What are some good precautions to keep newborn from getting swine flu?

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I have a 5 year old in kindergarten and a 3 year old in a two day a week preschool program. I have a 4 week old and have heard (through a close friend at the hospital) that a few of the nurses at a neighboring hospital have tested positive for swine flu. I get my children vaccinated every year for the regular flu but those haven't been received yet (thought I know that won't help for swine flu.) Should I pull my 3 year old from the preschool program until spring when my newborn will be older? Any ideas and advice would be appreciated. Also, how are babies doing that get the swine flu?
Hello Christie,

Authorities have stated that high alert is only need for sick kids younger than 1 year old. So, this implicates that you can focuss on your youngest child to take care of swine flu prevention.

In general, hand hygiene appears to be among the very few factors that people can manage themselves. So, for example you can make sure that the other 2 kids have washed their hands before they start interacting with your youngest child.

The source below provides 10 golden rules for establishing hand hygiene.

By the way, try to be sensible with your actions. Pulling your 3 year old kid from the preschool program until spring is an option, but might actually be an over-reaction as well.

I hope this answer will be helpful for you to ease your mind a bit, since the some answers indicate that you might have a bit too much of worries on your mind.

Keep cool ... and think about your own hand hygiene!

Best wishes from The Netherlands,

Martijn  (+ info)

Will getting swine flu now make you more resistant to a possible more deadly strain in the future?

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People who were exposed to a previous related strain of swine flu are more resistant to this strain. Following that logic in this pandameic might it be wise to catch swine flu in case the virus mutates slightly and becomes deadly in the next 50 years... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
This is how vaccines work- they give you a much weaker strain, or a strain that does not affect humans so that you will have immunity or a less severe response to the disease.
So technically, the vaccine should be fine. However, the strain can mutate enough times to make the original virus or vaccine almost void, so it's best to get a new one each year. Not because they wear out, but because the disease mutates.
saying this, I would not suggest consciously attempting to get the disease. ;)  (+ info)

What is a symptom that the swine flu gives you its self besides the normal flu symptoms?

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I know the swine flu gives the symptoms of sneezing, coughing and fever that a normal flu gives you. But I want to know what symptoms does the swine flu gives you besides those symptoms. Like a symptom that would let you know you have the swine flu.

I'm worried I might have it cause I I've had a runny nose and been coughing a lot for about a week. Also I just heard the swine flu came around close to where I live too. :(
There are no particular symptoms that distinguish swine flu from other types of flu. Symtoms like diarrhea and vomiting are also associated with swine flu. Those symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, and that means that you and your doctor can't know, just based on your symptoms.

There is a similarity between the swine flu epidemic centered in Mexico City and the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918-19. Infants and elderly were spared. It was the young adults with robust immune systems that were the prime victims and the disease took them literally by storm. What happens with young and healthy patients is that their immune systems react so strongly that they can triggers something known as a "cytokine storm".

In response to every infection, the body has a number of ways to fight back against the invading enemy. Cytokines are part of this defense. The name "cytokine storm" basically describes an over-reaction of a healthy immune system that has over-reacted and is damaging the body, causing failure of multiple organ systems. It can be triggered by many things, including viruses, although it's not common for human influenza A virus strains to cause it. The same thing occurs with new swine flu virus and the body has no defenses built up. When infected the body's own defensive systems are triggered to a powerful extent and cause havoc to the immune system. It’s something like dropping an H-bomb on a suspected burglar in your back yard. The result is to kill, or needlessly harm, the patient

In children the immune responses are still developing, while the elderly immune function tends to be weaker due to the aging process. Both groups have weak immune system that is why they are vulnerable to complications from the regular flu and tend to get pneumonia and other opportunistic infections after being weakened further by the regular flu. Fortunately, they don't have systems that react strongly to the flu itself that can generate the cytokine storm. However, the healthy approximately 15 to 60 year old individual the most likely to actually succumb to the swine flu.

