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Cold and Flu
Questions and answers about the "Common Cold"; symptoms in the upper respiratory tract like sneezing, scratchy throat, and runny nose, but adults don't typically have fevers. Colds are usually caused by the rhinovirus (up to 40% of colds), or Coronaviruses (about 20%), but there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Also questions about the seasonal flu, also called "regular flu", caused mostly by Type A and Type B Influenza viruses. Flu starts with similar symptoms as a cold only it hits faster and harder and usually includes fever in adults. Although the "stomach flu" is a common term, it is not a real diagnosis. The proper medical term for stomach flu is gastroenteritis (an intestinal disease, sometimes viral but also bacterial), it is often mistaken for influenza because the flu can sometimes include vomiting and diarrhea.
4,331 Questions
What is the current H1N1 swine flu pandemic situation in the UK?
There may be some ongoing cases in limited locations around the world, including in the UK. However, the specifics and counts of cases are no longer being tracked by CDC, WHO, the US states, and most other countries, now that the pandemic has been declared over. Influenza cases are monitored, but specific H1N1/09 counts (and the lab tests needed to isolate the specific virus to be able to count them correctly) aren't being done. Influenza cases in general are monitored, but statistics are not being kept for H1N1/09 cases separately from other influenza types for reporting any longer in the post pandemic phase.
UPDATE 11/22/09 The latest figures of cases and deaths in the UK as of November 22, 2009 are:
22,340 cases and 216 deaths.
Just recently, some patients in a hospital in Wales were tested and found to have a mutated strain of A-H1N1/09 that is Tamiflu resistant and for the first time, it is believed to have passed from patient to patient. Until now, the mutated strains had not been known to have person to person transmission and were more unique to individuals. This is still under study, but the patients were all in a unit for severely ill patients and it is believed that their underlying illness and serious conditions were likely a component of this spread of the mutated virus. [See the related question below about the Current Situation for more details, "Which cities states or countries have cases or deaths of swine flu?"
The following Alert was released July 31, 2009 by the National Health Service (NHS):Alert: Important information about swine flu Last updated 6:41 AM Friday 31 July 2009
Important changes have been announced to the way in which the NHS is managing the growing swine flu pandemic in England. Read the latest official advice to help protect yourself, your family and others.
Key messagesIf you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:
- Read up on swine flu symptoms [see link "A" in related links below]
- Stay at home and check your condition at the National Pandemic Flu Service [link "B" below]
- You should call your GP directly if:
- you have a serious underlying illness
- you are pregnant
- you have a sick child under one year old
- your condition suddenly gets much worse
- your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)
Note: The National Pandemic Flu Service is a self-care service that will asses your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number which can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on:
- Telephone: 0800 1 513 100
- Minicom: 0800 1 513 200
For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service - Q&A [link "C" below]
Key actionsSwine flu is spreading fast in the UK. Prepare now by:
- Learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu
- Establishing 'flu friends' - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill
- Keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house
- Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed
Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it. It is important you do what you can.
Key reading- For daily updates on the swine flu outbreak go to Swine flu latest news [link "D" below]
- For an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to Swine flu A-Z [link "E" below]
- For quick questions and answers go to Swine flu Q&A [link "C" below]
- For information on pregnancy go to Swine flu - pregnant women [link "F" below]
- For information on other high-risk goups go to Swine flu - high-risk groups [link "G" below]
- For information in other languages and formats, including British Sign Language video, go to Swine flu - other languages. [link "H" below]
Note: To order a Braille copy of the swine flu information leaflet, call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513
Good hygienePreventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:
- Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
- Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
- Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible
Go to Directgov [link "I" below] for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services
Go to BusinessLink [link "J" below] for essential information to help businesses deal with the effects of swine flu
Scotland, Wales and Northern IrelandIf you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland go to this pandemic flu information page. [link "K" below] It will direct you to swine flu information and treatment advice in your area.
Tamiflu Side Effects in Children 7/31/09
According to research from the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training and colleagues from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in London which was published in Eurosurveillance, the peer-reviewed journal of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, children are having neuropsychiatric side effects from Tamiflu such as nightmares, inability to concentrate, insomnia, and slight confusion.
