Is anybody aware of this latest flu going around.

Apparently it began in mexico but there are cases around the world now.
There has been confirmed cases in Canada, United States where there is now one death. About 150 mexicans died from this already.

How do we stop these things? So much travel now, and so many ways of spreading it.

The president of the united states is calling it h1 whatever because many people and countries are fearing that it is because of pigs. Some countries are slaughtering pigs. Apparently though this virus is being spread human to human.

What are your thoughts on this developing story?

Joe

H1N1 is the genome (remember Bird Flu H5N1 ?) and if left untreated can cause issues, but it seems that it's only fatal to Mexicans.

So far there has been 1 confirmed death.
Small boy from mexico and his family traveled to Texas. At this point family still healthy.

1 confirmed and 1 possibly case of swine flu in my town, visalia, California. Both cases are kids from same school... the school is closed.

H1N1 is the genome (remember Bird Flu H5N1 ?) and if left untreated can cause issues, but it seems that it's only fatal to Mexicans.

How can it only be fatal to Mexicans?? :confused:

That is very strange. Is it only mexicans being worse hit by this? Is it because the government is slow to react? A baby in Texas 23 month old baby died of this same flu.

So curlyben, Yes I remember the bird flu, at the same time they are thinking this virus is changing.
So you think it is just fear mongering as far as publicity goes. Do not push the panic button but tell people it will be a pandemics threat?

Your thoughts.

There is 3 confirmed cases in ontario, some in alberta and some in halifax. That is canada alone but apparently they have been mild compared to in mexico. Most people here who have it, has traveled to mexico.

EDIT:: Well There was a scare years ago with SARS IN TORONTO, but they say they are better prepared now.

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 11:00 AM ET

U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
(As of April 29, 2009, 11:00 AM ET) States # of laboratory confirmed cases Deaths
Arizona 1
California 14
Indiana 1
Kansas 2
Massachusetts 2
Michigan 2
Nevada 1
New York 51
Ohio 1
Texas 16 1
TOTAL COUNTS 91 cases 1 death
International Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection
See: World Health Organization

The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.

CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency's goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.

I will take any excuse to get out of work...

Can we still eat pork? Don't laugh that I am clueless.

They are saying that eating pork will not spread the virus. I would think that since cooking pork kills most viruses.. That is what some people fear, they hear swine flu and think that it effects what they eat as well. According to the government it has nothing to do with eating pork.

The safety is the same as eating beef, chicken and other stuff.

I would think actual mexicans working on a farm with pigs. Would be more suspectable because they are handling them and around whatever conditions caused this jump to humans.

Ok... just scary to think.

Glad I don't work for the airport.

No kidding, there are some countries banning flights completely to mexico and out of mexico.

Others is more of a precautionary measurement.

I think I like the idea of closing the border and flights but that is just opinion.

CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Swine Influenza (Flu) (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/)

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.


Amid flu fears, USDA says pork is safe to eat (http://www.seattlepi.com/national/1110ap_us_fea_food_swine_flu_pork.html)

Fear of swine flu is a good reason to wash your hands, but not to take pork off the menu.

Federal health officials say the virus that has triggered fears of a flu pandemic is not transmitted by food, and that all food-borne germs are killed when pork is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 160 F.

There also is no evidence so far that American pigs are infected with the virus, or that people can become infected by touching uncooked pork, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Monday.

Swine flu can be spread the same way seasonal viruses are, mainly through sneezing, coughing and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, as well as through contact with infected pigs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When cooking pork, internal temperature is a better indicator than color to determine whether the meat is safely cooked. Cooked pork sometimes will still be pink at the center depending on cooking method and other ingredients.

Thomas Griffiths, an associate dean at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. says smaller cuts of pork, such as chops or medallions, should be cooked until they hit 160 F.

But large cuts, such as a loin, can be removed from the heat at about 152 F or 153 F, then allowed to rest. Larger cuts of all meats continue cooking off the heat and will reach 160 F.

Hello Krazi,

I think it is good to have information at your fingertips and good links here. I think it is good to have a discussion of what is happening. Not to panic people but to inform people.

Thanks Krazi for taking the time to respond on this thread.
Really do appreciate it.

Joe

Your welcome... I been toe to toe w/ my wife about pulling our kids from their school since the closure of mountin view school closed today.

