Swine Flu in Idaho (Pocatello, Idaho Falls: moving, licensed, design)

[aulidur]

[quote=Mtn. States Resident;10876788]CFF,

Thanks for the props. It's a good day for them.

I have three new theories about H1N1, but don't wish to post them openly as they are merely my observations or deductive reasoning.



MSR,

Hi friend. If you are willing to share, I am very interested in hearing your theories on H1N1. DM me or let me know what you think about sharing with me here on the board.

Looking over the past few days discussions that I have missed, it seems as though people are becoming quite aware, and that is awesome. I'm also glad to hear that reports of people we know having been ill are on the mend, and that the medicines they are taking are helping greatly. I love good news!

As for the impact and level of information on this board, it is EXCELLENT! I also frequent davidicke.com and the boards there. On that site, there is lots of information, but also a great deal of fear and fearmongering. Here, there is none of that... just a cool, calm, relaxed and open perspective that supports the open sharing and discussion of the latest news. Groovy once again.

I'll check into the Boise outbreak if I can get in contact with a few people I know down there and see if I can get a first hand idea of what is up.

Thanks everyone for staying calm, cool, resourceful, and open minded.

screw social distancing... hugz for everyone!

Lee

[Christine Trivits]

Hello am getting ready to move out to Lewiston, Idaho , this spring maybe before....am single with a lil minture collie ...am n the nursing field have been for over 25 yrs...anyway ? is hope hard is it out there to rent a effiency , 1 bed-rm ...and also allowing a small dog, am a very clean person and my lil maggie is a great dog with very good manners...lol thinks shes people sometimes.... and getting a job shouldn't be to hard in my line of work...I have also thought about a room mate but am too picky...lol.......so can anyone help me out..... Give me some pointers, ect........

[aulidur]

Hi Christine,

I live up in Moscow, which is only about 30 miles from Lewiston. Allow me to give you an early and warm welcome to the area.

As far as employment, there are always ads up here for LPNs and RNs, so I'm sure that finding suitable employment will not be a problem for you.

When it comes to renting, you will have no problem finding a place. Most apartments around here do not allow pets, but there are always a fair amount of houses for rent that do. Lewiston has many rentals available, as well as Clarkston, which is just across the river... literally. Also, since the commute is not bad, there is also the possibility of renting in the Moscow/Pullman area. The only drawback to that is that with the high college student population, rent tends to be a little higher.

I would be glad to pass along names and numbers of some of the major property management companies in the area if you like. Send me a Direct Message if you would like that information to get the ball rolling.

Lee

[Mtn. States Resident]

It looks like the CDC has a lot of new information about H1N1 and regular flu.

Check out what interests you on this page and others:

For Individuals & Families

Please note, the CDC has created an entire section of flu significantly larger than beore. One no longer has to go to the cdc.gov url, a new Flu.gov links you right where you need to be.

My understanding about this year, is as much as they can, the various health departments are going to try to track each type of influenza reported in their area. I might be wrong about this, but I don't know that the locals have ever put that much time and effort into sub-typing various flus. It's going to be time to start breaking down the secondary stats available through the CDC - showing where the true hotspots are, where the highest death rates are etc.

And while many have been fortunate to recover from H1N1, especially on Tamiflu treated early, there have been over 36K deaths in the world from
H1N1. Sometimes, I think it becomes easy to dismiss the threat if you or someone you know has had it, but don't understand why asthma, for example, is such a high risk factor for a much worse case of H1N1 (and probably regular flu too). However, as I wrote I believe in July, one of the big three differences clinically in H1N1 vs. other flu viruses, is H1N1 has a way to penetrate and stay in the very deep tissues of someone's lung. As I wrote previously, traditional flu only gives people UPPER RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS, NOT THE DEEP LUNG INFECTIONS SEEN WITH H1N1.

I'd encourage those who want to know more to go back to the pages around July 10-July 25 (just guessing the dates, but remembering what dates certain information was release) and read more.

As always, your brain and ability to process your gut feelings about what is happening to you or a loved one, IMHO is your very best treatment tool. Recognizing that not all face the same risk is very important.

