KTMom, in accordance with this new "news" I'd say I'd be going back and tested for the swine flu. It's doesn't hurt to be careful.
easy child and I were discussing this today. I don't know about anywhere else, but late winter/spring we've had a nasty flu going around in the area. My friends son had it for 3 wks and it took this healthy 8 yr old and kicked his fanny all but good.....and had all the symptoms of the swine flu. Only no doctor a month or so ago would've dreamed to even look for it......so, how would they know? Many more cases like it. And we have a wonderful Mexican restaurant owned by recent legal immigrants from Mexico.....who sponsor other legal immigrants from Mexico on a reg basis by offering housing and jobs. So......the possiblity (however remote) is there.
Not saying that's what it was.......just saying that it probably didn't start when it was reported. How many people could've had the same thing that went undiagnosed simply because we had no clue the virus was out there? Plus you have all the unreported cases (various reasons) out there as well.
Not trying to cause a panic either. Just saying. I've been watching documentaries about this for the past couple of years. And personally, from what I've been learning in school and with the documentaries........I'm worried simply because it's a combination virus.
That medications like Tamaflu work with it can be a double edge sword. Virus mutate rapidly. All the little bugs the Tamaflu doesn't kill are free to multiply as their competition dies off.
The potential for a major pandemic is there. Just stop and really think about how many people you come into contact with on a daily basis, then multiply it by how many people they'll come into contact with and so on. Doesn't mean it will happen this time, but it will eventually. Govts have been trying to prepare, but honestly, I don't think there is a way to truly prepare for something like this except education.
Stop using the antibacterial handwashes and use hot water and soap.
I'm not panicked. I don't think it's reached anywhere near that point yet. Although it is wise to stay aware and to be careful, while praying it dies out before it has a chance to get a good toe hold.