The article at the NHS web site (link is provided to the full article in the related links section below), states:
". . . more than half of children taking Tamiflu to combat swine flu suffer side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nightmares," said The Daily Telegraph. It also said the study suggests that one in five children who took part reported having a neuropsychiatric side effect."
Possibly you may have some symtoms. If you shared the smoke, you are most likely to have consumed the germs and you might have swine flu.
Should a reaction to a flu shot be checked?
Yes, depending on the type of reaction. If it is an allergic reaction with a generalized skin rash or hives, you should contact your health care professional to report it and ask if you need to be examined. Health care providers are expected to report these reactions for the vaccine monitoring program although, you could report it yourself, too. If there are any symptoms of breathing difficulty, swelling in the face or lips or severe swelling at the site of the injection then seek immediate medical attention to prevent potential anaphylactic shock.
If, however, the reaction is confined to the local area of the injection and demonstrates only slight swelling, warmth, redness and/or pain on movement or when touched at the location, then that is a common reaction caused by your immune system to the injected vaccination, not an allergic reaction. This soreness can also be accompanied by slight fever, malaise and an achy feeling as your immune system responds to the vaccine, but should be gone in only a few days. The soreness upon movement will improve the more you use the arm or if you put a warm moist towel on it several times a day. If these localized symptoms at the location of the shot last more than a few days, contact your health care professional for advice.
See the related links for this question to find a link to the web site to report reactions or side effects of vaccinations.
If you gurgle salt water how fast will your sore throat go away?
Not that fast, maybe a few 15 minutes or so
Depends on why sore - strep not much help and not for long, because most of the problem is IN the throat tissue. Something ON the tissue, like something swallowed
(allergic reaction...) pretty quick. Dry scratchy sore (smoke or caugh sore) coat with
honey / hot tea & lots of honey.
Can you get the H1N1 vaccine if you are currently sick with the Swine Flu?
If you have proof from laboratory testing that you currently have the A-H1N1/09 "Swine Flu", then there would be no reason to get the vaccine because having the flu itself will provide the same or better immunity as the vaccine.
However, if you have not had the specific strain of flu proven by laboratory testing, you should go ahead and take the vaccination for A-H1N1/09 just to be certain that you are protected in case the symptoms you had were not from this specific strain of influenza. It will not hurt to have the vaccine after having had the same type of flu and it is a "better safe than sorry" scenario.
It is better to wait until after any signs of any type of infection (viral or bacterial) are gone before getting flu vaccines, especially if there is any fever.
Is there another form of flu vaccines other than nose spray and IM injections?
Yes, there is a new intradermal (ID) form of flu vaccine that is available [along with the usual intramuscular (IM) vaccines and the intranasal (nasal mist) spray vaccines] in the 2011-2012 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. It is called Fluzone in the US. It is licensed for use in the US for adults aged 18 - 64 and includes flu vaccine for both Type A and Type B influenza viruses.
Intradermal means in the skin. It is administered with an ultra short and thin needle between the layers of the skin using what is called a microinjection system, an individual syringe ready for one time use.
Sanofi Pasteur is also making it under the names Intanza or ID flu in the Northern Hemisphere outside the US. It will be available in 40 countries during the 2011-2012 flu season, including Australia, Canada and European Countries. In the Southern Hemisphere it is marketed under the brand name Instivac.
More facts about the ID flu vaccine:
- Approved for use in adults only (ages 18 - 64), given in a single dose
- Inactivated type of vaccine ("dead" virus particles used)
- May provide increased immunity over other types of flu vaccines due to the reactions of specialized immune system cells available in the skin
- Preservative free
- Injected into the skin layers, usually in the upper arm (deltoid) area
- Microinjection system provides:
- Improved acceptance by needle-averse individuals
- Needle is not readily visible to the patient
- Needle size 90% smaller than IM needles, 30 gauge
- Needle depth 1.5 mm
- Smaller amount of vaccine solution injected 0.1 mL
- Less antigen per injection, 27 mcg compared to 45 mcg IM
- Trials indicate less pain with injections
- Can cause more local injection site symptoms of mild to moderate redness, swelling, and other site reactions than IM, for 3-7 days
- Fewer systemic reactions (fever, headaches, muscle aches, etc.)
