HEALTH Influenza and Influenza-like-illness activity is now an epidemic; how bad will it be?

[kittyknits]

Dh got over his in record time and his reward was doing all the work in the office for a week while the others were still out sick. I got it Saturday night, took elderberry every 2 -3 hours, and feel tons better today. Will continue taking elderberry every four hours, then every 6 hours for a couple of days.

 

[Emilys]

Could some of this actually be Ebola?

Given that the H3N2 tests don't detect it as such?

 

[Moggy]

Greetings, Moggy: I've been reading everyone posts and no one mentioned taking the elderberry syrup or extract prior, during, or even after the 'flu/bronchitus
has passed it's acute stage. Thank you for the Lomatium recommendation. Do you have a link to a supplier whom you trust? Take care. BREWER

Hi, Brewer. I purchase Lomatium tincture from either of these suppliers...have used the first one for three or four years, have used the second one twice. I now have five bottles on hand.

WWW.NATURESANSWER.COM

http://www.elkmountainherbs.com/acatalog/Lomatium_Root.html

P.S. I took elderberry concentrate as soon as I felt a sore throat coming on...in addition to everything alternative you can imagine...and nothing prevented it from turning into the most horrendous respiratory illness I've ever suffered...and I have had almost all of them over the years. It was only my healing knowledge and the fact that I had everything on hand (including sage leaves to make a gargle for my throat) that kept me out of the hospital. The blasted menace lasted three weeks and I still have a trace of a cough.

 

[Tulip Blue]

I was diagnosed with strep throat and bronchitis over Christmas. Still at home on meds. Hadn't been sick in 5 years before this epidode. Stay well everyone.

 

[DHR43]

"SUMMARY: Remember that fever is fighting off your child's infection. Fever is one of the good guys."

Terrific summary! Bravo!

SOMEONE said it...now please pay attention. The mental picture that may help drive this truth home is that the 'fever is burning the bad guys out'.

 

[Mercury3]

Genevieve, Elderberry will not act as much of a preventative for flu BEFORE one gets it, though I think I've read it does help with other illnesses. But also, the directions on a bottle will say take a spoonful. I have read several places that when you do know you have the flu, that you need to up that to 4 spoons a day. Did you do that? I started feeling lousy a few days ago, and dumped in 4 spoons of elderberry. 2 days later was back to normal. As it is a natural food, there is no ham in *trying* it. Which is not saying you must take something. I'm all for taking a crack at whatever might help me.

I've always had good luck with Elderberry but I think the trick is to start it the moment something is suspected and once you know you have an illness take a LOT of it.

 

[WalknTrot]

I sat in the surg waiting room for 7 hours today waiting on my Dad's hip replacement. Everybody in the place had that same hacking cough/cold. The same one that gave me the most horrible sore ribcage for about three days over Christmas. Wanted to just "end it all" every time I coughed - hurt so bad like broken ribs.

Anyway, I survived and got rid of the sore ribs in about 3 days by drinking lots of "Russian Tea's" (with apricot brandy when appropriate) and big gulps of Dayquil every 4 hours. Let me sleep at night anyway and rest the bruising so it healed.

 

[kittyknits]

I've always had good luck with Elderberry but I think the trick is to start it the moment something is suspected and once you know you have an illness take a LOT of it.

This is absolutely correct and cannot be emphasized enough.

 

[Christian for Israel]

Y'all need to be taking the herbal tincture Lomatium to protect the lungs. I've posted this before but in case you missed it:


"..it is the nearest approach we have today to a specific in epidemic influenza and the accompanying pneumonia. Where used early it proved itself to be a reliable agent in preventing pulmonary complications. Other physicians were induced to give it a trial, with the same results. It is beyond the experimental stage, as its therapeutic action in this direction is established and beyond any doubt. The cases in which it has been used run into the hundreds. There is probably no therapeutic agent so valuable in the treatment of influenzal pneumonia and, as far as being tried, in ordinary lobar pneumonia if started early. Its action on coughs is more certain than the opiate expectorants and its benefit is lasting. It acts as a powerful tonic to the respiratory mucous membranes. It is a bronchial, intestinal and urinary antiseptic and is excreted by these organs. It seems to stimulate the pneogastries (sic) and causes a slow pulse with increased volume and reduced tension. It is a pronounced diaphoretic and somewhat diuretic, and it is a stimulating and sedative expectorant. In large doses it is a laxative, and in extreme doses emetic."

this is my first time hearing of this...how do you make it?

