Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on December 18, 2014 at 12:55pm

 http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2014-2015.htm

 http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm

 http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/vaccine-selection.htm They picked three viruses in Feb.

 http://edition.cnn.com/2014/12/04/health/flu-vaccine-mutated-virus/... They mutated.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on December 18, 2014 at 1:56pm

I hope this does not jinx me, but I am seldom sick and cannot remember the last time I had the flu. And it seems that I am even healthier since I started riding my bike almost every day.  Is it because I am not exposed to the things that fly around and land on surfaces on public transportation? Is it because I do not have much contact with children? I don't know.  I choose to attribute it to riding my bike!

Permalink Reply by Andrew Bedno on December 18, 2014 at 5:21pm

It's real.  I was down sick since the Santa Rampage Saturday.  And it's rampaging through my office.  I tried days on high fluids, lots of vitamins, good soupy foods, near constant bed rest, and didn't get way better, despite being an able vegetarian non-smoking cyclist.  Finally Dr. prescribed Tamiflu despite being outside optimal two day period "so I don't get worse".  My first antiviral ever.  Interesting tech, inhibits bud cleaving, but only in the flu's class of vira.  So far no side effects, and maybe some relief (though there's no telling about the path not taken).

What I've learned:

1. Next year get the shot.  Even if not a perfect strain match, may as well get yer immune system alerted.

2. At early signs get confirmation and consider drugs.

3. If already feeling under the weather don't go on social drinking rides.

4. Wash hands neurotically and don't touch your eyes.

5. If your significant other gets it you probably will.

Here's some science: http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza
It's been fully sequenced (~14Knucleotides in 6-8 segments), and whole life cycle known in fair detail.

Here's $10 off:  http://tamiflu.com

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on December 19, 2014 at 4:11am

I got the shot in the fall. So far, so good. Been noticing LOTS of very sick people on the train lately. Trying to stay clear of them and always wear gloves when I'm touching poles and other shared surfaces.

Permalink Reply by David P. on December 19, 2014 at 5:11am

Came down with symptoms starting the Sunday before Thanksgiving, stayed home from work 2 days M-W as I was about to leave for Turkey for a week and a half and really, really wanted to be better. Was good enough, flu symptoms went away by Thanksgiving but I did have a chronic cough/congestion that is even now not quite completely gone. Phew!!