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Author Topic: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV  (Read 67338 times)

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Offline Assurbanipal

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Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« on: April 24, 2009, 09:02:00 pm »
Troubling news from Mexico.  Hope everyone here has had their flu shots.


"MEXICO CITY — Mexican officials, scrambling to control a swine flu outbreak that has killed as many as 61 people and infected possibly hundreds more in recent weeks, closed museums and shuttered schools for millions of students in and around the capital on Friday, and urged people with flu symptoms to stay home from work.

...

Most of Mexico’s dead were young, healthy adults, and none were over 60 or under 3 years old, the World Health Organization said. That alarms health officials because seasonal flus cause most of their deaths among infants and bedridden elderly people, but pandemic flus — like the 1918 Spanish flu, and the 1957 and 1968 pandemics — often strike young, healthy people the hardest.

Mexican officials promised a huge immunization campaign in the capital in the coming days, while urging people to avoid large gatherings and to refrain from shaking hands or greeting women with a kiss on the right cheek, as is common in Mexico"

Full story  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/25/world/americas/25mexico.html?em


« Last Edit: April 27, 2009, 09:20:46 am by Tim Horn »
5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
2012 VL UD swap Prezista/Norvir for Reyataz drop statin CD4 768-828 26.7%-30.7%
2014 VL UD - 48
2015 VL 130 Moved to Triumeq

Offline Jody

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2009, 10:44:45 pm »
There are concerns now here in New York as well about this potential worldwide epidemic.

I'm not sure the flu shot taken last Autumn will be effective against this odd combination type strain.

Let's hope for the best.

Jody ???
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Grateful Dead

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2009, 10:59:53 pm »
Uh, no... I'm afraid the flu shot is probably not useful against this which is a unique, never seen before, strain of swine flu (actually has genetic material from pigs, birds and humans combined in a new manner).

But yeah, considering that MC is the largest city in the Americas and the amount of travel there for business this isn't a great thing.  By now this is already incubating elsewhere all around the world frankly, or assumably so.  It's already spread around Mexico from the US border all the way to the southern state of Oaxaca.

The CDC seems to think that Tamiflu and Relenza are effective against this strain.
« Last Edit: April 24, 2009, 11:02:21 pm by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline J.R.E.

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2009, 03:46:25 am »

Just heard this on CNN a little while ago. Seems Serious !! Lots of hand washing folks !!


Ray


Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Assurbanipal

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2009, 07:33:49 am »
Uh, no... I'm afraid the flu shot is probably not useful against this which is a unique, never seen before, strain of swine flu (actually has genetic material from pigs, birds and humans combined in a new manner).


Actually, I don't think that is clear at this point.  The CDC has been preparing for an avian flu pandemic against which the seasonal flu vaccine would have no effect. 

Given that this is a genetic mix from other potentially more common strains, the current flu vaccine might have some effect (sometimes it will if the new flu is similar enough to the types that were in the mix).  The CDC spokesperson said they were looking into it on the 23rd and did not know yet.  ("... we don’t know yet about cross protection between this particular H1N1 strain and previous human H1N1 infections or the vaccine itself.  There are active studies going on to understand possible cross protection just as you mentioned".   http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/2009/t090423.htm

There's been some speculation that the Mexican fatalities were concentrated among young adults because they were an unvaccinated population.  CDC doesn't appear to have said one way or the other yet.

It would not be 100% protective in any event.  But it may provide some limited protection.

Here's the web page that they set up a few years back to coordinate pandemic flu info:  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/index.html
And the new page on the swine flu (since they don't know whether it will be pandemic at this point) http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm#general
5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
2012 VL UD swap Prezista/Norvir for Reyataz drop statin CD4 768-828 26.7%-30.7%
2014 VL UD - 48
2015 VL 130 Moved to Triumeq

Offline Ann

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2009, 07:48:32 am »

There's been some speculation that the Mexican fatalities were concentrated among young adults because they were an unvaccinated population.  CDC doesn't appear to have said one way or the other yet.


I would imagine that it probably also has to do with the fact that young adults are more likely to try to shrug the flu off and continue going to work and continue partying, instead of jumping back into bed and getting some rest, so their bodies can more effectively deal with the intruder. It's easy to become quickly run-down and vulnerable when you try to ignore an illness.

Thanks for posting this, Assurbanipal. As Miss Philly points out, with global air-travel being what it is today, and with Mexico City being a popular venue for business conferences etc, this is something we're all going to have to keep an eye out for. (and I also quoted your OP in the "cure" thread in Research, where someone tried to say we all cure the flu on our own)

As Ray said earlier in this thread, regular hand-washing is your best line of defence, along with not rubbing your eyes or sticking your fingers into your mouth. This is how most flu is spread - by getting some of the flu germs on your hands then transferring them to your body - usually by touching your face.

It's also a good idea to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you when out in public when there's flu about in your area. All you have to do is squirt some on and rub it in - there's no need for water. Hand sanitizer is available in most shops that also carry regular over-the-counter cold and flu remedies.

