2 Students Die of H1N1. One at Cornell University (Rochester)

Swine flu is spreading like wild fire in the U.S.. Thousands of students have H1N1. Some schools in the U.S. have only been in session about 3 weeks. In Rochester the children have just gone back, yet we already have one death in Rochester at Cornell University.

Some of the hardest hit areas are Washington State University with more than 2,ooo students who have reported flu like symptoms. The University of Maryland has 435 cases to date. Cornell University in Rochester N.Y. has reported more than 520 cases and one death. A freshman at Troy University in Alabama died a week earlier. Current totals are over six thousand students that have H1N1. Click here for a current report by the American College Health Association.

The Cornell student was 20 year old Warren J. Schor who died on Sept. 11 at Cayuga Medical Center. There are conflicting reports. Some say that he an underlying medical issue, others say that he was perfectly healthy.

At Troy University 18 year old Andrew Salter of Valley, Alabama died.The family confirmed that he had no underlying medical issues. Ironically he decided to major in nursing. He is the 4th person in Alabama to die from Swine flu to date.


You can read more...

The Washington Post: Colleges Seeing Lots of Early Flu

The Daily Collegian: Cornell flu death opens eyes

WSFA 12 News: Swine Flu claims Troy student's life

American College Health Association

My E.R. Visit

I was injured. No big deal, and the details are boring. Because I don’t have insurance I had to go to E.R. to have ex-rays just to make sure that my bone wasn’t broken. Good news – I don’t have a broken bone! It is just sprain. It is healing nicely, but taking time. I will be 100% again. However, I now have flu symptoms. EK! I hope it’s not H1N1 swine flu. The symptoms are mild so I doubt it’s swine flu, but I might have to be tested. I’m trying to reach the free clinic.

If it is H1N1 I might have to take Tamiflu which might not work because you have to take it soon after first sign of symptoms. My first symptoms were Friday, and my free clinic was closed over the weekend and today. So that is 3 days so far. Darn! I hope it’s just a regular bug. If it is swine flu I will have to stay home 7 days as recommended. I’m not having fun right now.

Well, this all shows the need for universal healthcare, and personal healthcare. I applied for Medicare, or is it Medicaid. I get them mixed up. I'm glad that normally I'm in very good health, and can't wait to get back to my normal state. Although I'm not doing that bad now. Hopefully these are just a few minor glitches.

By the way, George Clooney says "Hi". ;)

UPDATE: Hi All,
Thanks for the good wishes! It's not H1N1, but just a bug. My bone will take longer to heal then I thought. I'm out of work for several weeks. (And my agency called recently.) Crap!

EK! Blog buddy Health Psych has H1N1 Swine Flu!

Unfortunately it is official. My blog buddy Health Psych who at PsychoBabble blog has H1N1 (Swine Flu).

She has been in bed for 12 out of 14 days so far. She says that she has a "raging temperature, muscle aches, headache etc etc" ...The "flu might be milder than expected but it's knocking me around quite a bit."

Please show your support by clicking here and leaving her a message. Please say a prayer (or send good vibes) that she recovers soon.

In my county of Monroe, they have decided not to give us anymore information since they declared it an epidemic here. (No thanks to county executive Maggie Brooks.) We do not know if it is still considered an epidemic. If they still regard it as mild. How many people have been ill, or if anyone has died. It is like a media blackout and I don't like it one bit! I would rather know!

How To Prepare for h1n1 (Swine Flu) - Soon Moderate Pandemic

When WHO World Health Organization declares the h1n1 flu to be a pandemic (and they will) it will come with a “Moderate” severity warning according to keiji Fukuda WHO interim assistant director – general for health security and environment. “It is fair to call the situation moderate. We know this infection can be fatal in a number of individuals. This includes people who have some underlying medical conditions and it includes women who are pregnant – but it also includes people who are perfectly healthy. So we do have some hesitation calling such an infection mild” said Fukuda. (Source WebMD – “WHO: World Closer to Swine Flu Pandemic”) Like many I had hoped that the severity would remain mild, but it doesn’t look like that will happen.

According to the article “The WHO has been dragging its feet over declaring a worldwide pandemic to avoid causing undue alarm and to allow it time to develop specific guidance for different parts of the world.”

