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?

Yes, I suppose it will be disrupted. Which is why I'm laying in a stock of candles etc in case of power cuts. But I meant, surely they're not expecting the entire country to stay at home for two weeks? More likely, they will say not to go out unless your journey is essential (and people travelling to work to maintain essential services will be included in that). They will presumably also be first in line for antivirals, should it all get a bit scary.

My DH will also be shouting through the letterbox. He'll be saying 'actually, I quite fancy a bit of Spam and some chickpeas now and sorry for laughing at you.'

I just got my aporkalypse tesco delivery (water, tins etc.) and asked the driver if he noticed that people are stocking up on that sort of thing.

He looked at me as if I were nuts and said, "No, I think it's just you madam".

It comes out of taps when there are enough people maintaining the sewage plant, pumping systems etc.

LOL, mumblechum. Well, you and me and the other nutters on this thread...

RIVEN because DH positively revels in a crisis and his HR dept told him to stock up on 2 weeks water, food and meds. Presumably because if everyone's sick, no one's operating the water system.

I just sigh and go along with it for a quiet life.

Well, in theory, any and all services, including essential utilities could be put under strain in a pandemic if for example enough key staff are struck down (or their kids are) at once.

One of the key bits of pandemic planning though has been contingency plans and 'business continuity' plans to ensure that this doesn't happen so I have every confidence that key services will be maintained. But if people hadn't planned, I'd be less confident.

But couldn't you just boil tap water? Assuming the gas or electricity was working?

But back to this actual virus, it seems as if now having studied it it doesn't seem very lethal. At present. So why high death toll in Mexico?

ruty .. there is not actually a very high death toll in mexico..

there are only 12 confirmed deaths...and yes I know before anyone jumps on me that every death leaves a huge hole in a family and 12 is 12 too many

But when I say only I mean compared to the 160 or whatever it is the media are printing

There have been 160 deaths in mexico in the last month .. most of which probs cant be attributed to swine flu. Problem is that a lot of these deaths occured before the virus was identified so they cant confirm this either way. Of course because they cant rule it out completely the media are using this figure

I think the likelihood in Mexico is that the deaths are from flu (this is what all the authorities are hinting, including the WHO although they won't say so until they have proper evidence) but that this represents a small death rate in proportion to the actual proportion of people who have contracted the illness. I imagine there are many many thousands who have or have had this flu there (after all Mexico city has more than 20 million residents) and the death rate - even the unconfirmed death rate - is probably a tiny, tiny proportion of those infected.

If it were really deathly at the moment, given how long it appears to have been going on in Mexico (since February perhaps) then given the overcrowding, lack of medical care etc, you would expect many many MORE deaths than even the unconfirmed case.

But that still should not cause complacency, but it is DEFINITELY a reason to stop all the panicking right now.

I generally keep a stock of food in, in case I mess up a Sainsbury's order. I don't have much meat in though (the guinea pigs are looking nervous).

You don't want to sneeze like this aaachoooo

oooo now you have made me think.

I don't feel the urge to stock up "just in case I (or my family) get swine flu".

I do feel teh urge to stock up in case the shelves are empty if/when we get swine flu IYSWIM.

The BBC "health correspondent" is quoted as saying the spread of the virus may not kick off until AUTUMN! Bluudy HEll if there is anything to base that on.

We have now had a first UK case of human to human transfer which is a significant (but not alarming) development in teh progression of a flu outbreak.

I feel the urge to stock up even if I don't get swine flu. What if every other bugger gets it and the shops are shut? The last thing I want to do is to have to trawl round the streets with a whingey toddler (yes, I know, is there any other kind?) searching for somewhere that's open so I can make a meal.

Actually, there is something a tad more scary for all of you - if the power goes off no Mumsnet

In all seriousness, can I also remind you stockpilers to ensure supplies of disinfectant and Imodium (for the more expressive declarations of sickness) Vomit splatters are actually quite high velocity and carry virii quite far. As well as being icky.

I just got back from holiday (no, not Mexico - Centreparcs - thanks Mumsnet for my prize, twas ahem hilly). Anyway, thought I had all the symptoms of swine flu, vomiting, the shits, pain all over, coughing and wheezing like a 400 a day smoker.

Turned out I was just a lazy sod who wasn't great at cycling up hills after eating too many pancakes .

Does anybody know if there is any treatment for babies under 1 year old, should they contract swine flu?

The MRC have a procedure for a flu pandemic. Seems to be enough to get academics worried. our university has a special procedure as well.

I'm as sceptical as the best of them, but for some reason, this one has me worried (Bird flu didn't concern me in the slightest).

The company I work for has banned all non business critical travel worldwide - either within a country or between countries....so either they are being very cautious or we are in for a rocky ride.

First case of human to human transmission in town where I live! Great!

Did on line shop today and only went as far as ordering more tissues and some anti-bacterial gel.....