Swine flu raises fear of pandemic - Adults and Children

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Although I am the last person who would argue that we should give animals antibiotics so we can fatten them and eat them (I'm a vegan), this epi/pandemic has nothing to do with antibiotic overuse. The swine flu (and measles and smallpox) is/are a virus, not bacteria.

Now start a thread about the potential for antibiotic use in animals to create a new super strain of bacteria, and I'm there with ya. ;)

oh, I know this is a virus, but I figure nobody is paying attention to the bacteria problem unless something scares them...so mention it while people are worried about a pandemic. (and unless I missed something, Swine flu mutated from domestic meat animals too, yes?)
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Specializes in Telemetry/CCU/Home Health.

"Are you thinking they are more likely to have family visiting and coming in and out from Mexico?"

That's precisely what I was thinking. Of course I would not assume that just because they are of Mexican decent they are higher risk. Many of my child's classmates/teachers/teacher's aides are from south america and travel there frequently to see family members. I am just a little concerned about that. While I know that Mexico City is a big city, should we all assume that people that we KNOW have been to Mexico have never been around an infected person?

I know my kids probably would not die from this, but they do need a mom :lol2:

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Specializes in OR, HH.
"Are you thinking they are more likely to have family visiting and coming in and out from Mexico?"

That's precisely what I was thinking. Of course I would not assume that just because they are of Mexican decent they are higher risk. Many of my child's classmates/teachers/teacher's aides are from south america and travel there frequently to see family members. I am just a little concerned about that. While I know that Mexico City is a big city, should we all assume that people that we KNOW have been to Mexico have never been around an infected person?

I know my kids probably would not die from this, but they do need a mom :lol2:

I hear you heartlover. My children also attend school where there are probably 65 percent hispanics. Yes, I also worry. The same thought occurred to me and then I thought, I am just doing my same overacting. Who knows, what do you do? This is how I feel...:bugeyes: It is a big responsibility being a parent!!!!!!!!

My sons, bestfriends father, went to Mexico, his father passed away two days ago. He was probably in his 70s, never thought to ask what the cause was until now.

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Well, someone in my city now has it. I am in Ohio, btw. It is a 3rd grader at a local school. He was in Mexico over spring break and returned last Monday. Went to school last week, but by Wednesday, he had flu-like symptoms. The parents decided to STILL SEND HIM TO SCHOOL. Well Friday night he went to the hospital and we diagnosed with it. Here is a link to the article. http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=112358&catid=45 Thankfully, my kids don't attend that school. But it is still scary to think about.

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Specializes in PACU, ED.

With modern day travel it looks like the world population has been seeded already. I wonder how quickly it will take to make up vaccine.

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Specializes in EMS, ER.
I'm wearing my N-95 mask as I type this.

LOL!!!!!!!!!

You're woefully ill-prepared I've already got the Level A PPE & SCBA out

All joking aside, I think this is going to be something to be watched whether it becomes a super pandemic or not, it will show the strengths and weaknesses of all the planning that has been put forth to date

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Specializes in PACU, ED.

I don't think there is anywhere to hide unless you have a cabin waaaaay back in the woods. Even without kids in school I could have been exposed at the grocery store, restaurant, or coffee shop today. This flu is not nearly as virulent as the bird flu. I'd keep my eyes open for that one making a shift. Roughly 50% mortality for the bird flu makes the swine flu look like a walk in the park.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

I'm readying my Hazmat suit as I type this. For those with no Hazmat suit, I suggest garbage bags and rubber bands.

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Specializes in Too many to list.
With modern day travel it looks like the world population has been seeded already. I wonder how quickly it will take to make up vaccine.

I think that it is distinct possibility.

About that vaccine, CDC says that it will take months to make a limited supply.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I'm readying my Hazmat suit as I type this. For those with no Hazmat suit, I suggest garbage bags and rubber bands.
I think I'll just wrap myself in duct tape.
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Specializes in Too many to list.

Flu: how the latest strain spread around the world

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2009/apr/26/swine-flu-outbreak-mexico-pandemic

I like interactive tools like this timeline. If you click on the dates below the picture of the children, a map will appear with confirmed and suspect cases. I have heard of some suspected cases that are not listed here yet, but this is fairly accurate. I hope that they continue to keep it current.

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Specializes in Too many to list.

Making a flu vaccine can take months

http://uk.reuters.com/article/usTopNews/idUKTRE53P2KH20090426

The WHO and CDC prepare samples of virus to give to industrial makers.

* These samples must be grown in specially produced chicken eggs. The virus is then purified and made into vaccines, a process that takes months.

* At least 20 companies make flu vaccines including Sanofi Pasteur, Australia's CSL Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Novartis AG, Baxter and nasal spray maker MedImmune, acquired by AstraZeneca Plc.

* Experts agree the current process for making vaccines is clumsy and outdated, but new and more efficient technologies are still a few years away.

* WHO and CDC experts are trying to decide if a new vaccine for the H1N1 swine flu strain is needed, or perhaps if a fourth element could be added to the seasonal flu vaccine mix for next September.

* The health agencies also had been considering adding some vaccines against H5N1 avian influenza, which occasionally infects people and is also considered a major pandemic threat.

* Tests show the H1N1 component of the current seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the new strain.

Consulting firm Oliver Wyman found that drug companies would need four years to meet global demand for vaccines if a pandemic broke out today, but new technology could significantly boost production by 2014.

* Currently, drug makers could make up to 2.5 billion doses of pandemic vaccines in one year, meaning it would take four years to meet global demand, Oliver Wyman found. In a best-case scenario, they could make 7.7 billion doses in 1.5 years.

* Compounds called adjuvants can be used to boost a vaccine's effectiveness, so it could be diluted and used in more people.

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