Sensible, non-panicking Swine flu measures?

[bella29]

Just wondered.....

they (a doctor) said on my local BBC radio station this morning that it would be wise to set by a stock of paracetamol, calpol etc. just in case.

Anything else you are doing?

Thanks Musu

WMMC that sounds like Centerparcs disease to me hope you feel better soon x

anniemac - they have closed a second school in SW London now

lowrib, WMMC will have a bugger of a time getting through. My 3 kids have had 'viral' symptoms over the weekend. Phone line (understandably) pretty chocka and they're mostly dealing only with 'urgent' calls...

LupusinaLlamasuit you've got a point, I didn't think of that!
In that case I'd call my Dr to let them know I might have it and take any advice.

whomovedmychocolate has symptoms which could e Swine Flu and it needs to be taken seriously, unfortunately.

Sickofhousework woman - I would recommend stocking stitch on the smallest needles you have and certainly nothing bigger than 2mm! The type of wool is probably more important....

SOHWW - one word for future emergency planning: mooncup

I'm fine now . Kids are okay too. Haven't been out since Friday in any case so won't have infected anyone if I was infected.

If HPA starts ringing everyone who was at Centerparcs last week then I'll worry. Will email NHS direct though.

WMMC: glad to hear you've recovered and that didn't sound very pleasant at all . Despite the matching of certain symptoms I am sure you are not likely to have had swine flu. All cases so far are still secondary to known cases returning from Mexico/USA and at the moment this is still a critical factor in deciding whether anyone is likely to have it.

There is still a bit of influenza B around in the community, plus the usual parainfluenza, rhinovirus and adenoviruses that also cause fever + respiratory symptoms, so it's possibly one of those.

Regarding everyone's questions about when to call if you become ill: I'm afraid that the HPUs and NHS Direct are indeed overwhelmed with enquiries - at least in our area they are - so still the best thing to do is ask yourself whether you have really had contact with a known case. NHS Direct are doing a good job under considerable pressure but will usually have to ask HPU anyway since they are sanctioning the testing.

Musukebba - thank you for your good advice

Musukebba - saw GP today when I went for a run (we are friends) he's hoping more swab supplies will be delivered today because he's run out with the mobs of biddies demanding tests

Musukebba you are fast becoming MN source of decent info, can't tell you how grateful I (and I'm sure many others) am (or should that be are?)

It reminds me of the lovely microbiologist I got friendly with last autumn. Happy days!

you went for a run today? Deffo not flu then?

Hahha - actually I was running because I needed the loo! - but I do bounce back from most things within days if not hours.

Thanks OYBBP and IF and I'm just sorry I can't be around more frequently, but it's all hands on deck at the moment.

WMMC: yes Copan swabs are fast becoming the number 1 black-market items (second to Tamiflu off the back of a lorry).

A friend was due to be swabbed last week to see if her shingles has returned or if she's picked up something else, but now can't be as all the swabs have been used for people who think they may have swine flu. Medical advice to her is now that she may or may not have shingles but they can't tell ...

That video at the bottom of Musukebba's link is hilarious!

PortandLemon - I had shingles three months ago. Would prefer swine flu!

Musukebba - if you are still following this are there any masks/ respirators worth buying for teenagers? We are due to holiday in a country where swine flu is spreading and while OH and I will take our chances with handwashing I am wondering about further protection for them.

Bumping -have been looking at masks and ventilators but doubt I would get teens to wear ventilators.

sorry respirators - having a bad day