Oh wow, I think it is better to be safe then sorry myself.
How close is that school to your kids school?
I heard some schools are closing up to a week.

Take care of your kids.

Joe

approx. 7 miles away from my kids school.
Since its in my town I don't want my kids anywhere.

Channel 30 news broadcast

Visalia School Closed due to Swine Flu Concerns - 4/29/09 - Fresno News - abc30.com (http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6786221)

It's hitting close to home now.

I hate watching the news for this very reason, I'm prone to panic when it comes to things like this.

It does sound like they're trying to contain it, but all it takes is one person that has the virus and before we know it it will be a pandemic. Scary thought.

Joe, you said that there have been cases in Alberta. Do you know where in Alberta? Now I'm worried. :(

Quick search...

Seven new cases were confirmed Tuesday — two in Alberta, four in Ontario and one in British Columbia — adding to six announced Sunday. All have links with travel to Mexico, where the illness is suspected of killing more than 150 people and of sickening more than 1,600.

London humor...

http://www.talesofbalboa.com/backissues2004/Bennett_Swine%20Flu.jpg

Scary! I feel like going out and buying masks. Yes, I'm that much of a germaphobe! ;)

Wow. I thought they had this under control and contained. I guess not. :(

Comments on this post
Altenweg agrees: LMAO! Is that anything like "when pigs fly"?

Yes, but the difference is the "swine flu" can kill and "pigs fly" has craptacular targeting abilities.

I think if Canada, USA and Mexico all have swine flu. Then it shouldn't matter if we cross borders because we are all infected.

We are infected because of the american tourism in mexico. Close the borders stop all flights into infected areas and if people want to tour elsewhere they better have a dr. note to show clean bill of health.

Two cases in my town of Syracuse and they had to shut down the school.Kind of scary.
I worry about my mother who has dementia and is in a nursing home.They seem to get hit with everything.

Locally,where we have cases, they are saying if you are sick with the flu,do not go to a hospital.That is a little daunting!
Encouraging people to buy bottled water and masks.. I don't like it!

We have 2 confirmed cases in Tennessee, as of right now, one of them just a few miles from me. Here at the hospital there are people walking around in the ER with masks and gowns on. Luckily I am stuck in the nursery tonight where everything is spic and span.

A girl was sent to the doctor's from my daughter's high school today. We'll see what comes of that.

OMG you guys. I can't believe that it's in places where I know people. I really honestly thought this was contained.

J9, is it 100% fatal if caught or is it a touch ang go kind of thing? Are they working on a vaccine? Are they doing anything?

I'm sorry if my questions are silly, but I really don't know much about this kind of thing. How scared should we all be?

Stop worrying about it. Yull either get it or you won't

Stop worrying about it. Yull either get it or you won't

That's reassuring. NOT! :eek:

I've read a little about it and it's a little confusing. Most people have been treated and it wasn't so severe. That's what I read, don't know if Im right. The article said it's pretty much mexico is getting it severe... I wonder why.. There's only one dead in america as of now

I've read a little about it and it's a little confusing. Most people have been treated and it wasn't so severe. That's what I read, dunno if Im right. The article said it's pretty much mexico is getting it severe... I wonder why.. Theres only one dead in america as of now

Now that IS reassuring. :)

Still upsetting though. :(

Heck nawl i stay in tyler &nd a kid up in lufkin just g0t it they 0ut 0f sch00ll f0r s0me weeks.. that thing needs t0 be stopped..

HECK NAWL i STAY iN TYLER &ND A KiD UP iN LUFKiN JUST G0T iT THEY 0UT 0F SCH00LL F0R S0ME WEEKS..THAT THiNG NEEDS T0 BE STOPED..

Mrs Mills. Welcome to AMHD. Please note that typing in all caps is considered yelling and therefore rude and frowned on.

Also, there is a spell check available, we request that you type in the best english that you are capable of so that we can understand you better and post accurate responses to your posts.

Thanks. :)

I'm starting to worry. I was told face masks are hard to find now better luck finding painting masks at the hardware store.

