Want to know what the Swine flu is like? Here it is!

Update, my fever is back, and now I have a rash. I feel like crap. My daughter is now sick too and is home from school. We both got sick when this first went around in the summer anjd half her school was out with it. This is worse than the first time.

Thought I was feeling a little better this morning, even ate some toast.
That was a mistake. Stupid fever sweats and now my adnoids are swollen. Trying to take care of myself and my daughter is real hard rite now. Husband can not take off work , we can not afford it.

I feel for everyone going through this crap we are. This is only day four for me.
Coughing a little but asthma is still in check so far. Rash concerns me. I worry about things like Rhumatic Fever. I did have strep last month and I also have a bad heart.

When you have the conditions I have, the fear factor is there. It is there with ANY flu, but I usually do not catch flu, and now I had it in the summer and now! By the way here in AZ may as well still be summer. Our normal flu season does not hit here until December, but it is bad here.

reply to post by theWolfInsideMe


I'm glad that you feel this thread has helped you. I would like to stress however, that while I have medical training and work in healthcare, I am NOT a doctor. Please do not take anything I have said as medical advice from a professional, but just personal experience. If you have any medical concerns, please check with your healthcare provider.

I think that the choice of whether or not to vaccinate our children is a very personal one. One that needs to be made only AFTER educating ourselves as to all the possible risks vs possible benefits. I personally do not feel the risk of it is worth it for me or my children. Someone else who is at high risk of complications from the flu may come to a different conclusion.

I hope you all avoid the flu this season!

Here's some prevention info I recieved in a forwarded email that sounds like good common sense to me...


While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3. *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*


5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6. *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

My wife's boss's cousin just died from the swine flu.

Pneumonia. It's in the air, I tell ya. PM2.5

Just to add to the solutions idea. As soon as I begin to feel any kind of cold/flu coming on I start to pay extra to eating well, and eating lots/never skipping meals, lots of warm/hot teas and soups, lots of rest under heavy warm covers (sweat it out if possible), moderate exercise, fresh air and sunshine if possible, and actually disinfecting surfaces around the house (as opposed to normally just cleaning).

I think the age factor (I am 61) is applicable in my case. My worst symptoms of headache, chills and sore throat lasted only a couple of days. The nasal drip and coughing are reducing more slowly but going away too. I took no medication except OTC for symptom relief during the worst few days, and extra vitamin D.

Oh, for about a week leading up to getting sick I had this itchy dryness in my nostrils. Thinking something was up I tried swabbing my nostrils with cotton dipped in that anti-microbial, Miracle Mineral Solution, (Sodium Chlorate or something similar), as well as consuming some of it. I would have to say that while that solution is great on cuts and whatnot it did not seem to have any effect here. At least it did not stop whatever I had from progressing and me getting sick.

edit to add: I forgot that as soon as I came down the severe symptoms I started taking what in Canada is called "Cold FX". Its a concentrate of a Ginseng ingredient. In my opinion that really seemed to knock out the worst stuff fast.

[edit on 10/21/2009 by wayno]

Thank you for posting this and being so open to questions. Great to see everyone contributing their own experiences so that those haven't gotten sick (knock on wood) will know what to look for.

With that said, I have a couple of questions that I would be most appreciative if you or anyone that knows could answer.

1. What role does vitamin D play? I thought it was vitamin C that was the killer. I take a flintstone vitamin with iron as the other vitamins make me feel sick.
2. How easily spread is this in regards to this scenario: Two story house, all bedrooms upstairs. If I were to get sick, could I quarantine myself in a room without spreading it via the air circulating through the house? There are two kids and a wife that I wouldn't want to be exposed to it by me.

Thanks for your help.

Want to interject one thing. I understand that those who contribute to or reply to these question aren't doctors, certified hvac specialists, etc... I am just looking for the best educated guess or experience and as always, I will consult a doctor if I have serious concerns so don't feel liable for your response. Was that enough of a disclaimer??

