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01-11-2013 at 2:45 PM
Hidntreshr
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Flu epidemic

I'm 5w1d with my first and I'm panicked about the flu epidemic. When I found out we were pregnant (after a year and a half of trying) I was thrilled and then thought "Oh no, during the worst flu season in years!"

Are the rest of you super worried? My coworker next to me has the flu and has been coughing... I know this is crazy, but I have contemplated taking the next several weeks off work until I can get through the flu craze.

Riding on the Metro subway to and from work makes it even more likely I'll get sick. Suggestions? Anyone else in the same boat?!

I didn't get the flu shot because I am worried about the vaccine itself. Damned if I do and damned if I don't I guess!?!? I wish I had gotten the vaccine before we got pregnant.

 
01-11-2013 at 2:47 PM
KdgTeacher
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Hidntreshr:

I'm 5w1d with my first and I'm panicked about the flu epidemic. When I found out we were pregnant (after a year and a half of trying) I was thrilled and then thought "Oh no, during the worst flu season in years!"

Are the rest of you super worried? My coworker next to me has the flu and has been coughing... I know this is crazy, but I have contemplated taking the next several weeks off work until I can get through the flu craze.

Riding on the Metro subway to and from work makes it even more likely I'll get sick. Suggestions? Anyone else in the same boat?!

Umm, yes.  Yes, it is!  Did you get a flu shot?  Wash your hands often and well, lots of Vitamin C, etc.

I'm a teacher and I'm not avoiding coming to work because my students are sick.  It's life.  You do the best to protect yourself and truck along.

 


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01-11-2013 at 2:47 PM
PrettyInPe...
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Flu shot, vitamins, and lots of hand washing/sanitizing. Lysol your work space and your home...it's really all you can do, short of wearing a mask everywhere you go.


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01-11-2013 at 2:51 PM
leahaustin
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I am definitely worried about it especially since my co-worker called-in sick today stating she was throwing up and had diarrhea. There are only 3 of us that work in my office and I work almost right next to her. I took lysol to every corner of this office today since I am the only one here. lol.

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01-11-2013 at 2:55 PM
jdoud77
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Did you get your flu shot? Are you taking any supplements/prenatal vitamins?

Suggestion: If you're on public transportation and you are worried you might catch something, I recommend getting a mask if you are not worried about looks. As a safety precaution, you never know if anyone on the metro has the flu or sick with something else. I discussed with my OB Emergen-C and and she said Emergen-C is fine, so I've been taking that twice a day because I work at a clinic so I'm around sick people every day. As alwways, I would still talk to your doctor about taking it before taking a forum suggestion.


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01-11-2013 at 2:58 PM
Hidntreshr
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I didn't get a flu shot. Are they 100% safe. I'm so glad you suggested the mask. I bought one but didn't know if I was being overly obsessive. I am not at all vain and completely willing to risk my appearance for two months.
 
01-11-2013 at 3:00 PM
Hidntreshr
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I'm in exactly the same situation. Her office is so close I can talk to her from my desk. I thought about asking my boss for additional teleworking privileges-- but then I'd have to explain why I'm asking.... hate to mention it to people at work until april.

 
01-11-2013 at 3:09 PM
smscartozz...
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Hidntreshr:
I didn't get a flu shot. Are they 100 safe. I'm so glad you suggested the mask. I bought one but didn't know if I was being overly obsessive. I am not at all vain and completely willing to risk my appearance for two months.


It is safe to get a flu shot, just not the nasal spray. Any risk with the vaccine outways the risks of getting the flu while pregnant. Ask your OB if it will make you feel better but you should get a flu shot!

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01-11-2013 at 3:24 PM
MrserinJ
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I think this is more than a bit excessive. I understand your worry, but flu season is life.

With my second son, My first waa in preschool and beoufht lots if illness home. I had the flu twice and lots of colds, one was at 39 weeks. I was miserable yes, but my doctor wasn't concerned because I was staying hydrated and taking vitamins, etc.

This time around, I've had a nasty cold or flu, not sure which at 9 weeks and a cold also at 4 weeks. I'm recovered and fine. It took longer to recover but other than that, I'm fine.

Try not to worry too much! Some things you can't prevent, no matter how hard you try.
 
01-11-2013 at 3:27 PM
rooter84
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leahaustin:
I am definitely worried about it especially since my coworker calledin sick today stating she was throwing up and had diarrhea. There are only 3 of us that work in my office and I work almost right next to her. I took lysol to every corner of this office today since I am the only one here. lol.