 

[bev]

The house went to beyond messy and DH is complaining, so trying to get things back in order. He did not get sick...

I'm glad DH did not get sick, but is there any reason why he couldn't help around the house while you were sick? And he's "complaining?"

I'm very lucky to have a mellow, laid-back kind of guy. He doesn't care if things occasionally get "messy." (they usually don't, unless I'm really sick or in lots of pain for days on end. It may not pass the white-glove test, but my house is always picked-up and neat.) Plus, he can cook for himself and actually helps clean things up. Yeah, I lucked out.

 

[bev]

I sat in the surg waiting room for 7 hours today waiting on my Dad's hip replacement. Everybody in the place had that same hacking cough/cold. The same one that gave me the most horrible sore ribcage for about three days over Christmas. Wanted to just "end it all" every time I coughed - hurt so bad like broken ribs.

Anyway, I survived and got rid of the sore ribs in about 3 days by drinking lots of "Russian Tea's" (with apricot brandy when appropriate) and big gulps of Dayquil every 4 hours. Let me sleep at night anyway and rest the bruising so it healed.

WalknTrot, I hope your dad's surgery went well, and that you didn't pick up any nasties while in the waiting room.

I went with my DD to take my DGD a to the doc last week. The waiting room was just as you described. The doc even admitted that there were several positive flu tests just in the time we were waiting (just under two hours). DD and I both started in on the elderberry syrup that day. So far, so good.

(ETA that you may have actually broken a rib or three with your coughing. It's not uncommon.)

 

[Christian for Israel]

Awesome anti-viral (was actually tested by upjohn as an antiviral medicine iirc but could not isolate the active ingredient)...the elderberry has helped us....just remember when you start feeling sick up the dose as soon as you see or feel symptoms. I've been using a great ginger tea and adding dried elderberries, a couple cloves, some black pepper (little cayenne if I'm feeling froggy) ..sprinkle a little turmeric in for good measure sometimes I throw in some olive leaf extract..add some honey and lemon ~ The ginger is pretty spicy so adjust to taste but it does give your body a nice little sweat.


Gonna say one more thing: PLEASE be careful inhibiting your fever...or your childs fever with tylenol etc...use every natural method you can because that fever is like your kingdoms army and if the army is disabled ..you get the picture. Take warm baths..don't bundle up ...use cool cloths on the wrist and pressure points.



Fever facts vs myth

Misconceptions about fever are commonplace. Many parents needlessly worry and lose sleep when their child has a fever. This is called fever phobia. Overall, fevers are harmless. Let the following facts help you put fever into perspective:

http://www.allkids.org/PediatricSymptomChecker/housecalls3tab_english/peds/fever_myths.htm

thank you, some of that i had never heard before. impeccable source also.

 

[anna43]

Sadly I've been to two funerals for flu victims. The husband of a friend and my dear neighbor. This flu is a killer and it is killing people of all ages and doing it very quickly.

We're trying to stay home as much as possible, but dh has regular doctor's appointments and doctor's offices are the best places to find germs. I've also run into flu victims while waiting in line at the pharmacy. I keep wet wipes in the car and wipe my hands when I leave any store or doctor's office. Unfortunately, the wipes were frozen solid when I was out on Friday. Need to remember to take them in the house instead of leaving them in the car.

Local nursing home is closed to visitors due to the flu and has been for a few weeks. Hospitals are limiting visitors to 2 family members and NO ONE WHO IS SICK is allowed in.

 

[Suzieq]

I heard Thursday night on a radio show, that the H3N2 flu Virus is killing a lot of the young and elderly people who get it!

 

[Suzieq]

From: WRAL News - Raleigh, NC

LOCAL NEWS
State reports 26 new flu-related deaths
January 15, 2015
Posted 1:38 p.m. yesterday
Updated 5:51 p.m. yesterday

*RALEIGH, N.C. — Twenty-six people in North Carolina died from influenza last week, bringing the total number of flu-related deaths in the state to 90 since the season began in October.

The data released Thursday by the state Department of Health and Human Services reflects a decrease in the number of deaths compared with a week earlier, when 38 people died from the virus.

Adults accounted for all of the deaths reported during the week ending Jan. 10. The gender and specific ages of the patients were not released.

Of the 23 samples submitted for testing last week, 15 were positive for flu, according to the data.

The decline may reflect what Rex Hospital emergency physician Dr. David Messerly has seen.

