Flu Outbreak in Mexio

[Tibbie]

It seems unwise to me to risk bringing the flu back to school. I have students with compromised immune systems. I trust the OCC implicitly, but I don't trust Southwest, or my fellow passengers. The last flight I was on someone turned and coughed in my face. (Without the class to apologize )

In addition to the flu issue I am awaiting the results from a biopsy. I was hoping to get the results before I left, as I wouldn't get a fill if chemo is in my future, but between biopsy, flu, and the thought of bringing something back to my students I think I'm just being stubborn if I insist on going down right now. :lb12:

[shiney42]

It seems unwise to me to risk bringing the flu back to school. I have students with compromised immune systems. I trust the OCC implicitly, but I don't trust Southwest, or my fellow passengers. The last flight I was on someone turned and coughed in my face. (Without the class to apologize )

In addition to the flu issue I am awaiting the results from a biopsy. I was hoping to get the results before I left, as I wouldn't get a fill if chemo is in my future, but between biopsy, flu, and the thought of bringing something back to my students I think I'm just being stubborn if I insist on going down right now. :lb12:

I hope the best for you. And I totally agree. I have 2 sons why would I want to bring anything back to them....It's not Just me I have a family

[nothereanymore]

I have to travel this week, and have a 6 hour layover in New York, with close to 19 million people in NY and 28 confirmed cases (or last I heard) I’m not too worried. Close to 40 thousand people die each year of the regular flu. I’m sure I have just as good of a chance of catching one of those and dying.

I’m going to do what they say, wash my hands and per my doc, “don’t touch door knobs, use tissues and throw them away” (love him) I also take my supplements, get my sleep and eat healthy.

The truth is I most likely would have a greater chance of dying of an obesity related disease without my band, than catching the piggy flu. (I like that better than swine, not making fun - I use to have a pet piggy and swine just doesn't sound right to me)

You gotta do what you gotta do, what’s best for you and your family. We’re all going to have different beliefs, my sis is freaking that I’m going to NY (I’m like what)??!?!

But that’s her belief and I get it totally and respect it.

Best,

Lisa

[michelleintj]

There are no reported cases in Tijuana, so far...at least I haven't seen any reported cases on the news in Tijuana, They are starting to take precaution though...I know school has been canceled among other things

[mona-camille]

I have to travel this week, and have a 6 hour layover in New York, with close to 19 million people in NY and 28 confirmed cases (or last I heard) I’m not too worried. Close to 40 thousand people die each year of the regular flu. I’m sure I have just as good of a chance of catching one of those and dying.

I’m going to do what they say, wash my hands and per my doc, “don’t touch door knobs, use tissues and throw them away” (love him) I also take my supplements, get my sleep and eat healthy.

The truth is I most likely would have a greater chance of dying of an obesity related disease without my band, than catching the piggy flu. (I like that better than swine, not making fun - I use to have a pet piggy and swine just doesn't sound right to me)

You gotta do what you gotta do, what’s best for you and your family. We’re all going to have different beliefs, my sis is freaking that I’m going to NY (I’m like what)??!?!

But that’s her belief and I get it totally and respect it.

Best,

Lisa

Nice sensible post. I can't believe how the media creates such panic over a few cases. And none in the US have died and all of the New York cases are from one school anyway. It is highly unlikely you will catch it on your trip.

Too bad I didn't know you were coming, I could have met up with you to say hi! I am only about 90 minutes from the city.

[shiney42]

So anyone that would like to wait it out isn't sensible :-?

I know the school - I'm close to the school, I'm 15 minutes from JFK I know all about how it WAS at the time of my last post it was just the One school, But as of this morning, It is NO longer just the 1 school. So I have chose to watch this situation closely. More & more cases are being reported. I sure am glad No one died, It still doesn't mean I would care to catch the SF and bring it home to share with my children...whoever wants to go, go right ahead, but if someone cared to wait a bit it doesn't make them any less senible....For me I'm glad I don't have to worry about this for another 3 weeks #-o I do believe it will all be under control soon

And I can so relate to the media, just look how they suck up to Obama, I guess they always need something to blow up in order to sell!

[DaGreen]

I just got back from Tijuana for my 3rd fill yesterday. I parked at the border, caught a cab, got my fill, cab back to border and walked back through. NOW if there was a cause for concern of the Swine Flu coming through Tijuana, I believe all the border agents checking my passports and my citizenship would have been wearing face masks and guess what? They were not!

As far as medical attention in Mainland Mexico and Baja Californa, depending on how far into mainland people are, YES their medical facilities are poor. Mexico is a poor, third world country. All of us see the resort areas as tourist and of course that is going to have the best of the best medical facilities.