- 75% of trial participants were very satisfied
- 96% of clinicians giving the ID vaccines would recommend
See related questions and links below.
Yes it's normal, you have a tiny tube that runs from your ears to the back of your throat, this can get blocked with flem and cause the sensation you describe.
Can cayenne pepper fight the flu virus?
It will probably make you feel better, but it doesn't "kill" the virus or fight the infection directly. Cayenne pepper (or any chile powder made from hot peppers) is made from ground dried "chile peppers" that contain an active ingredient, capsaicin. It is known to ease symptoms such as nasal congestion, increased mucous, fever, malaise and body aches. Many people make it a habit to eat very hot foods, like Thai foods or Mexican foods, when they are suffering from a cold or the flu because of the mild euphoria, nasal passage clearing, and pain killing characteristics caused by the chiles in the ingredients. Try it next time and see if it helps.*
NOTE:
*If you are not accustomed to eating hot foods made with chiles, start with small amounts of chile powders sprinkled on at the table until you develop into a chilehead and are able to eat fire. If you bite off more than you can chew, one of the best "antidotes" is a bite of raw banana. It kills the mouth pain almost instantly. Other things that help are dairy foods (the casein in these helps to neutralize the action of the capsaicin) and the fat content helps to "dilute" and dissolve the vegetable fats that contain the capsaicin so that it can be more easily removed from your mouth. High fat premium ice cream is good, too. Water and alcohol don't help and tend to make it worse in most people. Something to absorb the chile oils to remove them from your mouth, such as dry saltine crackers, can also help...but banana is the best remedy.
If your talking spiritually, of course. If you are talking morally, you really gotta make it right with the person you wronged. Forgiveness lies with them. Good luck! God loves you no matter what! If you ask God for forgiveness with a sincere heart, in Jesus's name , you will be forgiven. Read the bible; it helps. God sent his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins and salvation. You can only receive this salvation through Jesus Christ. Only if You are sorry for your sins and accept Him into your heart. Through this prayer of the faithful: Heavenly Father, I come to you today in Jesus's name. I believe that you sent your son to us for our sins and salvation. I believe that He died on the cross and rose on the third day. I ask you to forgive me for all my wrong doings. Jesus guide me, save me, and enter my heart. I ask you this in your son's holy name. Amen. If you have said this prayer you have just accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, you are now a child of God. Continue to read your Bible and spread the joy to others. Jesus loves you! Yes, God forgives all; no sin is greater than another.
Are the plague and the flu the same?
Not even close, actually. The flu is usually a mild viral infection that affects the lungs and respiratory system, although in some people it can prove deadly. Our bodies typically can get rid the viral infection in 7 to 10 days in otherwise healthy adults.
On the other hand, if you are talking about the plague that was pandemic throughout Europe and much of Asia in the 14th century that was known as bubonic plague, it was caused by bacteria and not a virus. Our bodies can succumb rapidly to untreated severe bacterial infections. At the time, antibiotics were not yet invented and around 70% of those infected died. The bacteria that caused "Black Plague", named for the big black "blisters" (buboes) it caused, was spread by rats and is called plague bacillus, Yersinia pestis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a system for alerts and communication of the severity or spread of an influenza epidemic, for purposes of preparedness for an influenza pandemic (see below for definition of pandemic), for the US National Preparedness Plan. They have defined six phases of outbreaks that have potential to become an influenza pandemic.
2011 ~ We are currently in the Post Pandemic Phase.
A synopsis of each phase's definition is provided below, for the full information from the WHO, see the related links section near the bottom of this answer page.
Phase 1
In nature, flu viruses circulate continuously among animals. Even though such viruses might develop into pandemic viruses, no viruses circulating among animals at the present time have been reported to cause infections in humans.
Phase 2
An animal influenza virus that is currently circulating among domesticated or wild animals is known to have caused infection in humans, and is therefore considered a potential pandemic threat.