"We sort of saw a very quick ramp up and sort of a plateau, and it seems like maybe, if anything, this may be tailing off," he said.

People still come in with flu symptoms, but Messerly said it's not as dominant of a problem as it was.

"We're still quite busy, but I'm not convinced it's all influenza busy," he said. "I think this may be now just more of our traditional seasonal winter kind of busy."

Last year, 107 people in North Carolina died from flu during the season, which lasts from October to May.

Health officials earlier this month held a news conference to raise concerns about a spike in the number of flu deaths as the annual season reaches its peak. They urged residents to be extra-vigilant against the spread of the virus.

"In terms of intensity, the flu activity has been more intense as measured by visits to emergency departments," Dr. Megan Davies, state epidemiologist, said last week.

One reason for the spike in deaths, officials said, is that a specific strain of flu – H3N2, a type of Influenza A – is not well-matched to the flu vaccine for this season. Despite that, officials still recommend the flu vaccine for those who have not received it.

*(Fair Use)
Read more at http://www.wral.com/state-reports-26-new-flu-related-deaths/14359241/#ZjA31do4V5Z5jcQq.99

 

[FarmerJohn]

"SUMMARY: Remember that fever is fighting off your child's infection. Fever is one of the good guys."

Terrific summary! Bravo!

SOMEONE said it...now please pay attention. The mental picture that may help drive this truth home is that the 'fever is burning the bad guys out'.

Be careful with this one. Prolonged exposure to high fever can result in permanent brain damage.

 

[Housecarl]

We've been having a "bug" go through the office. Starts with a headache, fever/chills, body aches and fatigue with some nasal congestion and a light cough, I'm on week two of this.

You feel better, try to do anything again near normal tempo and it hits again. At one point at work, while being bundled up in three layers while everyone else isn't, suddenly felt like a bucket of ice water was poured down my back.

Been sleeping as much as I can and dosing myself accordingly.

 

[David Nettleton]

Sadly I've been to two funerals for flu victims. The husband of a friend and my dear neighbor. This flu is a killer and it is killing people of all ages and doing it very quickly.

We're trying to stay home as much as possible, but dh has regular doctor's appointments and doctor's offices are the best places to find germs. I've also run into flu victims while waiting in line at the pharmacy. I keep wet wipes in the car and wipe my hands when I leave any store or doctor's office. Unfortunately, the wipes were frozen solid when I was out on Friday. Need to remember to take them in the house instead of leaving them in the car.

Local nursing home is closed to visitors due to the flu and has been for a few weeks. Hospitals are limiting visitors to 2 family members and NO ONE WHO IS SICK is allowed in.

Influenza A diagnosed last Sat. This has been a rough one! No flu shot for several years now because I'd always get the flu right after the shot. I WILL get a shot next year as it is better than biting the dust. My son, an RN, said the flu mutates stronger every year. That the flu we had ten years ago was not nearly as deadly as the ones out there now, and they will get worse.

 

[Be Well]

I started a flu remedies/treatment thread in Alternative Medicine, I hope others add what has helped them. I know there have been other threads about treating flu but didn't know where they were so started a new one. I have more to add and will do so today, there is a lot of info there already and if anyone has questions I hope they ask me in case I know something that might help - directions how to make something, for instance. I will be posting my formulas and directions in case anyone is interested.

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?461896-Flu-and-ILI-Remedies

 

[Be Well]

this is my first time hearing of this...how do you make it?

I make lomatium tincture by loosely filling quart mason jars with lomatium root chunks which I buy from Starwest Botanicals (I use only organic or wildcrafted herbs, I think all lomatium is wc but I don't remember) and covering with a mixture of half grain alcohol (190 proof) and pure well water. I store in a cool dark place, shake when I remember, and let it sit for at least one month. Since lomatium roots are sort of sticky, gummy, very tough and in pretty big chunks, I can't really press them to get all the "good stuff" out, I then simmer the residual chunks at a low heat with lid on with water and make a very strong tea, to which I had honey and a small bit of grain alcohol to preserve it, basically a lomatium syrup. It tastes very strong.

 

[Broccoli]

Worst flu season in decade kills 85 in Indiana

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/01/16/worst-flu-season-decade-kills-indiana/21874857/

Indiana is facing its worst flu season in more than a decade, with a total of 85 deaths thus far and no sign that the disease is waning.

That's more than any of the total deaths in any of the past 10 years. While this year's flu season started a few weeks earlier than usual, mid-January typically falls about halfway through the season.