Ann
(who is stocking up on hand sanitizer, just in case this flu hits the Rock!)
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"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

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Offline Assurbanipal

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2009, 07:56:54 am »
Ann

Thanks.  Note, in addition to the important hand sanitation suggestions, here is another preventive suggestion from the CDC flu protection page (which I just added to Vasky's thread as well)


- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food


http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm

A


(edited -- copy and paste from the other thread wasn't quite appropos ... :-[  )
« Last Edit: April 25, 2009, 08:01:13 am by Assurbanipal »
5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
2012 VL UD swap Prezista/Norvir for Reyataz drop statin CD4 768-828 26.7%-30.7%
2014 VL UD - 48
2015 VL 130 Moved to Triumeq

Offline Texan38

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2009, 08:34:38 am »
I've been hearing so much about this and even more so here in El Paso because Juarez, MX is a walk across the bridge! The only thing that separates us is the Rio Grande. Along with all the violence, murders, kidnappings that's been going on because of the drug cartel wars, now this flu virus, it's pretty scary.

In Hollywood an equitable divorce settlement means each party getting fifty per cent of publicity.
~ Lauren Bacall

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2009, 10:15:32 am »
Actually, I don't think that is clear at this point.  The CDC has been preparing for an avian flu pandemic against which the seasonal flu vaccine would have no effect. 

Given that this is a genetic mix from other potentially more common strains, the current flu vaccine might have some effect (sometimes it will if the new flu is similar enough to the types that were in the mix). 

I was using the wording, and note that it said "probably", from either a Reuters or AP article that went up at the time I made my post.

link

Quote
Q. Does a regular flu shot protect against swine flu?
A. The seasonal flu vaccine used in the U.S. this year won't likely provide protection against the latest swine flu virus. There is a swine flu vaccine for pigs but not for humans.
« Last Edit: April 25, 2009, 10:21:57 am by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Cliff

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #9 on: April 25, 2009, 12:20:56 pm »
Oh great, this is just what we need to worry about now!

I hope this ends up being media hype.  Throwing out "pandemic" so quickly seems odd for the WHO, especially considering...
Quote
"This is an animal strain of the H1N1 virus, and it has pandemic potential because it is infecting people," Chan said.

...means that every virus meets their definition.

 ::)



Offline bocker3

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #10 on: April 25, 2009, 01:05:08 pm »
Oh great, this is just what we need to worry about now!

I hope this ends up being media hype.  Throwing out "pandemic" so quickly seems odd for the WHO, especially considering...
...means that every virus meets their definition.

 ::)




I think that the difference here is that there is human to human infections happening -- not simply animal to human as in the vast majority of the "bird flu" cases the last few years.  A pandemic isn't going to happen without human to human infection. 

While I think it is too soon to panic, it is certainly time to take precautions -- i.e. handwashing, etc.

Interesting, my brother has been in the hospital for a week now (he is in RI) with what has finally been diagnosed as pneumonia and influenza.  He's a healthy 42 year old with no history of respitory issues.  He's had a VERY hard time of it -- finally getting better, but spent a day in ICU because his blood oxygen levels were dangerously low.  I don't think he's been in Mexico lately, but he does like to vacation there......

Mike

Offline denb45

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #11 on: April 25, 2009, 01:06:10 pm »
Oh great, this is just what we need to worry about now!

I hope this ends up being media hype.  Throwing out "pandemic" so quickly seems odd for the WHO, especially considering...
...means that every virus meets their definition.

 ::)




From what I read, I don't think anyone really has much to worry about, sounds like it's all Meda Hype to me......
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #12 on: April 25, 2009, 03:21:24 pm »
Yeah... how DARE the media!  Let's see -- preliminary results just showed that the strain of flu reported in up to 300 students at one private school in Queens, New York (where some had just travelled to Mexico together for spring break) is type A, the same as what is in Mexico -- more testing is being done to see if this is the exact same flu, but it's not a stretch to see it as distinctly possible.

bocker is correct about the human-to-human factor -- even the H5N1 avian virus in Asia and Egypt didn't have that so WHO never raised the threat level.  If WHO raises the level today or the next few days you'll see the media really go into overdrive.  Also, this current strain is an H1 type and that's one of the ones that have previously caused world pandemics.

Anyway, can you imagine living in a city of 20 million people and having every public event cancelled?

edit: NY Health Commissioner is live on TV right now saying that tests are showing 8 students with probable swine flu, but they have mild symptoms.

Also, they have just reported two confirmed cases in Kansas.
« Last Edit: April 25, 2009, 04:22:52 pm by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline marc11864

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Personal Response from the CDC
« Reply #13 on: April 25, 2009, 08:10:08 pm »
Attached is a response from the CDC to my inquiry regarding this outbreak and immunodeficient individuals.

I am awaiting further definitive information from them regarding this outbreak and HIV positive individuals and will post as I have information available.

In summary, currently no definitive action has been suggested by the CDC regarding immuno-compromised individuals.


Marc

Thank you for your inquiry to CDC-INFO.  In response to your request for information on the present Swine Flu outbreak, we are pleased to provide you with the following information.

A total of 8 cases of swine influenza (flu) infection in humans have been confirmed as of April 23, 2009. The cases were found in California and Texas. These strains (types) of swine flu can be treated with certain antiviral medications (drugs that kill viruses). All 8 patients have fully recovered from the illness and only 1 patient was reported to have been hospitalized.

CDC has tested samples from all 8 patients and found them to be swine influenza A (H1N1). Swine flu normally infects and causes illness in pigs. It's not known how these people were infected with these viruses. It does appear that swine flu can be spread from person to person.

CDC is working very closely with state and local officials in California and Texas as well as other health and animal officers to investigate these cases. Currently, there are no travel advisories or restrictions posted for travel to or from Mexico, California, or Texas. But, you may want to check CDC's Travelers' Health website for the most current information.

