My son's school is closed for a week because one kid was positive for Swine flu. I don't get why this is such a big deal. Someone please explain it. It sounds like a lot of over-blown hype and paranoia. People die from the flu every year. Why is this one so "special?" Of course I'm probably just jealous because the school I teach in doesn't have anyone with the swine flu and therefor no freebee vacation.
Because we (as the general public) have not been immunized against it.
Not sure, but our school nurse here said if we had a single positive case, we'd be closed too. Our neighboring county is monitoring two cases as well.
JM
- This is occurring in late April whereas most flu pandemics occur during the winter months
- Usually, the number of swine flu cases are very low and now there has been an explosion due to a mutation in the virus.
- From the CDC:
"How common is swine flu infection in humans?
In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported."
This strain of Swine Flu appears to be a hybrid, which has combined with both Avian and Human Flu. The reason it is dangerous is because it is transmitted through casual contact, and because it kills people (60+ already dead in Mexico, 1 dead in U.S.). One note of interest is that this strain does not seem to be as bad, or as deadly, as the Swine Flu pandemic of 1919 (100 Million dead worldwide, I think).
There is also no current vaccination or cure.
Here's the CDC site on the swine flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/)
The good news is that Egypt has ordered a slaughter of all pigs, as had Gabon; these appear to be the Global Zones of Safety. [laugh] [laugh]
In related news, Nation of Islam leaders are admonishing members against contracting Swine Flu stating, "our faith does not allow us to eat pork products." (No, I'm not joking.)
I don't see what shutting down schools will do. Do you think my son or the other students will sit home and wait this out? No way. He will be at the mall and at the arcade. They will be spreading it among the community if they have it. Most are contagious even before symptoms begin. I just don't understand shutting down schools for one case. (I still think I'm just jealous that I'm at work and he's not. But then, I am a bit self-centered.)
The thought process is that having an infected student in a confined area in very close proximity to other students stands a much greater risk than simply being out and about in the community. Think about how close students sit on school buses & most students are seated at adjacent desks/tables in the classroom. That arrangement puts many more people within the sneeze or cough zone ~
JM
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 10:11:10 AM
I don't see what shutting down schools will do. Do you think my son or the other students will sit home and wait this out? No way. He will be at the mall and at the arcade. They will be spreading it among the community if they have it. Most are contagious even before symptoms begin. I just don't understand shutting down schools for one case. (I still think I'm just jealous that I'm at work and he's not. But then, I am a bit self-centered.)
That's where the whole "parenting" thing kicks in...just saying.
Honestly, think about it: one case of a virulent strain of flu, for which there is no cure, which is passed through casual contact, in a school...Come on, I know you can do it.
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 10:11:10 AM
I don't see what shutting down schools will do. Do you think my son or the other students will sit home and wait this out? No way. He will be at the mall and at the arcade. They will be spreading it among the community if they have it. Most are contagious even before symptoms begin. I just don't understand shutting down schools for one case. (I still think I'm just jealous that I'm at work and he's not. But then, I am a bit self-centered.)
Authorities have been requesting that people stay home in order to lessen the risk. They've also requested that parents keep their children home. You may not understand it but there is a reason for it. This stuff is spreading quickly and they're trying desperately to shut it down before it turns into something like the Spanish flu pandemic from 1918.
There's obviously no need to panic, but shutting down a school where there might have been a case isn't a bad idea. Gives them a chance to disinfect as much as possible. They do the same thing sometimes if a kid gets MRSA at a school.
Quote from: Sinister on April 29, 2009, 09:55:01 AM
The reason it is dangerous is because it is transmitted through casual contact, and because it kills people (60+ already dead in Mexico, 1 dead in U.S.).
That's the same as all flu. In the US something like 36,000 people a year die from flu related causes.
Like has been said before, the big issue is 1) people aren't immunized against it this year so it has the potential to be bad, and 2) it's the 1st case of a combination avian and swine strain so it has people freaked out.
Are you serious?
If there was an outbreak of a standard flu, they would most likely close the school
Flu is harmful to the young, elderly, and sickly.
so im taking it that this is just one more reason bacon is bad?
Quote from: toaster on April 29, 2009, 10:43:14 AM
so im taking it that this is just one more reason bacon is bad?
Absolutely not. See, once the swine is smoked, it cannot fly. Your bacon is safe.
