Mix of Human, Pig & Bird virus forms new FLU!!

[Guest GaySacGuy]

A Yahoo News story from the AP tells of a new flu outbreak in Mexico City that could combine the bird and swine flus, and kill humans.

 

There have already been deaths in Mexico, and case in CA & TX but no fatalities.

 

You can get the full story at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090425/ap_on_...ed_swine_flu_41

 

 

Here are the first few paragraphs.

 

 

MEXICO CITY – The schools and museums are closed. Sold-out games between Mexico's most popular soccer teams are being played in empty stadiums. Health workers are ordering sickly passengers off subways and buses. And while bars and nightclubs filled up as usual, even some teenagers were dancing with surgical masks on.

 

Across this overcrowded capital of 20 million people, Mexicans are reacting with fatalism and confusion, anger and mounting fear at the idea that their city may be ground zero for a global epidemic of a new kind of flu — a strange mix of human, pig and bird viruses that has epidemiologists deeply concerned.

 

Tests show 20 people in Mexico have died of the new swine flu strain, and that 48 other deaths were probably due to the same strain. The caseload of those sickened has grown to 1,004 nationwide, Mexico's Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said.

 

The same virus also sickened at least eight people in Texas and California, though there have been no deaths north of the border, puzzling experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Scientists have warned for years about the potential for a pandemic from viruses that mix genetic material from humans and animals. This outbreak is particularly worrisome because deaths have happened in at least four different regions of Mexico, and because the victims have not been vulnerable infants and elderly.

 

The most notorious flu pandemic, thought to have killed at least 40 million people worldwide in 1918-19, also first struck otherwise healthy young adults.

 

 

[Guest fountainhall]

This one sounds like it's more deadly than the bird 'flu that has never quite materialised as expected. It seems it has already jumped the species barrier and can therefore spread like wildfire. Let's hope the researchers get a vaccine out fast.

[KhorTose]

This one sounds like it's more deadly than the bird 'flu that has never quite materialised as expected. It seems it has already jumped the species barrier and can therefore spread like wildfire. Let's hope the researchers get a vaccine out fast.

 

Yes, just what the world needs. A nice plague to wipe out one or two billion people. We will have tp worry less about social security, and world wide starvation that way. Doubt it is planned, but it is alarming.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Doesn't look like it is getting better...20 dead yesterday..now 68. Quite an incease..but some may be people that died days ago, and just being identified.

 

Full Story

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090425/ap_on_...ed_swine_flu_63

 

 

Short Piece

 

By MARK STEVENSON, Associated Press Writer Mark Stevenson, Associated Press Writer – 32 mins ago

MEXICO CITY – As Mexico struggled against the odds Saturday to contain a strange new flu that has killed as many as 68 and perhaps sickened more than 1,000, it was becoming clearer that the government hasn't moved quickly enough to head off what the World Health Organization said has the potential to become a global epidemic.

 

The World Health Organization said the outbreak has become a "public health emergency of international concern" and asked countries around the world to step up reporting and surveillance of the disease and implement a coordinated response to contain it.

 

But Mexicans were dying for weeks at least before U.S. scientists identified the strain — a combination of swine, bird and human influenza that people may have no natural immunity to. Now, even controlling passengers at airports and bus stations may not keep it from spreading, epidemiologists say.

 

 

[Gaybutton]

To my mind, the most serious question is how is it transmitted? With bird flu you only became ill if you had direct contact with the bird droppings. Nobody became ill as a result of eating poultry or eggs. But with a new disease all of a sudden, how are all these people getting sick? Is it from direct contact? Is it from eating poultry or pork?

[Guest lvdkeyes]

Flu is transmitted via respiratory secretions which are not really airborne. You must come in contact with the secretions closer than about 3 feet. Touching an infected person's nose or mouth or their hands after they have touched their nose or mouth will spread the virus. People who cough and sneeze without covering their nose and mouth are spreading the virus to anyone close to them. Proper hand washing is particularly important after toileting and avoid touching your own nose or mouth. If you need to then you should wash your hands properly with warm water and soap and use friction for 20 - 30 seconds then rinse. Just running water over your hands does nothing.

[Guest fountainhall]

And get some proper face masks ready - not those flimsy ones that let air in and out at the sides. During the bird 'flu scare in Hong Kong some years ago, almost all the population was wearing masks.

 

The following is part of a report in today's Observer newspaper in London.

 

Mexico swine flu outbreak triggers global pandemic fears

 

A killer virus that has caused at least 20 deaths and sparked widespread panic in Mexico has the potential to become a global pandemic, warn health experts.

 

The World Health Organisation stopped short of issuing a worldwide alert over the swine flu strain - a unique mix of human, pig and bird viruses - but its director general, Dr Margaret Chan, said the option remained "on the table".