I'm personally tired of hearing generalized statements from some who may be very healthy and had minimal problems with H1N1 and assume that should be the case for others.

1. Pulmonary Disease

2. Impaired Immune System (for whatever reason)

3. Corticosteroid Use (RX treatment via a physician to suppress a clinical response to another disease)

4. Cancer treatment altering immunity

5. Pregnancy -

And others situations make this a life threating disease for people with a medical past of the first four I listed, as well as other diseases.

What some don't seem to comprehend is while they think it is no big deal to be a "carrier" or go to work with a fever and milder symptoms, how can that person know the medical hisotry of those whom s/he will come in contact with that day?

Think about your decisions so they are well-thought out and not reactionary. I still encourage everyone to keep extra supplies at home of medicines/foods you usually use for the flu.

As always, take care, prepare for what you would need at home if everyone in your family became infected, and stay aware of all the information about
H1N1 as well as the 2-3 vaccines to help prevent it.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

[quote=aulidur;10899222]

Originally Posted by Mtn. States Resident

CFF,

Thanks for the props. It's a good day for them.

I have three new theories about H1N1, but don't wish to post them openly as they are merely my observations or deductive reasoning.



MSR,

Hi friend. If you are willing to share, I am very interested in hearing your theories on H1N1. DM me or let me know what you think about sharing with me here on the board.

Looking over the past few days discussions that I have missed, it seems as though people are becoming quite aware, and that is awesome. I'm also glad to hear that reports of people we know having been ill are on the mend, and that the medicines they are taking are helping greatly. I love good news!

As for the impact and level of information on this board, it is EXCELLENT! I also frequent davidicke.com and the boards there. On that site, there is lots of information, but also a great deal of fear and fearmongering. Here, there is none of that... just a cool, calm, relaxed and open perspective that supports the open sharing and discussion of the latest news. Groovy once again.

I'll check into the Boise outbreak if I can get in contact with a few people I know down there and see if I can get a first hand idea of what is up.

Thanks everyone for staying calm, cool, resourceful, and open minded.

screw social distancing... hugz for everyone!

Lee

Hi Lee,

I appreciate your offer. I'm sort of committed to share one thought with CFF first as we had a partial discussion about it abd I just want to update that info.

I don't want to post other theories on the open board at this time. I was able to run a couple of my ideas past a pulmonolgist 2 days ago, so I think I need a bit of tim to finer tune my thinking. However, I hope I can count on your offer being available down the road, if needed.

I'm one of those that thought a few things early and disregarded what the CDC said initially as the major factors for H1N1, because they didn't fit what I was seeing. One probably has to have been around dozens to hundreds of really sick patients (hospitalized level sick) to think about some of this the way I do. Consequently, I've also been one who was THRILLED when the CDC revised the risk factors and listed Asthma at the top.

Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it after I have a bit more time to merge (in my head) what the pulmonologist I talked with said vs. what I originally thought. (Thus, this is a working theory in my brain that I can't quit summarzie yet in a thought for one thought.).

It is very kind of you to make that offer, Lee. And I am SOOOOOOOO happy you have continued to write on this thread.

Hope all your friends, neighbors and others recover as well as you have from your round with H1N1.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

This may be worth your time to read. Very limited supplies of H1N1 vaccine coming to Idaho initially.

"Shanahan says they'll start ordering the Swine Flu vaccine on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Federal Government hasn't told Idaho how much it will get. But says the number will be based on state population."

"So a state like California will get 12 percent of the vaccine. Idaho will only get 0.5 percent."

" 'We knew it was going to be limited supplies the first week or two," Shanahan said. "But after that we're going to see quite a bit of the vaccine coming into the state.' "

Will Idaho get enough swine flu vaccine? | KBCI CBS 2 - News, Weather and Sports - Boise, ID Boise, Idaho | News

What do you think of this news? Have you decided whether you will get vaccinated or not?