I’ve been reading the book, “The Great Influenza”, by John M. Barry. This is the same book that Pres. Obama is reading, and recommended by infection disease expert Dr. Michael Osterholm. Mr. Barry gives a warning in the last chapter called “Afterword.” He says that a MILD pandemic would be more deadly today then the one in 1968 due to several reasons. 1) More people today have impaired immune systems like the “elderly, cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation, transplant recipients, those infected with HIV, and others.” Recently Dr. Richard Daines, NYS Health Commissioner, said that some underline medical conditions are “lung disease, asthma, obesity, diabetes, and pregnancy.” Mr. Barry noted that in past pandemics those “most likely to die were pregnant women.” 2) Barry goes on “…even in advanced countries a Pandemic would stretch the health care system to the point of collapse, and beyond it.” This is due to cutting cost and fewer hospital beds then during the 1968 pandemic. In hospitals there will be a shortage of life saving respirators due to the number of ill.

Mr. Barry, and Dr. Osterholm, and others have warned of trade being disrupted during a pandemic today. They warn that medical supplies like antibiotics, hypodermic needles, and hospital masks could run out. Even food supplies and chlorine (that purifies our water) might be interrupted. Services like electricity, and garbage disposal could be interrupted, partly due to a high number of absent workers due to illness. A pandemic will also be a blow to our economy.

In the past Dr Osterholm has recommended that we stockpile 4 to 5 weeks of necessary supplies to better prepare ourselves. I believe that we are not being told to save supplies today because it might cause panic. The following is a checklist of general supplies…

*Bottled Water

*Nonperishable Foods

*Prescription Medication & Vitamins

*Flashlight & batteries

*Portable Radio

*Paper Products – tissues & toilet paper

*Baby Products – formula, diapers

*Extra Cash on hand

*A “Family Plan” (to stay home during a flu outbreak if necessary)

*I would add a means to heat your house because of possible electrical interruptions.

click here for more ideas

The scenario Mr. Barry writes is one of a mild pandemic, however, this fall we will be hit with a moderately sever pandemic which will amplify these problems. A pandemic usually lasts 1-2 years, and comes in waves. One day we might find the city we live in shut down like Mexico was. Churches, schools, restaurants, food markets were closed, and everyone was asked to stay home for a week or so. It could happen to us. Trade is expected to be interrupted during a pandemic affecting the availability of some necessary items at times. I hope that you will save 4 to 5 weeks of necessary items so that you are more prepared for the two flues that will hit us this fall. One of these flu’s will come with a bit of a bite.

UPDATE: I found this website - pandemicflu.gov by the U.S. government. It has some good information. It suggests saving 2 weeks of supplies, but I've heard 4-5 weeks by an expert.

Related Story by Associated Press: "WHO says it may declare swine flu pandemic soon"

My Friend has Superbug MRSA, Please Pray!

A friend of mine has a Superbug - community-associated MRSA, or CA-MRSA. She has had emergency surgery. The wound was infected. She is on maga antibiotics now. The doctor will get the test results soon, and find out if the antibiotics are working, or not. Today she told me that she felt VERY sick. She could only eat half of one of her favorite sandwiches. I am asking everyone to please pray for her. If your not into praying then please send her your good thoughts, and wishes. She has had more then her share of physical problems. She will see the Doctor soon. Thank you!

UPDATE: She saw her Doctor. The antibiotics she was taking didn't do the trick. She is on new antibiotics, and they hope that it will not go to the BONE. Ekk!

My Worst Easter

The following story has been altered in order to protect the confidentiality of the patient, and family members. This topic may not be suitable for young people.

This Sunday many have been my worst Easter ever. I worked in the nursing home that morning. I was assigned a 1 on 1 case. Before I walked in I received report from the Nurse on duty... "Joe is a dying patient. He had stopped eating, and drinking. Joe is in his late 80's, unresponsive, and had the death rattle, (chain stokes breathing), with slight modeling to one small area on one of his legs. He is DNR (do not resuscitate), and on hospice care." The Nurse added that she didn't believe that Joe would die on our shift.

The family was obviously grieving, but were as nice as could be. His daughter Julie came up to me immediately, and introduced herself, and her brother Sam. Throughout the shift they included me in the conversation, and even offered me some food that they had brought in. You could tell that they were both caring, down to earth people.

Throughout the shift I made sure that Joe received the best of care. I bathed him, put lotion on him, changed his gown, oral care, frequent repositioning. You know the works. When that family left to have lunch I read to Joe from his favorite book, and talked to him.

In my 20 years as a C.N.A. I have seen scores of dying patients. I have witnessed the death of about a half dozen or so. This was not foreigner to me. I noticed that Joe had some strength. He wasn't limp when I turned him. Also his breathing was very regular. I didn't need to count his reparations, but did often. They were always around 14 which was average. I concluded that Joe was to strong to die during my shift. I silently agreed with Nurse Julie's assessment. Of course I didn't tell the family that. Being an Aide, I was in no position to do so, besides it is all subjective.