[mona-camille]

So anyone that would like to wait it out isn't sensible :-?

I know the school - I'm close to the school, I'm 15 minutes from JFK I know all about how it WAS at the time of my last post it was just the One school, But as of this morning, It is NO longer just the 1 school. So I have chose to watch this situation closely. More & more cases are being reported. I sure am glad No one died, It still doesn't mean I would care to catch the SF and bring it home to share with my children...whoever wants to go, go right ahead, but if someone cared to wait a bit it doesn't make them any less senible....For me I'm glad I don't have to worry about this for another 3 weeks #-o I do believe it will all be under control soon

And I can so relate to the media, just look how they suck up to Obama, I guess they always need something to blow up in order to sell!

I never said that, please do not put words in my mouth. I said her post was sensible and it was. It was not a panic filled diatribe like what I hear on the news every 5 minutes. This is a free country and thus, free to do as you please. Go or wait; it is your decision, do as you see fit.

[nothereanymore]

Here’s another point, many of us can’t and I personally wouldn’t wait it out. We have businesses that need to be run, and if everyone in this Country decided to stop wait it out, the hit on our economy would be costly. (if you can, more power to you).

I’ve been pushing my friends and family to go out shopping, eat out, take vacations, buy new cars, houses - spend their money in this economic downturn. I told them that the only way that we as a Country could get out of this down turn is if the ones who still had jobs went out and spent money so we could make jobs for those out of work. And we’ve been doing a damn good job. (My oldest son just bought his first house last month)! I'm working my but off at my job to make sure that we as a company can stay strong and hire new people.

We’re seeing improvement in the economy and I’m going out and kicking it up all the way. No swine flu is going to slow down this progress right when things are starting to look up. Now don't get me wrong, if it turns into something serious, I'll find ways to keep my family and team safe, right now - it’s not something that I personally am worried about.

That’s just my view, please don’t take it personally.

Lisa

[shiney42]

I didn't put words in anyones mouth, But if someone cares to wait and see how things turn out, it's just as fine as going! . Even the CDC said If one could avoid travel, it may be a good idea, Not you must Not travel.... As for The economy - hasn't effected my family at all. My kids are still in private school, in Jan. We bought 2 2008 Ford trucks paid in cash............ So I've always felt the economy thing is a bit blown out with the media... That's what they do.......

But that too I would think goes a long with where you live.

As another day goes by things could go either way.... this is a place for information. I guess I'll continue to watch the out come.

I heard those masks that people put on don't do much - if I'm bored later I'll google it and see if they help or not

Two L.A. County deaths possibly related to swine flu, coroner says

The Los Angeles County coroner's office is investigating two recent deaths that officials say could be related to the recent global swine flu outbreak. However, no tests have come back positive for the swine flu, and medical examiners have not officially determined what caused the deaths.

[updated at 9:30 a.m.: Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey said his office would collect specimens from the deceased and send them to the county public health department, which would determine whether either person died from the swine flu. If so, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be notified, Harvey said.]

Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey said Bellflower Medical Center reported the death of a 33-year Long Beach resident Monday afternoon from symptoms resembling swine flu.

"It's that diagnosis that needs to be confirmed," Harvey said. "An autopsy will be performed to establish the cause of death."

The man was taken to the hospital Saturday, complaining of shortness of breath and lymphoma. Doctors later diagnosed the patient with pneumonia, Harvey said.

The second case involves a 45-year-old man from La Mirada, whose death was reported Monday to the coroner's office. The man died April 22 at Coast Plaza Doctor's Hospital in Norwalk.

Doctors said the man died of pneumonia but the L.A. County Health Department refused to accept the death certificate signed by the private doctor, Harvey said. The case was then referred to the coroner's office, which will conduct further investigation.

If confirmed, the deaths would be the first reported in the United States from the swine flu.

[IrishRN]

Nice sensible post. I can't believe how the media creates such panic over a few cases. And none in the US have died and all of the New York cases are from one school anyway. It is highly unlikely you will catch it on your trip.

Too bad I didn't know you were coming, I could have met up with you to say hi! I am only about 90 minutes from the city.

I agree, nice sensible post. No need to be alarmed.. just cautious and aware and go about your daily business taking a little extra precautions. I believe as well the media creates a stir and promotes panic. Washing hands is a huge step in preventing the spread of infection. I keep hand sanitizer in my car. Just this am i put a little squirt on before I used the atm machine. I'm still going to TJ and I'm still moving forward with life

[shiney42]

Good news one of the LA cases came back NOT to be SF.........