Not sure if you were referring to vomiting diarrhea as the flu, but I feel the need to correct this. Those two are NOT influenza at all but gastronitis. Which is just as contagious as influenza but totally not the flu. That is my PSA of the day.
 
01-11-2013 at 3:46 PM
southernmo...
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It's been reported already that the strain that is causing the epidemic isn't any of the strains that were picked for this year's flu shot.

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01-11-2013 at 3:53 PM
Jason&Erin...
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I cant win =-( This time pregnant, there is a really bad outbreak...last time when I was pregnant (Fall 2009 into 2010) there was the "swine flu" outbreak.... grrrr.....
01-11-2013 at 3:57 PM
PrettyInPe...
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rooter84:
leahaustin:
I am definitely worried about it especially since my coworker calledin sick today stating she was throwing up and had diarrhea. There are only 3 of us that work in my office and I work almost right next to her. I took lysol to every corner of this office today since I am the only one here. lol.
Not sure if you were referring to vomiting diarrhea as the flu, but I feel the need to correct this. Those two are NOT influenza at all but gastronitis. Which is just as contagious as influenza but totally not the flu. That is my PSA of the day.

Thank you! This is one of my pet peeves. Yes, people commonly refer to stomach bugs as "the flu", but the flu that is reaching epidemic levels is influenza...no vomiting or diarrhea involved with it!!



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01-11-2013 at 4:03 PM
sabrinatol...
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That's not at all what I heard. The most common strain this year is H3N2. And it's covered in the flu shot. 

this is from the CDC website: 
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012-2013.htm

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01-11-2013 at 4:23 PM
Carnation7...
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If you don't want to wear a mask in public, wear a scarf while on public transportation and pull it over your face.

Talk to your doctor about the flu shot.  They'll give you the most information so you can make an informed decision about when and if to get it.  I'm personally pro-vaccines but I know a lot of people aren't. 

Wash your hands, use antibacterial gel, and keep everything as clean as possible.

And remember - it's not a pandemic.  Don't worry more than is necessary. 

 
01-11-2013 at 4:30 PM
JET29
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southernmommie:
It's been reported already that the strain that is causing the epidemic isn't any of the strains that were picked for this year's flu shot.

where did you hear that? I heard the opposite.  


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01-11-2013 at 4:53 PM
SaraSKC
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Just get the flu shot.  I was worrying quite a bit.  I work in a small office too and my coworker is currently home with the flu.  Her doctor told her she does have the strain that is putting people in the hospital.  She is allowed back at work this coming Monday, but I am keeping my distance!  That being said, I work with children.  I cannot completely avoid potential exposure. The CDC STRONGLY recommends ALL pregnant women get the flu shot, so I went ahead and got it Wednesday.  My anxiety has dramatically improved.  I know I have done what I can. I went to Walgreens after work because I didn't want to wait to get in with my doc. They not only avoided the nasal mist, they gave me the preservative-free version of the shot.

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01-11-2013 at 4:59 PM
mystererae
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I wore a mask and gloves to the lab today to have my blood drawn. If it would make you more comfortable riding the Metro do it. I thought of wearing a mask and gloves on a flight to NYC once but felt awkward. Guess what the woman one seat away from me gave me? The flu!

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01-11-2013 at 5:01 PM
himymlover
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I know what you mean. 6 patients on my unit have influenza...I'm really hoping I don't get it. And since I can't go in those rooms, pretty much everyone knows I'm pregnant now, and I'm only 6 weeks. It stinks.

 Crossing my fingers you don't get sick!



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01-11-2013 at 5:05 PM
bubbaslove...
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I am concerned about this as well.  I have not had the flu shot this year and don't see my OB for another 2 weeks.  All of the pharmacies within a 13 mile radius from my home are out of flu shots and my regular doctor's office is out as well.  I work from home so I don't have to worry about as much as the rest of you, but I do have a DD that is in pre-school and my DH is a Principal at an elementary school.  Both my kids just got their shots today (due to surgery in December their pediatrician wanted to hold off) but I have heard that it takes about 2 weeks to take effect.  Not sure what I should do?

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01-11-2013 at 5:10 PM
Dubsgirlie
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southernmommie:
It's been reported already that the strain that is causing the epidemic isn't any of the strains that were picked for this year's flu shot.


Not at all what I've heard. The vaccine covers 3/4 strains so there is one not covered but it's uncommon. The most common strains are in the flu shot.

Like PPs said, get the flu shot. Way more risks if you don't. Just make sure you tell them you are pregnant and they'll give you one without preservatives.

