I think there's a lot of hype out there, generated by the media - the schools (I do sub school nursing also) have jumped on the band wagon, which I understand, because I don't want to take any chances with the health of my, or any other, children. I do think that these flu-like symptoms have been mild in the ER - most people feel like they have bad colds/coughs. Few have the need for nebs. Instead of implementing someone to put out the fires from the outset, like at the entrance to the ER, they let people spool out of control (where I work.) It's really silly and unnecessary. I don't know if it's just my perception, but it seems that the general public doesn't even want to take a moment and be logical about this illness and stay home while you're still drinking fluids. Keep yourself confined, control your fever, etc. IF it gets worse, call your doctor (assuming you have one), but don't come into the ER because you have a fever and body aches (and no respiratory issues). Please. I saw a news article of people lining up for the H1N1 vaccine - it's like a rock concert and trying to nab the best seats. It just seems more mild, to me, than the media is portraying all of this. Of course the stories of people that have died do not provide us with all of the details for the person that was ill. Many times these people have underlying conditions, which is then appropriate for those to seek care first for flu-like illness. It just seems like I spend so much time on basic care teaching for prevention of spreading germs/infection - to adults!!!
