Swine flu - school closing for a week

[kerrensimmonds]

Well, our esteemed Government keep telling us about 'catching it and binning it' (coughs and sneezes and disposable tissues), and almost everywhere you go there are big signs saying 'STOP' - use the provided antibacterial hand gel before you come in here (in my own experience this applies at the Hospital, the Doctor's Surgery and at the Parish Church). I have to admit to having small dispensers of such gel in my office and in my handbag - and to using it frequently, daily. Last time I went to London, I used some every time I touched a 'public' surface such as the handlebar to get into a taxi cab....Am I neurotic? Taking account of poor Louise's experience, who knows...

[sejintenej]

Well, our esteemed Government keep telling us about 'catching it and binning it' (coughs and sneezes and disposable tissues), and almost everywhere you go there are big signs saying 'STOP' - use the provided antibacterial hand gel before you come in here (in my own experience this applies at the Hospital, the Doctor's Surgery and at the Parish Church). I have to admit to having small dispensers of such gel in my office and in my handbag - and to using it frequently, daily. Last time I went to London, I used some every time I touched a 'public' surface such as the handlebar to get into a taxi cab....Am I neurotic? Taking account of poor Louise's experience, who knows...

Kerren; there have been a number of people in recent history who have gone to extraordinary lengths to avoid any risk of getting close to a germ; J J Howard Hughes comes to mind and I don't think Elvis the P was much better. Routine cleaning of your hands (and especially where you work) is simple courtesy to other people.
You might just avoid Swine Flu - and suffer from the stress involved in avoiding it. Just take the jab (if you want) and enjoy every minute and day of the life which is left to you. In the meantime don't forget to mix your supermarket blend with whatever takes your fancy - alcohol was found to be the number one prophylactic against malaria (which proves that I wasn't an alcoholic ) so it might even work against swine flu.

My wife and all her friends have been summoned to the surgery on Tuesday for their Swine Flu jabs; having had asthma for many years they seem to have decided to exclude me. Perhaps they want to save money by not having to supply me with inhalers etc. - they won't admit it.

In the meantime we should all pray for Louise and her mother

[kerrensimmonds]

Absolutely David re. praying for Louise and Michele. We will be thinking of them tomorrow in church, and the church has even put them on its website prayer page.
I hadn't thought that the supermarket blend might protect - what an excellent notion!
I hear that the swine flu jab is both very painful, and makes the recipient feel really ill and listless for about four days. Perhaps you are better off without it, though you might end up having to look after your wife for a few days.
I've logged in here several times today to see if there is any news about Louise - hope we get something good later.

[Fjgrogan]

I am confused about swine flu innoculations. My sister is currently undergoing chemotherapy every four weeks which knocks her out totally on the second and third day each time; because of the chemo she is very immuno-suppressed and having to be careful to avoid any potential source of infection. Thursday's scans seemed to show that the cancer had receded but that her white blood count was low, particularly neutrafils (sp?) so they delayed the treatment for a week BUT then they suggested that she and her husband and son should have swine flu vaccine before her next treatment.Surely that is just asking for trouble?! She says not because it is not live vaccine. Perhaps they think that if she is going to be feeling lousy anyway then she might as well get it all over at once?! I am sure the Marsden will know what they are doing, but I am confused. Perhaps one of you knowledgeable medical people out there could enlighten me. At the moment I am beginning to feel a bit deprived - I seem to be the only person in my family who doesn't qualify for vaccine, being under 65 (only just!) and not diabetic or asthmatic! The unfortunate thing about my sister's next chemo is that it is due on Christmas Eve, so she should be 'OK' for Christmas Day, but will collapse after that, while perhaps everybody else will be having hangovers anyway!!

[sejintenej]

I hadn't thought that the supermarket blend might protect - what an excellent notion!

I hear that the swine flu jab is both very painful, and makes the recipient feel really ill and listless for about four days. Perhaps you are better off without it, though you might end up having to look after your wife for a few days.

Some years ago I was summoned before Dr Friend (I kid you not) who promptly aministered 13 hypos full of assorted stuff plus two foul drinks followed by a sugar lump (which didn't have polio vaccine on it - that was one foul drink) plus a prescription for more assorted stuff. No probs - I got on the plane next day feeling fine and stayed so.
Back in Blighty my employer hands out the routine flu jabs - and I pass out! I passed out a year later ..... almost until I retired. Now I get the normal one without feeling it.
That said a friend had the swine flu jab a few days ago and apart from a red mark on her shoulder she claims to be fine; seems like it hits different people differently.

Look after my wife - don't you know how first aiders treat their patients????>

Keep taking the medicine but Olvatine ??????

[Barnes Mum]

Latest news is that Louise's bacteria levels in her blood have dropped to 89! So a step in the right direction. Her temperature is still remaining high and she still has the infected fluid surrounding her lungs as well all the gunk inside. She has been awake for longer today and has been chatting. She still has a long way to go but she is definately now heading in the right direction! Michele has said we can even add a smiley to this!
And a message from Louise herself. Michele has told her how kind you have all been and how many of you have been thinking of her. She says thank you for all your messages.

[kerrensimmonds]

Thanks Barnes Mum. At last I feel that this may be a positive move forward, and I am so pleased about that. Louise will not be returning to school tomorrow, with everyone else, but I hope she will be fit and well again and rejoining her peers very soon. Tentative sigh of relief, although prayers tomorrow in all quarters will still be offered. Please give Michele my very best wishes when you are next in touch.

[ReallyMissingHer]

FAb news about Louise I have checked in about 10 times today hoping for a positive update.

[ReallyMissingHer]

Just noticed, the forum is still on BST!!!

[anniexf]

FAb news about Louise I have checked in about 10 times today hoping for a positive update.

Same here!! Hurrah!!!

[Mid A 15]

Great that things seem to be improving

[YadaYada]

Fantastic news....just what we have been hoping to hear.

[mvgrogan]

Just noticed, the forum is still on BST!!!

it's not the forum - it's you! you have to change your settings on the control panel!

So happy to hear that Louise is improving

[midget]

I'm glad to see that Louise is getting better, it must be such a relief to her family too. Best wishes to all.

[Vonny]

Fantastic news that Louise seems to be on the road to recovery. I have been following this thread but hadn't posted until now. Let's hope it's not long until Louise is back to her usual self.

I have a poorly daughter at the moment - looks like it is just a cold but she has really suffered today - has even asked to go to bed in the middle of the X Factor which is completely not the norm!