flu at Summer Nationals?

[counterattack]

Two people from my team have had flu for a few days now, the last time we were in the same place was SME teams on Monday in Dallas. I was sick by Tuesday night. Was the flu going around on 4th of July weekend there, or does my team just have bad luck?

-ph

[trafl926]

Swine flu! SHUT DOWN THE VENUE!

[counterattack]

Swine flu! SHUT DOWN THE VENUE!

Haha. I actually thought about that and decided that it was already Friday so there wouldn't be enough time for anyone to whip into a frenzy and not go because of my post. But I am wondering what the vector was because my teammate and I had very different travel plans. He stayed on site with other teammates and I don't think he left the venue. I stayed off site by myself, and though I was on site a fair amount, we didn't really hang out together. We shared only one meal and it was pizza so there were no shared serving utensils other than box lids.

I wonder if anyone from ArmyFencer's team is coming down sick, since both of us who got sick fenced them Monday afternoon and shook hands afterward. I am not sure if shaking hands is a way to transmit the flu when you are asymptomatic. But surely there is saliva (opening my squeeze bottle), sweat (not usually a vector, I think), and probably fluid from eyes and nose (rubbing the face after taking of a mask) on the hands.

Really this is mostly curiosity for me about what the vector might have been since team handshakes seem the most likely and in that case NCF and DCFC might be suffering too.

[noodle]

yes, the swine flu is going around summer nationals. there are many officially diagnosed cases of H1N1, and many more undiagnosed ones. including myself.

drink your OJ and don't panic, its the same as the regular flu. i got over it in about a day and a half.

also, this is officially to be referred to as "the swine flu nationals"

[DonnaP]

First, if you are "undiagnosed" how do you know you have the H1N1 virus vs. seasonal influenza? Texas, as of 7/4/09 is reporting localized outbreaks, they are not at regional or widespread outbreak levels yet - unlike the northeast, general east and west coastlines which are experiencing widespread outbreaks of both seasonal and novel A H1N1 flu.

Second, where are your stats from regarding all the "official" H1N1 diagnosed people - and if they are truly infected - then shame on them for being at Summer Nationals at all, knowing that they are potentially infecting everyone they come in contact with.

As the incubation period for H1N1 is being reported at 1 - 4 days with the mode of transmission being primarily large particle respiratory transmission - aka coughing, sneezing, etc. (usually within 6 feet) and touching an infected surface then touching your face, eyes, mouth, etc. You all could certainly have spread it to one another during the event by shaking hands, etc., though much of this is still under investigation by the CDC.

No matter what flu you have, treat it with fluids, OTC meds and rest. If you have had symptoms for less than 48 hours, you can contact your MD to discuss options for antiviral medications.

For accurate info: www.cdc.gov

[Inquartata]

Or maybe you all picked it up on the plane going to Dallas?

[bigdawg2121]

You put a lot of people in a room; basic niceties are considered unavoidable; they are all spending time together in the same enclosed space, and even the outdoors is enclosed here....

Someone was sick. Yes they're passing it on. It happens every year, if you miss it, good for you. If you don't, well you're immune system is still human.

[noodle]

First, if you are "undiagnosed" how do you know you have the H1N1 virus vs. seasonal influenza? Texas, as of 7/4/09 is reporting localized outbreaks, they are not at regional or widespread outbreak levels yet - unlike the northeast, general east and west coastlines which are experiencing widespread outbreaks of both seasonal and novel A H1N1 flu.

Second, where are your stats from regarding all the "official" H1N1 diagnosed people - and if they are truly infected - then shame on them for being at Summer Nationals at all, knowing that they are potentially infecting everyone they come in contact with.

As the incubation period for H1N1 is being reported at 1 - 4 days with the mode of transmission being primarily large particle respiratory transmission - aka coughing, sneezing, etc. (usually within 6 feet) and touching an infected surface then touching your face, eyes, mouth, etc. You all could certainly have spread it to one another during the event by shaking hands, etc., though much of this is still under investigation by the CDC.

No matter what flu you have, treat it with fluids, OTC meds and rest. If you have had symptoms for less than 48 hours, you can contact your MD to discuss options for antiviral medications.

For accurate info: www.cdc.gov

there were people who went to summer nationals, got sick on the way home, went to the doctors, and got diagnosed with H1N1. there were also people who went to summer nationals who went to doctors/hospitals while there and were diagnosed. none were diagnosed and then attended.

there were a number of people who, during the time at the venue, got sick and got better, all with the same symptoms as the people officially diagnosed. sure, there's no way to say if they had it without a diagnosis. but i'd make an educated guess based on the diagnoses of others and identical symptoms.

thats the information i have.

[dberke]

The convention center (and hotel too) seemed pretty well set with antibacterial gel soap dispensers all over the place, so hopefully people used those frequently. I carried a bottle of the stuff with me and usually cleaned my hands with it after reffing... who knows where those hands I shook were...