A cytokine storm can overcome the nervous system and cause breathing and internal organs problems, which is why hospitals put critical flu patients on assisted machines. What really frightens experts in the pandemic field is the fact that most hospitals only have a few of these facilities and they are often in use for surgical or other critical patients. There is simply no way to provide interim support for tens of thousands of pandemic flu victims, even in advanced countries with a strong hospital system. The equipment just doesn't exist to put them all on breathing machines until their bodies are able to recover naturally.  (+ info)

If i caught the swine flu what should i do?

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I'm a little sick and a little worry. I'm not going to the doctor unless it's serious so what can i do. It's probably just a cold or something so i was planning of staying home, have some soup, try to get better would that fight off swine flu too?

Usually i would still go out and do my stuff but since the swine flu been going around i rather not risk it.
Thanks for answering and tips are welcome on how to get better when your sick.

Also what the chances of death for swine flu?
I just got over the flu (well, I'm nearly over it) and they are just assuming right now that it was swine flu since about 95% of current flu cases are estimated to be swine flu.

If you feel pretty bad call your doctor's office and see if they can recommend an over-the-counter medication or call in a prescription for you. Most offices will recommend that you don't go in to see your doctor unless you are very sick or have had the flu for more than 7 days because they don't want you to spread it. They also probably won't prescribe any flu drugs unless you are really bad because supplies are low.

Just stay home for as long as you need to (don't worry about school or work. Most places will send you home anyway). My flu wasn't that serious (I was just really tired and achy with some stomach problems), so I just stayed in bed mostly for about a week and a half and drank lots of fluids and took some Alka Seltzer Cold medicine.

Your chances of death are very very low unless you have an immune disease (like AIDS) or are in the high risk categories, which you probably aren't.  (+ info)

What are the odds of swine flu being fatal if you have a history of respiratory illness?

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Someone in my house thinks they might have swine flu. I have asthma and sometimes I have to use a rescue inhaler. Should I be worried.
Hey Toonmili,
Those who have asthma or other respiratory conditions should be aware they are at higher risk from swine flu, U.S. asthma specialists advise.
As with other influenza viruses, this virus typically attacks the respiratory tract. So if you have a chronic respiratory condition like asthma, it can take a turn for the worse, exacerbating your asthma.
You can read more about it at http://www.info2here.com
You should take all the standard precautions to help prevent this or any other strain of flu floating around:
•avoid touching your mouth and nose;
•clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
•reduce the amount of time you spend in crowded settings;
•practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

Hope this helps..and I hope you don't get sick!  (+ info)

What are the symptoms of swine flu, from beginning to end?

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I would like to hear from people that have actually had the swine flu. I would like to know how the symptoms started, the progression of the symptoms, and what symptoms may have appeared at the end. If possible, please be very detailed. Thanks!
I'm 3rd in my family to have the Swine Flu since July. I am 44/female/otherwise healthy - here are the details.

In July my daughter, 2 ½ years old, was diagnosed with the H1N1 (Type A flu). Her first symptom was fever and then congestion. The doc prescribed Tamiflu. She had no side effects from the medication. At about 48 hours her fever spiked to 106.7 in the middle of the night. Ice cold compresses and a quick dose of Motrin broke her fever. Within 10 minutes her temp was at 104 and quickly thereafter down to 101. Her fever continued for a couple of days, she coughed a lot, barfed once, but was pretty much like any other illness except for the high fever.

Last Friday my son, 4 years old, was diagnosed with the H1N1. His started with a low fever Thursday evening and was up to 103 Friday morning so I took him to doc. He had a 'wet cough' and a high fever of 105.7. Alternating Motrin and Tylenol kept his fever below 101. He has been fever free since early Sunday morning and will return to school in a couple of days. (oh, and he barfed once and had no side effects from the Tamiflu)

Last Saturday I woke up with a headache - feeling hungover. By Saturday night I was congested and had fever of 99.9. Sunday I was more congested, had a wet cough and fever was up to 101. This morning I saw my doc, and tested positive for Type A /H1N1 flu and was prescribed Tamiflu. Tonight I am totally congested, coughing, fever is hovering around 100. I’ve had 2 doses of the Tamiflu with no side effects.