This is a very good and recent article.
The Associated Press: More schools close, swine flu cases pass 100 (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i2IQtAfam7HWr7aRwpWg2J7KpzFQD97T5O183)

"So far U.S. cases are fairly mild for the most part, with one death, a Mexican toddler who visited Texas with his family — unlike in Mexico where more than 160 suspected deaths have been reported. In fact, Schuchat said most of the U.S. cases so far didn't need a doctor's care."
Quote taken from The Associated Press: More schools close, swine flu cases pass 100 (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i2IQtAfam7HWr7aRwpWg2J7KpzFQD97T5O183)

Hope that helps you a bit more Alty. :)

I think this may help Alty too,she was next on my list. Can't forget our Canadian Friends!
AFP: Canada swine flu cases rise to 34 (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g5FIT-Duo67IEiIR4D4KqQXz2agA)

It'd be cool if there was a person on her to talk about their personal experience with the swine flu... Is it something you can get a second time? I know that's probably a dumb question. But I have to ask anyway.

I honestly think that the media's blown this up WAYYY too far.

It's apparently the "next pandemic,"... and not to mention, pork sales have bombed...

Is anyone aware how many people die annually by the regular flu?

Well, I know flus have been deadly, but people are so ill informed that they are like babies.

When a kid gets hurt, most of the time the first thing they do is look at you to see your reation... If you freak out, so will the kid..

Yeah, but now people are afraid of going outside in public without a mask, the President of Egypt is ordering a massacre of all pigs, and Mexico has a state of "no kissing policy"... c'mon people.

Most of the people in my family including me and my baby have asthma so all kinds of flu virus scares us. So naturally we are worried about this new swine flu

This is a good read.Its very informative.
CDC H1N1 Flu | Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu) (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm)

There are deaths from flu every year, and this particular one will not be an exception.

But, is the increasing panic really necessary?

Here is some info with additional links on the side on this newest scare.

TheStar.com | Opinion | 1976 swine flu story swung from fear to farce (http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/627097)

There are deaths from flu every year, and this particular one will not be an exception.

But, is the increasing panic really necessary?

Here is some info with additional links on the side on this newest scare.

TheStar.com | Opinion | 1976 swine flu story swung from fear to farce (http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/627097)

I don't see a panic thing happening but I know it is wise to be prepared and educated.
New York where I am from has the highest cases in the U.S.

That gives me pause .

One of our local high schools is closed.There is two cases in my small community and it's a teenager so you know he went to the mall.

The potential for allowing it to kill is dependent on our response to stop it.

That what happened in Mexico,the Gov.failed to act and the result was thus far I believe 150 deaths.

Our V.P. said don't travel in planes or subways if you can avoid it. What does he know that I don't know ?

I believe in the old boy scout motto *be prepared*. I also like this one :)
A stitch in time saves nine!

It will be interesting to see how this all pans out.

I've read that the cases here were all mild.

One part of me says, pandemic, the other side says, what's the panic all about.

Being Gemini, I'm naturally confused at the best of times. :confused:

LOL... artlady... I am the same... but then I occasionally read both and pick which one I like best and go with that one... ;)

I'm taking a wait and see approach. Yes, I understand that this is a mutated strain... but it is not new.

Right now I am thinking we are more aware obviously because it is something "new"... waiting to see what direction it takes, but odds are it will be similar to SARS and the bird flu... a fair number of people will get it, some will die, it will always be around to some degree, whether active or dormant. Will it become a major, widespread, health concern? I don't know, but don't think so... at least at this stage.

If the majority of people who become infected, or a large number, were to die because of it, I would be more concerned, but right now it seems the majority have basic flu symptoms, feel lousy for awhile, take meds, and get better, and that is the extent of it.

As with anything new, the media will be all over it... and the constant attention will naturally put some people into panic mode.

Look what happened to mad cow, bird flu, SARS, etc. they are major news for awhile, but quickly slip away when other news takes its place. They are all still around... but didn't become the major concern as the hype made them out to be.

Be smart... take the precautions you normally would with a flu virus, but I'm not overly concerned at this point. Will wait and see if more needs to be done.

That what happened in Mexico,the Gov.failed to act and the result was thus far I believe 150 deaths.

It's not all the government. Mexico has a far less developed health care system than does the US or Canada for example. A lot of it in Mexico is due to the lack of education on the part of the people as well as a lack of medical care.

It's not all the government. Mexico has a far less developed health care system than does the US or Canada for example. A lot of it in Mexico is due to the lack of education on the part of the people as well as a lack of medical care.I agree, those people would have likely died from the regular everyday flu variants that we deal with seasonally.

I wish people would not freak out. This is the FLU people. We get it every day. The people who are at the highest risk of death are the very young, the very old, immunosuppressed and pregnant women. No different than the everyday flu that goes around every year.

