Comments on: From the Trenches – 5/1 http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/ Thoughts of a moderately strange (yet not harmful) primary care physician. Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:31:08 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Christian http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4037 Christian Fri, 08 May 2009 15:52:46 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4037 A minor correction in defense of the pig. Influenza A viruses that undergo "antigentic" shift - most likely in this case - occur because of genetic shuffling between two different strains of flu A. Typically the pig is infected simultaneously with a common avian and human form of influenza A, which then recombine in the pig host to form the superbug that can cause epidemic outbreaks. A minor correction in defense of the pig. Influenza A viruses that undergo “antigentic” shift – most likely in this case – occur because of genetic shuffling between two different strains of flu A. Typically the pig is infected simultaneously with a common avian and human form of influenza A, which then recombine in the pig host to form the superbug that can cause epidemic outbreaks.

]]> By: Christian http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4036 Christian Fri, 08 May 2009 15:49:09 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4036 And I would add that this virus, unlike avian flu, is transmissible between people. And I would add that this virus, unlike avian flu, is transmissible between people.

]]> By: Ken O http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4011 Ken O Tue, 05 May 2009 10:48:54 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4011 Thanks for that. So maybe the smart thing to do is adjust the strains we're using for making next year's 'flu shots, so that they'll help with this strain? Thanks for that. So maybe the smart thing to do is adjust the strains we’re using for making next year’s ‘flu shots, so that they’ll help with this strain?

]]> By: Gary L http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4009 Gary L Sun, 03 May 2009 19:39:00 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4009 No swine down here at Hinesville. The troops are ready!! No swine down here at Hinesville. The troops are ready!!

]]> By: BBH_MedStudent http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4008 BBH_MedStudent Sun, 03 May 2009 01:15:49 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4008 Thanks for your perspective, Dr. Rob. I think it is a good one to take, namely: if in fact the situation has been exaggerated and we're worrying more than we need to, then that is good news. It is a good way to avoid cynicism. Thanks. Thanks for your perspective, Dr. Rob. I think it is a good one to take, namely: if in fact the situation has been exaggerated and we’re worrying more than we need to, then that is good news. It is a good way to avoid cynicism.

Thanks.

]]> By: Rob http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4007 Rob Sat, 02 May 2009 16:32:30 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4007 Arkie: Well-said. Good to have someone who knows history. Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Arkie: Well-said. Good to have someone who knows history. Those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.

]]> By: ArkieRN http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4006 ArkieRN Sat, 02 May 2009 13:24:50 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4006 It's still a bit early to relax. The 1918 flu went around first in the spring and was very mild - kinda like this. Then it came back in the fall after incubating and mutating and was a killer. I think the CDC and WHO probably will be concerned about this until next year, at least. Just to be on the safe side. It’s still a bit early to relax. The 1918 flu went around first in the spring and was very mild – kinda like this. Then it came back in the fall after incubating and mutating and was a killer.

I think the CDC and WHO probably will be concerned about this until next year, at least. Just to be on the safe side.

]]> By: AnnR http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4005 AnnR Sat, 02 May 2009 12:54:54 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4005 I work in an organization where someone, one of thousands, had the flu. As I emerged from my cubby in the sub-basement to leave that evening the entire building/lobby smelled like bleach. The taps in the bathrooms all had running hot water and the soap dispensers were full. I'm hoping it's something mild that will pass, but in the meantime at least everything has been cleaned up :) I work in an organization where someone, one of thousands, had the flu.
As I emerged from my cubby in the sub-basement to leave that evening the entire building/lobby smelled like bleach.

The taps in the bathrooms all had running hot water and the soap dispensers were full.

I’m hoping it’s something mild that will pass, but in the meantime at least everything has been cleaned up :)

]]> By: KK http://distractible.org/2009/05/01/from-the-trenches-51/comment-page-1/#comment-4004 KK Sat, 02 May 2009 05:28:07 +0000 http://distractible.org/?p=2413#comment-4004 I always read your blog but never comment...but I'm glad you've decided to give us your perspective on this. I have been following the CDC and I'm curious how this is spreading. I'm a nurse at a hospital and my biggest fear would be spreading this virus to my family. I always read your blog but never comment…but I’m glad you’ve decided to give us your perspective on this. I have been following the CDC and I’m curious how this is spreading. I’m a nurse at a hospital and my biggest fear would be spreading this virus to my family.

]]>