I posted a short tim
e ago that we had an H1N1 out break in our community. Well it appears that I now have this virus.
When I first developed the symptoms I called the nurses line to find out what else I could do to help keep this flu from becoming serious. The nurse advised me to get into the doctor that morning because it was still early enough for me to receive an antiviral medication but that it had to be started within 48 hours to be effective.
The doctor confirmed the diagnosis, he said that pretty much anyone who was coming in with flu like symptoms in our community, more than likely has the H1N1 because the tests are coming back indicating it to be at that level.
I was very concerned because I have an underlying health condition. I have a very rare illness that affects the immune system. I have JO-1 Antibodies which are a marker for people with antisynthetase syndrome. This illness also affects the lungs so being diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus was very frightening for me.
The doctor prescribed Tamiflu for me. I was told that the drug may or may not help my symptoms, but that I was a prime candidate forit, and I was just glad to get anything that might help me fight this. My immune system is actually over active, but it is the fact that I am on immune suppressants to control it, which really has me worried.
The information for the drug says that it works by inhibiting the enzyme necessary for the flu virus to spread throughout your body. This means that the flu has a lesser time duration and therefor a lesser chance for flu complications occurring.
The really great news is that when I got to the pharmacy I was told that the drug was being supplied by the Government and that I would not have to pay for it. I do not know if this is just for high risk individuals or for everyone. Also I am Canadian, so I am not too sure what the rules for the dispersing of this drug will be in the US. Just having it though sure makes me feel a lot safer.
If you have underlying health issues, and are as concerned as I was about the H1N1 flu virus, than this is really great news for you. We have something in the cupboard to help us fight the H1N1! Just remember that this treatment must start very early after flu symptoms occur so get in to the doctor right away! DO NOT WAIT! If you can't see your own then see any doctor who is on duty. The drug should be started within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.
H1N1 symptoms may include: Congestion, Sore throat, Coughing, Fever, Headache, Chills, Fatigue, Runny nose, and possibly diarrhea or vomiting.
I decided to put all the information into an article. The link is as follows: http://www.squidoo.com/symptoms-of-h1n1-flu
Just passing this along because, although I am still very worried about having this flu when I have underlying health problems, I am also very thankful to have the Tamiflu to help me fight this flu.
Lorelei aka Ladymermaid
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Comments: 25
I am glad the Tamiflu helped your daughter. I feel better just knowing that there is something to help us fight.
Lol.......but I will feel much safer when I am over this.
Best wishes
Ladymermaid
First let me say that I am no expert on this subject. I and a friend who is the expert have written an ebook together. She provided the information and I put it together. The product we recommend in our ebook is Oscillococcinum. You can find it by typing in www.boironusa into your browser.
When you get on the website, they will even teach you how to say the word. I would also like to add that neither my partner nor I are connected with this company in any way. We are not compensated for any sales they might make.
You have brought up a good point about allergies and medicines. If anyone is allergic to eggs, it might be best to check with your doctor before you take the H1N1 vaccine.
I wish you well!
It comes in tablet and syrup form; you can purchase it at Walgreens.
Also....I have had very good results with the Oscillococcinum recommended above. It can get rather pricey so go with the largest box you can find.
Lol.......sorry but I couldn't resist that one.
Thank you for the advice.
I'm crossing my fingers that the worst is over. If I can keep working my lungs than I think that I will have it made. Lol....Yesterday I sang at the top of lungs to try to clear them out. Then throughout the night I kept dragging myself out of bed so that the liquid wouldn't have a chance to pool there.
I have one more Tamiflu pill left and then I guess that I am on my own. Hopefully I will be well enough and strong enough to be over this.
:) Thank you everyone for your support.
Ladymermaid
Thank you all for your well wishes. I hope I only have another couple days of this thing.
Hope you start feeling better, you will be in our prayers.
Now you are scraring me I am asthmtic and having congestion and feeling very tired.
But I do not know if its the new drug I am taking for my fibromaligia its Lyrica(which is suppose to make you tired the first couple weeks of taking it0