Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Swine Flu In Alberta

Well we have the Swine Flu in Alberta, one case in Northern Alberta and one case in Southern Alberta and we're told more cases are expected to pop up in the next few days and weeks.

I've made a decision to stick very close to home because I had chemo yesterday and for the next 14 days my immune system will be down to zero. I just can't risk catching anything. The worst part of it all is that the symptoms of the Swine Flu are flu like symptoms which is exactly what my chemo gives me so the only way I can catch it is by checking my temperature on a regular basis.

So as a quick reminder for everyone ... here are some tips to prevent the spread of flu or viruses:
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching door handles and other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hand.
  • Wash hands frequently, using soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Use hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly dirty or if soap and water are not accessible.
  • If ill, stay home from work and avoiding public places.

10 comments:

Sherry said...

Wonderful reminders Daria. I especially love that last one -- "if you are ill please stay at home" - it's common sense but sometimes we need to reminded.

And yes please, you stay put -- I can't think of a better place for you right now -- if swine flu has made it's way to Alberta (it will be everywhere soon), you need to take special care with no immune system. ♥

Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer said...

And there I was thinking that you'd be safe out in Edmonton. How quickly this thing can travel. I am going to NYC soon and I will have to be very careful as there are many cases there-fortunately most are high school students who took the same spring break trip to Mexico.

Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer said...

And I thought you were safe up in Alberta!
Of course I am going to a hot spot in the US-New York. Hope they use those temperature scanners on my flight home to exclude those with a fever.

Anonymous said...

Excellent reminders. And I would add to it, that people need to wash their hands PROPERLY - lots and lots of rubbing action - it is actually the friction that kills the virus!

When I was on chemo I was SO cautious, I didn't even eat in public places - I was afraid that whoever prepared the food may not have washed their hands properly!

And yes, the old ear thermometer was my bedside companion! We had many a merger, that thermometer and I!

Thanks for the feedback re: comments! I appreciate it.

Hugs to you!
xoxoxo

Sarah Sullivan said...

good idea hon - stay out of the public spaces!!! I just sent a serious letter home to my parents (preschoolers) about strict rules in reference to this outbreak. Hope you stay well hon!!! Hugs, Sarah

Jill said...

We now have one confirmed case here in Victoria so I will be taking extra precautions as well. It takes a long time for our bodies to get back to normal. Remember Daria, the magic number on that thermometer for YOU is 38c.:)
Jill.

Unknown said...

yes, we have reminders about it everywhere out here.
Hope you are doing OK daria- i have been MIA for a couple of days but am always sending love xx

Dennis Pyritz, RN said...

Thanks for the reminder. I read that it is the folks with normal "robust" immune systems that are most likely to have severe case of this virus. But I also heard that immunocompromised folks that had a flu vaccine this fall might also be a greater risk. In any case though being immunocompromised does induce rightful caution in these times. I have added you to my Cancer Blogs Links Page. Take care, Dennis beingcancer.net

Sara Diana said...

Hi, we have a few cases of swine flu in the UK. I had chemo today so my family and I have made a concious decision to stay out of public places for a while. I carry hand sanitizer everywhere I go and I use it and get the kids to use it too.

I thought I was running a temperature and showed signs of it but having checked online, I think it was a hot flash! Oh the joys of cancer lol

Love & Life xxxx

Debby said...

I agree. Stay put! I guess swine flu has really spread since I last checked it's progress...