Call me paranoid, a man who hides in his home. But I've got my reasons. My brother, the picture of good health, went to the hospital with this flu. My wife knows someone who had it while visiting in Ohio and she had a high fever, vomitting, and sore throat, the complete flu package. I've heard reports of people, probably the aged, dying.
I stay home with twins half the day, so I can't get sick.
Also, I have a history of getting sick from going to the gym, so it's strictly home training for the next couple of months.
Who knows? I might get this flu anyway.
My health provider, Kaiser, said the new flu vaccine is being worked on but is not ready. The first flu shot I got back in September does not cover this new super flu.
The flu news has been blown out of proportion by the media. See highlighted comment here:
http://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/16ljiq/flu_deaths_reaching_peak_cdc_says/c7x7ult
Also take a look at foreign news sites such as the BBC. If flu is a problem here this year, why is it not an issue for the entire rest of the world?
The media fear mongering is unbelievable. Go to gym! Even if you catch the flu, it will build your immunity.
Posted by: Paul | January 19, 2013 at 10:02 AM
Good counterpoint, Paul. Wouldn't be the first time I overreacted.
Posted by: herculodge | January 19, 2013 at 10:24 AM
If you're open to natural medicines take elderberry extract and/or Host Defense - which are super mushrooms: http://www.amazon.com/Fungi-Perfecti-Community-Vegetarian-Capsules/dp/B002WJ1BZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358622627&sr=8-1&keywords=host+defense
Posted by: jonnybardo | January 19, 2013 at 11:11 AM
According to CDC, the vaccine we've already received is 60% effective, and is a good match to 91% of the flu viruses analyzed. This is what I've heard on the TV and radio news as well.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012-2013.htm#effective
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012-2013.htm#good-match
Posted by: Gary | January 19, 2013 at 12:37 PM
Perhaps so, Gary, but the Kaiser RN emailed me that work is being done to get a new vaccine for the new flu.
Posted by: herculodge | January 19, 2013 at 03:55 PM
Jeff... To add to what Jonny mentioned, I have found that a combo of eating healthy (vegetarian), working out (barefoot running), good sleep, and natural supplements, have kept me flu-free for a number of years. Oh, and never any flu shots! Investing in a good treadmill several years ago, has allowed me to avoid the gym altogether. Add up a few years of gym fees, and the equipment is paid for!
Posted by: David | January 19, 2013 at 05:52 PM
Jeff - The CDC site doesn't mention anything about a second flu vaccine being developed for this flu season. If it actually comes to pass, please let us know.
Posted by: Gary | January 19, 2013 at 06:44 PM