See the Surgeon Monday

Fiona is feeling better and we actually went to the movies last night and had a good time. She hasn't gotten the blood culture results back yet, nor the results on the whether she had the swine flu or not. They are in but the tx (transplant) coordinator didn't know how to read them and of course her liver doctor was not in the office this week...think he was on rounds.

Fiona goes to the transplant center on Monday and we are excited to see the surgeon again. He will give us his interpretation of the last round of tests and let us know what they will be asking for as far of exemption points. I must say we are both excited to go this time. Usually we just hate going because we only hear disappointing news. Now that we have the surgeon on her side, we are excited and know someone is really fighting for her.

After this last hospitalization it is becoming very obvious that she is getting sicker and sicker. Anything now is putting her into a crisis situation. Even the ER doctors (TEAMS - lots and lots of doctors) were shocked that someone who looks so normal could be so sick. I think my complaining that once of month she is in the hospital or in ER is just the beginning. For someone like me who tends to under react, I am going to have to be more on my toes.

Whatever the "bug" was that Fiona caught is was a bad one. We all ended up getting it to one extent or another and we were all on Tamiflu! Poor Mary-Jane is still really struggling and having immune problems is really making it worse. If anyone gets this stuff, please know how contagious it is and use extreme precautions. The hospital is assuming everyone with any of these symptoms it is automatically swine flu.....treat now and find out later!

I'm trying to find out if you get it, can you get it again? Also, we need to know if Fiona really had the swine flu and if so does she need the swine flu vaccine? They tried to give her the flu shot in the hospital and I told them not until she feels better. I want to be sure the symptoms and problems she was having were under control before adding another unknown factor. She can get it in the doctor's office next week.

Swine Flu Information:
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of fact (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water.. but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*


5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.


Seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu: similarities and differences
These two flus aren't really that different. A lot of what you already know about the seasonal flu applies to the H1N1 flu (swine flu).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people recover from the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu on their own, without medical attention.

Use this handy chart to spot symptoms and find out what you can do to lower your risk of catching either flu.

Seasonal Flu 2009 H1N1 Flu
What is it? A contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza A or B virus. Occurs during the regular flu season, usually in winter. A contagious respiratory illness caused by a strain of influenza A virus. First detected in the United States in April 2009, it has occurred throughout the summer, and will likely continue throughout this winter.

SIMILARITIES
Symptoms Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills, and fatigue, and possible diarrhea and vomiting in children. Same as seasonal flu, plus some instances of diarrhea and vomiting in adults.
How it spreads Passes between people through coughing or sneezing, via germs in the air or on infected surfaces. Same as seasonal flu.

Prevention
Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel. Avoid touching doorknobs, desks, and other surfaces that might be contaminated. Stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw away the tissue. More prevention tips... Same as seasonal flu.

Treatment
If you're experiencing moderate symptoms, try over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil, and get plenty of rest and fluids. More home treatment tips... Same as seasonal flu. If symptoms worsen, contact your personal physician or health care practitioner.

DIFFERENCES
Who's at risk? Seniors and very young children are most likely to catch the seasonal flu. Pregnant women, seniors, and people with chronic health conditions are at increased risk for complications. Children and young adults are most likely to catch the H1N1 virus. Pregnant women and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart or lung disease are most likely to be hospitalized with the flu. People 64 or older appear to have a lower risk of catching H1N1 flu.
Peak season Usually occurs in late fall and winter. Those affected may spread the virus one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming ill. Has occurred throughout the summer and will likely continue into the winter.

Vaccines
Physicians recommend that everyone get a seasonal flu vaccination to protect against the regular flu. A separate H1N1 vaccine is being developed. The vaccine should be available for distribution in October or November.