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Readers Respond: How Do You Feel About Swine Flu?
Responses: 57

By Kristina Duda, R.N., About.com

Updated May 04, 2009

User responses are not monitored by About.com's Medical Review Board.

From the article: What Is H1N1 Swine Flu?
Swine flu may or may not be the world's next flu pandemic. How do you feel about swine flu? How is the news affecting you and your family? Share your thoughts about swine flu. Share Your Thoughts

It's all media hype.

I don't know why people are so afraid of it. It kills people. I know. But seriously. It doesn't seem as bad as the regular flu. And I've been taken out for over a week with the regular flu. I think basic common sense and hygiene will keep it at bay. I had the flu recently and I believe I still have it. People treated me like a leper. Seriously, I don't get why people say it's terrible I know people with it. They seem to be fine. In fact, one of my friends has it. He had the regular flu a few weeks ago and surgery and he's fine. If you think you have the flu, stay home, get rest and plenty of liquids. Cover your mouth when you cough. Wash your hands and you decrease the risk of getting it or spreading it. And avoid anyone with a weakened immune system.
—Guest Krystal

Media

I have to say that the media hype is what is scaring people. I understand it is a strain of influenza that people have no built immunity too, but the media seems to be what is making people panic about the whole situation. No one mentions the children or others who die every year from the flu. My son is in the high risk category and I myself have a few chronic illnesses. He is relatively over being sick and I am not too far behind him (fingers crossed). We both had H1N1. I have to say that I have been sicker with the "normal" flu. It's not something I would wish on people but it's not the worst thing ever. People need to remember that every situation is different. It's not a death sentence to hear that you have H1N1.
—Guest Shelly

swine flu

I feel that people are scared about it and they don't want the shot. The shot is better then dying. The swine flu is nothing to be scared of. You should be careful of people who are sick. It's just another illness that we have to deal with.
—Guest leeann

I've got swine flu

I started with swine flu on Wednesday (sore throat). My appetite was lost. Thursday I had a pounding head, high temperature but felt cold (a duvet and 3 blankets didn't help) and nausea, Friday the hacking cough started - and that's where I'm still stuck now. Bad chesty cough, pounding head, no appetite. National Pandemic Hotline has diagnosed Swineflu and prescribed Tamiflu - but this has to be taken within 48hrs of first symptoms, so too late for me). This is nothing like regular flu - my nose isn't blocked, I'm not sneezy and although I feel lethargic & light headed, I don't have any aches or pains.
—Guest Freeagain21

I'm immune?

Last Sunday my husband had a fever, headache and was very achy, Monday our daughter had the same symptoms. Tuesday they went to the doctor and were diagnosed with H1N1. I haven't had any symptoms yet! But get this, I take four times the recommended dose of vitamins a day!! I've been coughed on and have given kisses and haven't felt anything. I'm thanking the vitamins! When we were in the doctor's office we learned a lot about the H1N1 flu. If you are concerned I'd recommend talking to your doctor! Because according to ours its not much to worry about as long as your pretty healthy!
—Guest daisyjo302

surprised

I had achy muscles for 2 days then started a sore throat on the second day before I went to bed. Woke up on day 3 and couldn't breath. I was diagnosed with bronchitis and sent home. Next day I am worse and now have a fever. Come to find out I have swine flu. It is day 4 and I feel a little better and am hoping because I am dealing with a secondary infection now and am on steroids and antibiotics that I will just get over this soon and be done. It is scary!
—Janalayne

im scared

I agree with Emily, if you do have it, don't spread it. I just wish I had more information on the vaccine, is it really safe?
—Guest jenny

Sick

I hate being sick it is horrible and I eat loads of apples a day so I wont die with it unless I get it and my doctor dies so I'm not really bothered but only with being sick.
—Guest Jack

Frustrated with information

I feel the media is feeding the fear frenzy ! I understand we need to be aware and careful and I agree. What concerns me is they tell us about all the people that have died from it, but don't let us know if those people had other health issues. Are these otherwise healthy people that are dying ? That is what I feel is scare tactics !!!!
—Guest Jeri

overboard

I think it is the regular seasonal flu exaggerated. My kids and I will not be getting this vaccine.
—Guest melissa

Its hit me

I was soo tired and achy since last Thursday. Slept all day Friday. Its Monday and went to work even though I feel like crap. I'm self employed and getting abused by my clients who make me feel that taking a day off is a crime. My husband lost his job in June, still isn't working. With one income I have no choice but to work while sick. Guess I'm spreading the virus around..hoping for the best.
—Guest Melissa from SoCalif

what the ...

what is wrong in having to wash your hands? it should just be standard practice, its hygienic to wash your hands and it rids yourself of unnecessary germs
—Guest Dids

H1N1 (swine) flu

My previous lengthy post was edited a wee too much! The Red Cross advises get the seasonal flu shot if yr dr. agrees, wash hands, sneeze/cough into yr elbow/sleeve and get the H1N1 flu shot (if yr dr agrees.) The priority groups are pregnant women, caregivers of infants, kids 6 mo - 18, healthcare staff, 18-24, and so on. Since my earlier post, I've learned that the most H1N1 deaths were pneumonia related. So talk to yr doc if you are also at risk for pneumonia - that vaccine now may help you survive the H1N1, even if you don't get the H1N1 vaccine.
—Guest Loretta_B

Ehh..

The swine flu hasn't really been a worry for me. Yes it is here where I live, but it does not scare me! Lets just pray that I don't get it!
—Guest Amandapanda!

Lot's of ignorance here

This pandemic was handled very well. H1N1 is a new strain that was affecting all types of people. A look at history shows that we are past due for a major human wipeout from flu. This could have been it, we still don't know. It's 'the don't cry wolf' attitude of some of the previous comments that will help cause a massive wipeout. I am glad they don't work for the CDC.
—Guest zuoai

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