Letter - Throwing foxes into the hen house?

LL L.
Alexandria, MN     11/05/2009 12:14 PM

I was just remembering when I asked the exact same question this spring. I believe that Casey O was supplied. Well, of all the people that I know I don't even know anyone that has bought an extra box of Kleenex much less thought to buy anything else. If there were a pandemic we would be in sorry shape around this area. I can't personally ever remember not having rubber gloves, hand sanitizers, a few masks, juice, soups and a wide variety of things to use during flu season and other times when people get the crud. Most people I know don't even have anything to take a temperature. How lame is that!

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LL L.
Alexandria, MN     11/05/2009 11:30 AM

If there isn't vaccine available and they recommend that people stay home I am wondering how many people have picked up the necessary items that they might need in a worst case scenario. Anybody reading that is prepped to have flu in their homes and not have to run to town etc.

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Casey O.
11/05/2009 11:08 AM

I think I linked you to the last page of the article. This should be the first page link, other wise, just click previous page. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/69276202.html?page=1&c=y

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Casey O.
11/05/2009 11:04 AM

Thanks to all. I learned to be informed from many posters last election and I am still doing that for this flu. So, I guess I owe a thank you to those that made me an informed voter for my being informed on H1N1. I have read a lot and when somebody says something, I try my best to check it out so I am not misinformed and then I try to let others know also.(CDC and Health department are great places) There really has been a lot of misinformation out there, to people saying it's over blown. I guess I would rather be prepared then not. This hasn't hit my family and I assume if it does, I'll be searching or calling to make sure I'm doing what I'm suppose to and what are red flags. I do know that a fever that goes away and then comes back is a red flag that a secondary infection has set in and that person needs to get help right away. The star and tribune has an article today about the flu across the world. They also have one about a cat and two ferrets getting it from their owners. I never think about my pets when I'm sick because I didn't think they could catch what I have. In fact, when I have been sick in the past, my favorite thing to do is grab my pet and snuggle under a blanket with them. Now I know that is a big no no. Here is the WHO article link. http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/69276202.html?page=2&c=y

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j. s.
11/05/2009 10:47 AM

The CBS report is a little bit flawed. It analyzed data from the summer, prior to July. It was therefore looking at testing for H1N1 before it took hold. Look at the recent stats from the Minnesota Dept. Health: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/stats/index.html As they state at the outset, the 2009-2010 flu season began Oct. 4 2009. The data they are reporting started before the official season and is not available in prior years to compare. It is serious. But Casey O and others here have provide good information and sources to keep people informed. That CBS report is disappointing in it's attempt to sensationalize. It's also poor timing. It came out October 21 and bases it's conclusions on surveys of information prior to July...outside of the regular flu season.

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Buck U.
11/05/2009 6:18 AM

Casey, based on a CBS investigative report, it appears that this swine flu "epidemic" is way over blown. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/21/cbsnews_investigates/main5404829.shtml.

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larry l.
Alexandria, MN     11/04/2009 8:55 PM

I second Kerry's statement, Casey.Btw. believe me, men are as bad, probably WORSE than women about washing their hands after using the bath. As b.a.c. said, that's just nasty!

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Kerry H.
Prior Lake, MN     11/04/2009 7:01 PM

Casey, thanks for all the good information regarding this. You have answered a lot of questions and have addressed some misconceptions. It's been very helpful. There's a lot of misinformation and rumor out there.

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Casey O.
11/04/2009 6:45 PM

bac, I know it's gross(hand washing). I was at a hospital in the metro a couple of weeks ago and this young woman just walked right out. I wanted to run after her and confront her, but I was washing my hands, so I couldn't.... I had heard that about the older people may not get this flu like they do the seasonal flu. I would assume there will always be some that didn't come in contact with it while they were young and are at risk for this one. I had read on kare11 site that a cat was confirmed with H1N1 and two ferrets. Be careful around your pets.

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b.a. c.
11/04/2009 5:48 PM

That's just nasty, Casey! Some time ago, it was put out that people born before a certain date, I think, 1955, have a little immunity to this strain of H1N1, since they've been exposed to so many different flus over the years. So far, the stats seem to be bearing this out, considering that the majority of the fatalities of otherwise healthy people have been in the younger age group. Very similar to the 1918 version. And it's a pretty safe bet that if you've had flu before now, it's been H1N1.

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