H1N1 "Swine" Flu...

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Just saw that the child that died in texas was a mexican child flown to texas for treatment....
 
It helps to have a little historic perspective.

Here is the chart of deaths per 100,000 from Influenza from the first half of the 20th century. The chart ends in 1953, when they had, on average, 31 deaths per 100,000 population from all strains of Influenza.

flu-55.jpg



Today, the death rate from all strains of influenza is only about 8 per 100,000 people, or about 36,000 people a year in the U.S. dying from the flu.

This strain? So far- only one person in the U.S., and that was someone who came to the U.S. for medical treatment from Mexico.

I'm not too worried.


​
 
Only problem is that this current strain H1N1 is the same strain that caused the 1918-1919 pandemic which killed 5% of our population.
 
ATCJeff said:
Only problem is that this current strain H1N1 is the same strain that caused the 1918-1919 pandemic which killed 5% of our population.
Click to expand...


No, ATCJeff, that is not correct.

This "H1N1 Swine Flu" isn't anything at all genetically like the 1918 Spanish Flu virus.

Here is a good read: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-swine-reality30-2009apr30,0,3606923.story

This one genetically appears to be more related to a cross between several different versions of influenza that have appeared over the last few years, but is genetically very different from the 1918 version.

Here is a clip from today's LA Times article: read the whole article at the link above.
----------------------------------------------

""This virus doesn't have anywhere near the capacity to kill like the 1918 virus," which claimed an estimated 50 million victims worldwide, said Richard Webby, a leading influenza virologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

When the current virus was first identified, the similarities between it and the 1918 flu seemed ominous.

Both arose in the spring at the tail end of the flu season. Both seemed to strike people who were young and healthy instead of the elderly and infants. Both were H1N1 strains, so called because they had the same types of two key proteins that are largely responsible for a virus' ability to infect and spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health published genetic sequence data Monday morning of flu samples isolated from patients in California and Texas, and thousands of scientists immediately began downloading the information. Comparisons to known killers -- such as the 1918 strain and the highly lethal H5N1 avian virus -- have since provided welcome news.

"There are certain characteristics, molecular signatures, which this virus lacks," said Peter Palese, a microbiologist and influenza expert at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. In particular, the swine flu lacks an amino acid that appears to increase the number of virus particles in the lungs and make the disease more deadly.

Scientists have identified several other differences between the current virus and its 1918 predecessor, but the significance of those differences is still unclear, said Dr. Scott Layne, an epidemiologist at the UCLA School of Public Health.

Ralph Tripp, an influenza expert at the University of Georgia, said that his early analysis of the virus' protein-making instructions suggested that people exposed to the 1957 flu pandemic -- which killed up to 2 million people worldwide -- may have some immunity to the new strain.
 
James48843 said:
Ralph Tripp, an influenza expert at the University of Georgia, said that his early analysis of the virus' protein-making instructions suggested that people exposed to the 1957 flu pandemic -- which killed up to 2 million people worldwide -- may have some immunity to the new strain.
Click to expand...
WOW!!! 1957, I had that one!! I believe thay called it the Asiatic flu? Yep that was it:

ASIATIC FLU
Pronunciation (US):

Dictionary entry overview: What does Asiatic flu mean?
• ASIATIC FLU (noun)
The noun ASIATIC FLU has 1 sense:
1. influenza caused by the Asian virus that was first isolated in 1957

Familiarity information: ASIATIC FLU used as a noun is very rare.
http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/asiatic_flu.htm

I was one sick child, I remember the nausea and the high fever, dizzy! I may have some immunity, that's GOOD! :)
 
James48843 said:
No, ATCJeff, that is not correct.

This "H1N1 Swine Flu" isn't anything at all genetically like the 1918 Spanish Flu virus.

Here is a good read: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-swine-reality30-2009apr30,0,3606923.story

This one genetically appears to be more related to a cross between several different versions of influenza that have appeared over the last few years, but is genetically very different from the 1918 version.

Here is a clip from today's LA Times article: read the whole article at the link above.
----------------------------------------------

""This virus doesn't have anywhere near the capacity to kill like the 1918 virus," which claimed an estimated 50 million victims worldwide, said Richard Webby, a leading influenza virologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

When the current virus was first identified, the similarities between it and the 1918 flu seemed ominous.

Both arose in the spring at the tail end of the flu season. Both seemed to strike people who were young and healthy instead of the elderly and infants. Both were H1N1 strains, so called because they had the same types of two key proteins that are largely responsible for a virus' ability to infect and spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health published genetic sequence data Monday morning of flu samples isolated from patients in California and Texas, and thousands of scientists immediately began downloading the information. Comparisons to known killers -- such as the 1918 strain and the highly lethal H5N1 avian virus -- have since provided welcome news.

