction of this flu; although we did not know anything about it; the way doctors and the media introduced it was completely over the top. Sure it's a very serious matter but there should have been a better way to introduced it. Now there are millions of people who are literally paranoid and altering everything they do and where they’re at cause the fear of catching the swine flu and all they really need to do is really just keep healthy and sanitary. I’ve considered swine flu to just be like any flu and when I state that I get out there comments and rude remarks because I’ve taken to the lighter side of the situation. Now I’m not saying I don’t take precautions any more because I do but I don’t see the need to alter my life style and plans. I’ve gone through to many other sicknesses and ailments to let get worked up about something I have no control over and knowing that there is no set cure to prevent it is another reason why I don’t see the need to get worked up about it. Now this is just my over all opinion about the situation and I’m one of those people that just seems to find my own way but because I know many people with concerns about this issue and it makes it easier to talk about.

A stronger immune system means a stronger response and a more likely death.”
Regarding your above statement do you believe that those with +H1N1 will be more likely to develop Aivan flu if this virus mutates with that?