All I got for Christmas is the flu

• Wife and I both got the flu vaccine
• CDC report the vaccine is a 33% match to samples
• Sometime the flu virus changes faster than the vaccine can keep up

Well I've read about the anti-viral meds and am thinking about calling my physician . . . not for me but my wife. I've already probably got a heck of load and am in reasonable health. But she doesn't need it . . . nor does anyone else.

Bob Wilson

 

My first day with proper symptoms was Friday to the extent I got some pseudoephedrine to handle the nasal drip, cough, and sore throat. My understanding is both the cough and sore throat are a by-product of the nasal drip down the backside. Regardless, I took a nap when I got home and woke up several hours later with a body ache . . . flu.

My wife is house bound and I'm her primary care taker. So it is more likely "when", not if. So I'll contact the home healthcare nurse at 8:00 AM and see about getting a prescription for one of the antivirals for Holly. Then I'll head to a local 'doc in box' to see if they'll give me a prescription for one.

My understanding is the antivirals shave a day or so and are more effective the sooner is applied. So it makes sense to have Holly's prescription in and ready. Home bound, she has multiple indicators for it. So this begs the question, how does the Chinese medical system work?

Bob Wilson

 

Well the diagnosis is confirmed. The nasal swab came back type-A. It is a vaccine resistant strain.

Now I have to go into work on Monday and 'shake hands' with every *sshole" and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Bob Wilson

 

What I was curious about is whether other countries have something like our Center for Disease Control that tracks the annual flu outbreaks?

When I was doing engineering packages to deploy or modify remote network equipment, I followed the CDC flu reports because I had to rely on others to be there and do my assignments. I learned that flu season often meant adding a week or so to the schedule. Also, I am curious as to what extent other folks are have access to my treatments:

• TAMIFLU 75mg - 10 gelcaps
• CETRIZINE HLC 10 MG - 7 tablets
• IBUPROFEN 600 MG - 12 tablets

Not for me but my wife.

My understanding from the CDC:

1. infectious day before symptoms - for me Thursday
2. first symptoms - Friday, nasal drip, sort throat, light cough. I took 60 mg of pseudoephedrine, not exactly but similar to the old 'Actefed' that used to be over-the-counter. A precursor to 'meth', we now get one package every 30 days after showing our driver's license. Took a nap Friday late and woke up with a 'body ache.'
3. first clinic visit - Saturday afternoon, a 99F fever since my normal body temperature is 96.8-97.0. The nasal swab confirmed, Type-A. One of the 'Catch-22' in our system is the patent must present with symptoms and a diagnosis. As of 10:00 PM Saturday evening, my wife measures 98.7F, normal, and remains symptom free. But at 7:00 PM, I woke up with a 100.0F and the ache. So I'm typing this note.

The CDC reports it takes 1-4 days from exposure before it shows up. So it may take another two days before she exhibits any symptoms. But if (when) she presents any symptoms, she is going on the two anti-virus medicines that were prescribed for me. I'm on the border-line of when they might help but that is how our USA medical system works.

When I was stationed on Okinawa Japan, the pharmacies had a much lower threshold for meds. I understand Mexico is also somewhat relaxed. So I'm curious of our UK friends and others might have a different set of criteria? For example, many of us have noticed Asian countries make extensive use of masks:

Source: Why do Japanese people wear surgical masks? It’s not always for health reasons ‹ Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

What I don't know is how effective are the masks?

Bob Wilson

 

I suspect the higher particle density is why they are seen as more effective on coughs than inhalation.

Bob Wilson