Take care everyone and I strongly encourage you to read about the vaccines so you can make an informed choice for yourself and any minors, for whom you are responsible.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

From the NYTimes (which I don't generally bother to review):

" 'The first doses should reach doctors by Oct. 6, said the director, Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, but almost all will be the FluMist nasal spray version, which has some limits on who may use it. By mid-October, 40 million doses of both the nasal spray and injectable versions should be out."

"The FluMist version is not recommended for infants under 2, adults over 49, pregnant women or anyone with a range of underlying health problems. But it is easy to use, and some pediatricians prefer it because many children fear needles."


.....................

" Flu activity, normally almost nonexistent in September, is now widespread in 26 states, up from 23 a week ago. Dr. Frieden said activity was “ 'beginning to trend down in some areas,' ” including Georgia, the site of his agency. But, he added, that predicted little because in New York City, where he was health commissioner last spring, swine flu surged after being introduced at a school in Queens, quieted down briefly and then resumed until schools closed for summer."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/26/he.../26flu.html?hp

What do you think of this article?

When Dr. Frieden is quoted as saying, "...but almost all will be the FluMist nasal spray version, which has some limits on who may use it." SOME LIMITS ON WHO MAY USE IT? The words I read earlier was RESTRICTED TO ONLY PATIENTS WITH X, Y, Z

I'm interested in your views of what was written here.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

From the CDC's express Flu.gov website are recommendations of who should be vaccinated for H1N1.

"The groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

"Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;

"Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;

"Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

" All people from 6 months through 24 years of age

"Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and

"Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

"Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

CDC H1N1 Flu | Novel H1N1 Vaccination Recommendations

Have you talked with your doctor yet to see learn how s/he feels about these recommentations? Each person's individual situation is unique for that person. I've used this example previously, but for a parent who has children in day care, it seems to me there are associated risks that adults who don't have a young children. Yet, large crowds can pose the same risks.

Also, what do you do for work? Will you be exposed to customers/clients/patients/other members of the general public who may come to where you work and cough or sneeze around you? Or do you work in an environment such as working via your computer at home, so you have much more imited exposure to others who are sick.

Finally, do you know where you can get both the regular flu injection for the 2009 strain of the flu? Can you get your H1N1 vaccination in the same location, or do you know yet? It's been my impression from personnel communication with some MDs they have NO PLANS to adminster the H1N1 injections in their private offices.

I encourage all to know what your doctor will or won't have as for vaccinations in his/her office. Learn that information ahead of time so you have more information and can make a more informed decision when it is the right time for you to do so.

MSR

[aulidur]

As I understand things from what I have read and see, every state, county, and township is seeking volunteers to administer the vaccinations. For the North Idaho vaccination scheduled tentatively for early October, they are seeing 800 volunteers through the five counties. How does this help, and how does it hinder...?

On the help side, it provides a way for the vaccinations to be provided in a much speedier fashion. If people want it, they will be able to get it without a huge wait, and that will calm many fears and settle many a heart when that time comes around.

On the hinder side, well, if you have a negative reaction to the vaccine, you won't be able to hold your doctor accountable. You can't sue or hold accountable a volunteer who has no first hand knowledge of how things may or may not go with the vaccine.

If you choose to get the vaccine, make sure you get it from your doctor is all I can say.

Lee

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by aulidur

As I understand things from what I have read and see, every state, county, and township is seeking volunteers to administer the vaccinations. For the North Idaho vaccination scheduled tentatively for early October, they are seeing 800 volunteers through the five counties. How does this help, and how does it hinder...?

On the help side, it provides a way for the vaccinations to be provided in a much speedier fashion. If people want it, they will be able to get it without a huge wait, and that will calm many fears and settle many a heart when that time comes around.

On the hinder side, well, if you have a negative reaction to the vaccine, you won't be able to hold your doctor accountable. You can't sue or hold accountable a volunteer who has no first hand knowledge of how things may or may not go with the vaccine.

If you choose to get the vaccine, make sure you get it from your doctor is all I can say.

Lee

Lee,

Great discussion point. I want to make sure that you and I are understanding the requests for volunteers the same.