The only difference here is that most of us don't have an acquired immunity to this strain, but that still does not mean we will die. More people die from the yearly winter flu than have died at this point. It actually may be good for our immune system to be exposed to this strain so that our bodies have a heightened sense of immunity for the next strain that comes around.

The thing is...

My Mom is absolutely freaking out.

Last time we had something like this (SARS), I was living in China and actually contracted the disease. SARS was awful, but I'm still here!

The only thing we can do about swine flu is be aware of what's going on around us. I work at a college where I am constantly hearing about outbreaks of flus, stomach viruses, mono, etc. We just make sure that we keep our hands clean, take vitamins, and do what we can to prevent getting sick.

I'm with J_9 and Sneezy on this one... considering they are the resident medical professionals! :)

HC, I'm sorry you had to suffer through SARS. I hope that there was no permanent damage done.

Now, SARS and N1H1 influenza A are completely different. SARS infiltrates the respiratory system where N1H1 doesn't so much.

Guys, Girls... It's just the flu, not the Bubonic Plague. The flu is a virus... no antibiotics will kill it. It's not going to wipe out half the population like the 1800's.

Now, we want to take precautions, sure, but to freak out over it is ridiculous... Unless of course you are in one of the high risk groups.

We NEED exposure to various viruses to build our resistance to other viruses.

While I agree with the closing of schools, etc. so that we can contain this, I'm not going into a full blown panic mode, and my son is high risk.

Thanks J_9. It was awful and left permanent scarring on my lungs, but I just have to be aware of respitory things.

When I returned from China, my parents were living in Baltimore. Got all checked out from Johns Hopkins and the a-ok, thumbs up from a really good doc... also a "be careful"...

I'm wondering if they are going to close the borders. I am scheduled to leave for a three week trip to China in 11 days - hopefully that will still happen.

It's doubtful that they will close the borders at this point. Don't know what's going to happen in 11 days though. It's probably best to try to contain this as much as possible though.

I'm sorry to hear that you have permanent damage HC. Hopefully it is manageable.

It most definitely is. I just have to be aware.

I think it's almost better - I don't take "cleanliness" for granted. When we take care of ourselves by guarding our cleanliness, it pays off. I guess that's why I'm not too worried about swine flu at this point.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!! Is everyone really scared of this that much? There are 109 people who have it and there are 400,000,000 people in the US. Please I have actual problems to deal with.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!! Is everyone really scared of this that much? there are 109 people who have it and there are 400,000,000 people in the US. Please I have actual problems to deal with.

My sentiments EXACTLY!!

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!! Is everyone really scared of this that much? there are 109 people who have it and there are 400,000,000 people in the US. Please I have actual problems to deal with.

Had to spread the love, but this deserves a greenie! :D

Had to spread the love, but this deserves a greenie! :D

I didn't have to spread the love and gave him a greenie!! :D:D

THANKS HC and J_9! I had to talk my wife off the ledge last night she would not stop scaring herself with the news. So I put some pepper in my nose and went on a sneezing fit. Oh man I thought she was going to have a heart attack.

thanks hc and j_9! I had to talk my wife off the ledge last night she would not stop scaring herself with the news. So i put some pepper in my nose and went on a sneezing fit. Oh man i thought she was going to have a heart attack.

Lmao!!

Going to the city. Toronto. People are freaking out. Apparently 3 teens that came back from mexico tested positive but before they confirmed the results. They were not told to stay home. So from Thursday to Tues they were out in the general public and now there are more cases in toronto.

So your saying J9 I should not worry about going to the city because that is where we are going.

Anyway, Just wanted to open that up. I know that most cases here in canada and the states are mild cases.

Joe, why worry? You have a greater chance of getting hit by a freaking bus, at least right now. Even so, it's just the FLU for goodness sake. Ever had the flu before? Fever, body aches, sore throat? Well, it's really no different.

You don't have HIV/AIDS, you aren't on chemo, you aren't 80 years old with COPD, you aren't pregnant, and you aren't 6 weeks old.

Come on people. It's the flu for crying out loud.

Wash your hands... use antibacterial soap... use Germ-X... don't get in people's faces... cough/sneeze in a tissue and throw the tissue away.

How many people in Toronto have it? The majority? I don't think so. Besides you live in a country with a great health care system, unlike Mexico.

