Everyone's getting the flu, and I'm worried as hell.

[SmileyBoy]

I'm worried as DAMN hell.

I got my flu vaccine two and a half days ago. I've got approximately 11.5 days to go before I'm in the clear. (The vaccine takes two weeks to work, in case you don't know)

It'll be the most wasted money I've ever spent (health insurance-wise) if an outbreak hits my dorm this week, and I'm struck down. But I don't even want to THINK about that sort of thing, especially with only two more weeks to go until finals. I really pray that I don't get it. The other thing is that my grades are basically gonna go in the toilet if I catch it before my vaccine kicks in before Dec. 12, the beginning of finals week.

Oh god, I'm scared.:scared:

[DeathvadeR]

1. You hear about the state department issueing a warning for....

Spanish influenza that suppose to occur some time in the coming spring? Even though there hasn't been a case here in like 100 years?

[SmileyBoy]

2. What would cause the Spanish Flu to reappear???

If it's a bad flu season, why would Spanish Flu enter the picture? Why are they issuing that warning???:shrug:

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

12. No, not the Spanish Flu... that was in 1918

every flu has a name, and they generally do not reappear.

[Lars39]

3. Be very conscientious about washing your hands before you eat or drink.

Also keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Wipe down everything you can in your dorm room with Lysol or rubbing alcohol. Good luck.

[DeathvadeR]

4. Check this out,

<http://canada.com/national/story.asp?id=200C5550-5950-42D4-B165-E358E224ED6E>

[agates]

5. Some advice to avoid the flu

Eat healthy. Get plenty of rest. Avoid crowds and stay away from any one who is sick. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Good luck!

[amazona]

6. the vaccine is the wrong vaccine anyway

The flu vaccine this year is not for the flu that is going around. At least that's what they said on msnbc.com a few days ago. They said the shot might offer "partial" protection. It might. Or it might not. I took my finals while having the flu before, and my grades were very high. You just do what you have to do. Don't worry about it in advance. Does no good to borrow trouble.

And let me wish you some good luck!

[nuxvomica]

13. I've read that the vaccine is for the Panama strain

But both Panama and Fujian strains are what's hitting, though the CDC says there is some cross-protection to the Fujian.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

7. Wash your hands and keep those little Listerine strips around...

Surprisingly enough, they do seem to keep your mouth clean, and help to keep viruses way. I know people here in Oklahoma that swear by them...Some just swear by the mouthwash...but it's the same thing.
Duckie

[SmileyBoy]

8. I'm taking multivitamins every day and washing my hands constantly.

I'm washing them 2-3 times a day.

I really don't want to be caught with this thing.

[dflprincess]

11. You need to be washing them more than that.

Everytime before you eat and try not to touch your face (easier said than done). Are the people around you getting influenza or the typical stomach upsets we all call the flu?

[SmileyBoy]

14. No one here's sick yet.

But I'm still worried. I'm counting on my vaccine to be effective (I'm a healthy guy, BTW), and keeping my hands clean and taking vitamins. I figure that once I go back home on the 19th, I'll be safer.

[Liberal Veteran]

9. Can't hurt but remember....the nose knows.

The nose is probably a better vector of transmission than the mouth.

[Ilsa]

10. Get a script for Tamiflu

if you start having symptoms. It's expensive, but it helps knock it out much faster with fewer symptoms. The earlier you take after onset of the flu, the more effective it is.

[CSI Willows]

15. Don't worry about it

YOU'LL BE FINE!