To learn more about swine flu, visit the CDC Swine Flu website. Updates about the current outbreak will be posted each day at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Questions and Answers
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?

Swine influenza (flu) in pigs is primarily a respiratory (breathing tract) infection. Few reports exist to indicate that the virus enters the bloodstream or is found elsewhere in the pig's body. So, it's unlikely that swine influenza virus (SIV) would be found in pork/pork products.

Pigs with active SIV infection would not pass inspection and would not be allowed to be sold for human consumption. Pigs with SIV infection are known to shed virus for a short time period. But, they cease shedding within 1 week. So, a pig that has recovered from SIV infection would no longer have the virus.

If virus is present, it should be inactivated (killed) at normal cooking temperatures.

What is swine flu?
Swine flu is an economically important cause of respiratory disease in pigs throughout the world. It can occasionally cause disease in humans. The first identified swine influenza virus, H1N1, was isolated in the U.S. in 1930.

How does swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted (spread) from pigs to people as "zoonotic" disease agents, and vice versa, from people to pigs. Human infections with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig production barns and livestock exhibits at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu infection. They include
* fever,
* lethargy (lack of energy),
* lack of appetite, and
* coughing.

Some people with swine flu have also reported:
* runny nose,
* sore throat,
* nausea,
* vomiting, and
* diarrhea.

How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen (sample) would need to be collected and sent to CDC for lab testing. In most people, the specimen would need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of infection. This is when the infected person is most likely to be shedding virus. But some people, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer.

Are there drugs to treat swine flu infections in humans?
Influenza antiviral drugs have been shown to have activity against swine influenza viruses. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated in California and Texas.

Does the current influenza vaccination protect you from swine H1N1 flu?
It's unlikely that the seasonal flu vaccine provides protection against swine H1N1 viruses. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against 3 strains of human influenza viruses.

Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?
The H1N1 swine flu virus is very different from human H1N1 and avian H1N1 viruses. Antibodies (infection-fighting cells) made against either the human, swine, or avian H1N1 viruses are expected to provide little if any protection against an H1N1 virus from another species.

How often do people get swine H1N1 flu?
Human infection with swine flu viruses is rare. In the past several years, on average, CDC has received about 1 influenza virus isolate from a human that tests positive for swine flu each year. Most commonly, these cases have had direct exposure to pigs (workers in the pork production industry, for example).

Has human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses occurred before?
There have been some documented cases of 1 person spreading swine flu to another. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections. In this case, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from a patient to healthcare personnel. (Wells D, JAMA 1991)

Are these cases of swine H1N1 flu related to the swine flu cases of 1976?
The viruses detected in California are different from the swine flu virus that caused the 1976 outbreak. Most genetic parts of these viruses are similar to swine flu viruses from the North American lineage; however, parts of the virus are similar to swine flu viruses of the Eurasian lineage.

What is being done to detect other cases of human infection with swine H1N1 influenza virus?
Epidemiological (source and cause of disease) investigations, including tracing contacts of all 7 patients, are ongoing. Enhanced surveillance (monitoring) for human swine influenza virus infection is also underway.

Could these cases signal the beginning of a pandemic?
At this time, there is no evidence of efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission or widespread infection with swine flu virus. Efficient human-to-human transmission is required for a pandemic to occur. CDC will continue to monitor the situation.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

CDC Resources
Swine Influenza (Flu)
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases
www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Human Swine Influenza Investigation
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm

Seasonal Flu
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Travelers' Health
National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx


External Resources
United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.usda.gov/

Links provided to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization web pages found at these links.

Thank you for contacting CDC-INFO Contact Center. Please do not hesitate to call 1-800-CDC-INFO, e-mail cdcinfo@cdc.gov or visit http://www.cdc.gov if you have any additional questions.

CDC-INFO is a service of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).  This service is provided by Vangent, Inc. under contract to CDC and ATSDR.
Let us cavort like the Greeks of old! You know the ones I mean.

Offline Basquo

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #14 on: April 25, 2009, 10:03:08 pm »
2 confirmed cases in Guadalupe County, 45 miles south of Austin. One of the worse flu cases I ever had was in April.  :-\

Offline clsoca

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Swine flu virus in the U.S.
« Reply #15 on: April 25, 2009, 10:34:08 pm »
I just saw a breaking news story on TV here in California. They reported the Swine Flu has entered the USA. The CDC folks said on TV "We do not think we can contain the spread of this virus."

Also it was reported that no vaccine specifically protects against the swine flu.

The reporter said that vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine flu but a vaccine has not  been produced to protect humans from swine flu.

10/07 Infected
11/07 Seroconversion
07/08 Tested Poz
07/08 VL 487  CD4 658  (No Meds)
10/08 VL 286  CD4 724  (No Meds)
01/24/09 VL 30,100   CD4 329 CD4 30% (No Meds)
02/06/09 VL 44,000   CD4 367 CD4 36%  Blood Work @ UCLA (No Meds)
02/06/09 VL 44,000   CD4 317 CD4 35% Blood Work @ USC (No Meds)
02/12/09 VL 52,000   CD4 297 CD4 29%
02/12/09  Started Atripla
04/01/09 VL 60  CD4 667   CD4 48%
06-05-09  VL UD CD4 427   CD4 39%

Offline veritas

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #16 on: April 26, 2009, 04:49:37 am »


http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220040161429%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20040161429&RS=DN/20040161429


Patent app #20040161429 (filed 8-15-03, pub. USPO 8-19-04)
“Compositions for treating Viral Infections using Immunoconjugates to Aminophospholipids”
http://tinyurl.com/6pdny

[0919] “The therapeutics provided by the invention are valuable agents having broad-spectrum anti-viral activity. In addition to being effective against a large number of potentially lethal viruses, the agents can also be administered after exposure to the virus, even in settings where the exact nature of the virus is not known. Thus, the anti-viral therapeutics of the present invention do not require a prolonged period of time between identification of the pathogen and delivery of the therapy, in marked contrast with the time and expense entailed by the development, production or delivery of specific vaccines.”