Contributing to this year's severity is the lack of an effective vaccine against the disease, which typically infects the respiratory tract and can cause fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat and cough.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the vaccine is only about 23 percent effective against the dominant strain circulating this year.

Even the H1N1 epidemic of 2009-10 did not claim as many lives in Indiana as the flu has this year. That outbreak, which occurred before a vaccine against H1N1 became available, saw 39 confirmed deaths in the state, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.


INDYSTAR
Should you get flu shot if only 50 percent effective?
The 2003-04 flu season saw a total of 91 deaths from flu at the end of the season, only six more than have been seen this year to date. Most of the deaths this season have struck the elderly, though this week, Indiana had its pediatric flu-related death of the year.

Although inoculation against the flu has been less effective than in other years — some years the vaccine has been as high as 60 percent effective at preventing the disease — government health officials still urge people who have not done so already to get their flu shots. Vaccination may help reduce the severity and/or duration of the disease if those who have been vaccinated still fall ill with flu.

This year, the vaccine has worked best for children, according to the CDC report. It's about 26 percent effective for those ages six months through 17 years compared with about 12 percent effective for those aged 18 to 49 percent and 14 percent for older people.

Because the vaccine works so poorly, state health officials Friday reiterated the need to take common precautions against the flu, such as washing hands, covering one's cough, and staying home from school or work if you fall ill.


INDYSTAR
Feeling sick? Either of these bugs could be to blame
Call Star reporter Shari Rudavsky at (317) 444-6354. Follow her on Twitter: @srudavsky.

Breakdown of flu deaths

State health officials said there have been two deaths in the 25 to 49 age range, eight in the 50 to 64 range and the remainder in those older than 65.

Lake County has had the most flu deaths, 10, officials said. St. Joseph and Allen counties have each had eight deaths, Tippecanoe County seven, and Kosciusko County six.

Marion and Hamilton counties have each had five deaths.

Source: Indiana State Department of Health

 

[Broccoli]

Flu Kills 19 Children This Week As Death Toll Continues To Rise In The U.S. Read more at h

Flu activity and the death toll continues to rise in the U.S., with 46 states now reporting widespread disease activity during the first two weeks of January. But this year, doctors and health officials are especially concerned because the vaccine doesn’t protect especially well against the main strain that is making people sick. It seems to be hitting children and young adults the hardest this season, with reports that 19 children have died from the flu this week, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths to 45.

The 45 children who died were from 18 states, with New York having one and Texas having the most with six. This flu season continues to prove exceptionally bad with school closures and overwhelmed hospitals throughout the country. In Minco, Oklahoma, a public school with too many children out sick decided to close its doors for the week, according to ABC’s Oklahoma affiliate KOCO-TV. In Philadelphia, 75 Nazareth Academy Grade School students were out Tuesday with flu-like symptoms, forcing the school to close Wednesday for cleaning, according to ABC Philadelphia station WPVI-TV. The school only has about 200 students, as reported by ABC News.

image: http://cdn.inquisitr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cdc17n-1-web-670x468.jpg

cdc17n-1-web
People talk about “the flu,” but in any given flu season, several strains will be circulating. That’s why flu vaccines are made using more than one strain. This year’s vaccines protect against either three or four strains; it varies by company. But one of the strains circulating isn’t included in this year’s vaccine. It’s a mutation of the H3N2 strain. Unfortunately, it is also the most common strain. This means the vaccine is not terribly effective this year. CDC figures suggest it only reduces a person’s risk of severe illness by 23 percent, as reported by Today.

But CDC and other health officials say people should still be vaccinated. The vaccine still might be protecting people against other strains, like H1N1 and influenza B.

“We often see B that comes out and circulates late in the year. And H1 even,” said the CDC’s flu expert Dr. Joe Bresee.

Flu usually hits the very young, pregnant women, people with compromised immune issues, and the very old the hardest. Depending on the season, it kills anywhere between 4,000 and 50,000 people a year in the United States. Flu viruses mutate like crazy and it’s hard to keep up. That’s why the vaccine changes every year, and why doctors recommend that people get a new flu vaccine every year. Read more about the ineffectiveness of the flu vaccine, as reported by the Inquisitr.


Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/1761846/fl...inues-to-rise-in-the-u-s/#K4gUAkeMxPwutlGs.99

 

[TerriHaute]

Talked to DD in Seattle this week whose best friend there is a pediatrician. Her friend says that normally her office sends one or two children per flu season to the ER with symptoms bad enough to require hospitalization. This year there have been dozens and most of patients the practice is getting right now are flu patients. They have been telling the well-check patients to reschedule and stay away from their offices until the epidemic dies down.