[edit on 21-10-2009 by Roadblockx]

Thank you so much for posting this! What I thought was a series of unrelated viruses could be the swine flu, based on your description.

About a month ago I spent two days in bed because my head was killing me. I'm not prone to headaches, so this was odd for me. Then the headache went away and I had a horrendous sore throat. I went to the doc and he did a strep test and it was negative, but it was really red and swollen. Then that went away and I developed a cough so bad that it gave me a headache and strong enough that it made me vomit. The cough started to subside and I was dead tired. Like...wake up, get the kids on the bus, and go back to sleep til they come home tired. Then one morning I woke up feeling completely better. All in all, I think I had one thing or another wrong with me for about 10 days.

I don't take meds, and used a combination of natural remedies, and I swear by vicks vaporrub for the cough (put a light coat on the soles of your feet and put on warm socks and go to bed...I swear, it truly does work!). Neither my kids nor my husband caught whatever it was I had, be it the regular flu, swine flu, or just an odd coincidence that I caught a bunch of bugs one right after the other.

When I read your post...I was like "holy cow...that sounds exactly like what I had..."

reply to post by ladybuglady


Can you respond to any of the questions I brought up??

2nd line.

Edit... Glad to hear that you did get better and no one else caught it. What safe-guards did you use? Did you have any other conditions that may have made you more susceptible then the others in your household?

Sorry for the questions but I want to make sure I know as much as I can before Nov/Dec sets in. Thanks for your help!

[edit on 21-10-2009 by Roadblockx]

reply to post by Roadblockx


:duherfect disclaimer!

Vitamin D has been well documented to increase the production of over 200 anti microbial peptides that fight infection. (cut and paste)



Here is an article about vitamin D and the flu Taken from DR. Mercola's website. I read articles here from time to time and they seem well researched. While there are a lot of advertisements for health products that he sells, his articles appear legit. I have read similar things elsewhere.

Dr. Mercola's article on Flu deaths and Vit D

It's very interesting, thought-provoking information. I know here in the PNW, we have a very high rate of MS that is now being linked to low Vit D. I think it has a lot to with neurological disorders in general, and immune issues. It certainly doesn't hurt to take it....hard to OD on it, especially large doses for a short period of time (like when you're sick)

Hope this helps!

reply to post by westcoast


Perfect! That helps. Looks like I will be stocking up on some Vitamin C and D. Thanks!

Any thoughts/ideas on the transmission of h1n1 in a household?

reply to post by Roadblockx


I just got caught up in a new article from Dr Mercola, and part of one of the interviews was the info that the virus transmits from up to 10 feet away. Now try and keep that from transmitting in a household! I mean, you can try and isolate yourself, but it probably won't do ya much good. I just made sure that none of us drank from the same cups (daughter and I often share water), used the same utensils and that dirty kleenex went straight to the garbage. Always cover my cough (using crook of arm, not hands) and ofcourse wash, wash, wash those hands!

This is a MUST READ from Dr. Mercola's website. It is a lot of video and info to get through, but if you want some very crucial info about the H1N1 virus, vaccines and what is really going on, then look over this:

news link

The first video is with a leading vaccine expert. It is long...but captivating.

the other two are taken from 60 minute news episodes. Very interesting.


On my own personal note: I am into day 6...couldn't go back to work because I am still around 100 temp. We now have a brand new policy that you have to be fever free for 24 hrs before returning. Makes sense.

My cough seems a bit worse and I have some wheezing and burning...so I think I may need a chest x-ray just to rule out a bacterial infection. It seems that the flu virus damages the lining of the lungs, making it suseptable to bacteria. Better to rule it out now, than to let it go and end up behind the 8 ball!

Oh, gosh...you're all going to think I'm bizarre.

Answering the question regarding whether I'm more susceptible...nope...I'm extremely healthy. No medical conditions at all. I'm currently unemployed and spend a lot of time at various grocery stores stocking up when they have deals. I suspect I probably caught it while I was out and about.