My biggest concern right now is that secondary infection of pneumonia since that what seems to be causing the deaths. My doc wants to see me next week if I have any cough or symptoms remaining so that he can do a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia. (same with my son)

My best advice to everyone is to get to the doctor if have any symptoms of illness - take the Tamiflu if it's prescribed to you (none of us have had any side effects) - and follow up with your doctor after the Tamiflu if you have any congestion remaining so that they can treat you for pneumonia if necessary. Don't be afraid to go to the doctor. Early treatment is essential.  (+ info)

What happens when swine flu is raised to phase 6?

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Swine flu was classified as phase 5 April 29, 2009.
Thats the second highest phase related to Swine Flu, apparently.

I've heard many different things when it comes to phase 6.

I live in Central New York, and recently a couple schools were closed down for a week or so for dicontamination.

How will New York/US be effected if the epidemic is raised to phase 6?
I'm just guessing, but I read a book on the Spanish Flu and I would think the following would happen.

Stadiums would close. No rock concerts or sporting events. No parades or other events where large amounts of people gather. Churches and movie theatres included. Postpone that wedding.

No air travel or cruise ship travel. Restaurants would be drive thru only. Taking the bus and subway would be discouraged or you would have to wear a mask.

Schools and Colleges would close. People would be encouraged to work from home if they can.

People will be told to keep pets inside and not have them roam around the neighbourhood. Some people will panic and abandon their pets for no reason.

Trade between countries will slow to a trickle. The hotels will be empty.

I don't think it will get to phase 6  (+ info)

What are the risks of swine flu to pregnant woman?

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Im 24 almost 25 weeks pregnant and have fallen ill with a cold/flu. Just the usual cough, runny nose, headache, tired, body ahces and just feeling lazy! If there wasnt so much hooha going around about swine flu i really wouldnt be worried and since im pregnant i thought i better ask. Does anyone know the risks of swine flu to pregnant woman? Or how to tell the difference from a normal cold to swine flu?
1 in every 8 people who died around the globe because of the h1n1 flu or the swine flu were pregnant women ......pregnant wommen are at great risk .....if you have any of these symptoms pls visit a docter::::
1.cold
2.sore throat.sudden high fever
3.body ache
4.weakness
5.headache
please care about ur baby n u,wear a maskto protect ur self and others from gettin the vrus  (+ info)

What are the symptons for swine flu and how can you avoid it?

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There is no swine flu werei live but just to make sure,how can i avoid it and what are the symptons?
Symptoms are:
Fever
Coughing
Sore throat
running/blocked nose
loss of appetite
diarrhea
nausea and
vomiting


This is from the yahoo user Wonders

"About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.

If you do the math that is almost 100 people a DAY.

The swine flu has only killed about 145 people in Mexico and no where else. And its been going on for almost a week.

145 people a week...
vs.
100 people a day...

No one is scared of the regular flu, so why be scared of this one."

That couldn't be more true. Also Mexicans are probably dying easier because their hygiene isn't as good as ours (not to offend any MXS out there).

For those in the uk people are being checked who have just come back from mexico and the two people in scotland i'm pretty sure were passed as cleared.

A lot of us should be lucky we have the facilities to look after us and improve our health.

Worry isn't going to solve the problem. The media blows things out of proportion anyway. So just relax and if i'm wrong and you do die....

to quote the famous peter pan

"To die would be an awfully big adventure"

Thank you
Use alot of vitamins  (+ info)

How long after exposure to swine flu do symptoms take to generate?

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Over spring break (April 4-April 9) I went to New York City. Cases of the swine flu are now being recognized in the city and I am experiencing symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. I'm scared I've been exposed. How long after exposure to swine flu do symptoms take to generate?

My symptoms include sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, and very mild coughing. I don't however have nausea or diarrhea, which is also stated as a symptom. Help! I'm scared. I live in Atlanta and I don't want to be the one who brings swine flu to Georgia.
1-5 days. Don't worry, you probably just have a cold. If you had swine flu, you would have felt sick sooner.  (+ info)

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