Should we fear flu 😷

[Damaged]

I am returning to work after five years. As it turns out, my first job is in a mall. The mall has a large pharmacy.

I have been following news regarding recent flu outbreaks in China. Am I being paranoid ?

My 57 yr old brother died January 11th . He had been given four to five months, but never left hospital. In December my 86 yr old father in law survived three cardiac surgeries and is now home. What do you take from that ?

I was terminal three years ago and now I am returning to work.

I guess , when it is your time !!!

[Agoodlife]

What are we really talking about? The seasonal flu or the Corona flu from 2013 or the new modified Corona flu killing in China?

[Damaged in reply to Agoodlife]

All of the above. It seems inevitable.

[Agoodlife in reply to Damaged]

So what is the seasonal flu vaccine made for?

[Damaged in reply to Agoodlife]

The new corona flu from China 🇨🇳 has now killed 17 people. Is there a flu vaccine yet ?

[Damaged in reply to Damaged]

Sorry, I am just in a negative head space. I know I am just being paranoid because of recent events. I did not intend to create unnecessary fear.

[wishbone in reply to Damaged]

Don't worry Damaged, you have not created unnecessary fear...I was already scared stiff!

Seriously, I don't think your post has created any fear or panic. People are concerned and rightly so. We will just have to wait and see how things pan out........................

[wishbone in reply to Agoodlife]

Not for the new Corona virus.

[AgedCrone in reply to Agoodlife]

The .

2019/20 annual influenza virus used in the United Kingdom is a mixture of viruses decided by the world health organisation on their forward planning as to which viruses are likely to appear again this year.

From what I have read the coronavirus that is now running wild in China seems to be a brand-new strain of virus ....so will not be included in the influenza vaccines used here.

[wishbone]

Well I've ordered mine!...black ones to match my demeanour! Ordinary surgical masks as starters, but if Corona gets a grip in the UK then I'll be replacing them with respirators which provide greater protection. I'm going to feel a bit embarrassed when I wear one on the bus or wherever, but hey...better red than dead!

[Agoodlife in reply to wishbone]

I do not think there is a flu vaccine for the new Corona virus

[wishbone in reply to Agoodlife]

That is what I said, or meant to say. There's not likely to be a vaccine either, at least not for some time.

[KittyJ in reply to wishbone]

You’re ok in your bubble wishbone.

[wishbone in reply to KittyJ]

Unfortunately my bubble burst a few days ago! I could patch it up I suppose, but there's not much point really as it won't fit on the bus anyway, which is my regular mode of transport and is of course a high risk zone for bugs and stuff! To be honest I think the bubble was a waste of money, so anyone who's thinking of buying one, perhaps best reconsider!

[KittyJ in reply to wishbone]

I’ve still got boxes of masks from freaking out about bird flu years ago. Doesn’t hurt to be prepared ( or over prepared ) Now you have me looking at respirators 😂

[wishbone in reply to KittyJ]

If I didn't have bad lungs then I probably would not bother, at least not with respirators, and would only wear a surgical mask if and when the virus starts to spread in the UK, which I'll hold off doing for the time being anyway.

[KittyJ in reply to wishbone]

I didn’t wear mine before but nice to know they’re there,

[wishbone in reply to KittyJ]

I hope we don't need to wear them Kitty. I'm a self-conscious soul and will feel a right twerp getting on the bus sporting a face mask! That said, a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do!...I guess the same goes for a woman as well!

[helixhelix]

China has a population of about 1.5 billion, yes BILLION, as against the UK’s 60 odd million. 17 people is really very, very, very small. However as it is a virus that has leapt the animal-human barrier they are taking it seriously to make sure that the risk to us ordinary mortals on the number 39 bus is very low. As yet there is one case in the US and none in the UK, so unless you happen to be a Chinese tour guide you are ok.

This year’s flu vaccine has been designed for the most probable flu viruses, so if you’ve had your flu vaccine your risk of that is also low. So if you aren’t extra delicate (like Wishbone) then don’t be paranoid but wash your hands and get on with your life.

I think the sad history of your brother is the important point. What happens, happens. You can be sensible and balance out your risks, but being squashed by that number 39 bus is far more likely than catching the corono-virus when sat on it.

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Just heard it has reached Scotland, so maybe I should get some respirators as I have Bronchiectasis as well as being immunocompromised.

[Damaged in reply to helixhelix]

In BC Canada they are advising precautions. Perhaps because we have so much travel between both countries. I am not going to worry about it. Thank you for responding to my anxiety attack lol 😆 I am all good 👍

[AgedCrone in reply to helixhelix]

There are three people quarantined in Edinburgh, Scotland and one in Belfast NI, at the moment ....let’s hope the health authorities are just being over enthusiastic

[vonniesims in reply to helixhelix]

Yes, handwashing is very important

[Tile in reply to helixhelix]

Unfortunately the flu vaccine didn't have the B flu variety that hit really hard in some areas and caused thousands of deaths. As usual, many who received the vaccine still came down with the flu. But at least they admitted it wasn't in the vaccine. Guess if it was in the vaccine, it would make them look worse as has happened so many times before. Anyway, inflammatory autoimmune diseases and flu vaccines are not the best mix. This coronavirus is extremely contagious. I have even seen Asians in NYC wearing masks! Guess they are very aware or have come to NYC from places exposed in China and covering up in case they have unknowingly been infected.

[helixhelix]

In 2018 I watched a programme about the 1918 flu pandemic. I might not be remembering it completely right, but basically there was a significant outbreak in a single place with one soldier in Kentucky (so nothing to do with Spain!). A couple of doctors wanted to impose quarantines, but were over ruled by the US army chiefs. Had they not done that the analysis suggests that it could have been contained quite quickly.

Seems as if lessons have been learnt and the reaction is being more responsive already.

[HanaleiBa]

Studies show hand sanitizer and washing your hands are the best things to do and work. Use a mask if you’re in close public spaces like crowded buses. But mostly hand washing and sanitizers Hang in there!

[phebamom]

If you are talking about the new Corona virus in China and Hong Kong, compare the numbers afflicted against the population numbers. I seriously doubt you need to be concerned. Just wash your hands, and take common sense precautions.

Do get a flu shot. While there are no vaccines for the corona virus, a flu shot will reduce your risk by about 65 percent against this seasons influenza viruses. , and if you do get the flu it will be a milder version because you will have built up some immunity to it. the flu shot can not give you the flu because it is a killed virus, not a live one in the shot. That is more fear mongering.

One of our neighbors lost a 47 year old son this past winter. He had the flu, got pneumonia from it, got better, pneumonia came back twice, and he died. The risk is not just to the elderly an infants.

Do not let the fear mongering media machines scare you. The seasonal flu is actually more dangerous, and you are more likely to contract it. Get a flu shot.

[cropredy]

Hi,

Anyone who is taking drugs to suppress the immune system is going to be concerned about this Corona virus I am. Lets just hope that the spread is controlled and that there is a cure found.