"There are certain characteristics, molecular signatures, which this virus lacks," said Peter Palese, a microbiologist and influenza expert at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. In particular, the swine flu lacks an amino acid that appears to increase the number of virus particles in the lungs and make the disease more deadly.

Scientists have identified several other differences between the current virus and its 1918 predecessor, but the significance of those differences is still unclear, said Dr. Scott Layne, an epidemiologist at the UCLA School of Public Health.

Ralph Tripp, an influenza expert at the University of Georgia, said that his early analysis of the virus' protein-making instructions suggested that people exposed to the 1957 flu pandemic -- which killed up to 2 million people worldwide -- may have some immunity to the new strain.
Click to expand...


I didn't say that this version of the H1N1 would behave like the same version in 1918. I just stated they were the same strains. Why do you think the WHO and CDC are concern? As this strain mutates and spreads, this strain could change into something like the 1918 bug.

This current version is still in the process of programming itself. The lack of the amino acid molecule is good news. That doesn't mean it will not change. As this strain spreads, especially in the southern hemisphere, there's a chance that this swine H1N1 version will come across the human H1N1 strain and combine. When this happens, you could have the amino acid molecule form in the correct suquence.
 
ATCJeff said:
I didn't say that this version of the H1N1 would behave like the same version in 1918. I just stated they were the same strains. Why do you think the WHO and CDC are concern? As this strain mutates and spreads, this strain could change into something like the 1918 bug.
Click to expand...

I am concerned that we are a society that cries "WOLF" too much. Notify the world there is a concern. Rationally go through testing and evaluation and report facts. Treat when available.

WE ARE TOO MUCH OF A PRESS DRIVEN SOCIETY....

The news from Fox to CNN and everyone in between need to CALM DOWN.

Humans are not indestructable. Don't pretend that everything can be avoided with a shot or pill...People will die, there will be deaths, are we so pompous that we forget this??
 
Little concerned about the free use of the description of this flu strain as a potential "pandemic". Not likely but same precautions will limit the spread of the disease. Handwashing and avoidance of sick people especially children are just common sense. We should, however, prepare for a real pandemic! According to most health professionals I know It's only a matter of time!

Key things to keep on hand- 30-60 day supply of your medicines, potable water, canned goods, toilet paper, cash, and ammo (to protect you and yours from those who haven't prepared). Just think about it like this, no police, no healthcare, no grocery stores, no fuel for your cars, no bank access, no services. You're totally on your own!! :worried:
 
Frixxxx said:
I am concerned that we are a society that cries "WOLF" too much. Notify the world there is a concern. Rationally go through testing and evaluation and report facts. Treat when available.

WE ARE TOO MUCH OF A PRESS DRIVEN SOCIETY....

The news from Fox to CNN and everyone in between need to CALM DOWN.

Humans are not indestructable. Don't pretend that everything can be avoided with a shot or pill...People will die, there will be deaths, are we so pompous that we forget this??
Click to expand...

I second that motion.
 
H1N1 makes it to Utah. Had a noon press conference to announce "probable" cases. Someone I know who does know says cases in southern Utah and Summit County are awaiting CDC official word, but he's sure that's what it is. Just acting like "regular" flu right now.

Wash your hands :) ... while singing the ABC song ;) ... so you know you've washed long enough. :D

Lady
 
This just in......

White House tries to explain what Joe Biden REALLY meant this morning, when he said he wouldn't let his family fly on a plane to Mexico...or anywhere else...







Ya gotta admit- having ol 'Tell it like it is.." Joe Biden as Vice President is about the best thing to ever happen to President Obama....

We're in for some good entertainment over the next 3 1/2 years..... :-)


View attachment 6232



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Re: H1N1 "Swine" Flu...random thoughts

This is on everyones mind. I was working a problem today with some techs in Houston and points in between there and Phoenix and during our waiting time this subject came up. No one is panicking, just concerned. Of course comm techs don't panic easily unlike our customers.:D

Off subject but did you know if you lease a dedicated circuit in the US that British Telecom may be your carrier?

I almost lost my little brother to the 57 Asian flu. My Dad was our little town's version of a first responder (read volunteer fireman) in those days and got him cleared out and breathing again. So it's nothing to take lightly but nothing to panic about either.

The media likes a good spin on slow days and what could be better than a pandemic?

The VP either likes to stir the pot of never engages his brain before opening his mouth. I never figured which with that guy.

At one time the USAF advised us to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag while washing our hands but it turned out that was not long enough...possibly it was aimed at those who stumble through it cause they don't know the words.

Everyone stay well and keep the news coming.
 
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