...so i'm going on a cruise to mexico next week
:-\
Quote from: MrFry - Cycles on April 29, 2009, 10:46:12 AM
...so i'm going on a cruise to mexico next week
:-\
Can I have all your shit? (Well, just the good shit; give the crap to charity)
Quote from: Sinister on April 29, 2009, 10:48:25 AM
Can I have all your shit? (Well, just the good shit; give the crap to charity)
sure
it sounds like it will be running right outta me ;)
I've started snorting a few times every hour.
I even rolled in some mud outside.
I hope I am not getting swine flu :-\
Quote from: cyrus buelton on April 29, 2009, 10:49:57 AM
I've started snorting a few times every hour.
I even rolled in some mud outside.
I hope I am not getting swine flu :-\
No, I think that is standard behavior for Ohioans in the Spring. [laugh]
Quote from: cyrus buelton on April 29, 2009, 10:37:18 AM
Are you serious?
If there was an outbreak of a standard flu, they would most likely close the school
Flu is harmful to the young, elderly, and sickly.
I'm nearly 50 years old and have never seen school shut down for the flu. There's flu every year. Flu=bad. Flu kills every year. New flu shots come out every year because of mutations. So I'll just believe that THIS flu is worse since it's new and comes at an odd time of year. I'm not a medical person and I accept my ignorance on such things. It just seems like over-kill.
Quote from: Sinister on April 29, 2009, 10:51:44 AM
No, I think that is standard behavior for Ohioans in the Spring. [laugh]
That's a good point
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 11:12:45 AM
I'm nearly 50 years old and have never seen school shut down for the flu. There's flu every year. Flu=bad. Flu kills every year. New flu shots come out every year because of mutations. So I'll just believe that THIS flu is worse since it's new and comes at an odd time of year. I'm not a medical person and I accept my ignorance on such things. It just seems like over-kill.
There are hundreds of different Flu strains.
The medical community (not sure who) gets together and comes up with the top 3-5 flu strains they feel will be most common for that year.
that is your flu shot
most of the time, that shit doesn't work.
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 11:12:45 AM
I'm nearly 50 years old and have never seen school shut down for the flu.
I'm 31 and it happened twice while I was a student ~
JM
This flu is different than typical. It is not attacking the young, weak and old. Most of the deaths in MX have been 20 to 40 year olds, which is worry some - that is what happened in 1918, where somewhere between 10 and 50 Million people died. There are some interesting theories why this is, read up on them.
This flu has other symptoms that your average flu does not, which is making it more deadly, like pneumonia that comes on very quickly, within 24 hours and affects respiratory function.
mitt
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 11:12:45 AM
I'm nearly 50 years old and have never seen school shut down for the flu. There's flu every year. Flu=bad. Flu kills every year. New flu shots come out every year because of mutations. So I'll just believe that THIS flu is worse since it's new and comes at an odd time of year. I'm not a medical person and I accept my ignorance on such things. It just seems like over-kill.
That would make sense, since the last pandemic of Swine Flu swept the world in 1919. There was that little dust-up in 1976, at Ft. Dix, but that was localized and contained...which is why it didn't spread.
The one american death was a 23 month-old. While it is tragic and sad for that family, it's not 1918. The sky isn't falling yet.
If you are a heavy smoker, you should be okay ,the tar should kill the virus from reaching your organs. ;) however just dont start touching your eyes or any open wounds and youll be fine, everyone else start lighting up.
- Dr He
Quote from: redxblack on April 29, 2009, 12:05:42 PM
The one american death was a 23 month-old. While it is tragic and sad for that family, it's not 1918. The sky isn't falling yet.
The word I heard was that she (?) traveled to Houston from Mexico, to get treatment. So, her case originated in Mexico. I am hearing that this strain seems different (not as lethal) as what happened in 1919.
Quote from: He Man on April 29, 2009, 12:19:47 PM
If you are a heavy smoker, you should be okay ,the tar should kill the virus from reaching your organs. ;) however just dont start touching your eyes or any open wounds and youll be fine, everyone else start lighting up.
- Dr He
Crap-dang it. I don't smoke. I don't even drink. I'll probably die young.
One problem is that most people can't grasp the concept of "flu" vs "influenza". When you get "the flu" and miss a couple days of work, you don't actually have influenza. You have a "viral syndrome" with "flu like" symptoms...
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 12:30:54 PM
Crap-dang it. I don't smoke. I don't even drink. I'll probably die young.
50 ain't young, honey. You'll die old, rest assured. [wine]
Sounds like a perfect time to break out the ol' Pandemic game link again...see if you can kill more people than the Swine Flu!!!
