Flu Pandemic?

The swine flu isn't really much more deadly as the regular flu. I heard that it might actually become weaker the more it spreads...even if that's not true, I'd just recommend eating a ton of garlic and just being mindful of who breathes on you. I'm not worried. Also; surgical masks are only useful for about twenty minutes. Why? Because that's how long it takes for you saliva to compromise its ability to protect you. So no...I don't think it's a good method for avoiding this flu. Anyways some factoids for you about colds and flus; they are constantly mutating organisms that only last for as long as they can be spread host-to-host. Normally we get them from birds (that's why the bird flu was supposed to be a big deal, it would infect the animal carriers in order to jump to humans, it was just a sort of hyper-aggressive flu). Our bodies' immune systems, when healthy and frequently exposed to germs, dirt, and viruses, adapt and learn enough to battle most new viruses. There's always a few, even if they're healthy, that don't make it...but largely, those in the worst danger are those with sucky immune system (lack of a proper diet, not enough exercise, hereditary diseases, or chronic and unfixable conditions that otherwise hinder their immune systems' ability to react appropriately to new threats...). Now the swine flu...basically does the same things that the regular flu does to you. Scratchy throat, stuffy nose, general crappy feeling. They say that when you get it, you probably won't even know that you have this version of the flu because it feels like a normal one. And, so far, in my observance...you only die if your immune system's been compromised or you live in a hot climate -- your body usually tries to heat a cold out, with a fever, you know? Heat when you're already heated has killed people before...and if you've read much about human health before the era of modern medicine you've got a clear idea of what I'm saying. ^_^ I would not be worried or paranoid, yet. If you hear tell mass cases of healthy people dying with no circumstances that would otherwise have made them susceptible to getting killed off by it...THEN I'd get worried and paranoid.

The way I understand it, the face masks are only helpful if they are of medical quality and if the SICK person wears it. Hand washing, covering face and mouth when coughing and sneezing, wiping down surfaces all do more good than masks. So do fresh air and sunshine. What were your symptoms? Body aches, fever? I think colds this winter and spring have been lasting longer due to high pollen and allergen counts.

It is scary, but I haven't went crazy about it yet. I hope it gets under control soon.

Get to the Doctors and get it sorted as in get it checked out again, please do not be fobbed of by the Doctor for your Peace of mind and also for mine

When all schools are over, maybe the spreed is slower again. I was talking to my friend in the beginning of May and I said that flu is not over and will continue to grow rapidly later on...I wish I was not right... In many countries people with flu were isolated for one week to make sure the flu is not spreading...not in USA.... I am watching this site everyday and I see the numbers rapidly growing.... http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I do think that it is something to be aware of. However, I dont think that we should panic. More people die each year from the regular flu. If we follow simple practices it will help reduce our chances of catching anything transmitted by germs. Wash hands, use antiseptic skin cleaners, carrying some sort of sanitizer, dont use other peoples cups, lip products, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. If we implement these simple practices into our daily routine, it will help avoid colds, flus, and any other contagious bugs being passed around. Most importantly if you begin to feel sick, dont go to school or work. Its selfish to do so. Its not fair that someone will go into public venues knowing that he/she is transmitting unhealthy germs. Unfortunately not everyone thinks in the same manner so we have to protect ourselves. Wishing you good health to you and yours. dl

here in canada we are ready for one and have been for several years. i think it is only a matter of time before one hits to be honest. it just depends on how it spreads. the spanish flu pandemic spread at the end of ww1 because soldiers were going home and were carrying it.

I think it is good to take precautions. Stay home if you have the flu, go to the doctor if you show signs of the flu. I am carrying a hand sanitizer, you know one of those 70% ethanol jobs, but a facemask? Don't think I'll get as crazy as that and I work at a college so I come into contact with a lot of people.

I think if we follow the prevention steps provided by government and media. That should be fine. I guess everyone over the world are afraid of the flu now. So take care ourselves nicely and keep clean from time to time.

You just don't know now days. Doctors in such a hurry they misdiagnose I am sure of it. A face mask isn't going to do all that much help after the fact anyway. You could very well have had a flu strain indeed. Clinics and doctors are over worked and I can see where a misdiagnosis could occur. Scarey. Especially in an area where the flu isn't prevalant and doctors aren't used to seing it.

This flu pandemic is all over now. I think and it's a must that we should take proper precaution on everything so that we won't be affected with this. Let's take care of our health.

The H1N1 flu should not be feared in such a scale.The reason why the WHO raised the alert level to the highest level-6 is that its spread is unstoppable,but the flu itself won't be a deadly disease.I think doing more exercises and keeping clean can keep the flu away.

There's nothing wrong with wearing mask.That should be mandatory.