Since we first learned in April of the Swine Flu pandemic 32 people have died from the virus in New York City alone. Worldwide, there have been 52,000 confirmed cases and 230 deaths, mostly in the United States and Mexico.

This past Monday was a productive work day for me. I felt energetic and accomplished what was on my to-do list. But by late Monday night I felt a scratchy throat and tight chest. Using the remedy I have known my entire life, I rubbed Vicks Vapor Rub on my throat and chest before turning in for the night.

On Tuesday I woke up to an unfamiliar ache in my whole body, a throbbing headache, loss of appetite, fever, chills, tingling in my finger tips, extreme exhaustion, a tight chest, an unproductive cough and an overall sense that something other than a 24-hour flu or cold had taken over my body. The feeling was relentless, nothing I’d experienced in recent memory and I was scared.

I called my Doctor and had he not been able to see me I would have gone to an emergency room of a nearby hospital. That’s how bad I felt.

I sat in my Doctor’s office for a good hour before he could see me. It was the longest hour. I thought maybe I contracted Swine Flu. But how? I’m overly careful in New York City. I would rather fall flat on my face in a subway car than hold on to a nasty, germ-ridden hand rail. I always carry and use disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. I thought about a guy on the train the other day who sneezed and mist came out of his nose. Maybe that mist made its way to me. All these thoughts ran through my mind in that hour.

Finally, the doctor called me in and after a check here and there he told me I had Influenza – the Flu. My immediate response: do I have Swine Flu or the regular Flu? My doctor said, “Despite the headlines there is still a course of treatment we follow for all Influenza (Swine or other).” He prescribed Tamiflu and recommended Tylenol to break the fever, and said it was a good thing I came in when I did.

Since Influenza is contagious I am confined to home until the prescribed medication takes effect. For now, all my body allows me to do is fall in and out of sleep, watch-listen to the mindless daytime television, and take calls from my concerned mother and friends.

Cautionary Tale
For me, this has been a lesson – and teaching moment - in learning to trust your instinct when it comes to your health and know when your body needs something other than tea, rest and home remedies. I knew the instant I woke up on Tuesday that something was dreadfully wrong with my body and it needed immediate medical attention.

I caution anyone who has an inkling of Influenza-like symptoms to go to your doctor or the hospital immediately. (This vigilance is especially critical for people who have children in their care or an elderly person). Don’t self-diagnose or try to convince yourself that it’s a little cold, or it’s the weather or that you’re tired. And, if you don’t have insurance, go to a public hospital emergency room.

This week it was reported that authorities in Germany said there are signs the H1N1-Swine Flu virus had started to mutate and warned it could spread in the coming months in a more aggressive form.

Take it from me, Influenza – Swine or Other – should be taken seriously. Please do not take any chances.

Sources and more information...
-- German authorities warn of swine flu mutation risk

-- The World Health Organization

-- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

copyright 2009 BlackandBrownNews.com

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