Quote from: NAKID on April 29, 2009, 12:36:53 PM
One problem is that most people can't grasp the concept of "flu" vs "influenza". When you get "the flu" and miss a couple days of work, you don't actually have influenza. You have a "viral syndrome" with "flu like" symptoms...
that shit drives me nuts.
There is really no such thing as "stomach flu"
flu is just short for influenza which is a viral infection that resides in your lungs/chest.
Has nothing to do with throwing up or having the shits.
What about the dreaded Irish Flu?? You saying thats not real?
Quote from: Sinister on April 29, 2009, 12:37:32 PM
50 ain't young, honey. You'll die old, rest assured. [wine]
I remember when I thought 30 was old. Now 80 seems to be on the younger side.
W.H.O. raises swine flu alert level as virus spreads (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090429/ap_on_he_me/med_swine_flu)
"WASHINGTON â€" The Geneva-based World Health Organization on Wednesday raised its alert level for the fast-spreading swine flu to its next-to-highest notch, signaling a global pandemic could be imminent."
there is no problem until it sticks itself to IZ's tires.
that's my threat level gauge
Quote from: Ishmael (aka bp) on April 29, 2009, 02:43:04 PM
there is no problem until it sticks itself to IZ's tires.
that's my threat level gauge
It would spread all over the Country if that happened. Can you imagine the carnage of broken leases, flat tires, and Old Navy's going out of business? There would be a nationwide manhunt but it would be hampered by the fact that the only picture they have of Adam is out of focus.
The real source of swine flu
(http://tastybooze.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/swineflu.jpg)
Gross. Is that someone you know or just a random picture?
Quote from: JEFF_H on April 29, 2009, 03:23:44 PM
The real source of swine flu
(http://tastybooze.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/swineflu.jpg)
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 03:25:36 PM
Gross. Is that someone you know or just a random picture?
I have to disagree.
That is funny. [laugh]
Of course it's funny, but it's gross.
fresh bacon
(http://themattcave.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/1216437884096.jpg)
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 03:28:27 PM
Of course it's funny, but it's gross.
It's perfect.
It's what a kid would do.
Quote from: ducpainter on April 29, 2009, 03:50:11 PM
It's perfect.
It's what a kid would do.
It's probably important to know what pig snot tastes like.
Quote from: DDDDan on April 29, 2009, 03:58:40 PM
It's probably important to know what pig snot tastes like.
At that age...
you bet it is. ;D
Quote from: mbalmer on April 29, 2009, 03:25:36 PM
Gross. Is that someone you know or just a random picture?
http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lickapig1.jpg (http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lickapig1.jpg)
Quote from: Holden on April 29, 2009, 03:32:28 PM
(http://themattcave.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/1216437884096.jpg)
I hate you Madagascar!!!!!
as noted.... was a pic floating around blogs
although i got it from tastybooze.com [drink]
see all you pork eaters!
dont eat pork, its filth!
Im glad you feel that way.....more for me!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/regular.flu/ (http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/regular.flu/)
[bacon]
Quote from: Ishmael (aka bp) on April 29, 2009, 02:43:04 PM
there is no problem until it sticks itself to IZ's tires.
that's my threat level gauge
dude!!
[bang]
Don't worry..the bike has been down for a few days. I've been driving the Dodge Charger rental..which btw is a giant POS..while she's in Galveston for a conference.
In regards to Swine flu..
*ehem..shouldn't it be called the Mexican flu?? Might make it easier to finally seal the d*mn border?!* we were supposed to have a patient transfer to the medical facility I work at but the person tested positive for swine flu.
I'll be going to work tomorrow wearing a mask!!
BTW..schools in New Bruenfalls and San Antonio were closed.
I believe they are disinfecting entire schools in New York?!
OK, so I've been following this since Sunday. The acting director of the CDC, the US director of Homeland Security and a W.H.O. director are giving a teleconference regarding actions to curb the spread of this epidemic -- on a WEEKEND. Doesn't this strike anyone else as odd? Now the swine flu is considered a pandemic; meaning it's spread to different continents very quickly. I think there's more to this than what's being told to the public.
Quote from: Pedro-bot on April 29, 2009, 08:30:16 PM
OK, so I've been following this since Sunday. The acting director of the CDC, the US director of Homeland Security and a W.H.O. director are giving a teleconference regarding actions to curb the spread of this epidemic -- on a WEEKEND. Doesn't this strike anyone else as odd? Now the swine flu is considered a pandemic; meaning it's spread to different continents very quickly. I think there's more to this than what's being told to the public.