 

The virus, which may be responsible for a further 48 deaths in Mexico, has thrown the country into confusion. There are a total of 1,004 cases and eight have been detected over the border in Texas and California.

 

Scientists have long feared that a new flu virus could launch a worldwide pandemic. Evolving when different flu viruses infect a pig, a person or a bird, mingling their genetic material, the hybrid could spread quickly because people would have no natural defences.

 

"We are seeing a range of severity of the disease, from mild to severe and of course death," said Chan. "The eight cases in the US have been mild in terms of severity and it is too premature to calculate the mortality rate of this disease."

 

In New York the results of tests for swine flu on 75 children remain unclear after a school trip returned from Mexico with pupils complaining of illness.

 

Mexico's health secretary Jose Angel Cordova said: "We are very, very concerned."

 

Any doubts over of the extent of the emergency were dispelled today by the sight of soldiers handing out blue surgical masks to pedestrians and motorists along Mexico City's central Reforma boulevard. With TV and radio calling on the population to seek medical advice for any flu-like symptoms, queues sprouted at health clinics and hospitals across the city.

 

President Felipe Calderon said his government learned only on Thursday night what kind of virus Mexico was facing after tests by specialist laboratories in Canada confirmed the outbreak as a type - labeled A/H1N1 - not previously seen in pigs or humans. Few cases have had any contact with live pigs.

 

The WHO said the virus appeared to be able to spread from human to human and contained human virus, avian virus and pig viruses from North America, Europe and Asia. It might be completely new or has only now been detected.

 

Given how quickly flu can spread, there might be cases incubating around the world already, said Dr Michael Osterholm at the University of Minnesota: "Hundreds and thousands of travelers come in and out [of Mexico] every day. You'd have to believe there's been more unrecognised transmission that's occurred."

 

 

On a positive note, few have had as much first-hand knowledge and experience of handling sudden health scares as Dr. Chan, who was Health Secretary in Hong Kong during the SARS outbreak.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Officials throughout Asia step up surveillance for deadly swine virus

 

This just keeps sounding worse as we go. Here is another from MSNBC

 

.

 

updated 3:34 a.m. ET April 26, 2009

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Twenty-five students and teachers in New Zealand, some with flu-like symptoms, were quarantined and tested for swine flu after returning from a trip to Mexico, officials said Sunday, as Asia stepped up surveillance for the deadly virus.

 

At least 81 people have died from severe pneumonia caused by a flu-like illness in Mexico, according to the World Health Organization, which declared the virus a public health emergency of "pandemic potential."

 

The group from New Zealand's largest high school returned to the northern city of Auckland on Saturday on a flight from Los Angeles. Thirteen students and one teacher were unwell and one student had to be hospitalized, said Auckland Regional Public Health Services director Dr. Julia Peters.

 

 

 

Full Story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30412340/

[Guest lvdkeyes]

And get some proper face masks ready - not those flimsy ones that let air in and out at the sides. During the bird 'flu scare in Hong Kong some years ago, almost all the population was wearing masks.

The thing about face masks is that after a relatively short of time they become moist and are rendered ineffective. If the flu appears in your area it would be best to avoid crowded places and not to get over tired or use any substance that will lower your immune system.

[Guest fountainhall]

The difficulty for those who live and work in a city is that it is near impossible to keep away from other people. Just consider how crowded the BTS and MRT are! Unless the government closes the country down, people have no choice but to encouter others. Taking lvdkeyes advice is eminently sensible, but facemasks do help. It was realy weird in Hong Kong during SARS because almost everyone wore masks on government advice. Better something than nothing, I guess.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

The difficulty for those who live and work in a city is that it is near impossible to keep away from other people. Just consider how crowded the BTS and MRT are! Unless the government closes the country down, people have no choice but to encouter others. Taking lvdkeyes advice is eminently sensible, but facemasks do help. It was realy weird in Hong Kong during SARS because almost everyone wore masks on government advice. Better something than nothing, I guess.

 

Every little bit helps I guess. But if this flu can tranmit from one person to another airborne without direct physical contact, then we are all in a heap of trouble.

 

I just ordered some Tamiflu, but not sure it is any help. Might be availabel in pharmacies in Pattaya-Bangkok area.

 

lvdkeyes Thanks for your great advice. I think every effort that can be put forth in prevention shoould be tried.

[Gaybutton]

But if this flu can transmit from one person to another airborne without direct physical contact, then we are all in a heap of trouble.

Let's hope they can get it contained. So far there are no cases reported in Thailand, but the disease has made it as far as New Zealand so far.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Let's hope they can get it contained. So far there are no cases reported in Thailand, but the disease has made it as far as New Zealand so far.

 

I think the key thing you said there was "reported". How many people have flu like symtoms, and just take some accross the counter meds, and go on?? There are several planes a day from Mexico City to LAX, SFO, Dallas, etc., and several plane loads a day from those hubs to Bangkok. If it got to New Zeland, it is probably here too.!!

