September 11, 2009 - 4:09pm
My wife and I just returned home from the funeral of dear close friend's of ours daughter..... She died after complications from H1N1 that brought on viral pneumonia. She was a perfectly healthy 33 year old wife, mother of a 5 and 9 yr old boys. She tested negative twice and finally the hospital admitted her when after third test was positive... She spent 30 days in ICU in an induced coma on life support. Her kidneys shut down and she suffered from many other complications during this time, including a heart attack... Her body finally grew to tired to fight and passed away....
This is a plea to help save others.... This flu is a real danger and will only get worse. It can happen to anyone. Please seek medical help if anyone you know starts to feel the symptoms.. Her family wishes this message to be passed on to everyone so that her passing might help save the lives of others. She felt "sick" for days before going to a doctor and by that time it was to late, things progressed downhill rapidly.
September 11, 2009 - 11:54pm
#2
thank you Woodstock and you
thank you Woodstock and you are 100% correct on this having the possiblilty of coming on over night. She thought she was suffering from allergies or sinus problems.... The worst part today was at the end of the committal service at the cemetary... each of the family received a sunflowed, her favorite. Her husband gave his to their 5 yr old son... He was walking through the crowd happy as ever that his dad gave him a special flower and asking everybody if they were all going to his uncles house for a "party"... It was explained to him that his mom died and is an angle in heaven watching him and he thinks that is pretty neat but as of now he does not understand that he will be growing up without his mom.... All we ask and pray is that this story will help atleast one family to not go through with what we all went through today.... God bless.
September 12, 2009 - 1:51am
#3
asmmw- I read your story
asmmw- I read your story today, and I'll be honest, it scared me. I've been worried about H1N1 because my hubby is a teacher and I have a weakened immune system from having type 1 diabetes. I've been hospitalized with regular influenza 3 times in my life, even after getting the flu shot, although I've recoverd each time; I just get hit with it pretty hard. Anyway, I've heard all the hype about H1N1, but figured it was just like the regular flu and if I got it I'd pull through. Of course my hubby and I have been washing our hands like crazy, we both change our clothes whenever we come home, etc. Still, he's a teacher and I have a lot of doctor's appointments, so we both carry a high risk there. Until I read your story today I didn't really understand how severe H1N1 is. I knew it was dangerous of pregnant women (I actually only thought it was dangerous to their fetus'), and I also figured it was dangerous to people with severely weakened immune systems. While my immune system is weakened, I don't consider it to be severely weakened. I read your story today and realized oh my gosh, people are dying from this who aren't already immunocompromised? That's when I did a little search and found out that a large portion of the people dying from H1N1 are DIABETICS! I was shocked. I didn't know it was hitting diabetics so hard. Again, I was ignorant about it because I didn't want to get worked up into hysterics about something that I figured I could avoid by washing my hands. Now I see that my husband and I have to be even more vigilant about our efforts in washing our hands and not contracting it. I am really honestly scared now. If I get this, there is the real possibility that it could be fatal. I'm under 30 as well, so I don't have the immunities that people over 30 have. In other words, I'm super high risk and didn't even know it. I've told my hubby about how dangerous this is for diabetics and we're redoubling our efforts to not contract it.
Thank you for sharing this story. I'm so very sorry for your loss and the family's loss. I really didn't understand how severe H1N1 was until I read this post. I'm taking yout post as a warning that I need to be even more careful than I ever thought. I'm going to do everything I can to avoid this nasty illness because if I do catch it, I think it could have really bad consequences. I sure do hope they have vaccines available soon.
This is a little bit off-topic, but I have a question about vaccines. My hubby has never had a flu shot and is generally a healthy person. In the past he has been told that if he's never had a flu shot and is healthy he shouldn't start because once you get one you always have to get it. However, with H1N1 being as bad as it is, and since he's a teacher, should he get the vaccine, and does anyone know if he'll then have to get regular flu shots for the rest of his life? I know these are questions best posed to a doctor, but if anyone has any info. on these questions I'd appreciate it.