Phase 3
There are small clusters of animal-human virus infecting people at present, these are being monitored, but it has currently not resulted in human-to-human transmission frequency sufficient to sustain community-level outbreaks, which would be required to initiate pandemic proportions.
Phase 4
There is human-to-human transmission of animal or human-animal virus able to create sustained community level outbreaks which significantly raises the level of risk of a pandemic, but does not indicate that a pandemic is a fore-gone conclusion.
Phase 5
Large areas of human-to-human transmission are occurring, and the spread has extended to at least two countries in the same region, which is a strong signal that pandemic is imminent, and containment procedures and preparedness should be being finalized.
Phase 6
The Pandemic Phase. The community level outbreaks of the virus are continually spreading among people and to at least one other country in a second region globally, and WHO declares a global pandemic is under way.
The Pandemic will progress through the post peak period of the pandemic phase and then to the post pandemic phase.
The Post Pandemic Phase
When the peak period of infection has passed and only a few outbreaks here and there remain, the WHO will declare the pandemic is over and the Post Pandemic Phase is begun. There will be continued observation and monitoring during of waves of the pandemic recurring before finally returning to the normal seasonal levels.
World Health Organization has announced that the world is now in the Post Pandemic Phase of the H1N1/09 pandemic.
World Health Organization Definition of Pandemic:
"An influenza pandemic occurs with the appearance of a new influenza virus against which none of us has any immunity. This results in several, simultaneous epidemics worldwide with high numbers of cases and deaths. With the increase in global transport and communications, as well as urbanization and overcrowded conditions, epidemics due to the new influenza virus are likely to be established quickly around the world."
What is the difference between flu and phlegm?
Phlegm is mucous. It is generally referred to as "phlegm" and sometimes as "sputum" when referring to mucous found in the throat or expelled from the lungs/bronchial passages by way of a cough.
If you give someone a cold and they die is it considered murder?
No, because you cannot help passing on a cold. It may not have come from you anyway. Also colds are not fatal. The cold would not be the cause of death on the death certificate.
Swine Flu is recognized by the symbols h1n1. H stands for hemagglutinin and N stands for neuraminidase. I believe the numbers have to due with the structures of these proteins that compromise this particular strain.
Is it safe to take a shower after you clean it?
There are so many variables in that question it is hard to answer. Read the label on the cleaning products and follow all directions for use exactly as described.
The answer can depend on many things, such as:
What do you use to clean the shower? Do you have any allergies to the chemicals used? Did you rise the chemicals off or are you standing in the chemicals? Do the chemicals make the shower floor slick? Did you follow all instructions on the product label? Are there fumes left that you should ventilate before entering the shower after the product was used?
In most cases, it will be safer to use after cleaning than before, but don't guess, find out about the specific method you used to clean it and any advice on the label.
Mitsibushi pajero 2.8 d bad starting cuts out really bad in cold weather?
sounds like your fuel pump seals have expired common problem on 2.8s im afriad there is a few cheep repairers listed on www.plcuk.co.uk average price £ 175 dont pay £500 plus that some garages charge as the seals are only pence
How do you get rid of a dried out sore in your nose?
It's a cyst. Go to General Dermatologist. S/he will use low-voltage needle to burn it away. Takes 30 seconds, no pain. My experience, I waited 6 years of embarassment and finally decided to saved $1,000 dollars for the treatment -- only to find out the walk in cost of $205 was covered by insurance, so I didn't pay one dime and it all took only a total of 9 minutes, from time waiting to leaving out the door. The scab took 12 days, then I used facial scrub... my nose is now VERY smooth and no discoloring :D
How does a person make a cold fire?
Cold fire is often used by jugglers and flame eaters. It can be made by immersing an object in a mixture of carbon disulfide and carbon tetrachloride. This will produce a flame but it will only be warm. Extreme care should be taken however as it will produce a noxious acrid smoke and carbon tetrachloride is carcinogenic.
Influenza is what one localized infection or bacterial infection or systemic infection?
Influenza, is a bacterial infection.
