Nurses COVID
Published Apr 23, 2009
feralnostalgia
178 Posts
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.
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.
heartlover07, RN
68 Posts
"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
muffin7
193 Posts
"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
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... 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.
ohcomeon
177 Posts
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.
azhiker96, BSN, RN
1,129 Posts
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.
rnffemtguy, BSN, RN
78 Posts
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
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.
RN1982
3,362 Posts
I'm readying my Hazmat suit as I type this. For those with no Hazmat suit, I suggest garbage bags and rubber bands.
indigo girl
5,173 Posts
I think that it is distinct possibility.
About that vaccine, CDC says that it will take months to make a limited supply.
Music in My Heart
1 Article; 4,109 Posts
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.
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.
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.