Going to the city. Toronto. Islander in the big city eh? Those women that ask you for a good time aren't really looking for a good time. No charge for the advice. :)

Going to the city. Toronto. People are freaking out. Apparently 3 teens that came back from mexico tested positive but before they confirmed the results. They were not told to stay home. So from Thursday to Tues they were out in the general public and now there are more cases in toronto.

So your saying J9 I should not worry about going to the city because that is where we are going.

Anyway, Just wanted to open that up. I know that most cases here in canada and the states are mild cases.

Joe, if you are worried, then don't go to the city. I'm just saying, as a health care provider, that I am not going to let this stop the daily activities of me and my family. I have Tylenol, I have Motrin. If and when it happens I'll deal with it. I'm not one for fear mongering.

We go through this every fall with the regular flu. The only difference is that this is in the spring/summer (depending on where you live).

Here's a good website brought to you by the American media: Do You Have Swine Flu? (http://doihaveswineflu.org/)

I just got an e-mail from the County Health Department...

... they can shut my restaurant down if there is a HINT of the swine flu.

... so... I'm guessing I can't sneeze, cough, or even remotely complain of aching anywhere...

I am not really concerned J9 just throwing that out there.

There was one kid that sneezed in class in toronto and guess what they sent him to the principles office and sent the kid home. Wow.
Overreaction or what?

Yes it is an over reactions.

Listening to the radio show, and they are making a big joke out of this too. Out of a whole country of canada. There is 35 confirmed cases. So are we going to start avoiding travel in different parts of canada. Unrealistic. THE MEDIA DOOM AND GLOOM.

The bird flu, Mad Cow Disease, sars and the list goes on..

Thank you Janine for Jumping in on this thread and everybody else. Just because I started a thread about it, does not necessarily mean I am pushing the panic button but I think it is good to be aware of what is happening. And having a discussion about it.

Joe Joe

I just got an e-mail from the County Health Department...

...they can shut my restaurant down if there is a HINT of the swine flu.

...so...I'm guessing I can't sneeze, cough, or even remotely complain of aching anywhere...



That is not good at all Sneezy.

Wow...
Look what I found. I wonder how many people in the world is totally using one of these right now?

http://www.drtedikoehn.com/images/panicButton.jpg


U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
(As of May 1, 2009, 11:00 AM ET) States # of laboratory confirmed cases Deaths
Arizona 4
California 13
Colorado 2
Delaware 4
Illinois 3
Indiana 3
Kansas 2
Kentucky 1
Massachusetts 2
Michigan 2
Minnesota 1
Nebraska 1
Nevada 1
New Jersey 5
New York 50
Ohio 1
South Carolina 16
Texas 28 1
Virginia 2
TOTAL COUNTS 141 cases 1 death
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Cool my very own panic button.

I agree Krazi when schools are closing around you. Why risk having your children in school. I would do the same and keep them home.

Take care.

Joe

For my kids sake 2 times...
Mountainview school still closed here in my town.

I tried hitting the panic button and nothing happened...

Damnit, now I just have to keep screaming.

I talked to a nurse today. As I was walking around campus she called me. I had been coming in with a sore throat. She asked me if I had certain symptoms that I knew were related to swine flu.. and I know that's what she was afraid of.

I couldn't get the smirk off my face. I laughed inside... The poor nurse is stressed a lot, but I kept my mouth shut. She acted calm but saw she was a little worried... She knows after evaluating me that it wasn't.. Then she was relieved...


Poor woman

I understand this topis is 8 pages long, no I have not read the whole thing.

But Gov Kaine confirmed 2 cases in VA today, and as such that means that a few others have most likley become infected in the last few days.

But the part that I find interesting is, Kaine points out that the to people have already recovered. Meaning they had the illness, have since recovered, and haven't seen a doctor yet.

This could have happened days, or weeks ago for all we know.

I'm hearing most of the cases are mild. I'm also hearing that about 40,000 people die each year from the regular seasonal flu.

I fail to see why the panic?

From the looks of this, I'd have a greater chance of hitting the big lotto prize than dying from the swine flu.

Humph... the president of our company just returned from a trip to Mexico last week. OH NO! Guess I better start bathing in bleach!

