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 Expert
Posts: 2097
 
Location: Deep South | A completely healthy teenage girl with relatives at my church caught the flu a few weeks ago. It followed the cycle the news has been warning about. Flu > Pneumonia > Sepsis
It put her into a coma, on a ventilator, and started shutting down her organs. By the grace of God she started to come back around and is slowly getting better now. She still has a long road of recovery ahead, but it got really scary for a while. The doctors had started preparing the family for worst case.
They have shut down entire school systems in TN and northern AL to stop the spreading. My cousin is a surgeon and he said that UAB (a huge hospital in north AL) doesn't have a single bed open, and that's just unheard of.
I think it is wise to be cautious and that it's not "just" being sensationalized. There are areas of the country it's truly an epidemic. | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Me and my mom take turns watching my 7 month old grandson and we don't take him anywhere. No where. I just don't want to chance it. He did get RSV, thankfully a mild case, but was in the hospital for a little over 24 hours for breathing treatments so he has not received his flu shot yet, but if the doctor
tells us to, he will be getting his tomorrow. My dad and mom had the flu, but it must not have been the same strain, because they got over it fairly quickly, especially considering their ages, 86 and 76. My mom didn't keep the baby for over a week after they recovered just to make sure. She disinfected and diffused oils like crazy the whole time they were sick and the week after. | |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
 
Location: North Dakota | I think it's the crap diet and chronic dehydration of most people now a days that makes it so hard for peoples' bodies to fight off viruses and infections, including the flu. All the hand washing and sanitizing in the world won't do much once good once you get sick. The flu shot is recommended by all doctors for good reason. It is impossible to predict what strain(s) will spread each year, so they do the best they can with the flu shot, but there's never any guarantee. However, it is a 100% proven fact that getting the flu shot will decrease your chances of getting the flu and even if you do, will decrease the severity of it. And contrary to popular belief, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get sick from the vaccine. | |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | cavyrunsbarrels - 2018-02-01 10:50 AM I think it's the crap diet and chronic dehydration of most people now a days that makes it so hard for peoples' bodies to fight off viruses and infections, including the flu. All the hand washing and sanitizing in the world won't do much once good once you get sick. The flu shot is recommended by all doctors for good reason. It is impossible to predict what strain(s) will spread each year, so they do the best they can with the flu shot, but there's never any guarantee. However, it is a 100% proven fact that getting the flu shot will decrease your chances of getting the flu and even if you do, will decrease the severity of it. And contrary to popular belief, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get sick from the vaccine.
and it helps you with future strains of the flu. So if you have 20 yrs of flu shots, your immunity to is is unreal. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | My little one takes Elderberry syrup (home made) (high in Vit C) , a probiotic, honey from her Paw Paws hives, and DHA daily as prescribed by her doctor.
She has yet (knock on wood) to get sick.
With her diagnosis and the way her immune system responds, a simple cold from any where can turn deadly for her in a matter of hours.
This time of year is scary for her. I keep extra masks in the car for when we have to make grocery store trips.  | |
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Veteran
Posts: 225
Location: Montgomery TX | I copy and pasted this from a FB post - thought it was good information on why/how this flu is progressing and causing deaths - It makes sense to me.... I do not know the person who made the original post - it was shared to my timeline.
This is from a RN who got the flu:
This is the current course causing the deaths post flu diagnosis. It is why I was hospitalized for 4 days after having the flu and taking a 5 day course of Tamiflu. This is what to look for:
The buildup of fluid/mucus in the lungs combined with immobility from lying down and trying to “rest” to recover creates a perfect environment for the development of pneumonia. Bacteria starts to grow in the lungs at this point and causes a new fever, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Some people are mistaking the development of pneumonia as just more of the flu symptoms and stay home trying to get over it.
DO NOT STAY HOME if you develop these symptoms.
If your respiratory rate increases over 30 breaths per minute, a new fever develops, and you feel short of breath walking around in your home, you will need to call your physician or go to the nearest ER/ urgent care to get treatment.
Untreated pneumonia can lead to the development of bacteria entering the bloodstream and thus, the development of sepsis.
