Swine flu now widespread across Kentucky

True - looking at the flu tracking map ( http://battlethebug.com/ ) many of the states bordering Kentucky are bright red. But Kentucky itsself is still showing up orange (level 2 out of 4).

Has anyone from Kentucky taken a look?

wow!

Smurfz, look at how much it has changed! Last month only a few states around Kentucky were showing up bright red on that flu tracker, and now if you look at it, nearly every state in the country is red.

And I can add that a wave has hit this country too-
said to be the hardest at moment in western Europe. Ukraine also has a tough hit.

People in "risk-groups" - having underlying deseases like diabetes, lung problems like astma etc are getting priority in the vaccination programmes.There is no doubt we are talking about a pandemic flu this time..........Take care - hand hygiene is important.

JTTech wrote:

True - looking at the flu tracking map ( http://battlethebug.com/ ) many of the states bordering Kentucky are bright red. But Kentucky itsself is still showing up orange (level 2 out of 4).
Has anyone from Kentucky taken a look?

So: a "commercial" sneak....?

JTTech wrote:

Smurfz, look at how much it has changed! Last month only a few states around Kentucky were showing up bright red on that flu tracker, and now if you look at it, nearly every state in the country is red.

Wash your hands often - warm water and soap is more effective than most other means. Alcohol based liquid designated for hand hygiene is good when in circumstances where soap/warm water is not readily available.

The flu tracking map?? haha! give me a break....

Take your multi vitamin and extra vitamin c, drink plenty of spring water and above all don't get a stressed out. Stress lowers your immune system. Don’t pick your nose, touch your eyes or handle shopping cart at the grocery without first wiping the handle.
People, 30,000 a year die of complication of the regular seasonal flue. If you have a healthy immune system you may get the swine flu and just feel crappy for a while but it's not going to kill you.

I was reading an article at livescience.com on preventing the flu. It was talking about the hand-sanitizers and hand washing. The article mentioned anti-bacterial soap and left me with the impression that it might not be a good idea to use it. It seems almost everything is anti-bacterial these days. Dish liquids, bar soaps, liquid soaps, and all those disposable wipes such as Wet-Ones.

"Anti-bacterial soap, ironically, is largely considered the worse thing you can use to kill germs. This is because antibacterial agents kill many but not all bacteria and then linger on the skin to enable the remaining bad bacteria to develop a resistance."

Here is a link to the complete article:
http://www.livescience.com/health/091027-hand...

Honest Babe wrote:

I was reading an article at livescience.com on preventing the flu. It was talking about the hand-sanitizers and hand washing. The article mentioned anti-bacterial soap and left me with the impression that it might not be a good idea to use it. It seems almost everything is anti-bacterial these days. Dish liquids, bar soaps, liquid soaps, and all those disposable wipes such as Wet-Ones.
"Anti-bacterial soap, ironically, is largely considered the worse thing you can use to kill germs. This is because antibacterial agents kill many but not all bacteria and then linger on the skin to enable the remaining bad bacteria to develop a resistance."
Here is a link to the complete article:
http://www.livescience.com/health/091027-hand...

Duh, the body has a WONDERFUL defense against germs and bacteria.... not only is there that issue.(making the germ stronger) but you are also weakening your immune system by not giving it the opportunity to fight off infection for itself.... thus making more antibodies for the next time its invaded with the same germ

Kids need to eat dirt when they are young? Weird huh? But with us living in this ultra clean society we are not letting kids immune systems build up on its own. Thus making them weaker!

My mom was very wise and never got us vaccinated against the flu? Why? Your body can fight it off for itself.... and mine has.... I havent had the flu in probably 10 years.(I'm 24)

I went to Africa, and people were anal about putting sanitizer on their hands. Just like people here, I think of them as small minded and doing whatever their told

obamessiah wrote:

<quoted text>
Duh, the body has a WONDERFUL defense against germs and bacteria.... not only is there that issue.(making the germ stronger) but you are also weakening your immune system by not giving it the opportunity to fight off infection for itself.... thus making more antibodies for the next time its invaded with the same germ
Kids need to eat dirt when they are young? Weird huh? But with us living in this ultra clean society we are not letting kids immune systems build up on its own. Thus making them weaker!
My mom was very wise and never got us vaccinated against the flu? Why? Your body can fight it off for itself.... and mine has.... I havent had the flu in probably 10 years.(I'm 24)
I went to Africa, and people were anal about putting sanitizer on their hands. Just like people here, I think of them as small minded and doing whatever their told

Your right about the kids. They should be allowed to roll in the dirt and play with the dogs and cats and for Christ sake let them outside in the sunshine, rain, snow and fall leaves. They won't break!

obamessiah wrote:

<quoted text>
Duh, the body has a WONDERFUL defense against germs and bacteria.... not only is there that issue.(making the germ stronger) but you are also weakening your immune system by not giving it the opportunity to fight off infection for itself.... thus making more antibodies for the next time its invaded with the same germ
Kids need to eat dirt when they are young? Weird huh? But with us living in this ultra clean society we are not letting kids immune systems build up on its own. Thus making them weaker!
My mom was very wise and never got us vaccinated against the flu? Why? Your body can fight it off for itself.... and mine has.... I havent had the flu in probably 10 years.(I'm 24)
I went to Africa, and people were anal about putting sanitizer on their hands. Just like people here, I think of them as small minded and doing whatever their told

Well duh, LOL...actually I've known about this for years but thought people might take it more seriously if I supplied a link to the article. I've written about the anti-bacterial products before on Topix and it was like the gasp heard around the world because so many people are convinced that normal bacteria is their enemy.

The store shelves are loaded with these products, I expect to see anti-bacterial Cheerios just any day now. Obviously anti-bacterial is still a big seller or the shelves wouldn't be loaded with those type products.

I do think good hand washing practices, and keeping your hands away from your face, is one of the best ways to help avoid flu/colds/viruses of any type. Mainly to avoid the actual germs though, not bacteria. I also agree, it is good for kids to play in the dirt. I've never had a flu shot either and most likely never will.