Anti-ps could be used as a therapy if this flu should develop into an epidemic.

v

Offline veritas

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #17 on: April 26, 2009, 05:01:12 am »

8 New York Students Likely Have Strain of Swine Flu

“…the World Health Organization said it was considering whether to declare an international public health emergency, a move that could involve travel advisories and border closings.”

“The United States has a detailed pandemic preparedness plan that was written in 2005 during the early years of the scare over H5N1 bird flu. But one person involved in planning said that federal officials were “not pulling the trigger on any part of it yet.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/world/americas/26flu.html?pagewanted=2&hp


Offline Veritee

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Swine Feaver/Flu
« Reply #18 on: April 26, 2009, 05:03:18 am »
Anyone have any knowledge or information on how people with HIV would cope with this seemingly new type of flu? i.e the one now in Mexico and US that is thought to be passed on by human contact.

Especially if it goes pandemic as it is threatening to do?

i.e are we more at risk than most ( does our lower CD4 make it harder to fight?)

Can those on HIV ARV take antiretrovirals that seem to be effective against it such as Tamiflu?

Should we be worried i.e more worried than those without HIV?
or is it a false alarm like the bird flu was or are we no more vulnerable tan anyone else to this - although it does seem to be killing even those without HIV or otherwise compromised immune systems.

I am not a health obsessive at all but I had the flu in the last huge flu pandemic that was often fatal in the 50s and as a young fit young person only just survived

So just wondered if we should start finding out now - as forewarned is always good

Thanks Veritee
I have a blog here, please do not judge me on what I say here- I need to offload and this is where I do it: http://hiv-and-us.blogspot.com/

Offline veritas

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #19 on: April 26, 2009, 05:11:54 am »


Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning in April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics. The April 2008 announcement, attached below as published on the Web, stated that in H1N1 the company had then detected the highest concentrations of these specific regions ever seen, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics. A synthetic H1N1 Replikins Vaccine is available for testing, and related products are described below and on the company's website.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/04/prweb2360154.htm

(PRWEB) April 25, 2009 -- Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning in April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics.

The April 2008 announcement, attached below as published on the Web, stated that in H1N1 the company had then detected the highest concentrations of these specific regions ever seen, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics.

Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning on April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics.

A synthetic H1N1 Replikins Vaccine is available for testing. A similar synthetic Replikin Vaccine has been shown to successfully block the entry of H5N1 virus into, replication in, and excretion from chickens. Another synthetic Replikin Vaccine has been shown to protect 91% of shrimp from the lethal Taura Syndrome Virus. The company is able to produce these vaccines in as little as 7 days, rather than the many months needed for traditional vaccines, because they are synthesized at the peptide level.

The following is the text of the April 2008 release in which Replikins was able to pinpoint the high risk of H1N1 outbreaks:

"H1N1 Influenza Virus with Highest Replikin Count™ Since the 1918 Pandemic Identified in the U.S. and Austria

Boston, MA (PRWeb) April 7, 2008 -- Replikins, Ltd. has found that the Replikin Count™ of the H1N1 strain of influenza virus has recently increased to 7.6 (plus/minus 1.4), its highest level since the 1918 H1N1 pandemic (p value less than 0.001). A rising Replikin Count of a particular influenza strain, indicating rapid replication of the virus, is an early warning which has been followed consistently by an outbreak of the specific strain. The current increase appears to be specific to H1N1; there was a concurrent 80% decline in the Replikin Count of H3N2, for instance.

The current H1N1 appears to be rapidly replicating simultaneously in the U.S. and Austria. It may succeed H5N1 as the leading candidate for the next expected overdue pandemic. However, the same virus replikin structures detected by FluForecast® software in all three previous pandemics, namely 1918 H1N1, 1957 H2N2, and 1968 H3N2, as well as in H5N1, have not yet been detected in the currently evolving H1N1.

There is evidence that many factors, including virus structure, host receptivity, and the environment, together with infectivity and rapid replication, need to converge for a pandemic to occur. For H5N1, the high human mortality rate, which peaked at over 80% in 2006-07 in Indonesia, as well as current low infectivity, both appear to limit H5N1's ability to produce a pandemic. Furthermore, the H5N1 rapid replication cycle which began in 1996 now appears to be over. The H5N1 virus produced less than 300 World Health Organization confirmed deaths over the past 10 years.

On the other hand, H1N1, with an estimated human mortality rate of only 2.5 to 10%, but with much higher infectivity, produced an estimated 50 million deaths in the 1918 pandemic. A number of countermeasures exist today which did not exist in 1918, however. Among these is Replikins' ability to manufacture synthetic vaccines based on current sequences, with a seven day production turnaround. (end of 4/2008 release)

In the April 2008 announcement above, as published on the Web, Replikins stated that it had detected the highest levels of its specific genome regions ever seen in any virus samples, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed tens of millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics.