Sepsis starts a cascade of symptoms that can cause organ failure and clotting disorders in a matter of hours! A rise in lactic acid level in the blood is how my sepsis was diagnosed. I immediately received IV antibiotics and 4 bags of lactated ringers. (LR) This reversed the sepsis and I have made a full recovery.
IF you have had the FLU and start to develop a new fever or shortness of breath, please DO NOT WAIT.
It’s better to go get checked again than try to wait it out! Healthy people are dying from this course. If you are immunocompromised or have a lung disorder, this is even more important.
Please check on your friends with the flu, & SHARE THIS with any and EVERYONE! | |
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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| Now I believe that a healthy diet, staying hydrated and taking good general care of yourself, practicing good hygiene, taking good vitamins is very helpful in avoiding the flu. Let's just say,I'm not exactly the poster child for "good health" habits, my diet has been horrible lately, I'm lacking sleep something fierce and I haven't been taking vitamins and I know I'm not drinking enough water. I can feel it too... I'm exhausted, sluggish and just blah.. I KNOW I'm run down.. I'm trying to fix all that and take better care of myself now that the surgery is behind us and we are home.. it's a miracle I haven't gotten sick! I've never taken a flu shot in my life, I also have never had the flu either, I'm 41 yrs old. The Dr's advised us all to get a flu shot before Jacob started chemo but I opted out. He obviously can't get one anytime soon either. I certainly don't think or will tell anyone they are foolish for getting one, do as you chose, I chose not to and I chose not to have my kids take one either. Just for the record, they are UTD on all the other vaccinations. I'm not anti vaccination I just don't believe in the flu shot. | |
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10794
Location: Kansas | want2chase3 - 2018-02-01 2:04 PM Now I believe that a healthy diet, staying hydrated and taking good general care of yourself, practicing good hygiene, taking good vitamins is very helpful in avoiding the flu. Let's just say,I'm not exactly the poster child for "good health" habits, my diet has been horrible lately, I'm lacking sleep something fierce and I haven't been taking vitamins and I know I'm not drinking enough water. I can feel it too... I'm exhausted, sluggish and just blah.. I KNOW I'm run down.. I'm trying to fix all that and take better care of myself now that the surgery is behind us and we are home.. it's a miracle I haven't gotten sick! I've never taken a flu shot in my life, I also have never had the flu either, I'm 41 yrs old. The Dr's advised us all to get a flu shot before Jacob started chemo but I opted out. He obviously can't get one anytime soon either. I certainly don't think or will tell anyone they are foolish for getting one, do as you chose, I chose not to and I chose not to have my kids take one either. Just for the record, they are UTD on all the other vaccinations. I'm not anti vaccination I just don't believe in the flu shot. I agree with you. Take a trip into Google and look at the many dangers of flu vaccines. Like you I would never try to talk anybody out of getting one but if they're all they're cracked up to be why is the whole country experiencing this onslaught of flu.
Edited by Frodo 2018-02-01 6:40 PM
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 "Spaz-tacular"!!
Posts: 20309
Location: Bennett, CO | Here is my flu experience this year.
My mom, myself and my 2.5yo son all were vaccinated. My husband forgot to get vaccinated this year.
My mom (76yrs old) , Myself and my son had a short lived "cold".. hubby developed a significant and diagnosed case of flu. As did 2 of his employees(also not vaccinated)
This was proof enough for us.. so much so- he is giving any employee who wants to get vaccinated, a paid 1/2 day off to do so next year
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 Zeal Queen
Posts: 3826
Location: TEXAS | IRunOnFaith - 2018-02-01 12:22 PM My little one takes Elderberry syrup (home made) (high in Vit C) , a probiotic, honey from her Paw Paws hives, and DHA daily as prescribed by her doctor.
She has yet (knock on wood) to get sick.
With her diagnosis and the way her immune system responds, a simple cold from any where can turn deadly for her in a matter of hours.