Also, as I think I wrote before, the request for volunteers (as far as I know), is only for H1N1. That partially is because many will need to be vaccinated, IF they decide to have the vaccine. Secondly, most private physicians are NOT EVEN BEING GIVEN THE CHANCE of ordering H1N1.

While most people can probably go their regular doctor's office for a 2009 "flu shot," which is different than H1N1, doctors are already re-directing patients to public health departments for their H1N1 vaccine.

I've volunteered before at a mass vaccination. I think I counted people, gave them little cards to complete, showed them where the restrooms were etc. No one who isn't licensed to give a vaccination will be able to do so, especially with N1H1. Rather, usually it's a "crowd control and crowd comfort," where volunteers can make a big difference.

And yes, by making H1N1 ONLY available through the State Health Depts. and their Satellite Offices (District Health Offices in Idaho- there are 7), the physicians don't take the direct liability.

Before too long, I'll be one of those who will be able to write what it was like to get the vaccine. I have to receive it anyway, given what I do. I will also have to receive the regular 2009 flu injection and nasal N1H1 within the next 7-10 days, yet the state health depts. don't have it yet. Someone I take care of is at great risk, from complications of H1N1, and will be transported to one of three centers in the U.S. who can deal with the specific residual problems the H1N1 infection left in that patient. Everyone caring for that person has to have the live attenuted vaccine given nasally, to make sure we're not carriers, as well as the regular flu shots. I have to say I've been worried enough about how "others" will do to not want this person near any type of public transportation. I've even thought of seeing if the evaluation could be done later in the month, as the patient must have the H1N1 and regular 2009 flu vaccination too. So I'll be lots smarter in 2 weeks than I am today. Or, at least I hope I will be.

It was absolutely quiet on the other end of a telephone yesterday when I told a really, really nice guy he'd have to get vaccinated with both the regular flu and H1N1 to be involved with the flight of this person. Many people still aren't thinking about what people in their lives are at risk (be it work, home, church, neighbors etc.), if they are carriers of this virus. Pilots, cleaning crews etc. all can be exposed to or transfer germs to others as easily as a nurse or lab tech etc.

CFF - that just made me think of another variation on the theme.

I'd like to know, if people who do get the vaccinations, what, if any side effects you feel from the vaccine at each stage. Remember, H1N1 is not a one time "sniff" to be vaccinated. The nasal componenet is the first part of the 2-3 part vaccine. You can send me a DM or post it here if you want to share with others. You may help someone prepare or better know if s/he is having a reaction to the vaccine or not when people post their personnel experiences. I will be posting mine (and I hope the post is a one liner - "everything ok.").

Since there is a request for volunteers, also posting how you saw volunteers utilized would be a big help. Some people may want to volunteer but think they can't because they aren't trained in a medical/nursing area. Wrong, most anyone can open a door for someone in a wheelchair or help a parent with a high risk child who really needs protected from the virus. Folding up chairs, or picking up a broom to sweep - there are so many ways volunteers help. Then there is the paperwork....................

Lee, just remembering that H1N1 isn't a single vaccination experience, I can see where people who are good with computers, data entry or filing etc. would be a huge help. Keeping track of who has had the Nasal Vaccine and then needs the next component vs. those who have had no vaccinations will require a lot of manpower and man hours. Ooh, what a headache the paperwork will be.

I do know there is a request out for what is called the Retired Medical Corps. In that situation, physicians, PAs, NPs, and RNs are among those that, even if they are retired, they will be allowed to administer the vaccine to patients, after the appropriate screening. Otherwise, the only volunteer requests I've seen are from the non-trained public to just help. It's kind of like begging for parents to help chaperone at a co-ed high school dance. There can't be too many volunteers at certain times.

Think of what your experience had been like if another parent was around who could talk to you about the illness, make sure you understood any handouts and what to avoid, or even ask about allergies. The greatest thing a volunteer can do is probably not something I can write. As that volunteer will see the opportunity to help in a way that no one else can at that moment in time, wherever s/he is helping.

I like this discussion. Let's keep it going.

MSR