September 14, 2009 - 3:26am
#4
A regular flu shot is not
A regular flu shot is not going to protect you against H1N1. Its the disc inhaler Tamaflu that significantly shortens the duration and severity of H1N1. They have been giving out Tamiflu carefully as IT DOES NOT prevent H1N1, but merely keeps the symptoms from killing you, the vaccine is not out yet. They do not want to deplete the stock pile (not enough to treat the whole country) on every runny nose that comes into the ER. They have had labs working double time to increase the stock pile since the outbreak which is a little more assuring. Also, something else to remember are masks. Your average mask is designed to keep the **person wearing it** from infecting others. If you are in a high risk area (airport, school etc etc) and are trying to protect yourself there is a specific top quality mask that you need, cant remember the name but it would probably be similar to what would protect you from toxic fumes.
Be safe, be informed. Anyone is at risk, as previously mentioned the immuno compromised are at a much higher risk, diabetics, pregnant women (their bodies are working hard growing babies), the elderly, the young, people with HIV/AIDS.
For God sakes, stay out of Mexico! =) You might be ok flying right into Cabo San Lucas or some other tourist spot, than say TJ, but I wouldnt risk it.
Im so sorry for your loss, and their's, it is so sad and unfortunate.
September 12, 2009 - 10:14am
#5
Don't want to scare everyone
Don't want to scare everyone into thinking if you get it, you will die.... that is not the case, just want people to realize how serious this CAN be. There were 5 others in the ICU with her that had it, was in the same boat she was and all woke up fine and recovered. They were all males, through other reports it seems females are at a higher risk for more complications....
September 12, 2009 - 12:29pm
#6
I have never had a flu shot
I have never had a flu shot and have always thought it is a guessing game if they predict the correct flu virus. I do not know if the flu shots will protect against H1N1. But for those who know nothing about flu shots (not H1N1) you will be surprised. I'm sorry for the lose of a friend to the op. Take care, htmom
September 12, 2009 - 3:47pm
#7
same here
never have and probably never will take a flu shot...Bless the op's family.
September 13, 2009 - 10:34pm
#8
thank you all for the kind
thank you all for the kind thoughts, they have all been passed on to the family and they are extremely happy with knowing many more people are aware of the possible dangers of this..... you guys/ gals are truly some of the best people I have ever "met".... thank you again...
September 13, 2009 - 11:49pm
#9
H1N1
I've scheduled a flu shot on the 15th. But this is just the regular flu shot. Maybe I should hold off and wait until they have the H1N1 available? I usually get the shot every year and I want my son who is 12 to have it as well this season. I've heard that it's hitting youngsters especially hard and this is frightening.
September 14, 2009 - 12:05am
#10
I heard on the news that they
I heard on the news that they think the vaccine for H1N1 will be ready by mid-October. I think some very good info can be found by searching infection control online. Take care, htmom
September 14, 2009 - 10:08am
#11
I too
used to never take the flu shots
but after several bouts with bronchitis, one time 12 weeks, last 8, I decided not to take any more chances esp. after the SARS outbreaks, get both shots, an its no sure thing as whether they get the formula right but it builts the bodys immune system up to help fight a infection.
what scares me is there s going to be a superbug develop, a hybrid between two infections such as SARS an H1N1 an you think that a oxyicontin would be high if they ever found the cure supplies would be in such hi demand labatories could get whatever they demanded.
Woodstock
October 13, 2009 - 12:55am
#12
H1N1
I heard the H1N1 SHOT will be availble in late Oct.
October 20, 2009 - 12:59pm
#13
i heard that its to late to
i heard that its to late to get the h1n1 shot.news said should be a big out break by the end of the month.
October 20, 2009 - 1:16pm
#14
My Son is just getting over
My Son is just getting over it. 103 degree fever for 4 days, finally down to 99.8 and a horrid cough! Had a few really tense nights but he is pulling through without an ER trip!! The Pediatrician said ALL cases of the flu at this time are H1N1 whether mild or severe that seasonal doesn't start to hit until late Nov. thats why they start shots in Oct.. Don't know how accurate his info is but now we concentrate on everyone else in the house not getting it. My DD has surgery tomorrow morning and I have chemo on Thurs. and an infusion on Monday so can't afford to get sick now although there never is a good time. Three cans of lysol, two bottles of hand sanitizer and lots of washing and multi vitamins so far so good! Hope everyone can stay healthy or atleast keep it a mild form!
