Swine Flu and You

dd74 · 04-29-2009, 09:53 PM

So...what are and are you not doing in lieu of the pig flu?

I'm not:

Shaking hands - with anyone.

I am:

Purell equipped as well as engaged in frequent hand washing.

I might:

Start paying everything with a credit card just so I don't handle any nasty currency.

Bill Douglas · 04-29-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dd74

Start paying everything with a credit card just so I don't handle any nasty currency.

I'm not doing anything differently. If it's going to get me it will get me (but I don't think it will). And I'm also using the CC, so should I die I at least have got the last laugh with the banks.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

A schools was just closed in our area. It's a thin line between overreacting and being prepared.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Using hand sanitizer often. Talked to kids about flu hygiene. Sent some sanitizer to school with kids and asked school to have teachers lead their kids in using it. Bought some masks. So far that's it.

URY914 · URY914's Garage

We're now living in a big plastic bubble. It's not too bad but it has a few drawbacks. I don't do much grilling anymore. Smokes the place up really bad.

jyl · jyl's Garage

If a significant number of US fatalities start being reported, then I will consider more serious measures like avoiding crowded places, keeping kids home, actually wearing the masks when out in public, cancelling travel, etc.

I figure the swine flu is getting so much attention that the reported number of cases in the US is probably close enough to the actual number. So, with the reported number of deaths (so far 1 or zero, depending on how you count the kid in TX), you've got a fatality rate that you can think about. I don't think the Mexican data is reliable enough to say what the fatality rate is.

Not sure how high that fatality rate has to be, for me to take serious action. 1% is high enough? 0.01% is not high enough? Still thinking about it.

Edit: My neighbor owns some Mexican restaurants and has invited the whole neighborhood and lots of other friends to a Cinco de Mayo dinner party at his downtown restaurant. I have to admit I did think twice about that (I realize the style of food is irrelevant, just being in such a large crowd, some of whom probably recently visited Mexico) but I'll probably go anyway, because he is a super guy.

legion · 04-30-2009, 04:47 AM

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing. Oink.

So far, this is just a bunch of overblown hype. This hasn't put so much as a dent in flu statistics for the year. It isn't any more deadly or dangerous than any other strain of flu. All we've witnessed is a case study on how a particular strain of flu spreads. That's it!

So quit your overreacting! Squee!

slakjaw · 04-30-2009, 04:51 AM

I am doing nothing different. I wash my hands before I eat just like I did before this thing went down.

If I get sick and and die I swear I will haunt these forums.

Danimal16 · 04-30-2009, 04:55 AM

My ex thinks I'm a pig so I guess I should be quarantined.

The Gaijin · 04-30-2009, 05:14 AM

Joe Biden says he would not ride the subway. He has that luxury..

Wash hands, try not to touch mouth, eyes and nose..

Anyone around me that may even think they might be sick - GO HOME!

Tishabet · 04-30-2009, 05:14 AM

The first cases in New England were confirmed yesterday in my town... so last night I went out in said town for pizza and beer. I'm not dead yet, but will keep you guys updated.

legion · 04-30-2009, 05:15 AM

Official word just came down at work: ALL business travel is cancelled and anyone who does travel is to stay at home for seven days and can only return to work after being cleared by a doctor (after waiting 7 days).

Rot 911 · 04-30-2009, 05:31 AM

No cases reported in Missouri yet. So right now it is life as usual.

legion · 04-30-2009, 05:34 AM

Just got called into an emergency unit meeting....

Rumor is someone here has been diagnosed.

jtfreels · 04-30-2009, 05:37 AM

Nothing for me.

Heading to work this morning, saw a woman in the neighborhood out walking her dog. She had her hoody pulled over her head and a surgical mask on. Seemed like a bit of overkill, unless the dog is contagious, or she's headed to the local 7/11 to rob it.

Jay

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I have to go to DMV today and probably again later today or tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to that, but it's more because I saw a crazy lady blow a gasket there a few weeks ago. Otherwise, I'm doing nothing differently.

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

I am going to hold a seminar and make millions of dollars. Topic: How to properly wear a surgical mask:

Yeah lady - that's really gonna help you!!!!

Other than that, I am using hand sanitizer a little more than I typically do. While I don't want to catch the H1N1 virus, I think over-sanitizing has some bad side effects as well... as does paranioa.

We are supposed to go to a Cherry Blossom festival in some gardens in Brooklyn on Saturday - frankly, I am hesitant to go...

-Z

dtw · 04-30-2009, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

Just got called into an emergency unit meeting....

Rumor is someone here has been diagnosed.

Is a unit meeting like a sausage fest? Sounds like it.

The bride was headed to Mexico City next week, she has cancelled her trip. Other than that...no changes.

legion · 04-30-2009, 06:10 AM

Meeting results:

All business travel cancelled.

Lots of rumors, none confirmed:
• The spouse of an employee has been diagnosed with H1N1.
• There is seven-day waiting period thing for returning to work after personal travel.
• Vendors have been told they cannot come into our office if they travelled from more than 80 miles.

GG Allin · GG Allin's Garage

I wash my hands alot more, not sure if that's enough. I work in the air freight industry, so I'm always around truck drivers (point being that they get around) and always handling documents that have been handled by who knows how many people. I'm not so concerned about myself, by I am about my 9 mo old. I'm scared I could get it and pass it to her before I knew I had it.