PTSD, Fear, and Paranoia Over the 'Swine Flu'

[Grama-Herc]

OK! This thread started 2 days ago and things have considerably changed since then

We have entire school systems closing. The list of states that have this bug grows longer by the hour.

The "scare" is that this is a combination of multiple sources. Animal--bird--human. It started in a pig farm. It is a respiratory influenza disease of pigs. Now, it is a mutant and no one knows what to expect from it.

That is the part that is so frightening. Yes, I am a worrier, but at this point in time, I think worrying is appropriate!

My state has just been added to the list of possible states with cases. Since Florida is mainly elderly residents this could become very serious and extremely deadly. So yes, I am frightened and worried.

 

[midi]

Nothing has changed since the initial post. We already knew what kind of flu virus it is. Yes, it's going to run its course and yes, it was in different countries when this post was started. Yes, flu viruses are especially risky for the young and old. You've said nothing new, you've only reaffirmed the mass belief that worry is productive (it isn't).

It's your choice, worry about something you can't control, or let it run its course and accept that you might or might not be one of the ill/casualties. Again, it is as I said, your choice to worry - it's not going to change anything.

I'm still not worried - been through it already and hey, if I'm one of the first billion to die off as a result of a MONSTER FLU, then yay!

*shrugs*

 

[becvan]

Where has it been stated that it started in a pig farm? I haven't seen nor heard that anywhere. Also this flu is more dangerous to healthy people from the 20's to 40's than the elderly. Which was already reported on the news numerous times.

And if you look at the number of deaths of regular old flu it is huge numbers compared to this flu. And it's barely caused any deaths outside of Mexico too boot.

Really I don't think there is much to worry about. Take precautions, as you would during any flu season, and keep living life!!

bec

 

[Deleted member 541]

This flu started with 5 year old boy from Mexico. He lived right outside of a pig farm, so they *think* this is where it may have started.

The thing is, we CAN NOT control where, when,who, or how the flu will hit, or won't hit. So my questions to you Herc (and others that may be upset/worried) What is worrying about this going to do? Is it going to STOP the flu from hitting you, or a loved one??? Does it make you feel better, to worry about it????

I too, used to worry about everything. It took me a long time to realize that things OUT of my control, I can not change, or alter, with worry, and it only upsets me more. I have learned now to let it go, and if it happens, then I will deal with it(whatever it is) in the best way that I can.....

Ease up Herc, the only thing you are doing for yourself is digging your grave early. Worrying will give you a heart attack, or stroke, and kill you quicker that the flu will.

 

[Grama-Herc]

Hey guys, what did I do? Why am I being jumped on like this?

 

[midi]

I don't think anyone is attacking anyone here. People are trying to put this flu thing into global perspective and make sure we get the facts straight. Initially, I screwed up and said we could get it by contact with both humans and pigs - and was duly corrected, and then laughed at my error. Maybe we are coming on too strong in trying to convince the worriers not to worry? If so, I apologize.

 

[purplejaz]

After living through SARS in Hong Kong back in 2003, the media are the ones who over re-act and in turn make us hysterical.
All the same conspiracies theories were running around China back then. I chose not to wear a mask as they are useless. If you look after your own hygiene and are careful not to have close contact withanyone suffering from anything...then you lessen your chances.
I agree with the recession comment...the media will make any story sound terrible....whatever happened to good news stories?
Have a great weekend everyone and perhaps by Monday another new planet will be found.
Jazzi

 

[Deleted member 541]

Herc,

I am certainly NOT jumping on you either. I think that you know me well enough to know that. I am just trying to point out to you, and others, that worrying about this, is counterproductive, and not healthy.

 

[Irton Pike]

Also this flu is more dangerous to healthy people from the 20's to 40's than the elderly. Which was already reported on the news numerous times.

Is that a fact bec? I hadn't heard that. If so it is similar in that respect to the "spanish flu" of 1918 which carried off 20-100 million worldwide. WW1 did for 9 million. The disproportionately large number of fit people who died has been put down to the imune systems going into overdrive and attacking the body. Therefore, those with the strongest immune systems were at risk.

The thing is, a nasty varaint of flu can come at any time. But you are much more likely to get run over by a bus. We can worry too much about the coulds and the maybes.

 

[2quilt]

Look at Do I Have Pig Flu dot com
and have a chuckle.

 

[anthony]

Well... I have to just laugh my arse off now... From the World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_05_05/en/index.html):

5 May 2009 -- As of 06:00 GMT, 5 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1124 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 590 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 25 deaths. The United States has reported 286 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WOW... 26 deaths globally and this shit makes world news!

Now, the CDC website data for the influenza year 2007 / 2008 showed that over 39,827 Americans contracted the influenza virus. Now lets be real here... the actual figure would be much much higher, as this would only include those who sought medical attention from a doctor, not those who go to the chemist for typical and known drugs to assist. Now... for the really good stuff: (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/weeklyarchives2007-2008/07-08summary.htm)

During the 2007--08 influenza season, the percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) exceeded the epidemic threshold†† for 8 consecutive weeks in the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System during the weeks ending January 12--May 17, 2008 (weeks 9--16). The percentage of P&I deaths peaked at 9.1% during the week ending March 15, 2008 (week 11). During the previous three influenza seasons, the peak percentage of P&I deaths has ranged from 7.7% to 8.9% and the total number of weeks the P&I ratio exceeded the epidemic threshold has ranged from one to 11.

So, the common cold is killing between 1 - 11 people per week, obviously peak season has the highest, being 11 per week.

• 52 weeks per annum
• Average value 5.5
• 52 x 5.5 = Average of 286 Americans Die Annually of the common cold.

So... why is this flu any sort of amazing issue when it has killed only one American so far, and more in Mexico where health issues are often less cared about, afforded, etc? Why isn't the common cold a constant issue on TV around the world?

 

[Deleted member 541]

Well, actually the 23 month old that died in the states....His parents lived in Mexico, and crossed the border, to visit family members living here. He then got sick, and was taken to a hospital, and died.

So in reality, no American has died from this......They are now saying, that they are going to watch the southern hemisphere, as it is now approaching winter there, and the flu lives linger in colder climate.....We shall see how this pans out.