October 20, 2009 - 3:23pm
#15
Condolences
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep her two little children in my thoughts.
I have not/ never will get a flu shot either. I don't see the need, and have heard too many horror stories. The media is attempting to cause mass hysteria among the most vulnerable individuals...
Again, I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your friend. Amom- I hope your boy gets better soon and that you stay healthy.
October 20, 2009 - 6:15pm
#16
A Mom,
I'm glad your son is getting through okay. Friday, my son woke up warm and with muscle aches. He said it hurt to cough. His doctor checked him and said there's lots of different viruses going around and gave him the regular flu vaccine. We have to go back next month for the H1N1. I never got the shot this year. I was wrong in thinking H1N1 would cover all flu but the pediatrician said both vaccines are needed. My primary doctor told me it should be ready for me by the end of the month.
October 21, 2009 - 4:28pm
#17
My son should be able to go
My son should be able to go back to school tomorrow as long as the fever doesn't re-appear. Thank You for your well wishes. So far noone else has become victim. My DD's surgery went off today without a hitch except for alot more damage than they thought to the labrum, they knew the rotator cuff was pretty bad but didn't quite expect such an extreme tear in the labrum since this is the second repair but she did well and is home sleeping in the recliner. The only thing that I worry about now is her or I getting ill durring her recovery atleast the first two weeks. She doesn't need IT and she does need me! Well, we're gonna think positive and go with we haven't gotten it yet so maybe we won't. Have a low pain day everyone!!
November 4, 2009 - 11:55pm
#18
My condolences to you, OP.
My condolences to you, OP. I'm sorry about your loss. :(
I'm not getting the shot; I am wary of certain vaccinations and this is one of them. However, for many people, the benefits far outweigh the risks, and so they should certainly opt to protect themselves if given the chance.
November 5, 2009 - 12:43am
#19
agree.... this flu is nothing
agree.... this flu is nothing to take lightly. look at the vaccine in the 70's for the swine flu, do the research and it shows that back then the vaccine killed more people than teh actual virus did!!! I hope that vwas looked at when making this vaccine. Everyday more and more people become seriously ill from this... and it is effecting anybody and everybody... not just someone with underlying medical problems........ best wishes to all!!!
November 6, 2009 - 8:45pm
#20
I have a serverely
I have a serverely compromised immune system and got the H1N1 shot and have had no bad side effects whatsoever. I'm not a doctor so I can't say what people should do, but wanted to share my experiences. I get the regular flu vaccine every year, and almost every year I get cold-like symptoms for a few days afterwards. With the H1N1 shot I haven't had any of that. They do have a nasal vaccine that is made from the live virus, so I'm not sure how that will go over in all people. The reason they won't give it to people with weakened immune systems is because it is made from live virus (although from what I was told it can't multiply and healthy people's responses to it are to build up antibodies).
Also, I don't know if anyone heard but H1N1 can be transmitted from human to cat and ferret. So far there haven't been any cases of it being transferred to dogs, but who knows since it can be transferred from human to cat and ferret. So, if you or anyone in your family catches it, stay away from your pets. I'm glad I read about this because if you're like me, there's nothing like having a little heating pad (my kitties) curled up next to me when I'm sick keeping me warm.
I m sorry for the lost of your freind
from what I ve heard on the news this flu may start as simple as a runny nose an then develop overnite to a fullblown outbreak, everyone needs a shot, if they can take it, some people have weak immune systems should consulted with their Dr.
an it appears that the younger generations are more likely to get infected, when I was a child back in the early 60s the goverment had polio treatment stations on the weekends were every child was given a serum on a lump of sugar, seems like we had to go for 3 weekends in a row.
the clinic I go to will provide a tetanus shot at no cost as a community act of care, why does nt the goverment immunize the mainstream at no cost, the news person told today that the goverment was providing the vaccine to the clinics at no cost, but it was the clinics that requires the charge, the goverment pays for the vaccine, syringes an the needles.
I live in a part of the country that in 1920 it was hard to access many places whole families died out, sometimes as many as 3 to 4 generations
hope everyone will get both flu shots
Woodstock