The original release can be found at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/103052.php and http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-technology-1/H1N1-Influenza-Virus-With-Highest-Replikin-Count-28TM-29-Since-the-1918-Pandemic-Identified-in-the-U-S--and-Austria-4432-1/, among other sites.



Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #20 on: April 26, 2009, 10:30:59 am »
This sure isn't very encouraging - a lot of Mexican doctors have posted that deaths are being very under-reported throughout the country:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/8018428.stm
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Offline WillyWump

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #21 on: April 26, 2009, 11:14:37 am »
Let me preface this comment with the fact that at times I DO tend to overreact...

Im more than a little concerned, 2 of the Texas cases occured at Steele High School in Schertz Texas, I live about 15 miles from there. I am also about 10 miles from the San Antonio Intl airport which handles about 5-10 mexico city flights a day...

I'm assuming that as a Poz individual I need to be more concerned than the average person about the flu. But how much more so do I need to be concerned? If I get ithis thing am I a "Gonner" (especially based on my numbers)???

Actually as Im writing this the Sa news is reporting a 3rd case at Steele Hs and they are closing the school for a week

Im seriously considering a mask...am I overreacting again???
« Last Edit: April 26, 2009, 11:37:14 am by WillyWump »
POZ since '08

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Offline bocker3

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #22 on: April 26, 2009, 01:30:25 pm »
Personally, I think it is a very good idea to be vigilant and take the "common" precautions for flu -- i.e. wash your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, etc.  I don't think it is time to panic (in fact, I don't know that there is ever a time for panic). 

Interestingly, I have read that back in the 1918 flu pandemic, the reason most deaths were from young, healthy adults was connected to strong immune reactions -- in fact, over-reactions to the virus.  Who knows what this flu might present for HIV+ individuals -- bottomline is that we should try and avoid getting it -- so, (I'll repeat myself), wash your hands often, don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth and avoid sick people if you can.  Also -- if you start feeling sick, don't ignore it.  It isn't usually the "flu" that kills, it is the pneumonia that comes secondary to the flu.

Mike

Offline Veritee

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #23 on: April 26, 2009, 02:13:19 pm »
The questions I have are simply:

  • Does Tamiflu and Relenza interact with HIV meds - can we take theses if we are on HIV ARVs?
  • Are people living with HIV of more risk to this virus than the general population?
     

By the way it was reported on UK TV News just now that this Flu has reached the UK. However so far it has only been reported conclusively in two UK travelers who arrived in Scotland today from Mexico.

They are in isolation in hospital.

I am in touch with women who locally have children with HIV and this is very worrying as a mum as you want to protect your children so I am keeping up to date - so will let you know the UK situation when I hear it


I have a blog here, please do not judge me on what I say here- I need to offload and this is where I do it: http://hiv-and-us.blogspot.com/

Offline Scotian

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast/Canada
« Reply #24 on: April 26, 2009, 02:22:20 pm »
Four cases just confirmed this afternoon in Nova Scotia, Canada, in  a small town outside Halifax.
They are high school students who were in Mexico recently. They are recovering.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2009, 02:31:08 pm by Scotian »

Offline MitchMiller

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #25 on: April 26, 2009, 04:25:53 pm »
I also have read the same thing Mike posted... that the deaths in Mexico were NOT among those typically most affected by flu epidemics, but rather among the young and healthy.  Ann mentioned one theory was that they hadn't gotten the flu vaccine.  However, most scientists agree that is not the answer.   

Therefore, those of us that have "suppressed" immune systems may be sitting in the "sweet spot" in terms of survival rates.  Death is caused by a hyper-stimulated immune system; where the reaction is so strong, fluid builds up in the lungs and effectively suffocates the victims.

I would think all should take precautions, but the most at-risk groups among HIV+ would seem to me to be those w/normal immune systems and those on the other end of the spectrum where the immune system is so disfunctional that even the common cold could be considered serious.


Offline bocker3

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #26 on: April 26, 2009, 04:32:40 pm »
The questions I have are simply:

  • Does Tamiflu and Relenza interact with HIV meds - can we take theses if we are on HIV ARVs?
  • Are people living with HIV of more risk to this virus than the general population?
     


You can check your meds here:  http://www.aidsmeds.com/cmm/

I can tell you that there are no interactions with atripla, reyataz or norvir

As for your second question.....  I don't think that there is any way to know at this point.  The good thing is that whether poz or neg you can increase your chances of avoiding the flu by doing everything people keep saying to do -- wash your hands, etc.

Mike

Offline Ann

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #27 on: April 26, 2009, 04:34:48 pm »

Ann mentioned one theory was that they hadn't gotten the flu vaccine.  However, most scientists agree that is not the answer.   


My theory was that young adults are more likely to try to ignore (shrug off) the flu and keep going to work etc instead of getting back into bed, getting some rest and taking care of themselves so their body can fight the virus. I think that could be a contributing factor - but not the only factor. Someone else mentioned the no-vaccine theory. :)

I seem to remember something about people with hiv having an easier time of the avian flu when it was going around China and the Far East. Maybe this was to do with other people ending up with a hyper-stimulated immune system - as has been mentioned about the recent flu/deaths.