I sure don't plan on not living my life... or going about every day stuff. I just like to be informed...

I don't hear any alarms going off - BUT I won't be caught Sleeping! LOL I crack myself up sometimes.........LOL

[DanR]

I just received the following updated email message from the U.S. Consulate General Tijuana regarding a recent flu outbreak.

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO

AS MANY AMERICAN CITIZENS AS POSSIBLE

Warden Message

Flu Outbreak in Mexico

April 28, 2009

Update on Flu Outbreak in Mexico – Center for Disease Control Issues Travel Notice for Mexico; All Schools Closed and Nonessential Consular and Visa Services in Mexico Suspended until May 6

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommended on April 27, 2009 that U.S. citizens defer all nonessential travel to Mexico because of the outbreak of H1N1 “swine” influenza. The CDC Travel Notice which advises U.S. citizens of the health risks that may be involved with travel to Mexico and provides a list of precautions travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection can be found at the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert that can be found at http://travel.state.gov.

On April 27, the Government of Mexico announced that as a precautionary measure, all schools throughout the country from kindergarten through university level will remain closed until May 6. All government-sponsored events involving large crowds in Mexico City have also been canceled, and museums and most tourist attractions are closed.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. Consulates throughout the country have suspended all non-essential services to the public until May 6. Consular services for U.S. citizens will be limited to emergency assistance and to citizenship applications (passports and consular reports of birth abroad, or CRBA). Notarial and other routine services will not be available; anyone with passport or CRBA appointments is encouraged but not required to reschedule to a later date. Additionally, Federal Benefits Units are requesting all persons to postpone interviews on Social Security claims. The Consular Agency in Cabo San Lucas will remain open for emergency services only. The Consulate will monitor this situation continuously during the week and advise before May 6 if this suspension needs to be extended.

Consulate General Tijuana’s visa unit has suspended all nonimmigrant visa appointments until May 6. The Consulate will reschedule all nonimmigrant visa appointments which have been made between April 27 and May 5. Our scheduling center will call or e-mail applicants to reschedule appointments. Alternatively, applicants may re-schedule visa appointments without being charged by calling 01-800-719-2525. If there is an emergency visa issue please email TijuanaInfo@state.gov. If visa operations need to be suspended beyond May 6, we will inform the public as soon as possible.

A separate notice about immigrant visa appointments at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez will be issued on April 28, 2009.

The Benjamin Franklin Library will be closed to the public.

The Consulate reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not “swine flu”; any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Medical authorities urge people to avoid hospitals and clinics unless they have a medical emergency, since hospitals are centers of infection; instead, those with health concerns are encouraged to stay home and call their physicians to avoid potential exposure. Although the Consulate cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following links: http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/phys_and_dentist_acs.html http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/hospital_list_acs.html

For additional information, please consult the State Department’s website at www.travel.state.gov, the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. The U.S.-based call center for U.S. citizens can be reached from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, M-F, at 1-888-407-4747, or if calling from outside the U.S., at (202)-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy will post additional information as it becomes available at: http://mexico.usembassy.gov, as will Consulate General Tijuana at http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov.

U.S. Consulate General Tijuana

American Citizen Services

Tapachula #96

Colonia Hipodromo, 22420

Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

For after-hours emergencies only: From Mexico dial 001 (619) 692-2154, From the U.S., dial (619) 692-2154.

To contact U.S. Consulate General Tijuana

Call (52) (664) 622-74-00

To contact the U.S. Consular Agency in Cabo San Lucas

Call (52) (624) 143-35-66

[AngieB]

I had surgery on Friday, and was in Tijuana on Thur, Fri, Sat, and departed on Sunday. Upon my arrival back to the US, my boss sent me a text. She was informing me that my work may choose to put me in quarantine. (i.e. I was not going to be allowed to return to work for a few days) The company I work for is a global company and upon hearing about the swine flu they put there policy into place to protect the company as a whole.

Personally I understand why they do what they do. I am going to be allowed to return to work tomorrow, given I do not show any symptoms. Yay for me!

It is wise to be aware of the situation.

[nothereanymore]

Angie,

First of all congrats on your surgery! And you’re right, that’s the smartest thing to do is be aware. Understand the impact, do what they say – wash your hands and take care of yourself.

You have to do what works best for you. Some of us will stay home – some will continue to work and go out. All of us should be aware and careful.

Best,

Lisa

Add in - only if you have a good sense of humor - this is twitter and it’s a bit of fun about swineflew – warning – very inappropriate do not read if you are sensitive.

http://twitter.com/swineflew

[IrishRN]

I just received the following updated email message from the U.S. Consulate General Tijuana regarding a recent flu outbreak.

