Piggy Swine Flu

[HYENA 4]

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

The above link is to reduce misinformation (hand sanitizers and alcohol kills viruses) http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/masks.htm

The droplet/aerosol size is negligible compared to the thickness of the mask and surface tension at that micron size typically negates droplet burst unless it's smeared in and still the mere size is minute so wicking has never been a CDC or WHO concern (unless one receives a wet sneeze point blank).

Thanks for the info. I remember reading an article from the journal Clinical Infection and Disease back during the avian flu epidemic that found that alcohol worked, but was not as effective as old fashion soap and water at killing the flu virus. I can't find the link to the article, but I found an article that refers to it:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4816024_handwashin...isk-of-flu.html

I'm still trying to find the article I read about surgical masks. Basically, it said that 'contact' masks like surgeons wear were designed to prevent the surgeon from infecting the patient, and not the other way around. It recommend non-contact masks to protect the wearer from infection, and specifically mentioned wicking as the reason. I can't for the life of me remember who published the article, so I'm having a hard time finding it. I'll post a link if I do.

The CDC's example of mask is one of those yellow elastic white masks that are quite thick. It makes sense what you're saying. I guess something is better than nothing. I do know alcohol isn't all that great on much but I'd imagine it would screw up the virus enough to not be very virulent. Having said that, there's nothing better than soap and water (all I write, by the way is just my opinion). Antibacterial soaps and antibacterial hand cleansers are linked to resistant bacteria positive cultures (MRSA) so I don't like em. Nothing like good old fashioned soap and water.

I wasn't sure about the home made masks they were selling on the streets here but when you think about it, if those little droplets tries to get through the likelihood is higher it will touch the material and that's all it takes to keep it out of your snout, I think the most common mistake is when people handle the mask after coming home and reusing it without a soap and water rinse.

I'm on day 6 wondering why I'm not progressing and getting better! I do know I've turned the corner. I can see why pneumonia sets in because it's moving into my lungs pretty solidly making them feel "raw".

It's sad the media scare but I checked the WHO website and it appears they're backpeddling about reporting and testing compared to the true death rates (meaning they over reacted it seems). At least the system is set up to monitor the antiviral resistant strains coming out....hopefully this won't keep morphing into something truly deadly for the masses but it's only a matter of time (IMHO) for some type of deadly pandemic. For those who have been panicking, just consider this a regular flu...OK? THat's all it is to me; just a bad flu I'd say most internet users can handle easily.

The media blitz is because this came from animals and could become deadly given enough time. It's already changing a little but no more deadly. come up with my own count that high given a week. Whole families have it here. It's much more widespread. They're saying those with the flu likely have it so they're not taking resources to test anymore except for deadly cases to see if it's morphed. I was being careful when I went out and I touched no one but playing pool was enough (either that or standing in a public bus for a few blocks but I got out and told my fiancee "the pig flu, I dont want to be around that many people". so much good that did!

They're only reporting 220 cases (officially) in Bangkok which based on who I know and what's happening...I can likely

[thongd4me 69]

I think the bird flu way back had them wearing masks (that and pollution)? I think they do know something we don't!

I'm on day 5 being in bed but I'm now sure I have passed the half way point (of the brunt of it) because I'm able to walk outside and get some food at least (without wanting to collapse).

Basically it's just a bad flu with a cold on top of it! Motrin, sudafed zithromax is pretty much all I've had. Night sweats every night, fever but hey...I get to watch TV and be lazy! I felt OK while laying down then would be reminded of it when I stood up.

If you get it in Cambodia, tylenol 3 may help reduce the cough and also reduce inflammation. I've noticed if you can shut that cough down early the duration of the cough is shortened since coughing causes further irritation (that's a non productive cough-but I try to shut mine off regardless).

My fiancee is eating durian; unfortunately there's not cure for that disorder

Given the hygiene isn't the highest (washing dishes, sanitary conditions) I'm sure many more will come down with it. Just more contact with people here than in the USA...more crowds, more contact direct and indirect. I'm not sure if it was standing in a 99 degree public bus or the round of pool at the bar that did it....it could have been a sneeze from across the street for all I know.

I was really scared when i first got it...started thinking about my kids, how I'd get cared for having no insurance. Hospitals here are cheap and do an OK job so this is the best place with no insurance to be (since the USA can bankrupt you for a single visit). Not to fret; it's basically a bad flu. Sickest I've been in a decade (I remember that flu...9 1/2 yrs ago). If My memory serves me right, I think I'll be stuck with a residual cough for another month.

I'm just happy I can stand and walk around and eat at the food trough again!

Oh, one of the identifiers not normally with the regular flu is nausea and intestinal irritation.

Happy bacon, pork and ham eating!

Oh...the blue one's I believe have a small enough micron to reduce your chances. Make sure they're not the home made one's they sell here but the hospital type. Tie in the back is better than the ear loop one's.

One of the best things I've done to reduce the number of colds (zero in the last few years) I've got is lots of red pepper,

with lots of sriracha sauce in between. I sprinkle jalapeño pepper into a mug of hot chocolate or coffee. It clears out the

throat real well. I first ate hot food in Ethiopia, where they put berberi (red pepper) in practically everything, even more

hot food than in Thailand. My SO still asks me if I can eat hot stuff because I think she can't quite believe it, LOL

Best of luck, feel better soon friend.