Ann


edited because I wrote this last night while tired and inadvertently came off sounding a bit rude. (sorry Mitch!).
« Last Edit: April 27, 2009, 04:31:24 am by Ann »
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HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline bocker3

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #28 on: April 26, 2009, 04:36:42 pm »
I also have read the same thing Mike posted... that the deaths in Mexico were NOT among those typically most affected by flu epidemics, but rather among the young and healthy.  Ann mentioned one theory was that they hadn't gotten the flu vaccine.  However, most scientists agree that is not the answer.   

Therefore, those of us that have "suppressed" immune systems may be sitting in the "sweet spot" in terms of survival rates.  Death is caused by a hyper-stimulated immune system; where the reaction is so strong, fluid builds up in the lungs and effectively suffocates the victims.

I would think all should take precautions, but the most at-risk groups among HIV+ would seem to me to be those w/normal immune systems and those on the other end of the spectrum where the immune system is so disfunctional that even the common cold could be considered serious.

I would not assume that this flu virus will react the same as the 1918 virus did -- I was merely sharing some history.

At any rate, it's certainly not time to panic, but rather to stay vigilant and listen for updates from the WHO and the CDC, etc (try not to let the tabloid media outlets drive us all nuts with worry).

Oh, yeah -- and wash your hands.  

Mike

Offline Veritee

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #29 on: April 26, 2009, 05:35:07 pm »
Thank you for answering my questions bocker3

I am on Atripla as are my husband and many of the others I know near me in the UK

And I will take usual precautions and tell others to. i.e wash hands etc

thank you
I have a blog here, please do not judge me on what I say here- I need to offload and this is where I do it: http://hiv-and-us.blogspot.com/

Offline odyssey

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #30 on: April 26, 2009, 06:39:18 pm »
Just so everyone knows, the United States just declared a "public health emergency" related to the swine flu.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_swine_flu_emergency

WASHINGTON – The U.S. declared a public health emergency Sunday to deal with the emerging new swine flu, much like the government does to prepare for approaching hurricanes.

Officials reported 20 U.S. cases of swine flu in five states so far, with the latest in Ohio and New York. Unlike in Mexico where the same strain appears to be killing dozens of people, cases in the United State have been mild — and U.S. health authorities can't yet explain why.

"As we continue to look for cases, we are going to see a broader spectrum of disease," predicted Dr. Richard Besser, acting chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We're going to see more severe disease in this country."

At a White House news conference, Besser and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano sought to assure Americans that health officials are taking all appropriate steps to minimize the impact of the outbreak.

Top among those is declaring the public health emergency. As part of that, Napolitano said roughly 12 million doses of the drug Tamiflu will be moved from a federal stockpile to places where states can quickly get their share if they decide they need it. Priority will be given to the five states with known cases so far: California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas.

Napolitano called the emergency declaration standard operating procedure — one was declared recently for the inauguration and for flooding. She urged people to think of it as a "declaration of emergency preparedness."

"Really that's what we're doing right now. We're preparing in an environment where we really don't know ultimately what the size of seriousness of this outbreak is going to be."

___

On the Net:

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov
01/09/09- diagnosed HIV+
01/16/09   CD4-425    22%  VL- 32,415
11/09- started Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada
03/10- stopped R/N/T
10/18/11   CD4- 328   20%  VL- 84,000
10/25/11   CD4- 386   22%
10/28/11- start Truvada/Reyetaz/Norvir
12/30/11  CD4- 523  29%
03/08/12  CD4- 503  31%  VL 57
07/02/12  CD4- 897  43%
08/31/12  CD4- 745  39%
12/27/12  CD4- 884  40%
03/28/13  CD4- 819  39%
07/19/13  CD4- 739  40%
10/17/13  CD4- 535  36%
01/16/14  CD4- 743  43%

02/14- switched from R/N/T to Tivicay/Epzicom because of CKD 3 suspected from tenofovir.

03/14- switched back to R/N/T due to severe nausea and inability to eat on T/E.
 
04/01/14 CD4- 898  42%   VL-

Offline planonstaying

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #31 on: April 26, 2009, 06:57:01 pm »
  I read they are following up a bunch of pneumonia  cases in Mexico.  Pneumonia is the devil. I guess they think some  may of been swine flu related. I won't be wearing a mask  but I will be touching nothing, being mindful to keep my hands away from my face and washing them a lot.
If someone tells you  potential consequences of a behavior  it  doesn't  mean they jude you or mit    they may just give a shit about you

Offline Assurbanipal

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #32 on: April 26, 2009, 09:03:10 pm »
Today's CDC press briefing (unfortunately all CAPS) http://www.cdc.gov/media/transcripts/2009/t090426.htm

-- they are clearly still searching for explanations as to why the virus has caused so many deaths in Mexico and so far been relatively mild in the US and Canada.

-- they do not know whether it will be milder in older or immunosuppressed individuals

-- they have issued guidelines for treatment, but everything is subject to change. 

-- they confirmed the seasonal vaccine is unlikely to be protective; don't know yet whether exposure to regular flu in the past would be protective or not

About the interim treatment guidelines: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm

For now, immunosuppressed people like us are assumed to be at high risk for complications.  The guidelines say that prophylactic treatment with either oseltamivir or zanamivir (Tamiflu or Relenza)  is recommended for immunosuppressed individuals who are:
 -  travelers to Mexico or
 -  in close household contact with a confirmed or suspected case.
5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
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Offline Ann

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #33 on: April 27, 2009, 04:42:51 am »
As a news conference in Washington, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano called the emergency declaration “standard operating procedure,” and said she would rather call it a “declaration of emergency preparedness.”