 

[TBonz]

I *never* get the flu. I have it right now. It's downright miserable.

 

[Ravekid]

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/01/16/worst-flu-season-decade-kills-indiana/21874857/

The 2003-04 flu season saw a total of 91 deaths from flu at the end of the season, only six more than have been seen this year to date. Most of the deaths this season have struck the elderly, though this week, Indiana had its pediatric flu-related death of the year.

State health officials said there have been two deaths in the 25 to 49 age range, eight in the 50 to 64 range and the remainder in those older than 65.

Lake County has had the most flu deaths, 10, officials said. St. Joseph and Allen counties have each had eight deaths, Tippecanoe County seven, and Kosciusko County six.

Marion and Hamilton counties have each had five deaths.

Since I'm from Indiana, the stats above paint somewhat of a picture for me better than others.

So, at the time of this article, we had 85 flu deaths. While these deaths are horrible, please note we have 6.5 million people our state. While getting such an ailment would be horrible, most people really don't have to worry all that much.

If I look at locations, Lake Co., which has had the most deaths, is also home to some of the largest poor areas in the state. It is where one finds Gary, IN, which I visited last year. Gary, IN is barely functional, most stop light intersections are in disrepair and have had stop signs erected. The population is heavily dependent on welfare, their health is likely the worst in the state. St. Joe county is home to S. Bend, which also has a poverty issue, though maybe not to the extent of Lake Co..

Then if I look at ages, this is where people can really see what is likely the issue. Of 85 deaths, only two were aged 25-49. So that leaves 83 deaths for people who were aged 50 or older. Indiana is constantly ranked at the bottom of various surveys for health. We rank high for obesity. It isn't really all that shocking that older people are more likely to be the victims, especially those 65+. My family has a lot of out-of-shape people, it is sad, but we just aren't a state known for physical fitness overall (I do see a change within the younger 30s and under generations though).

Things likely won't get any better, and for those who are middle aged, view this as a wake up call. It is never too late to get in shape. While hiking in the Smokies last year, I met a guy who was likely in his late 40s or possibly early 50s. He had always wanted to climb to the top of the mountain, but was always in horrible shape. He said he finally decided there were no more excuses. He said just giving up sugar water (ie: Coke, Pepsi) cause him to lose most of his belly fat, it just disappeared when he switched to drinking water. He then started just walking, and just those two things alone totally changed his health. This guy wasn't some sort of super athlete, he wasn't a body builder, he just got stopped eating the stuff that slowly kills us and threw in some very light mobility and that is all it took.

 

[Chicken Mama]

After reading all the posts, I don't find any stating what docs/hospitals are doing to treat it. I've had a respiratory infection and mucousy cough for 3 weeks now and nothing has helped. I've been taking amoxicillin 500 mg, Nyquil by day, Nyquil by night, breathing treatments 2x/day, using inhalers, neti pot, saltwater gargle and yes, elderberry syrup at the beginning because DH was flying home the Sunday after Christmas so I pre-dosed religiously. The nasal/ear infections started Thursday.

 

[WalknTrot]

My Pop is in rehab right now after his hip replacement. The staff are all in masks and no PT in common therapy room and no eating in the dining room. All meals and PT done in the rooms only.

Talked to his Ortho P.A. last week, and the rehab nurse. Both said that they "think" they are round the bend on this flu thing up here and it's coming down from the peak now. The P.A. visits the hospital every day, so he should see it.

 

[4RIVERS]

Wife came down with it over a week ago. She was as sick as I've ever seen her and I ended up talking to a nurse help line. After going through their checklist, they said get her to an urgent care, or ER within the hour, if the urgent care was unavailable. No urgent care is open in our area on a Sunday night, so it's off to the ER. It had about a dozen other people in there with what looked to be flu also. Luckily, they took her back after a short wait. Dr came in and ordered a flu test, strep swab, and chest xray... Though flu test was negative they said she had the flu, strep throat, and bronchitis. I asked about the negative flu test and they said her symptoms were classic and the flu test has a high rate of false negatives, so they figure she has the flu too. They then give her IV fluids with something for the nausea, headache, and an antibiotic for the strep.