Natural remedies I used...vicks vaporrub for cough, honey & lemon for sore throat. Medicinal sore throat tea (you can buy it in the grocery store). Homeopathics. I have salt lamps in almost every room in my house to clean the air. I have essential oil burners and put tea tree oil in them (natural disinfectant). I clean and disinfect everything with a mixture of vinegar, thyme and tea tree oil. Washed bedding regularly. Wiped down doorknobs, phone, and computer keyboards frequently. Oh, and homemade chicken soup.

I swear....I'm not kidding. I don't take meds and I don't use chemical cleaners.

Where I am a teacher just said they are on the verge of closing the school because 20% of the students have it.

People around me have had it, but one good size clove of raw garlic a day seems to be keeping it away from me.

I cut it up and put it into a wrap, or eat it with some Greek Tzatziki Sauce and crackers.

I am finally feeling better, and ate a good full meal tonight which made a world of difference. My son is also back to normal with only a slight cough if he laughs really hard or really exerts himself.

But I do have a question for the others who have had it.....

did anyone else sweat like crazy, this has nothing to do with fevers, as that has been gone for a while now, but I have been sweating like crazy and another lady I talked to today said the same thing.

I think it is probably my bodies was of trying to shed the virus, but it is weird and something I have never experienced before.

reply to post by amatrine


Sending you the highest healing vibrations ever.
Hoping that you and your family get well very very soon.

Day 5 and still feel like crap. Sick to my stomach again. Husband now has it too.
I swear I think one of my dogs does too. Sweats yes, have been horrid.
That, the dizziness and headache that comes and goes. I feel like I am never gonna kick this thing and I just keep getting weaker.

Oil of oregano is not touching this,. Always helped in the past. I even used up my last bottle of zycam nasal gel. Since they discontinued that, it has been going for $150 a bottle on ebay! Nuts. I should have thought to stock up on it before it was pulled.

Originally posted by ladybuglady
Oh, gosh...you're all going to think I'm bizarre.

Answering the question regarding whether I'm more susceptible...nope...I'm extremely healthy. No medical conditions at all. I'm currently unemployed and spend a lot of time at various grocery stores stocking up when they have deals. I suspect I probably caught it while I was out and about.

Natural remedies I used...vicks vaporrub for cough, honey & lemon for sore throat. Medicinal sore throat tea (you can buy it in the grocery store). Homeopathics. I have salt lamps in almost every room in my house to clean the air. I have essential oil burners and put tea tree oil in them (natural disinfectant). I clean and disinfect everything with a mixture of vinegar, thyme and tea tree oil. Washed bedding regularly. Wiped down doorknobs, phone, and computer keyboards frequently. Oh, and homemade chicken soup.

I swear....I'm not kidding. I don't take meds and I don't use chemical cleaners.

Nope..your not bizarre.
I haven't been to the doctor for 7 years now....and personally..I give the credit to my diet. No dairy, no wheat products, only organic foods and raw juices including homemade kombucha. When my body feels unbalanced and I start feeling sick, I just pop a raw garlic clove and eat some parsley. Both are great Natural anti-biotics.
I do believe this flu hits people harder who don't have a healthy diet and or don't exercise. Believe me..I've been sneezed on and coughed on..but I still fine. Amein!!!

Well, something has started with me.

Yesterday morning, very very dry cough, couldn't get it under control and then the headaches started last evening. Took my temperature and it was normal.

Woke up this morning and felt better, the cough was much looser. About 30 minutes ago, I noticed that my body was aching (like the flu), so I went and took my temp, it is now 100. Just while typing this, I've had a killer headache jump on me.

Off to the doctor and then the drugstore to get some Vit D.

reply to post by westcoast


Ummmm gatorade and protein powders are JUNK! Protein powders are so highly processed and filled with chemicals as well. Many have aspartame, things like acesulfame K and other preservatives or unhealthy chemicals. Don't even get me started on gatorade. That stuff is no better than soda. It's loaded with sugars.