Got Your Flu Shot Yet...?

[smrtblnddiver]

I was out of the country when they were giving them at work......

And wouldn't you know it, I'M SICK today.

SUCKS.......

 

[Phaethon]

I'm pretty sure I picked up the flu on the flight out to Jamaica, it festered for almost two weeks in Cuba and left me weakened and open to the middle and outer ear infections I'm now fighting after diving and using the resort pool. The amount of coughing, wheezing and sneezing going on on the flight back was unbelievable too.

Pretty much all my future diving will require a flight to get there, so are there any good strategies for avoiding infection in the enclosed environment of an airliner? Do I have to resort to wearing mask and gloves? That, I would imagine, should get me some pretty close questioning from the bioterrorist squad 8^O

Cheers,

K.

 

[divebomb]

I'm pretty sure I picked up the flu on the flight out to Jamaica, it festered for almost two weeks in Cuba and left me weakened and open to the middle and outer ear infections I'm now fighting after diving and using the resort pool. The amount of coughing, wheezing and sneezing going on on the flight back was unbelievable too.

Pretty much all my future diving will require a flight to get there, so are there any good strategies for avoiding infection in the enclosed environment of an airliner? Do I have to resort to wearing mask and gloves? That, I would imagine, should get me some pretty close questioning from the bioterrorist squad 8^O

Cheers,

K.

Ken, I hope I don't sound like Howard Hughes in is final days...But I always carry a small (pocketable) bottle of alcohol with me when I travel. You touch all kind of shared stuff in airports and on planes. Wipe down your immediate area on the plane and swab your hands after you have been in common areas. Works for me. Also try to stay out of the "fallout" range when someone sneezes.

Beck

 

[divemed06]

Interesting discussion...What really upsets me is how people get misinformed about the flu shot and other vaccines (from both pro and anti camps). Many people think that getting the flu shot = won't get the flu. Well, that's the idea. Unfortunatly, there are many strains of flu (lets call them A, B, C and D). Each year, scientist create the new vaccine based on population studies from the previous year. The most common subtypes from the previous year (1e. A,B) are cultured and the new vaccine is created. What we have to realize is that this particular type of vaccine is not 100% effective (...not even 20% effective this year ...source:CDC). Does that mean one shouldn't take the vaccine, of course not. I hear many of you state that you got sick after getting the flu shot....well, you either got a cold (ie. rhinovirus) or one of the other strains of flu (C,D). Keep in mind that it takes about 2 weeks for the body to build antibodies to the influenza virus, therefore, you're not immune right away. Another thing to keep in mind is that while you're body is building antibodies to influenza, you are more succeptable of getting a cold. Children, the elder and immunodepressed adults SHOULD get the vaccine. People who work with or are around these people should also get the vaccine. Those who are allergic to eggs should not get the vaccine (cultured environment).I t is obviously a personal choice; always make an informed decision. The # 1 way to prevent disease transmission:....wash your hands for at least 2 minutes (yes...2 minutes...) with hot water and soap a few times every day. Make sure to scrubet between your fingers, under your nails, and all the way up to your elbows.

 

[DandyDon]

Pretty much all my future diving will require a flight to get there, so are there any good strategies for avoiding infection in the enclosed environment of an airliner? Do I have to resort to wearing mask and gloves? That, I would imagine, should get me some pretty close questioning from the bioterrorist squad

You can wear a surgical mask on the plane; just don't put it on until you're on it. I've seen people do this, and I think I might start this week!!

Surgical gloves would be too much for me, I think, but you could - after you board. I like Divebomb's idea, with a couple of variations. Liquid alcohol is quite flamible, so that might get you arrested, but - I carry travel packs of tissue paper and antiseptic Wet Wipes. Use the tissue to open doors - like Howard Hughes did, really a good idea - and, use the Wet Wipes to disinfect other things. Use them on your hands first, every time, then to wipe a arm rest, for example.

It's a real bumber to take time & money from work, spend time & money going somewhere, then be too sick to enjoy it.

don

 

[Phaethon]

Thanks divebomb and DandyDon,

On out neonatal ICU we occasionally get some serious infections and have taken to using detergent wipes with or instead of alcowipes. The ones we use come in HUGE buckets that would be most of my carry-on allowance - maybe they do smaller packs 8^)

I found this at http://www.healthsalon.com/colds/ ,

"Avoid flying on commercial airlines. Several investigations have implicated the air recirculation systems aboard modern jets with the spread of infectious diseases. The problem isn't limited to just colds and flu either. Virtually any airborne disease is a problem, and drug resistant strains of Tuberculosis have spread this way. When you do fly, remember to keep your hands away from your nose and eyes, breathe through your nostrils not your mouth, and do everything to enhance your immune system a few days before and after the flight, including increasing your vitamin intake (a full spectrum multi-vitamin), increase your vitamin C intake, eat raw garlic, and abstain from alcohol."

This and some other sites seem to be big fans of prophylactic Vitamin C as well as Echinacea.

Cheers,

K.

 

[SterlingDiver]

......and everything has been great, ---except for the the micro chip that is now imbedded in my skin.

Do DO Do do.

SterlingDiver

 

[DandyDon]

On out neonatal ICU we occasionally get some serious infections and have taken to using detergent wipes with or instead of alcowipes. The ones we use come in HUGE buckets that would be most of my carry-on allowance - maybe they do smaller packs 8^

Yep - look in the baby section at the grocery. Travel packs of Antiseptic "Wet Wipes" - flat packs, about 8" x 4 " x 1/4"

This and some other sites seem to be big fans of prophylactic Vitamin C as well as Echinacea.

Vitamin C is probably good; maga doses will just give you rich urine.

......and everything has been great, ---except for the the micro chip that is now imbedded in my skin.

Do DO Do do.

SterlingDiver

I have no idea? Obviously a fun fellow...??


don

 

[HamsterHuey]

Since I, too, am a Marine! And I'm pretty much in the "non-option" category for healthcare.

I've gotten sick two times after going to the doctor's office to get a flu shot.

Read that again. "After going to the doctor's office....to get a flu shot."

Most of the people in the lobby were getting a flu shot to prevent getting the flu...that they already had. Most likely, I picked it up from them before I went in.

 

[Foo]

Last yr, the school where I teach had to shut down (as did many schools in our area) for 3 days before Christmas due to the flu epidemic. This year, our school nurse somehow arranged for free shots (noone was forced to get them- it was strictly volunteer) for our kids and staff... it has been great- many more kids at school and absenteeism is down quite a bit. I think it helped us a lot, at least so far!
Foo