[Thai family 0]

Checking to make sure you are still in the land of the living.

-Thai Mom

[ScottThuy 140]

One of the best things I've done to reduce the number of colds (zero in the last few years) I've got is lots of red pepper,

with lots of sriracha sauce in between. I sprinkle jalapeño pepper into a mug of hot chocolate or coffee. It clears out the

throat real well. I first ate hot food in Ethiopia, where they put berberi (red pepper) in practically everything, even more

hot food than in Thailand. My SO still asks me if I can eat hot stuff because I think she can't quite believe it, LOL

Best of luck, feel better soon friend.

I notice that I have less stomach problems now that I use more sriracha as well as nuoc mam. I also got in the habit of taking a steam at least 4 times each week for 30 minues with eucalyptus oil in the steam... I had sinus problems all of my life until i started that.. just need to take care of who you sit near as germs can be spread in a steam room... Always use a towel... the only time I find myself getting sick anymore is after those long flights back to the US with recirculated air from all of those coughing sneezing people on the plane and yes having to eat the US food again...

[thongd4me 69]

Thanks Vietnamese contingent.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Nuoc-Mam-Cham-Di...sh-Sauce-103760

I'll have to try it some time.

[ScottThuy 140]

Thanks Vietnamese contingent.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Nuoc-Mam-Cham-Di...sh-Sauce-103760

I'll have to try it some time.

Nuoc Mam and shrimp paste "make you strong like BULL" Anh Map swears by Shrimp paste...

[Thai family 0]

Thanks Vietnamese contingent.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Nuoc-Mam-Cham-Di...sh-Sauce-

I'll have to try it some time.

Nuoc Mam and shrimp paste "make you strong like BULL" Anh Map swears by Shrimp paste...

Re Shrimp paste: BTW, does anyone know if it can be left open unrefrigerated indefinitely? I found a jar my DIL left when she moved. It has to have been there since May 1st.

Thanks-Thai Mom

Edited August 5, 2009 by Thai family

[ScottThuy 140]

Thanks Vietnamese contingent.

http://www.recipezaar.com/Nuoc-Mam-Cham-Di...sh-Sauce-

I'll have to try it some time.

Nuoc Mam and shrimp paste "make you strong like BULL" Anh Map swears by Shrimp paste...

Re Shrimp paste: BTW, does anyone know if it can be left open unrefrigerated indefinitely? I found a jar my DIL left when she moved. It has to have been there since May 1st.

Thanks-Thai Mom

It would not surprise me if being open for a year unrefridgerated had no affect on shrimp paste. they say refriderate after opening, but only because the taste gets stronger if you dont. I think as long as you cook it ... should be fine... I dont keep it in the house only have it when I go to a friends house or the local restaurant.

[Mike and Thanh 0]

HYENA, hope you don't mind me asking a question here in your thread. I'm about to go to Vietnam. Should I get a flu shot? I doubt a flu shot will help much or prevent the H1N1 virus. Should I get it anyway? I don't normally get yearly flu shots either. I haven't had the flu for a few years now, with or without a flu shot. What do you guys think?

[ScottThuy 140]

HYENA, hope you don't mind me asking a question here in your thread. I'm about to go to Vietnam. Should I get a flu shot? I doubt a flu shot will help much or prevent the H1N1 virus. Should I get it anyway? I don't normally get yearly flu shots either. I haven't had the flu for a few years now, with or without a flu shot. What do you guys think?

IMO its too late... there is a chance that the flu shot will make you sick before you go and you do NOT want to show up at the HCMC airport sick...

[Dakine 26]

HYENA, hope you don't mind me asking a question here in your thread. I'm about to go to Vietnam. Should I get a flu shot? I doubt a flu shot will help much or prevent the H1N1 virus. Should I get it anyway? I don't normally get yearly flu shots either. I haven't had the flu for a few years now, with or without a flu shot. What do you guys think?

Take Tamiflu with you. We were just in PI and took it for a preventative.

[Mike and Thanh 0]

Ok, so it's a no on the flu shot. It never really work for me anyway. I don't know if it's just in my head or what, the years I didn't have any flu shots, I was fine. The one year I had the flu shot, I caught the flu anyway.

I do have a pack of TamiFlu from the last time, I brought it just in case. Never used it. I heard the H1N1 virus is immune to TamiFlu though.

Or maybe I just hope for the best and make sure I wash my hands often and aware of people that appear to be sick?

[ScottThuy 140]

Ok, so it's a no on the flu shot. It never really work for me anyway. I don't know if it's just in my head or what, the years I didn't have any flu shots, I was fine. The one year I had the flu shot, I caught the flu anyway.

I do have a pack of TamiFlu from the last time, I brought it just in case. Never used it. I heard the H1N1 virus is immune to TamiFlu though.

Or maybe I just hope for the best and make sure I wash my hands often and aware of people that appear to be sick?

Tamiflu not working on H1N1 but H1N1 is not the only flu out there so it will help some...

[Mike and Thanh 0]

Tamiflu not working on H1N1 but H1N1 is not the only flu out there so it will help some...

I guess I should bring it anyway. I recheck the Tamiflu and it was actually issued to me in 2007. The expiration date is 2011. So is it still good?