Wife and I have been together almost 30 years and I was really concerned with this one. First, I've seen her sick with strep many times, but I've never seen her cry from the severe headaches and chills she had with this. She also didn't put up a fight when I told her we needed to get her in to the ER and I usually have to argue with her about going to the DR for anything. She was severely ill with this bug and almost a week later, she has still not got her energy back or even over all the symptoms.

Whatever this one is, it's rough. Be careful out there.

 

[Medical Maven]

After reading all the posts, I don't find any stating what docs/hospitals are doing to treat it. I've had a respiratory infection and mucousy cough for 3 weeks now and nothing has helped. I've been taking amoxicillin 500 mg, Nyquil by day, Nyquil by night, breathing treatments 2x/day, using inhalers, neti pot, saltwater gargle and yes, elderberry syrup at the beginning because DH was flying home the Sunday after Christmas so I pre-dosed religiously. The nasal/ear infections started Thursday.

Amoxicillin has not been working with the secondary bacterial infection that is going around this year. Start taking azithromycin (z-pak). That is what has been working.

 

[Chicken Mama]

Thank you Medical Maven. I have AZ in stock and will start it now.

 

[Broccoli]

BCNU on hospital overcrowding: ‘This is not safe patient care'

http://bc.ctvnews.ca/bcnu-on-hospital-overcrowding-this-is-not-safe-patient-care-1.2193608

CTV Vancouver
Published Saturday, January 17, 2015 12:35PM PST
Last Updated Saturday, January 17, 2015 11:13PM PST
The Fraser Health Authority is dealing with "unprecedented" crowding at Surrey Memorial Hospital, according to a memo obtained by CTV News.
The memo, marked "urgent," informs hospital staff that the facility is experiencing its "highest volumes ever" of patients in the ER needing admission or beds.
The memo also warns of "multiple infection outbreaks" across the hospital, including C. difficile, influenza, carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and various respiratory outbreaks. It also addresses challenges in discharging patients from the hospital.
RELATED STORIES
Photos expose overcrowding at Surrey Memorial Hospital ER
New Surrey Memorial ER already crammed full: nurses
PHOTOS
Surrey Memorial Hospital's emergency department
The emergency room at Surrey Memorial Hospital is shown in this undated file photo. (CTV)
Fraser Health officials blamed what it called a “higher-than-normal volume” of traffic on a surge of influenza patients, with more than 500 people streaming into the ER in a single day.
“We have seen increased volumes at Surrey Memorial and some of the other hospitals. In fact, we’ve seen this across Canada as well,” said spokesman Ken Donohue. “It may mean that is someone has a less serious illness or injury, it may mean a little bit longer wait, but our staff are working really hard to see patients as soon as they can.”
Donohue said so far, the authority’s planning strategies have led to decreased volumes in the past day or so.
He also said that additional doctors and nurses were hired when the new emergency room opened in 2013.
But the president of the B.C. Nurses’ Union claimed that Fraser Health has not hired enough nurses to care for patients.
“I’m being advised that nurses have never experienced the working conditions they are today,” said Gayle Duteil. “This is not safe patient care…they have not hired enough nurses to care for the patients who are coming through their doors in droves at this time. This is winter surge for sure, but it happens every winter.”
Patients at the hospital are already noticing delays.
Jessica Mooney said she came to the ER with a friend earlier in the week, who she claimed waited up to nine hours to see a doctor.
“I think that’s a little bit insane,” she said. “Considering the severity of the causes and they don’t actually know what’s wrong with you yet.”
Jessica's father said he’s “seen nurses running themselves ragged around there” in his last few visits to the hospital.
“When you go inside there, it’s huge,” said Darryl Mooney. “It’s just understaffed. It’s unacceptable.”
The health authority has set up a command centre on site to help deal with the backlog, and said in the memo every patient in every unit "is being reviewed daily for potential discharge."
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Scott Roberts


Read more: http://bc.ctvnews.ca/bcnu-on-hospit...not-safe-patient-care-1.2193608#ixzz3PCSXyERe

 

[BREWER]

After reading all the posts, I don't find any stating what docs/hospitals are doing to treat it. I've had a respiratory infection and mucousy cough for 3 weeks now and nothing has helped. I've been taking amoxicillin 500 mg, Nyquil by day, Nyquil by night, breathing treatments 2x/day, using inhalers, neti pot, saltwater gargle and yes, elderberry syrup at the beginning because DH was flying home the Sunday after Christmas so I pre-dosed religiously. The nasal/ear infections started Thursday.

