Swine Flu...

[Convincing John]

Today I looked at the news and there were constant images of people wearing surgical masks. Looks like the pandemic is still spreading a little...but only a little (for now). Any MCers from Mexico out there? Hope you're all OK. Same goes for MCers (and Tough Pigs members) in other places where cases have happened.

I just heard on the radio that one way to keep your immune system up (besides lots of hand sanitizer) is to get lots of Vitamin C. Time to stock up on oranges.

Apparently, I've also noticed that someone else is upset over the Swine Flu for a different reason (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ2PiOQdgj8)... (following the little speech).

Stay safe, everyone. Until this is over, everybody follow Boober's advice and be careful of germs, OK? Oh, and check this (http://www.caglecartoons.com/images/preview/%7B182ccc4f-6d98-43be-ba13-c48b64ffba5a%7D.gif) out.

Convincing John

[Kiki]

Yeah, I was shocked to hear about swine flu, and so was my mum. So much that tomorrow she's making me get an injection fer... something, which also prevents it apparently. O.o

[Oscarfan]

I hope I don't get this, but my immune system is surprisingly tougher than myself and I rarely get sick.

[heralde]

It is scary, I do pray for the people of Mexico and hope it gets contained soon. I'm definitely going to wash my hands a bit more. You don't realize how much germs can be spread. People sneeze and then they touch doorknobs, or the "1" on an elevator. So be very careful!

[bazooka_beak]

Yeah, I'm a little afraid. I have a poopy immune system so I can get sick rather easily. I do make sure I wash my hands a lot (or use wipes) and I'm avoiding people who are coughing and such.

There's only one supposed case here in Michigan, so I guess I don't need to panic just yet.

[Redsonga]

Being a California native I am really worried:(. We are so near that if it gets really bad it could be so much worst than that little pocket of people that went back to NY O.o
It really does make me all Boober-y...

[Drtooth]

Lemme just say the government is completely idiotic not to have these people under quarantine. I hate to say that Russia has a good idea, but these kinds of people go places, no matter how sick they are. The worst part is there's something I'm looking forward to doing at the end of next month... and when the cases double each and every single day, I'm starting to go into a blind panic.

[heralde]

It really does make me all Boober-y...

Lol, I was thinking the same thing. I'm normally pretty paranoid about germs, and it's usually an overreaction but it can come in handy in a real crisis. As Boober found out in "Marooned." ;)

[bazooka_beak]

It really does make me all Boober-y...

LOL, yeah really :) If Boober was here I think he'd freak out and seal himself off or something.

The news isn't helping, I was watching tonight and they were reporting hundreds more in the US being sick. There's millions of us but they still manage to make it sound like we're all doomed :o

[Muppet Newsgirl]

I live across the river from 45 of the cases, so of course everyone's a little on alert around here.

But they're urging people to stay calm and just practice good health habits. Wash your hands, don't sneeze on people, stay home when you're sick, that kind of thing.

[Boober_Gorg]

I'm not worried because:

1) It's only serious if you're an infant or an old person with a weak immune system.
2) Everyone diagnosed so far in the US has recovered.
3) It's not transmitted by eating well-cooked pork.
4) It's easy to avoid catching it.
5) If you do catch it, there's always Dayquil.

[Nick22]

i just got back from vacation in mexico, so a lot of people are telling me to stay away from them and i have now adopted the nickanmes "MEXICAN!" and "Mr. Swine Flu" along with my friend ashley who also went to mexico. so its just wonderful. my friends uncke might have it. and i keep getting paranoid and thinking i have it, since i have some symptoms, but i have bad allergies, and they r usually bad t=at this time of year. i hope miss piggy's ok. and link and dr. julius strabgepork and annie sue and all them muppet pigs

[Kiki]

It is scary, I do pray for the people of Mexico and hope it gets contained soon. I'm definitely going to wash my hands a bit more. You don't realize how much germs can be spread. People sneeze and then they touch doorknobs, or the "1" on an elevator. So be very careful!
I'm a freak when it comes to those sort of things. I don't mind getting dirty (XP) but I'm constantly washing my hands, esp. after I go to shopping centres where people cough and sneeze in your face. :smirk: I don't even touch the escolators (sp...?) when I'm on them. *Shrug* That's the way I was sorta bought up, but I'm not a clean-freak. No. Oh gosh, no.

