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AlphaDog wrote:
So, if you're sick, how much difference does it really make whether you have H1N1 or just a bad case of the "regular" flu? The treatment is the same, and people should be staying home and away from others when they're sick anyway, so it seems more like the curiosity value of knowing instead of anything that has practical application.
It makes a difference in tracking the infections and their related effects. From the testing done already it's pretty much a slam dunk that if you test positive for influenza that it's H1N1. Later on that may not be the case. So no need to identify the strain unless you're hospitalized.
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AlphaDog wrote:
[quote=Pam]
[quote=AlphaDog]
So, if you're sick, how much difference does it really make whether you have H1N1 or just a bad case of the "regular" flu? The treatment is the same, and people should be staying home and away from others when they're sick anyway, so it seems more like the curiosity value of knowing instead of anything that has practical application.
It makes a difference in tracking the infections and their related effects. From the testing done already it's pretty much a slam dunk that if you test positive for influenza that it's H1N1. Later on that may not be the case. So no need to identify the strain unless you're hospitalized.
That's valid from the standpoint of the epidemiologist, but I was talking about how much difference it really makes to the person who's sick.
It may make a difference if they are pregnant or have asthma/lung issues as those groups are more threatened by how H1N1 affects the body over the seasonal flu virus. More precautions above tamiflu may be considered.
We had another local woman (30ish) with "underlying conditions" but seemingly healthy die from H1N1. She got sick over the weekend, didn't seem too bad, by Wed she was in the hospital, and by Fri she was dead.
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Relax.
"It's not the cough that carries you off, it's the coffin they carry you off in" - an old Boston saying.
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What kind of underlying conditions do the folks that die, have?
I have allergies and asthma (have not had an attack in about a year). I have never taken a flu shot, and have not had the flu in about 3 years. I used to get bronchitis and flu every year.
I am afraid of the shots.
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what can i drink instead fo water? or what can i add to water to make it not taste horrible to me. Whenever I'm sick, i KNOW I SHOULD drink lots of water, but I cannot stand the taste of it. Its weird...I guess. Can i drink OJ? or apple juice? Or something else for liquids?
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Dilute the juice and have over ice chips. Watch out for too much sugar and caffeine. This will just tax your system Alternate with glasses of water.
I like hot peppermint or herbal teas. Sometimes ginger ale.
Soups.
Feel better, movies and sleep. Hot baths relax me to sleep.
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I bet your doctor is off the mark, assuming you have H1N1 because a couple of your colleagues may have it.
A fever can be the sign of the regular flu. Most of the medical advisories I've seen say a fever and overall body/muscle ache are the main symptoms of H1N1.
And if you've got a cold or the "regular" flu (which kills a lot of people every year) say home. No need to panic co-workers as well as make them ill.
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