This time of year is scary for her. I keep extra masks in the car for when we have to make grocery store trips.
how do you make the elderberry syrup? | |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| want2chase3 - 2018-02-01 2:04 PM
Now I believe that a healthy diet, staying hydrated and taking good general care of yourself, practicing good hygiene, taking good vitamins is very helpful in avoiding the flu. Let's just say,I'm not exactly the poster child for "good health" habits, my diet has been horrible lately, I'm lacking sleep something fierce and I haven't been taking vitamins and I know I'm not drinking enough water. I can feel it too... I'm exhausted, sluggish and just blah.. I KNOW I'm run down.. I'm trying to fix all that and take better care of myself now that the surgery is behind us and we are home.. it's a miracle I haven't gotten sick! I've never taken a flu shot in my life, I also have never had the flu either, I'm 41 yrs old. The Dr's advised us all to get a flu shot before Jacob started chemo but I opted out. He obviously can't get one anytime soon either. I certainly don't think or will tell anyone they are foolish for getting one, do as you chose, I chose not to and I chose not to have my kids take one either. Just for the record, they are UTD on all the other vaccinations. I'm not anti vaccination I just don't believe in the flu shot.
I agree with your post here. Lots of water, daily vitamin and good sleep has literally made the most impeccable difference in my life. I was always getting sick, feeling really wornout and was having some other health issues due to my lack of self-care. I started drinking lots of water, soda is now a "treat" and taking a daily vitamin and going to bed for at least 7-8 hours of sleep. I still get colds but nothing like I used to.
I also don't get the flu shot. I got it once when I went to college and had the flu within a month. I got it thinking it would help since I was living in dorms. Turned into pneumonia and a lung infection. I know they say you cant get it from the vaccine but if that's really true then it suppressed my immune system bad enough where I couldnt fight things because I haven't been that sick before that or after. (knock on wood)
Sounds like you are doing everything you can. | |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| FLITASTIC - 2018-02-01 12:25 PM Parents try and be so sterile with small children. If you don't want your kids to get sick, let them play in the dirt, be exposed to bacteria and viruses etc. My mom went down the Road from one rodeo to the next when I was a kid, 6x to the NFR. Know how many public bathrooms at fairgrounds I was in? How many times I played under the bleachers at rodeos??? LOL I never so much as get a cold, ever. lol Knock on Wood. I do take the flu shot though.
you took the word right out of my keyboard we do not let kids get dirty i am 67 have not had flue shot ever flue last time was in 78 my son is 40 never sick
he was encouraged to play outside i did not molly colly him
?you got to not be afraid to get dirty take a bath
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| vjls - 2018-02-01 5:08 PM
FLITASTIC - 2018-02-01 12:25 PM Parents try and be so sterile with small children. If you don't want your kids to get sick, let them play in the dirt, be exposed to bacteria and viruses etc. My mom went down the Road from one rodeo to the next when I was a kid, 6x to the NFR. Know how many public bathrooms at fairgrounds I was in? How many times I played under the bleachers at rodeos??? LOL I never so much as get a cold, ever. lol Knock on Wood. I do take the flu shot though.
you took the word right out of my keyboard we do not let kids get dirty i am 67 have not had flue shot ever flue last time was in 78 my son is 40 never sick
he was encouraged to play outside i did not molly colly him
?you got to not be afraid to get dirty take a bath
I think the point is being missed here... healthy children should play in the dirt, absolutely. An immunosuppressed child that is fighting a life threatening disease should have any and all precautions taken and "molly colly-ing" should definitely be a priority. I believe any pediatric doctor worth their salt would agree.
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Location: Not Where I Want to Be | madredepeanut - 2018-02-01 8:18 PM vjls - 2018-02-01 5:08 PM FLITASTIC - 2018-02-01 12:25 PM Parents try and be so sterile with small children. If you don't want your kids to get sick, let them play in the dirt, be exposed to bacteria and viruses etc. My mom went down the Road from one rodeo to the next when I was a kid, 6x to the NFR. Know how many public bathrooms at fairgrounds I was in? How many times I played under the bleachers at rodeos??? LOL I never so much as get a cold, ever. lol Knock on Wood. I do take the flu shot though. you took the word right out of my keyboard we do not let kids get dirty i am 67 have not had flue shot ever flue last time was in 78 my son is 40 never sick
he was encouraged to play outside i did not molly colly him
?you got to not be afraid to get dirty take a bath
I think the point is being missed here... healthy children should play in the dirt, absolutely. An immunosuppressed child that is fighting a life threatening disease should have any and all precautions taken and "molly colly-ing" should definitely be a priority. I believe any pediatric doctor worth their salt would agree.
