I Think I Had Swine Flu This Week ...

Girl Scout · Jun 14, 2009

I don't believe they're really performing tests anymore unless you appear critical. The CDC isn't even keeping up with the real numbers, and haven't been for a few weeks. Their estimates anyway are that there are 10 times as many people with it than the numbers reflect, and that estimate was given weeks ago. I read in the news just a couple of days ago that it was estimated that hundreds of thousands of people in NYC are infected.

Anyway, point being, don't just assume that the CDC and WHO numbers are all there is. Their numbers reflect their ability to test a fraction of samples sent to them, and are now only updated once per week, whereas when this began, updates were I believe twice a day. Also, if there are quite possibly millions and millions of people infected in the US alone, does not mean the surge this fall will be severe. It's one of those wait-and-see things.

cursedandblessed · Jun 14, 2009

naughty naughty, what did we tell you about staying away from those piggies!! lol. i had to, sorry, i'm getting loopy, my 8 pages of journal is almost done-need one more paragraph or so.

lamazeteacher · Jun 15, 2009

The OP was not tested because he only had mild s/s. Again, there is no way to know what he had.

I read a statement from CDC that said anyone who presents with flu s/s should be considered as having H1N1..... That sure makes our stats look blurry..... but what can you do?

Have you read something that says immunity to H1N1 could be conferred for the future, through having it? I've read opinions saying that it could, but no hard data......

lamazeteacher · Jun 15, 2009

".......don't just assume that the CDC and WHO numbers are all there is. Their numbers reflect their ability to test a fraction of samples sent to them," quote from Girl Scout's post today

The armed forces tests every sick soldier with s/s of the flu, and hopefully will come up with reliable stats.

Sailors on board the Navy's "Iwo Jima" became ill with flu s/s after attending Fleet Week in New York City (NYC), with 49 testing positive (I don't know how many were on board, or whether they disembarked in NYC. Each sailor was isolated until 48 hours after their symptoms resolved. 16 sailors remained in isolation when their ship arrived in Norfolk yesterday. They weren't allowed to disembark.

lamazeteacher · Jun 15, 2009

I too have been sick since Tuesday night. Fever, VERY sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, some GI issues, and body aches. I had to call in twice (Friday because I literally couldn't work; tonight because I couldn't imagine anyone WANTING me to touch their baby). Both times I called the charge nurse joked I sounded like I had the "pig flu". I laughed about it but now I'm wondering.... I think I read somewhere that the vast majority of people never get tested because they don't feel sick enough to seek care. I hope this WAS it because it wasn't that bad. And being sick in the summer in the South is always worse due to the heat.

Your post reminds me of my education to become an Infection Control Nurse. My mentor said that when people have a "cold", they wonder if they'll be able to work, when they wake up in the morning; when it's the flu, they KNOW they're not working that day!

I had most of the symptoms you did, and was tested 40+/- hours into it, and the result was negative. The doctor said that tests usually don't turn positive until the 3rd or 4th day, but Tamiflu has to be given within 48 hours of onset of s/s. So I had Tamiflu, and it took 2 1/2 weeks for the s/s to resolve. Luckily I am not working, but I did stay home alone, at least one week. Then I got food from drive thru places, wearing a fitted N95 mask, and gloves when exchanging the money at the window. :uhoh3:

HappyBunnyNurse · Jun 15, 2009

Of course I still plan on taking the vaccine if I get the opportunity.

Girl Scout · Jun 15, 2009

".......don't just assume that the CDC and WHO numbers are all there is. Their numbers reflect their ability to test a fraction of samples sent to them," quote from Girl Scout's post today
The armed forces tests every sick soldier with s/s of the flu, and hopefully will come up with reliable stats.

That, and, I think if you go state by state and look at stats, you'll see the gap in numbers between CDC and theirs, but even states are unable to keep up with labs and have greatly cut back on testing for H1N1 at all. I believe a few states have stopped posting public stats altogether.

RedWeasel, RN · Jul 8, 2009

Do sinus infections take hold during the flu? I think they do...if that is the case then maybe I have it. I would be happy to have it over with. My temp hasn't been over 100 but I got a cough Sunday night around 10pm-by the time I was home from work at midnight-it was a productive cough. Today my throat is on fire and stuff is finally draining from my sinuses (sorry TMI). I called in and hope tomorrow will be better. Anyone else get a sinus infection lately? I suppose with a flu any other infection can take advantage of the situation.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jul 8, 2009

Did you get a nasal culture? That's the true test.

indigo girl · Jul 8, 2009

If you are thinking flu, there is no way to know without testing. I am not talking about the rapid flu test which is notoriously unreliable.

I hope that you are feeling better soon.

RedWeasel, RN · Jul 8, 2009

I am not really wondering if I had it (well I am curious)-mainly just wondering if people get sinus infs with swine flu-but i think I already answered it! :) A flu=respiratory illness---can become sinus, bronchitis etc, probably very easily...better go to bed I guess. Probably go to the dr in am - I will call first of course!

RedWeasel, RN · Jul 10, 2009

nevermind!