[The Shoe Fairy]

Ya know, I was thinking of starting a thread on this yesterday, but you beat me to it. My Mum is a microbiologist, and she gets to read all the journals and stuff, and apparently the current theory is that the really deadly strain, which is ONLY in Mexico, comes from direct contact with pigs. Once the virus makes the hop from a host in direct contact with the pig, they transfer the virus to another person, but once the virus has been through the system of the person in contact with the pig, the virus weakens. In the now Human to human born version of the virus, (aka H1N1) is just as weak as a normal, seasonal flu virus. Hence, why nobody has died in the US yet. And people in the UK have had the virus, they were told to go home, take some pills and get some rest. In 2 or 3 days they were fine.

[heralde]

AOL.com announced that the first death from the swine flu in the US has been an infant, which is obviously very tragic. The baby was living in Texas but actually came from Mexico.

http://news.aol.com/article/swine-flu-outbreak/452130?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl1|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Fartic le%2Fswine-flu-outbreak%2F452130

[redBoobergurl]

It is my opinion (lynch me if you must) that the panic caused by the hype is worse than the disease itself...then again I work in healthcare and while we're on a heightened state of alert, I know that we're also very prepared to deal with it and when you compare stats of those who are infected with regular influenza, it kind of puts it all in perspective.

So long story short, I'm just not that hyped up about it, but like I said, that's just me.

[heralde]

I honestly don't even think the hype has been that extreme, people are just pretty naturally concerned. For instance, there was an outbreak among a few students in a Queens school so people are naturally nervous about going near New York City because there's so many people and so many enclosed spaces.

They also said it looks like those students are recovering, which is a good sign. Though that infant dying in the story I mentioned in my previous post is quite tragic. Though actually he was brought to the US from Mexico.

[bazooka_beak]

That's too bad :( We just have to hope things won't get worse.

[Baby Gonzo]

For anyone who is not concerned because you aren't a young child or an elderly person, I think it's important to be aware of all the teenagers, young adults, and people who are in their "prime" being struck by the illness.

By no means should anyone panic or blow things out of proportion, but I believe it is critical to practice common sense. Don't go to school or work or to any public places if you are sick and by all means, everyone should wash their hands. That goes for any time of the year, with or without flu. It's just common sense and courteous.

The way I see it, it's pretty serious, but nothing to be too worried about. Just be careful.

[heralde]

Especially if you're a teacher, schools are practically germ factories. ;)

[Redsonga]

For anyone who is not concerned because you aren't a young child or an elderly person, I think it's important to be aware of all the teenagers, young adults, and people who are in their "prime" being struck by the illness.

By no means should anyone panic or blow things out of proportion, but I believe it is critical to practice common sense. Don't go to school or work or to any public places if you are sick and by all means, everyone should wash their hands. That goes for any time of the year, with or without flu. It's just common sense and courteous.

The way I see it, it's pretty serious, but nothing to be too worried about. Just be careful.
And just because you are young and an adult does not mean you can't be weak to getting sick, I know I am :sympathy:. Some of us just get sick often no matter what...

[bazooka_beak]

To add a little humor, when you first heard about the swine flu problem, did you immediately think of that Muppet Show scene where Kermit doesn't show up at the theater, and claims it's because he has the "swine flu"? Then Piggy gets so angry she karate chops the phone ;)

[Ilikemuppets]

I'm a freak when it comes to those sort of things. I don't mind getting dirty (XP) but I'm constantly washing my hands, esp. after I go to shopping centres where people cough and sneeze in your face. :smirk: I'm the same way. After putting up grocery or something from a grocery store or something, I have to wash my hands.

To add a little humor, when you first heard about the swine flu problem, did you immediately think of that Muppet Show scene where Kermit doesn't show up at the theater, and claims it's because he has the "swine flu"? Then Piggy gets so angry she karate chops the phone ;)Too funny!

[Ilikemuppets]

It is my opinion (lynch me if you must) that the panic caused by the hype is worse than the disease itself...then again I work in healthcare and while we're on a heightened state of alert, I know that we're also very prepared to deal with it and when you compare stats of those who are infected with regular influenza, it kind of puts it all in perspective.