(http://publicintellectual.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/tin-foil-hat.jpg)
I vote we refer to it as "bacon fever". Then it won't seem so unfortunate.
Bacon, extwa wawre pwease.
Quote from: JEFF_H on April 29, 2009, 03:23:44 PM
(http://tastybooze.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/swineflu.jpg)
Re: "Mexican Flu", deadly virus killing some, deeply offending others. (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ieHZRubAS3lyjn2GBiCPkXkHrXwwD97QROAG0) Technically, I think the way flu names parse out is [name of species the virus originated from] + "flu". Mexican is not, ya know, a um.. nevermind. ;D
Re: Masks, I have read that those are more effective in preventing infection from you to others than the other way around. I'll be bathing in hand sanitizer for the next few weeks, and avoiding contact with the unwashed masses.
Re: pork eaters. One, yum. Two, CDC says you can't get it from "properly prepared" delicious pig.
Re: why this is a big deal, in the last 100 years as others have mentioned, the flu pandemics have killed some folks - more than WWI and WWII combined. So, I think shutting down some schools is a good idea...
Quote from: MrIncredible on April 29, 2009, 09:39:44 PM
I vote we refer to it as "bacon fever". Then it won't seem so unfortunate.
we'll have to move this to the bacon thread then
Quote from: il d00d on April 29, 2009, 10:30:46 PMRe: "Mexican Flu", deadly virus killing some, deeply offending others. (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ieHZRubAS3lyjn2GBiCPkXkHrXwwD97QROAG0) Technically, I think the way flu names parse out is [name of species the virus originated from] + "flu". Mexican is not, ya know, a um.. nevermind. ;D
How'd the Spanish flu get its name? :P
from the fly
dood
duh
Quote from: IZ on April 29, 2009, 05:34:24 PM
dude!!
[bang]
Don't worry..the bike has been down for a few days. I've been driving the Dodge Charger rental..which btw is a giant POS..while she's in Galveston for a conference.
In regards to Swine flu..
*ehem..shouldn't it be called the Mexican flu?? Might make it easier to finally seal the d*mn border?!*
we were supposed to have a patient transfer to the medical facility I work at but the person tested positive for swine flu.
I'll be going to work tomorrow wearing a mask!!
BTW..schools in New Bruenfalls and San Antonio were closed.
I believe they are disinfecting entire schools in New York?!
Yup, bunch of schools shut down here. Also in Cibilo, Schertz, and Seguin.
I'm sure there is something to be very worried about here, but a lot of this is media hype...part of that 24 hour news cycle.
intresting fact...
during the 1919 flu pandemic, 97.3 percent of people infected with the virus did NOT die
In regards to the "Spanish flu" comment and why it was named that...I remember one of my teachers talking about the "gay flu" back in '84. :x
its only a big deal if the media gets us all hot and bothered about it.
or if you are one of those who has gotten a flu shot religiously every year since you were 10....
EDIT: thats just what I think. your opinion may vary, so dont ask me for a source.
Quote from: IZ on April 30, 2009, 10:08:54 AM
In regards to the "Spanish flu" comment and why it was named that...I remember one of my teachers talking about the "gay flu" back in '84. :x
They were talking about that when you were a senior in H.S.?
;D
No. That was 8th grade.
Bring on the apocalypse pregnant doges! I gots my guns and my food cache........
Wow, masks are selling out on ebay and hand sanitizer was gone from the shelves at my local Safeway as of last night......maybe the sky is falling!
Why am I always the last to know....?
CNN and FOX are awesome, they created mass hysteria, 4 people I saw walking with masks on in NYC
Totally media manufactured hysteria IMHO. That is their revenue model. I spent Sunday and Monday running a large, outdoor public event in DC, so there goes the whole avoidance thing. I even rode the metro yesterday. We need some herd thinning.......
Yea but did you make out with a Mexican?
Quote from: angler on May 01, 2009, 08:57:49 AM
Totally media manufactured hysteria IMHO. That is their revenue model. I spent Sunday and Monday running a large, outdoor public event in DC, so there goes the whole avoidance thing. I even rode the metro yesterday. We need some herd thinning.......
what event?
i was in DC sunday through tuesday
i also missed my chance to avoid large public gatherings, confined spaces ,etc....
guess the VP should have warned me sooner [roll]
Quote from: rgramjet on May 01, 2009, 08:59:09 AM
Yea but did you make out with a Mexican?