Thanks Dan. Are you leaving soon and how are you doing? Congrats on your surgery.

[DanR]

Thanks Dan. Are you leaving soon and how are you doing? Congrats on your surgery.

I'm doing really good. I feel a little like I have a little heartburn, but it's getting better (probably just the gas from surgery). I'm leaving tomorrow morning and I'm staying in LA until Sunday.

[stormy]

I am definately keeping an eye on the news. I work with the public and I have had a flu virus for about a week now, my lungs are bothering me, but I have inhaler. I am going on with my life, exercising and working as normal. I just make sure to stay as clean as possible. If I see a client that is coughing and hacking I may chose not to see them, I guess it depends on several factors, because I am already compromised by this flu I already have. I am in Oregon and so far there are no confirmed cases here and I pray there wont be, but I would assume it will work its way here. I myself would not be traveling to Mexico because of my immune system being down at this point. But as I said, I think it is a personal decision. It is a tough one, we just need to hope and pray we dont get it. It sounds horrible. I sometimes think that someone started this bug, like a terrorist thing, does that sound crazy. I wouldnt put it past someone to plant a bug to hurt people. How awful. Sorry just me talking out loud. If you plan to travel, just be careful as always. I dont say that because we are freaking out, we say things like that because we care, that is all.

[shiney42]

Hi - Dan

would you take an of those gas x - for that gas pain? Hows your incissions? sore?

[DanR]

Hi - Dan

would you take an of those gas x - for that gas pain? Hows your incissions? sore?

I don't really notice the incisions much. I'm not sure if Gas-X would help... I think it might be the residual CO2 from the laparoscopic surgery near my diaphram. But maybe I'll try it if I still feel it in another day or two.

[shiney42]

I don't really notice the incisions much. I'm not sure if Gas-X would help... I think it might be the residual CO2 from the laparoscopic surgery near my diaphram. But maybe I'll try it if I still feel it in another day or two.

I was just wondering, if it would make a difference, I guess if it's not gas in the belly what good would gas x do....... well I hope it goes away soon. But I guess all in all if that's the lest of your uncomfortableness then it's all good.....

......

[shiney42]

they are detaining people at the border, there's like 8 people that they are waiting for test results to come back...

[Clynn]

Hopefully, a little perspective. Most of these numbers are from the CDC's website except where otherwise cited.

Total population of US = 304,059,724 (US Census)

# of Americans who are killed by "normal" influenza each year = 63,001

# of Americans who die of Heart Disease = 652,091

# of Americans who die of Chronic lower respiratory diseases = 130,933

# of Americans who die of "normal" flu and Pneumonia = 63,001

# of American who die of Diabetes = 75,119

# of Americans who die of accidents = 117,809

# of Americans who have confirmed Swine Flu (as of 11 am 4-29-09) = 91

# of Americans who have died from Swine Flu = 1

Total population of Mexico City = 8,836,045 (Wikipedia)

# of Mexico citizens who have confirmed Swine Flu = 26

# of Mexico citizens who have died = 7

All in all 9 countries have reported a collected total of 148 cases of Swine Flu. If we adjust and say that normal flu happens evenly throughout the year (which it doesn't, it tends to occur during certain months or flu season), then roughly 2,100 Americans die from normal flu each month. You're far more likely to die from normal flu at the grocery store than Swine flu.

I suspect one of the reasons it's hitting hard in Mexico City is due to the poor air quality. Mexico City is a very large and densely populated city surrounded by geographical features which encourage air stagnation and is rather known for air pollution, and flu is a disease which attacks the respiratory system.

[DanR]

I returned from Tijuana this morning. I had absolutely no problems crossing the border. The OCC van goes through a special "express" lane. The van stopped and I went in to present myself to customs. They asked if I had anything to declare and then waved me through. It took five seconds. Since the customs area was the only crowded place I encountered while I was in Mexico, I wore a face mask (which I removed briefly for the customs agent to compare me with my passport).

I had a wonderful experience at OCC and I am returning on June 8th for my first fill, teeth cleaning, and Zoom whitening. I am planning to take the trolley to the border and walk to the clinic... and I have no reservations about doing so.

Here is a message Dr. Ortiz posted on Facebook yesterday:

Ariel Ortiz Lagardere wants everyone to know that the OCC clinic is safe! We are a full contained private surgery center... NOT a hospital, so you won't be around potentially sick patients. If you have questions about what is going on in Mexico please call 1-866-376-7849 to get the real story and don't let the media hype scare you!

[shiney42]

Hi - Dan

Where you given the mask? Or did you think to buy one? :-?