Have just heard a number of doctors and scientists now feel the normal flu is actually likely to be more of a concern. One mentioned how this strain has not acted like the regular flu virus in that you are seeing relatively small numbers around the country... whereas usually the flu spreads pretty quickly. It makes it appear that it is not as easily transmitted between humans as were the first concerns. However, they questioned whether it would become more of an issue next flu season... but by then there will likely be a vaccine.

Swine flu fears ease — for now - Swine flu- msnbc.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30471035)

Have also heard Florida now has its first confirmed case and others are being checked out.

Yea, but the thing is, there are probably untold numbers of people who have had this flu and have let it run it's course, and now are recovered.

I'm hearing most people don't even see the need to see a doctor on this one. And by run it's course, I mean, they got sick, and recovered before the media hype started, so nobody gave it a second thought.

" Regular flu " causes about 35,000 deaths anually in the US

This H1N1 is treatable with Tamiflu or Relenza. This past winters "flu" was resistant to Tamiflu in a lot of cases.

If you get the flu - it is recommended to stay home [ unless you have othe medical problems - e.g.. Diabetes, heart disease ] for at least 7 days [ incubation period ].

Common sense : wash your hands BEFORE eating, or touching your nose or mouth or face. Stay at least 6 feet or further from those that are coughing or sneezing. Cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough.


I'm more worried about the epidemic of texting while driving:(






G&P

I'm more worried about the epidemic of texting while driving:(

Oh, lets add on to that list. I have seen people reading newspapers or books while driving.

There are other things as well but defiantly texting is very dangerous. It only takes a split second of not paying attention to cause an accident.

Joe

Just a note to add here.

Talking and driving has just been made illegal here in Ontario, the third Province to ban any hand held device, including IPods, etc.

I don't know if the laws will ever fix 'stupid', but just tonight I saw a kid, no more than 8 years old on a little dirt bike, with a kid of no more than three, riding on the back.

The mom was working in her garden as the kids zipped around on the property, down into the ditch in front of the house, and straight out into the road without looking or stopping.

How many laws would it take to combat common sense! :o

So they have officially closed a local public school for the next two weeks (not my children's - yet). They are missing formals, concerts, sports games for one case that has been confirmed in that district.

So my son and daughter were crying scared this morning because if they end up closing their school then they have to make up the days and go to school until the middle of June. Missing the first two weeks of summer camp, in classrooms that don't have air conditioning.

I feel bad, this is panic and it's craziness.

I'm more worried about the epidemic of texting while driving:(

Oh, lets add on to that list. I have seen people reading newspapers or books while driving.

There are other things as well but defiantly texting is very dangerous. It only takes a split second of not paying attention to cause an accident.

Joe

Yesterday, I am watching the lady in my rearview mirror while I am slowing down at a stop light... she is digging around on the passanger side floor of her car, just peeking periodically over the steering wheel.

I am just stopped in front of her scared and braced for impact. When she looks up, slams on the brakes and goes careening forward... all I could think was dumb as a box of rocks. Especially when we started moving again and she went back to her search. I turned off the road to avoid being in front of her.

Mexico seems quite confident that the worst is over, with no new cases.

China on the other hand, quarantined a group of Canadians just off a plane on a school trip. Just because they are Canadian. I can see quarantines for the entire plane full, or those from countries with reported cases of this flu, but just the Canadians?

But who knows, maybe the extreme precautions have prevented something from becoming a pandemic.

At least we know they put better protocols in place since SARS.

Mexico seems quite confident that the worst is over, with no new cases.

China on the other hand, quarantined a group of Canadians just off a plane on a school trip. Just because they are Canadian. I can see quarantines for the entire plane full, or those from countries with reported cases of this flu, but just the Canadians?

But who knows, maybe the extreme precautions have prevented something from becoming a pandemic.

At least we know they put better protocols in place since SARS.

Where did you see this? I am heading to China next week with a school group...

Here is one of the stories. I hope it doesn't happen to you.

VOA News - China Quarantines Canadian Students, Collects Citizens in Mexico (http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-05-05-voa15.cfm)

Speaks for itself...

What we here at this thread have been saying all along!

US no longer advising schools close for swine flu - WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | (http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=10306695)

Yes! I'm so glad. There's a lot of colds and flus of sorts around here and I was afraid they'd close the school here down and graduation would be delayed. There's rumors about the flu here and I was going to be so bitter if it caused the school to close. I live in a dorm so if one person gets sick, the rest of the dorm gets sick. :p