Only a couple......
Quote from: herm on May 01, 2009, 09:02:48 AM
what event?
i was in DC sunday through tuesday
<snip>
It was a two day kids fishing event at Fletcher's Boat House on the Potomac - slight threadjack - On Sunday I saw a red and white S2R Monster get a $50 ticket for improper tag display. The guy had his tag mounted vertically in the stock location on an uncut bike. Would not have got the ticket if there hadn't have been a crowd around the bike admiring it. Bummer.
I wonder if this fear of swine flu (and Mexicans) will mean longer grass in the posh neighborhoods. [coffee]
If I had spare money laying around, I'd buy stock in Gojo (the company that makes Purell). Now that I think about it, I don't think they're a public company.
(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090429/capt.ac6b6883521f46fd93b4d93dd44376c1.swine_flu_cars201.jpg?x=400&y=293&q=85&sig=joq1CtUWx_KQNyVh1XlQvg--)
How not to wear a surgical mask! At least her mouth won't get the flu.
Quote from: angler on May 01, 2009, 08:57:49 AM
We need some herd thinning.......
Natural Selection baby!! [laugh]
its there for a reason
From what I have read, wearing a mask like that offers little to no protection
Quote from: cyrus buelton on May 01, 2009, 12:49:33 PM
From what I have read, wearing a mask like that offers little to no protection
Yeah, particularly if it isn't even covering your nose!
Update from World Health Organization
no longer 'Swine Flu' now Influenza A(H1N1)
I tried to call in sick today.
Boss said no.
(and then she said if i was really worried about it- wash your hands and dont touch your face...just like whenever you go out amongst the unwashed masses)
I had 3/4 of my F-ers call is sick today...... One is really sick, the other two are faking bastards! Damn the Media for poisoning minds...
ok,......on the count of 3, everyone panic.
fv@kin sheepil...
(http://www.wisebread.com/files/fruganomics/imagecache/blog_image_full/files/fruganomics/blog-images/panic_0.jpg)
Quote from: JEFF_H on May 01, 2009, 01:29:05 PM
I tried to call in sick today.
Boss said no.
My uberboss sent out a memo today asking us to respond on how our teams would do if we had to put in place "contingency operation plans" in case of a pandemic
My reply basically said "The weak will die, the rest of us will work harder."
I'm eagerly awaiting reactions [evil]
Quote from: Drunken Monkey on May 01, 2009, 04:12:16 PM
My uberboss sent out a memo today asking us to respond on how our teams would do if we had to put in place "contingency operation plans" in case of a pandemic
My reply basically said "The weak will die, the rest of us will work harder."
I'm eagerly awaiting reactions [evil]
That's awesome!! [thumbsup] I take it you're the Black Sheep of the workplace?
The s/o works for Univ/Texas and was telling me she had to go through mtg yesterday that detailed how they will shut the univ down. May happen if any new cases in area. The plan is for 2 weeks.
Quote from: IZ on May 01, 2009, 06:46:22 PM
The s/o works for Univ/Texas
Can she get me a job as the token right-wing professor?
Quote from: Sinister on May 01, 2009, 07:45:27 PM
Can she get me a job as the token right-wing professor?
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Did you forget to read the board rules? [roll]
;D
This is a very unusual kind of Influenza.
Most all strains of the " Flu " that kill , kill those that have weak Immune systems .
This H1N1A has killed mainly virulent otherwise healthy adults between 20-40 years of age.
Seems their Immune systems are so strong that when the H1N1A Virus invades the body , the Immune system goes into hyper action and ....... well you don't want to know what happens ultimately other than to say a lethal case of pneumonia.
That's why I think so many schools and gathering places have been closed in an attempt to stop the spread. Dolph
Hmmm, so does that mean if we drink alot and deliberately weaken our immune systems, our lives might be spared? Think we might be on to something!
Quote from: CraigD426 on May 01, 2009, 06:37:10 PM
That's awesome!! [thumbsup] I take it you're the Black Sheep of the workplace?
No, I'm guy who scratches his head and wonders how he ever got promoted to director.
My current theory is that every court needs a jester.
I have Friend with bacon fever. Confirmed. He spent a week in Mexico, Cancun, on vacation. Got home Wed. and is now sick. I am going over there after work tonight with soup.