Later in the shift the Nurse came in, and gave Joe his Morphine. I wish that I had looked at the clock, because that is when the change occurred. Minutes later there were several changes. Over a period of about 20 minutes Joe seem to weaken, his jaw dropped, his breathing changed. Breathing wise, he went on automatic. That's what I call it. It's the very slight difference between an unresponsive patient having some input into his breathing, to no input. It was like he was no longer in control, and part of him seemed gone. I can't describe it other then that.

The family had gathered around the bed, talking to him, and holding his hands. They were both crying. Joe soon stopped breathing, about 30 seconds later he was white as a sheet. Joe was gone. It happened so fast. I remember looking up just above Joe's head, half expecting to see his spirit, or feel his spiritual presents. It happened so fast, that I wondered if he was hovering over his body for a few seconds. But I saw/felt no ghost.

My eyes filled up. It caught me off guard. I didn't expect him to die. I muttered a few words to the family in a fruitless attempt to comfort. I have never been good at that. I never know what to say. My voice cracked as I spoke. I was on the verge of crying, but needed to get a hold of myself. I had learned professional distancing. Usually I could hold back the tears until I got home. That's something that you learn in this business, but still it is very difficult sometimes. Losing a patient is always hard.

Julie the Nurse came in. I couldn't help but wonder if she had killed Joe by administering the Morphine. I knew that the doctor ordered it, but she did administer it. There are some days that I am glad I didn't finish Nursing school.

Morphine is often given to dying patients in order to control pain. It can change breathing patterns, and decrease the respiration rate. It is somewhat controversial. I have heard discussions though out the years. Some Nurses refused to give the P.R.N. med, because they feel that it could kill the patient. Other Nurses give the Morphine to make sure the patient is comfortable.

When I was in my early 20's taking care of my mother who was dying of cancer, one of my mothers meds was Morphine. None of the hospice Nurses told me that it possibly could hasten my mothers death. They should have! The family should always know. Fortunately, I know from the circumstances that it was not the Morphine that killed mom. Otherwise I would feel guilt stricken even to this day. You would think that after all these years, they would have found a drug that could be effective for relieving pain without affecting the breathing. Yes, there are days that I am glad I am not a Nurse. They have to make some very difficult choices.

When I got home I received an e-mail from a friend. She had contracted a Superbug, and had to go into the hospital for surgery. Yes, this Easter was my worst Easter ever.


Additional reading:
Dying and Death in a Nursing Home

Williamson High Closed Friday Due To Flu Illnesses

Williamson High school was closed today due to the Flu. As many as 25 percent of the school's 420 students and several faculty and staff are currently out sick. All weekend activities are also canceled, so the building can be cleaned and sanitized. Williamson High school is located in Williamson, N.Y., Wayne county about 30 miles East of Rochester.

According to what I heard on the news, Wayne county is at the peak of their flu season. Monroe county, (where Rochester is), has just passed peak flu season.

Legionnaires' Disease at RGH - Rochester General Hospital

(Rochester, N.Y.) -- The New York State Health Department is testing the water at Rochester General Hospital after a recent patient was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.

The patient entered RGH in late January with an undisclosed condition and came down with Legionnaires’ disease at home, about a week after being admitted. The disease’s incubation period is two to ten days.... continued see link ...

Dashavu, two years go 6 patents at Strong Memorial Hospital had the same thing. Ekk! Maybe I should go back to bottled water for awhile.

Read more..."Legionnaires’ Disease Discovered at RGH"

Rochester, NY - News Update

Rochester homicide rate doubles- 2 teens killed about the same time.

Two teens were fatally shot Tuesday evening in northeast Rochester, doubling the homicide rate this year. They were 14, and 15 years old. The teens' bodies were found on different streets (Wilkins St and Friederich Pk.), about a block apart. Both teens were in a known drug location when shot. They were killed at approximately the same time. Both shot in the upper body. Both died at Strong Hospital.
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Influenza outbreak in Monroe County many turn out to be a harsh year.

This month has seen the highest number of flu cases in Monroe County so far this season, and local experts warn that the worst may not be over. "I don't think we've seen the peak yet," said Dr. John Treanor, a University of Rochester. "We went from a very mild year to a year, when all is said and done, (that) may turn out to be a harsh year." But while officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that this year's flu shot might protect against only 40 percent of this year's strains, Treanor insist that it's no time to dismiss the vaccination.

Besides getting vaccinated, washing hands, disinfecting commonly used surfaces like desktops and telephones, eating healthy foods and getting enough rest and exercise can help protect against the flu.
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More Fires?

It seems like we have had a large number of fires in the areas in the last several weeks. Some have resulted in deaths. Please check the batteries in your fire alarm, and have a plan, check with National Fire Protection Association.

Latest fire story... Dryer in basement starts fire in Greece
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Local Biggest Loser shares her story of weight loss.