Greetings, Chicken Mama: It wouldn't hurt to continue the elderberry, Vit-C and MM's reco on the z-pak.
Be Well's lomatium syrup Post#60 is something I'm going to start keeping on hand. IIRC Moggy suggested this,too. Feel better soon. Take care. BREWER

My Pop is in rehab right now after his hip replacement. The staff are all in masks and no PT in common therapy room and no eating in the dining room. All meals and PT done in the rooms only.

Talked to his Ortho P.A. last week, and the rehab nurse. Both said that they "think" they are round the bend on this flu thing up here and it's coming down from the peak now. The P.A. visits the hospital every day, so he should see it.

Greetings, WalknTrot: Sending up prayers for your Pop's quick recovery from his surgery and protection from acquiring this dreaded flu. Everyone I knew who went through the hip replacement universally said they wish they'd done it sooner. Take care. BREWER

Wife came down with it over a week ago. She was as sick as I've ever seen her and I ended up talking to a nurse help line. After going through their checklist, they said get her to an urgent care, or ER within the hour, if the urgent care was unavailable. No urgent care is open in our area on a Sunday night, so it's off to the ER. It had about a dozen other people in there with what looked to be flu also. Luckily, they took her back after a short wait. Dr came in and ordered a flu test, strep swab, and chest xray... Though flu test was negative they said she had the flu, strep throat, and bronchitis. I asked about the negative flu test and they said her symptoms were classic and the flu test has a high rate of false negatives, so they figure she has the flu too. They then give her IV fluids with something for the nausea, headache, and an antibiotic for the strep.

Wife and I have been together almost 30 years and I was really concerned with this one. First, I've seen her sick with strep many times, but I've never seen her cry from the severe headaches and chills she had with this. She also didn't put up a fight when I told her we needed to get her in to the ER and I usually have to argue with her about going to the DR for anything. She was severely ill with this bug and almost a week later, she has still not got her energy back or even over all the symptoms.

Whatever this one is, it's rough. Be careful out there.

Greetings,4RIVERS: Prayers for your DW for her complete recovery. Having more than one illness at the same time is very difficult and it is very stressful watching your wife being so sick and nothing you can do about it. Good that you got her to the ER. I know how difficult it can be to get the stubborn to go. If this is like what has been going around the past few years the recuperation could be as long as 4-6 weeks. She will have to have a lot of patience with herself. Please try to stay well yourself. It is great she has you there to take care of her and give her encouragement. Take care. BREWER

 

[watchin]

I put this on the other flu thread, but it's worth posting here, too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Does NOBODY know about Oscillococcinum???? They don't call it a cure, but it definitely is.

My friend's parents had the flu about three weeks ago. The mother was in the hospital with it for a few days, & my friend was staying with the father, taking care of him. She called me on Sunday, two weeks ago & said she was taking it. Aching all over, cold & hot, no appetite, & feeling really bad.

I took her a package of Oscillococcinum (from my stash), threw it in the door & told her to start taking it immediately. She called the next morning & said she was much better after the first dose. After about 4 hours, the symptoms started coming back, so she took more & felt even better than before. That was Monday. I drove by her house on Tuesday & she was riding her horse.

I've stopped flu in it's tracks twice with Oscillo myself. The sooner you take it the faster it works, so I keep a supply, just in case.

Amazing stuff!

 

[rockcreek]

My reply is gone. Yes watchin my Dh and I took the Oscillococcinum and Sambucol. He was almost back to normal in 4 days. Mine lasted longer because of the coughing and weakness from not eating. I need to get some more and some Zicam.

 

[Chicken Mama]

Maybe it was just good timing, I don't know. But after just 24 hrs on the AZ I'm feeling human again. Still a bit of pressure and tenderness in my sinus cavities and ears, but by-golly I think I'm gonna live after all. Thank you medic maven!

 

[Medical Maven]

Maybe it was just good timing, I don't know. But after just 24 hrs on the AZ I'm feeling human again. Still a bit of pressure and tenderness in my sinus cavities and ears, but by-golly I think I'm gonna live after all. Thank you medic maven!

Yeah, you never know. But usually, if azithromycin is going to work, you will start feeling the results between 24 to 48 hours. Also the synergy with the residual amoxicillin in your body could have given your recovery an added boost. It is not good to mix antibiotics of the same "class", but those two antibiotics are in different classes. Without a physician's recommendation (or extensive online search of clinical studies) it is generally not good to take two antibiotics at the same time.