“It’s like declaring one for a hurricane,” she said. “It means we can release funds and take other measures. The hurricane may not actually hit.”
From an article in today's NY Times.

So, the CDC, by declaring a "public health emergency", isn't actually saying there IS an emergency, but they are preparing for one, just in case.  That's my motto - Be Prepared. (whatever anyone tells you to the contrary, the Scouts stole that phrase from me.) ;D

Here in the UK, we're being told to be alert. Goodness knows the world, and certainly the UK, needs more lerts. ;)

It might seem as though I'm making light of the situation, and I guess to an extent I am. It's just my way of trying to remind everyone to keep this in perspective and don't panic. As has been said again and again in this thread, hand-washing and keeping your hands off your face are your best lines of defence. Be prepared, but don't panic!

Ann
« Last Edit: April 27, 2009, 04:50:55 am by Ann »
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"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline poz1970

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #34 on: April 27, 2009, 04:49:04 am »
As a news conference in Washington, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano called the emergency declaration “standard operating procedure,” and said she would rather call it a “declaration of emergency preparedness.”

“It’s like declaring one for a hurricane,” she said. “It means we can release funds and take other measures. The hurricane may not actually hit.”
From an article in today's NY Times.

So, the CDC, by declaring a "public health emergency", isn't actually saying there IS an emergency, but they are preparing for one, just in case.  That's my motto - Be Prepared. (whatever anyone tells you to the contrary, the Scouts stole that phrase from me.)

Here in the UK, we're being told to be alert. Goodness knows the world, and certainly the UK, needs more lerts. ;)

Ann


The News here stated that it was declared an emergency in the US so that the stockpiles of drugs could be released... from midnight monday (6 hours from now), all international flights will be screened when arriving in Australia

J
"The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals and 362 admonishments to  heterosexuals. That doesn`t mean that God doesn`t love heterosexuals. It`s just that they need more supervision." -- Lynn Lavne

Offline veritas

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #35 on: April 27, 2009, 05:08:27 am »
BBC answers questions about swine flu:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8020125.stm

Offline veritas

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #36 on: April 27, 2009, 05:12:42 am »


cdc reports about swine flu:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Offline komnaes

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #37 on: April 27, 2009, 06:08:13 am »
Having lived through the bird flu in and traveling between the two epic centers (Hong Kong and Beijing..), there are several sensible things to do:

- Wash hands regularly, bring a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer if your job, etc requires you to be outside, on public transportation, in public places a lot, etc

- Face mask is your BEST FRIEND, and make sure you have the right surgical type (highly recommend all fellow HIVer to wear one when visiting the clinic no matter what)

- While no need to completely lock yourself up, do avoid large enclosed public places (cinemas, etc) with poor air ventilation, especially try to avoid public toilets (if you must, wash hands thoroughly afterward)

- Avoid eating raw foods that are not prepared by yourself; if you buy fruits do wash them thoroughly

Oh, and no need to panic..

Shaun

PS - did have one surreal experience in the middle of bird flu; was on a flight from San Francisco back to Hong Kong in the middle of the SARS/bird flu panic; they already scheduled a smaller 737, there were 5, yes 5, passengers on that flight..
Aug 07 Diagnosed
Oct 07 CD4=446(19%) Feb 08 CD4=421(19%)
Jun 08 CD4=325(22%) Jul 08 CD4=301(18%)
Sep 08 CD4=257/VL=75,000 Oct 08 CD4=347(16%)
Dec 08 CD4=270(16%)
Jan 09 CD4=246(13%)/VL=10,000
Feb 09 CD4=233(15%)/VL=13,000
Started meds Sustiva/Epzicom
May 09 CD4=333(24%)/VL=650
Aug 09 CD4=346(24%)/VL=UD
Nov 09 CD4=437(26%)/VL=UD
Feb 10 CD4=471(31%)/VL=UD
June 10 CD4=517 (28%)/VL=UD
Sept 10 CD4=687 (31%)/VL=UD
Jan 11 CD4=557 (30%)/VL=UD
April 11 CD4=569 (32%)/VL=UD
Switched to Epizcom, Reyataz and Norvir
(Interrupted for 2 months with only Epizcom & Reyataz)
July 11 CD=520 (28%)/VL=UD
Oct 11 CD=771 (31%)/VL=UD(<30)
April 12 CD=609 (28%)/VL=UD(<20)
Aug 12 CD=657 (29%)/VL=UD(<20)
Dec 12 CD=532 (31%)/VL=UD(<20)
May 13 CD=567 (31%)/VL=UD(<20)
Jan 14 CD=521 (21%)/VL=UD(<50)

Offline tgccme

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Is anyone worried about the swine flu?
« Reply #38 on: April 27, 2009, 08:12:12 am »
Having a low CD 4 count and percentage ... I am somewhat worried about this new outbreak... I was planning on a trip this coming weekend but I think I should stay home and take the normal precautions.
Is anyone else overly worried...?I assume it will be easier for those of us with low counts to get sick ...
diagnosed 1/08 pcp cd 20 percent 2 vl 358,000
started Kaletra and Truvada
2/08 cd 40   vl 2600
3/08 cd 4 116 vl 2600
4/08 cd 4 139 vl 220
5/08  cd4 166 vl <75
7/08 cd4 137 vl <75
9/08 cd4 80 vl<75
11/08 cd4 193 vl<75
2/09 cd4 254 percentage 8 vl<48
05/09 cd 4 271 percentage 9  vl<48
08/09 cd4 279 percentage 12 VL<48
Changed to Reyataz/norvir/truvada
09/09 cd4 302 percentage 15 VL <48

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #39 on: April 27, 2009, 08:43:06 am »
Living in one of the largest hog counties in the state we're use to it. It's just something that sometimes happens but not often. It's playing havoc on farmers that are raising hogs for medicial purposes. The red signs are up again.