Amy Zimmer was a contestant on NBC's "The Biggest Loser." She lost nearly 130 pounds and gained a new lease on life. "I was at 297 pounds." "We had trainers to encourage us but it was your own game,” Amy said. “You've got to get out of it what you put in to each day. We were working out four to five hours a day. We were responsible for all our food.”

Amy didn't win on the show, but she lost 126 pounds. Her huge achievement has landed her a job at the Rochester Athletic Club for women. Amy's new vision stands in the lobby of each RAC in town as an example of what can happen. She is now helping other women with their dreams of weight loss.
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Girl gangs in Rochester

This story is by ex girl gang member Shadea. I didn't even realize that we had girl gangs here. This was an eye opener... Read Shadea's story.
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Weather could mar view of lunar eclipse.

Wednesday night is the last chance to see a total lunar eclipse for nearly three years, if the weather cooperates... 10 WHEC Weather forecast.

Flu season expected to get worse

Vaccine doesn't match most circulation viruses, health officials say.

The flu season is getting worse, and U.S. health officials say it's partly because the flu vaccine doesn't protect against most of the spreading flu bugs.

The flu shot is a good match for only about 40 percent of this year's flu viruses, officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

That's worse than last week's report when the CDC said the vaccine was protective against roughly half the circulating strains. In good years, the vaccine can fend off 70 to 90 percent...

...H3N2 strains are treatable by Tamiflu and other antiviral drugs, but the other, H1N1 Type A strains are more resistant. Of all flu samples tested this year, 4.6 percent have been resistant to antiviral medications. That's up from less than 1 percent last year...

Read full article - MSNBC: Flu shot doesn't protect from most viruses (with video)

Related Post - 10 Tips On How To Prevent The Flu

10 Tips On How To Prevent The Flu

Its flu season again. As a C.N.A I work with nurses, and have received some advice from them. Some of these suggestions are from the nurses.

1) Wash your hands often. (This is always stressed in the health care field).

2) If you work with people who have the flu. When you get home wash your clothes, take a shower, and wash your hair. Germs can get on your clothes, hair, and skin.

3) Don't touch your hands to your face, use your knuckle if you have to. Your hands can easily carry germs. Touch them to your eyes, mouth, nose, and you could transfer the germs.

4) Eat garlic and onions. Both work similarly to antibiotics.

5) Get some ZZZ's. Make sure to get lots of sleep.

6) See your doctor as soon as you have flu symptoms. Doctors can give your medication that may lessen the severity, and duration of the flu.

7) Eat properly. Eat foods that are good for you, like fruits and veggies. Try to stay away from junk foods, highly prepossessed foods, high sugar, and salt.

8) Drink 8 cups of water. Water flushes the body of impurities.

9) Be careful of door and faucet handles. They are handled by numerous people, and are a breading ground of germs. Touch them, and consider your hands to be full of germs. In the restroom, you can use a paper towel to turn off a faucet, and to open the door after you wash our hands.

10) Telephones are also loaded with germs. Not only are they touched often, but people who have the flu can cough, or sneeze into them. Use your cell phone if you can. If not, take a minute to clean a public phone with a disinfectant if you can.

Related Post: Flu season expected to get worse


More tips... CDC- Preventing Seasonal Flu

WebMD: 12 Natural Tips to Prevent a Cold (and Flu)

Reader's Digest- Prevent Colds and the Flu 23 ways.

BBC- Health Flu (Good basic overview)

NYC Health- This great site can lead you to many other links about the flu.

Staff Infection Superbug MRSA Hits Gay Men

This news article is scary. The Superbug MRSA invading the public more and more.

"A new variety of staph bacteria, highly resistant to antibiotics and possibly transmitted by sexual contact, is spreading among gay men in San Francisco, Boston, New York and Los Angeles, researchers reported Monday.

The study released online by the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found the highest concentrations of infection by the drug-resistant bug in and around San Francisco's Castro District, and among patients who visit health clinics that treat HIV infections among gay men in San Francisco and Boston.

The culprit is a form of MRSA, or Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bug that was once confined to hospitalized patients but, since the late 1990's, has been circulating outside medical settings, afflicting anyone from injection drug users to elementary school students. A strain called USA300 has been a leading cause of MRSA infection in this decade, and an exceptionally drug-resistant variant of it is now on the loose.

The study estimated that one in 588 residents living within the Castro neighborhood Zip code area is infected with that variant, which is resistant to six types of commonly used antibiotics. The risk of contracting this difficult-to-treat bug is 13-fold higher for gay men compared to the rest of the city's population, researchers found...."

Read the rest in the San Francisco Chronicle

Read more about MRSA at WebMD