 

[Broccoli]

http://www.aol.com/article/2015/01/...s-after-being-diagnosed-with-flu-st/21134090/


5-year-old Oklahoma girl dies after being diagnosed with flu, strep

MOORE, Okla.– A five year old girl from Moore died Wednesday night after being diagnosed with the flu and strep throat over the weekend.

Officials at Integris Hospital did not specify what killed Emersyn “Emmy” Waddle, but released a statement Thursday saying, “This is a loving and concerned family. Our hearts go out to them in this time of incomprehensible loss. We are hopeful the medical examiner will be able to shed some light on why little Emmy died.”

The girl died just before 9 p.m.

Thursday afternoon, the state Medical Examiner’s office did not have a cause of death to release.

A Facebook page was set up for Waddle called “Praying 4 Emmy” and a Go Fund Me page was set up as well.

Emmy’s father, Dylan, told NewsChannel 4 she did not feel well on Friday and experienced a fever of 107 degrees by late Saturday.

Her temperature actually spiked from 102 to 107 within an hour, he said.

She was hospitalized – her liver and kidneys were not functioning properly and she had swelling on her brain.

Dylan said his daughter loved her two older sisters and one younger brother, and was “sweetest, kindest, loving little girl.”

Dr. Kristy Bradley, the State Epidemiologist, said there have been 47 deaths in Oklahoma from influenza since September – 16 of those were within the last week.

“We are having a very severe flu season this year,” she said Thursday. “If they start to see some problems with persistent fever, shortness of breath in very young toddlers and infants, very unresponsive, then they shouldn’t delay and take them for medical attention.”

She said the Centers for Disease Control reports this season’s flu shot has only been 23 percent effective, well below the usual 60-70 percent effectiveness.

The predominant strain, H3N2, has developed a variation since the vaccine was made last year – meaning the virus has been able to dodge the flu shot.

Dr. Robert Welliver, Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of Infectious Diseases at OU Children’s Physicians, says the flu brings down the immune system, allowing other complications to become deadly.

“Children and adults, when they die of influenza, very often they have staph in their lungs as a complication from that,” he said. “I think all of us have something that we’re not one hundred percent protected against, and that’s probably what happens in people that get fatal influenza.”

Funeral services for Emmy Waddle are set for Monday, 10 a.m., at Emmaus Baptist Church.

 

[Broccoli]

15 new flu deaths reported in North Carolina
[link to abc11.com]
Officials: Children account for 4 flu deaths in Clark Co.
[link to www.fox5vegas.com]
Cuyahoga County: 10 more flu deaths
[link to www.wkyc.com]
Five More Flu Deaths Reported in San Diego
[link to www.nbcsandiego.com]
9 Flu Deaths in SC Last Week
[link to www.wltx.com]
Update: AR Flu Deaths Climb to 24
[link to www.arkansasmatters.com]
Oklahoma flu deaths climb to 47
[link to www.fox23.com]
Flu deaths in N.C. reach record 114
[link to www.journalnow.com]
Flu deaths spike to 7 this week in Tulsa County
[link to www.tulsaworld.com]
Flu deaths exceed 2013-14 with 2 months to go
[link to www.citizen-times.com]
Del. flu death total rises to 16
[link to www.delawareonline.com]
Health department confirms 15 Pittsburgh-area flu deaths
[link to www.wtae.com]
The flu claims more lives, 74 deaths in SC this season
[link to www.greenvilleonline.com]
Influenza hospitalizations and deaths on the rise
[link to www.khq.com]
CDC: 8.5% of All Deaths Are Flu-Related
[link to www.fox21online.com]
4 Flu Deaths in Bay Area; Vaccine Only 23% Effective, Study Shows
[link to www.nbcbayarea.com]
Swine flu deaths in Jaipur put Rajasthan on high alert
[link to www.dailymail.co.uk]
Three more adults die from the flu in Travis County
[link to kxan.com]
11 flu deaths, 1,340 cases confirmed in Delaware
[link to www.delawareonline.com]

 

[hunybee]

remember, if one is taking or has taken antibiotics, replenish the good bacteria in your body. the antibiotics kill the good and the bad, and we need to put them back. get some good probiotics, eat good quality yogurt (not the thick sugar they try to pass off as yogurt), or kefir.

 

[Be Well]

CDC: 8.5% of All Deaths Are Flu-Related
[link to www.fox21online.com]

I wonder what the % is in an average flu season. Thanks for posting all this, broccoli, I need to read carefully tomorrow.