[Guest fountainhall]

I just ordered some Tamiflu, but not sure it is any help

 

Again, perhaps better than nothing, but Tamiflu was designed to combat just bird 'flu. During the scare 3 - 4 years ago, Tamiflu sold out almost worldwide and the drug companies, encouraged by governments, worked overtime to ensure there would be sufficient stocks to combat the pandemic that never materialised. Unfortunately I have not yet seen anything in the media or medical articles on the web indicating that it will have any effect on this new strain.

[Guest fountainhall]

I just ordered some Tamiflu, but not sure it is any help

 

Update. There is a press conference going on now at the White House at which it was announced that something like 25 million doses of the US government stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza - the 2 drugs used to treat bird 'flu - have been released. Even though swine 'flu is not the same as bird 'flu, this would indicate that both may well help alleviate the symptons of the new 'flu.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

Well, it is pretty clear that the drug companies are going to make some money!!!

 

Tamiflu YESTERDAY was 10 for $70, and 30 for $240, Now the same size are $99.99 and $299.99. This is from www.drugdelivery.ca . I didn't know about relenza until I read fountainhall's post...it is $104.99 for a five pill rorodisk which is one dose, or $314.99 for three disk.

 

I can imagine that if this grows, there will probably be quite a black market. If anyone in Pattaya has the chance, they might check som local pharmacies for the price....might find a deal.

[Guest fountainhall]

I can imagine that if this grows, there will probably be quite a black market

 

Precisely what happened with bird 'flu drugs in late-2005. Prices rose quickly; then supplies ran out and nothing was available from anywhere. But unlike last time, now there is certainly plenty of supply of Tamiflu available. However, I for one would be hesitant to purchase it here since so many drugs you purchase over the counter are fakes.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

. However, I for one would be hesitant to purchase it here since so many drugs you purchase over the counter are fakes.

You have to use a pharmacy you know and trust.

[Gaybutton]

I for one would be hesitant to purchase it here since so many drugs you purchase over the counter are fakes.

People keep saying that, but I wonder if that's just a common rumor or if it's really true. I'm not so sure that it is. Have any of you ever actually had that happen to you in Thailand? None of the medications I've ever bought here turned out to be fakes.

 

 

Also, the origin and first case of Swine Flu may have been discovered:

 

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/healt...r.swine.flu.cnn

[Guest lvdkeyes]

People keep saying that, but I wonder if that's just a common rumor or if it's really true.

I think it is a myth perpetrated by western drug companies. I have had no problems with the medicines I have bought here including the Thai and Indian made ones.

[Guest fountainhall]

Have any of you ever actually had that happen to you in Thailand?

 

Yes. I purchased some mild sleeping tablets at a medical clinic in Pattaya last year. I was informed they can not be purchased at normal drug stores but clinics can dispense mild ones. I got 10 tablets each of 2 different kinds. Neither worked. So I took them to the pharmacy i the Bangkok hospital I attend. I was informed that both were fakes.

[Guest GaySacGuy]

I believe that the drugs they put in the small plastic bags may be most anything. But, when you obtain something like Tamiflu in a seal container from the manufacture, you probably have good odds that it is the real thing.

[Guest fountainhall]

when you obtain something like Tamiflu in a seal container from the manufacture, you probably have good odds that it is the real thing

 

Good point. In that case, the only thing you might have to worry about is the expiry date. If it is close to expiry date and the drugs have not been kept at the correct temperature etc., they may be near worthless.

[Gaybutton]

The best recommendation I can make for a truly reliable pharmacy, where you know you will always get "the real thing" is the Fascino pharmacy on North road (Pattaya Nua).

 

There is a smaller Fascino outlet very close to Central Road (Pattaya Klang). To find it, go north on Sukhumvit (toward Bangkok) from Pattaya Klang, or from anywhere south of Pattaya Klang. As soon as you pass Pattaya Klang, about 100 yards further on you'll come to the next traffic signal, which is Soi Siam Country Club. Make a U-turn on Sukhumvit and immediately get into the left lane. Almost immediately, you'll come to a large Bangkok Bank branch. Turn left into the access road for the Bangkok Bank parking lot, but keep going. Dead ahead you'll see a Lotus store. The pharmacy is directly across the street from the Lotus store.

 

If you don't already have one, ask for Fascino's free discount card. With it you'll get a discount with every purchase. The card does expire, so make sure you check the expiration date. You can get another one free when it expires.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

The best recommendation I can make for a truly reliable pharmacy, where you know you will always get "the real thing" is the Fascino pharmacy on North road (Pattaya Nua).

This is a good recommendation. I recently started using them and find the prices a bit cheaper than the local pharmacy I used to use. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and most speak English and the discount card is an added incentive to go there.