Offline Ann

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #40 on: April 27, 2009, 08:52:37 am »
Having a low CD 4 count and percentage ... I am somewhat worried about this new outbreak... I was planning on a trip this coming weekend but I think I should stay home and take the normal precautions.
Is anyone else overly worried...?I assume it will be easier for those of us with low counts to get sick ...

tg,

You don't say where you live, but unless you're in Mexico, I wouldn't necessarily cancel the trip. You don't give us many details so it's difficult to answer you. If you're going to a large gathering of people such as a sporting event, then maybe you'd be wise to stay home. If you're not going to be in contact with huge amounts of people in a confined space, I wouldn't worry too much.

As everyone keeps saying, frequent hand-washing, the use of hand sanitizer when on the go, and keeping your hands off your face (eye-rubbing is one of the worst things to do in regards catching colds and flu) are your best lines defence no matter where you are.

Ann
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Offline Dachshund

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Re: Flu virus in Mexico and US Southeast
« Reply #41 on: April 27, 2009, 10:22:09 am »
tg,


As everyone keeps saying, frequent hand-washing, the use of hand sanitizer when on the go, and keeping your hands off your face (eye-rubbing is one of the worst things to do in regards catching colds and flu) are your best lines defence no matter where you are.

Ann


Good advice. This also might be a good time to resist the temptation of putting a stranger's pee-pee in one's eyes, ears, nose and throat. Oh, and pooper. ;D
« Last Edit: April 27, 2009, 10:29:18 am by Dachshund »

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #42 on: April 27, 2009, 10:55:46 am »
Top EU health official is telling people not to travel to the US?  Sounds a bit overkill IMO.
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Offline Tim Horn

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #43 on: April 27, 2009, 05:05:23 pm »
Doubt any of this is exactly news to those who have been keeping up with the reports as they become available, but here's a basic Q&A on the subject:

http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_swine_flu_2042_16519.shtml

Offline marc11864

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #44 on: April 27, 2009, 05:28:13 pm »
WHO has now raised alert to level 4

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8021656.stm

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Offline fearless

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #45 on: April 27, 2009, 07:50:25 pm »
We now have suspected cases in both Aus and NZ and they are waiting for test results to be delivered.

Unfortunately, as we are also entering winter down here (and had aour first cold snap over the weekend) it is the beginning of flu season anyway the potential for swine flu is adding to people's anxieties.
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #46 on: April 27, 2009, 08:18:41 pm »
Death toll in Mexico went from 103 to 149 in just one day.
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Offline anniebc

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #47 on: April 27, 2009, 08:43:28 pm »
Ten people from a separate Auckland school trip to Mexico have tested positive for influenza A and are believed likely to have caught swine flu...but some swab results are still to be confirmed.

As Steve said we are heading into our flu season, I was unwell for about a week when I got back from my trip to Australia last month, had flu like symptoms but it never really got passed the head cold, runny nose and sore throat stage...had my flu jab a couple of weeks ago.

Stay safe.

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Offline Tim Horn

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #48 on: April 27, 2009, 09:45:39 pm »
Not that it allays fears, it's important to remember that seasonal flu results in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually in the U.S. -- it's not at all clear that swine flu will do any more damage than what we already see on a regular basis.

One idea that's being batted around is that young people -- at least in Mexico -- are more likely to experience serious complications stemming from H1N1 infection because their immune systems become hyperactive, causing their lungs to rapidly fill with fluid... much like what was during the 1918 flu pandemic (another human-animal hybird [H1N1] influenza infection). Those who are very young or very old might not experience such strong inflammatory response to the infection.  How people living with HIV might fit into this theory isn't clear. While it's possibly that some degree of HIV-related immune system dysfunction might blunt a hyperactive response to H1N1, I suppose it's also possible that an overabundance of immune activation -- which many researchers believe is what really drives HIV disease progression and the higher risk of non-AIDS complications we face) -- might work against us.

Personally, I take great comfort in knowing that, despite the increasing numbers of U.S. cases, virtually all reports have detailed mild-to-moderate symptoms of disease. Let's just hope the same holds true for people living with HIV, should our risk of exposure be solidified.

Tim Horn
« Last Edit: April 27, 2009, 09:53:34 pm by Tim Horn »

Offline positively_me

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Re: Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) and HIV
« Reply #49 on: April 27, 2009, 10:18:39 pm »
I'd like some opinions on something...

I'm scheduled to take flight in mid May to the Northwest.  I've take this specific flight once before and at least half of the people on it came from Cabo San Lucas in Baja California.  They're stop over is in my city and then they continue on up north. I'm a little hesitant and nervous to take this flight now...I'm worried that sitting in an aluminum tube breathing recycled flight for 2 hours and 10 minutes isn't the brightest idea.  Especially with people who have spent time in various parts of Mexico.

What are your thoughts?  Would you be concerned/worried if you were me?
Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.  - Eleanor Roosevelt

 


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