As with any large group of people, some are bound to be or get sick. Basic hygene will take people a long way toward keeping illnesses away.

Dan

[counterattack]

The convention center (and hotel too) seemed pretty well set with antibacterial gel soap dispensers all over the place, so hopefully people used those frequently.
Dan

Dan, this is the flu. It isn't bacterial. Those hand wipes have no special powers on viruses, though hand washing itself would help. Interesting that it could be swine flu. And it most likely has very little to do with Dallas, since everyone was pretty isolated from Dallas. My teammate and I shared almost nothing, so if we got it from the same thing then it was almost certainly the team bouts. Of course, if it was all over then we could well have gotten it separately.

Anyway, I seem to be getting better (has taken me 72 hours). It wasn't the worst flu I've had by a long shot.

-ph

[dberke]

Dan, this is the flu. It isn't bacterial. Those hand wipes have no special powers on viruses, though hand washing itself would help. Interesting that it could be swine flu. And it most likely has very little to do with Dallas, since everyone was pretty isolated from Dallas. My teammate and I shared almost nothing, so if we got it from the same thing then it was almost certainly the team bouts. Of course, if it was all over then we could well have gotten it separately.

Anyway, I seem to be getting better (has taken me 72 hours). It wasn't the worst flu I've had by a long shot.

-ph

Yup, I realized that the soap stuff wouldn't be effective against flu viruses, but just wanted to point out that they do seem to be taking cleanliness seriously.

Although it's probably not easily collected data, I wonder how the illness rate at this Summer Nationals was compared with others. I wouldn't be surprised if it actually is comparable to (or just slightly higher than) prior years, but people are just talking about it more due to the recent flu scare.

Dan

[hello?]

I did hear from one Atlanta fencer that her teammate had just been diagnosed (while in Texas)...then I fenced her and we shook hands afterwards. Quite frankly, I am more worried about the immediate problem that it's almost 2 a.m. and I am wide awake and on fencing.net even though I fence tomorrow morning...

[DonnaP]

From the CDC:

Contamination & Cleaning


How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

The problem with hand washing either with warm soap/water or sanitizing gels - is that most people don't do it correctly or for long enough (with soap it needs to be a good scrubbing for at least 20 seconds or with gel - rubbing until dry), and then if they re - touch a contaminated surface like the faucet or bathroom doorknob - it's all moot anyway.

[Chakra]

After my first DE, my director refused to shake hands.....

She said.. "you don't want to get to close to me"... (she had the flu). Not a happy camper as she was also fencing there.

[fencer92]

Also stomach bug going through the venue. Our fencer has it. Seems to be a 24+hr. thing.

Fencer's Mom

[Peach]

Also stomach bug going through the venue. Our fencer has it. Seems to be a 24+hr. thing.

Fencer's Mom

That kind of illness is most often caused by food, FWIW.

[mfp]

Also stomach bug going through the venue. Our fencer has it. Seems to be a 24+hr. thing.

That kind of illness is most often caused by food, FWIW.

The thought of food poisoning rampant at the Gaylord is somewhat amusing:

International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Annual Meeting Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, TX, July 12-15 Ballroom A & B

www.foodprotection.org

[Grasshopper]

Swine Flu! (Sung to the melody of Stonehenge by Spinal Tap)


Swine Flu!

Swine Flu! Where the fencers dwell
Where the viruses live and they do live well
Swine Flu! Avoid it if you can
And watch the flaming bagel fly right from the pan

Hey!

Swine Flu! 'Tis a sickly case
Get some foamy soap and wash your hands and face
Swine Flu! Put your point in line
The ref might call it with his finger sign

[fencer92]

Yes usually, but not this time. Just one of those things.

Fencer's Mom

[ladyofshalott99]

yes, the swine flu is going around summer nationals. there are many officially diagnosed cases of H1N1, and many more undiagnosed ones. including myself.

drink your OJ and don't panic, its the same as the regular flu. i got over it in about a day and a half.

also, this is officially to be referred to as "the swine flu nationals"

OJ for colds, not the flu.

OJ + flu symptoms (vomiting, diarhhea, general dehydration) will wreck your body. While the Vitamin C will promote wound healing, the OJ itself is too acidic (same goes for coffee, btw) for your gastrointstinal tract and will actually make the above symptoms that much worse (in other words, you will be spending *a lot* of time in the bathroom).

Conversely, what you want to eat/drink are items with clear liquids (diluted Gatorade, broths (clear soups), etc.). You can also do the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, dry Toast). This is frequently given to children/patients in nursing homes to help them intake nutrition and re-hydrate with minimum upset to their digestive systems.

More info on nutrition vs. flu can be found here.

and yes, this is from both personal experience and a smidgen of nursing school.