Mollycoddle
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| Before all this happened with Jacob, my boys played outside ALOT we have a big dirt pile out back, those boys played in it all day with their hot wheels and tractors... I know it's not just dirt in there, cats go in there, the chickens, the horses... they'd come up to the house and they had to remove their clothes on the porch because they knew clothes where going right into the wash and they were going straight to the bath! Unfortunately now I cannot allow Jake to play like that, I try and let him be a little boy but he's very limited on what he can do. I let him ride his bike the other day but I was a nervous wreck praying he wouldnt fall. I get what you're saying about kids not getting into stuff like they use to, the invention of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, sprays etc etc... maybe made the modern child a little less "tough" when it comes to germs and a natural defense against common illnesses. Believe me, I'd love to let my son go roll around under the bleachers at a roping right now and go play with his brother in that big gross dirt pile! | |
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| want2chase3 - 2018-02-01 6:17 PM
Before all this happened with Jacob, my boys played outside ALOT we have a big dirt pile out back, those boys played in it all day with their hot wheels and tractors... I know it's not just dirt in there, cats go in there, the chickens, the horses... they'd come up to the house and they had to remove their clothes on the porch because they knew clothes where going right into the wash and they were going straight to the bath! Unfortunately now I cannot allow Jake to play like that, I try and let him be a little boy but he's very limited on what he can do. I let him ride his bike the other day but I was a nervous wreck praying he wouldnt fall. I get what you're saying about kids not getting into stuff like they use to, the invention of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, sprays etc etc... maybe made the modern child a little less "tough" when it comes to germs and a natural defense against common illnesses. Believe me, I'd love to let my son go roll around under the bleachers at a roping right now and go play with his brother in that big gross dirt pile!
Edited by madredepeanut 2018-02-01 8:30 PM
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 Lived to tell about it and will never do it again
Posts: 5408
| I don't know if there is anything to this or not but I did read somewhere that you should swab inside your nostrils with a cheap triple antibiotic. It is suppose to catch the virus's and kill them before they enter the inner nose. I guess it couldn't hurt to try. | |
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| The flu shot has never ever contained the strain that is dominate the
year it is given.
The flu shot is made up of a fictitious virus invented in a lab in England
three years prior to forcing it on Americans ..
one year to invent the strain
one year to produce millions of shots
one year to convince people to get a shot that does not work ..
EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF A KILLER FLU SEASON ..
Our Olympians are walking into huge pandemics of bird and swine flu
that is happening in North Korea right now ...
and guess what is liable to happen when they return to the USA!!
HERE IS YOUR ANSWER ON FLU FROM A WONDERFUL ER NURSE!!
ER NURSE PUTS THE PUBLIC ON NOTICE ON FUNKY FLU
AND NOT COMING TO THE ER .....
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/02/01/florida-nurse-calls-er-ces...
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 Expert
Posts: 5290
| euchee - 2018-02-01 7:15 PM
I don't know if there is anything to this or not but I did read somewhere that you should swab inside your nostrils with a cheap triple antibiotic. It is suppose to catch the virus's and kill them before they enter the inner nose. I guess it couldn't hurt to try.
Considering that viruses are not killed with antibiotics and the flu is a virus, can’t see how it would work. Now taking oral antibiotics while having the flu to prevent secondary bacterial infections, good idea! | |
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Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| FLITASTIC - 2018-02-02 10:04 AM
euchee - 2018-02-01 7:15 PM
I don't know if there is anything to this or not but I did read somewhere that you should swab inside your nostrils with a cheap triple antibiotic. It is suppose to catch the virus's and kill them before they enter the inner nose. I guess it couldn't hurt to try.
Considering that viruses are not killed with antibiotics and the flu is a virus, can’t see how it would work. Now taking oral antibiotics while having the flu to prevent secondary bacterial infections, good idea!
I think the gel inside your nose would maybe "catch" the germs before actually getting into your body? Nose hair is supposed to help I thought but maybe just putting a thin layer of Vaseline of antibiotic gel. I don't know. I've read that too about the nose. Guess it would work good if you don't breathe out of your mouth! I'm a bit of a mouth breather so it probably wouldn't work good for me! | |
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