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01-11-2013 at 5:50 PM
Bamgal25
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Hi I disagree with some PPs who say you are overly concerned. You should be concerned! I think you should get the flu shot and do what you can to keep from being exposed. Yes the flu is part of life but you should still do what you can to protect yourself and baby! And who wants to get sick anyway?

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01-11-2013 at 5:59 PM
mommatotwo...
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leahaustin:
I am definitely worried about it especially since my co-worker called-in sick today stating she was throwing up and had diarrhea. There are only 3 of us that work in my office and I work almost right next to her. I took lysol to every corner of this office today since I am the only one here. lol.

That is the stomach flu. It's a common misconception. Influenza (the one you get a shot for and the one currently in an epidemic) is a respiratory illness.


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01-11-2013 at 6:07 PM
mommatotwo...
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OP- Calling into working for several weeks is excessive. Especially considering you are probably safer there than going to the grocery store, movies, restaurant, OB appointments, etc. Also, flu season can last all the way through April. So unless you have an extremely understanding boss, I think calling in for almost 4 months would be a pretty good way to get fired. You would also have to apply for FMLA for an extended amount of time off and that would cut into your maternity leave (that's assuming your company has more than 50 employees and has FMLA).

Just get your flu shot- it takes about 2 weeks to build up a decent immunity. Go this weekend to a pharmacy and get it. Today, Boston declared a Flu emergency and nationwide, the flu is the worst they've seen. The vaccine has so far been 75 percent effective, so for me, the benefit highly outweighs any risk (which in my opinion is quite minimal). I had the Flu shot at 6 weeks when I was pregnant with DD and every year since (including this year), never had any problems.


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01-11-2013 at 6:30 PM
J&Jaggies0...
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I'm a teacher and I'm not avoiding coming to work because my students are sick.  It's life.  You do the best to protect yourself and truck along.

 

 This. I've had 3 kids out already and each time one comes back another goes out.  


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01-11-2013 at 6:34 PM
J&Jaggies0...
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JET29:

southernmommie:
It's been reported already that the strain that is causing the epidemic isn't any of the strains that were picked for this year's flu shot.

where did you hear that? I heard the opposite.  

i bet this depends on your area. I know many people who are getting it in our city did get the shot so obviously it is a different stand. I doubt the entire country is in the same situation.  


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01-11-2013 at 6:52 PM
QueSyrah
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J&Jaggies06:
JET29:

southernmommie:
It's been reported already that the strain that is causing the epidemic isn't any of the strains that were picked for this year's flu shot.

where did you hear that? I heard the opposite.  

i bet this depends on your area. I know many people who are getting it in our city did get the shot so obviously it is a different stand. I doubt the entire country is in the same situation.  

According to the CDC, the most common strain being reported is H3N3, which is included in this year's vaccine (along with H1N1 and an influenza B virus). Also according to the CDC, by mid-November only 37% of people had been vaccinated.It takes two weeks for the vaccine to take full effect.

 Also, getting the vaccine doesn't necessarily mean you won't get the flu. But if you do, it won't be nearly as severe as if you didn't get the vaccine.


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01-11-2013 at 7:08 PM
aessary03
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Practice good and often hand washing (not hand sanitizer).  Keep your work station sanitized (bleach solution).  If you remember to wash your hands and sanitize everything with bleach, you'll be fine.  I work in a nursing home that's been quarantine for the flu ... and co-workers and residents who've come down with the flu .... and I haven't gotten it (knock on wood).  We also have one of our janitors constantly bleach hand rails and door knobs.  (oh I also did get my flu shot)

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01-11-2013 at 7:14 PM
aessary03
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southernmommie:
It's been reported already that the strain that is causing the epidemic isn't any of the strains that were picked for this year's flu shot.

I believe this is incorrect .... The H3N2 is on the strains in this year's flu shot ... and one of the strains going around.  People also need to remember that the flu shot can take up to 2 weeks to be effective.  It's not instantaneous coverage.


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01-11-2013 at 7:21 PM
rooter84
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himymlover:
I know what you mean. 6 patients on my unit have influenza...I'm really hoping I don't get it. And since I can't go in those rooms, pretty much everyone knows I'm pregnant now, and I'm only 6 weeks. It stinks.
nbsp;Crossing my fingers you don't get sick!


Just wondering, why can you not go into those rooms? Have you not a flu shot and they won't allow it? I work in a hospital and I can go into the rooms of patients with influenza. If you use proper precautions you would be fine.
Btw I am 12 weeks pregnant and have gone into these rooms every day. I have worked in health care for the past 9 years and through 2 other pregnancies and both children are fine.
 
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