So long story short, I'm just not that hyped up about it, but like I said, that's just me.I agree! As far as the Media goes I think your right.

[Muppet Newsgirl]

Well, here, they just confirmed five suspected cases - and one of them's in the next county over from me. But all those cases are fairly mild; they've all just been feeling poorly for a few days.

Since the company that makes Tamiflu is near the town I cover for the paper, all the reporters have been banding together for a joint regional story; one reporter does one about the pharmaceutical guys and the rest of us feed in details from our respective beats - what the health departments are saying, things like that.

[ryhoyarbie]

Swine flu, bird flu, regular flu that mutates and a new strain comes out each year, killer bees coming from South America!

You all know this is the media riding this story until the cows come home, making everyone panic and fearful of catching the thing if they walk outside or shake hands with someone. Got news for you, you can still catch any one of the billions of bacteria floating around right now.

The media saying "you should wash your hands after you touch someone". Really? We all know you're supposed to wash your hands anyway. The media is putting more fuel into the fire.

Unless this thing turns people into zombies, I'm not worried at all. :shifty:

[Nick22]

Swine flu, bird flu, regular flu that mutates and a new strain comes out each year, killer bees coming from South America!

You all know this is the media riding this story until the cows come home, making everyone panic and fearful of catching the thing if they walk outside or shake hands with someone. Got news for you, you can still catch any one of the billions of bacteria floating around right now.

The media saying "you should wash your hands after you touch someone". Really? We all know you're supposed to wash your hands anyway. The media is putting more fuel into the fire.

Unless this thing turns people into zombies, I'm not worried at all. :shifty:

im not worried either. this is a normal flu. its not that big of a deal unless you are living in mexico

[ryhoyarbie]

im not worried either. this is a normal flu. its not that big of a deal unless you are living in mexico

Well the people in Mexico have some of the worst healthcare coverage. Doesn't surpise people are dying over there from the swine flu or other diseases. That country is really poor. That's why a lot of people come over here illegally.....

[Boober_Gorg]

Well the people in Mexico have some of the worst healthcare coverage. Doesn't surpise people are dying over there from the swine flu or other diseases. That country is really poor. That's why a lot of people come over here illegally.....The pollution there is also a factor. I remember the muggy air always smelling like car exhaust.

[frogboy4]

(In a Sam Eagle voice) This is what happens when frogs and pigs marry! :attitude: :p

[The Shoe Fairy]

I don't know about you guys, but has anyone noticed that this thread was started by Convincing John, a Fraggle with a penchant to convince.

[ryhoyarbie]

I don't know about you guys, but has anyone noticed that this thread was started by Convincing John, a Fraggle with a penchant to convince.

He's working with the media. Hence the name "convincing".

:confused::eek:

[Ilikemuppets]

I don't know about you guys, but has anyone noticed that this thread was started by Convincing John, a Fraggle with a penchant to convince.Well, it didn't really convince me.

[Nick22]

Well, it didn't really convince me.

me either

[heralde]

Our priest at Church today said we were under no obligation to shake hands or drink the wine today if we're nervous about the flu, hehehe. Perhaps it is an overreaction, but at this point, it doesn't hurt either. ;)

[The Shoe Fairy]

Well, it didn't really convince me.
Hey, of course it didn't. He's missing his back up dancers!:excited:

[Ilikemuppets]

Hey, of course it didn't. He's missing his back up dancers!:excited:Good point! Hmm...:search:

[Kiki]

I don't know about you guys, but has anyone noticed that this thread was started by Convincing John, a Fraggle with a penchant to convince.

*Wearing cups on her hands* You have a point, lol! :insatiable:

[Pork]

*wearing blindfold* Who said that?

[Kiki]

Lol!

[The Shoe Fairy]

Rofl!

[Fluffets]

Today I looked at the news and there were constant images of people wearing surgical masks. Looks like the pandemic is still spreading a little...but only a little (for now). Any MCers from Mexico out there? Hope you're all OK. Same goes for MCers (and Tough Pigs members) in other places where cases have happened.

I just heard on the radio that one way to keep your immune system up (besides lots of hand sanitizer) is to get lots of Vitamin C. Time to stock up on oranges.

Apparently, I've also noticed that someone else is upset over the Swine Flu for a different reason (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ2PiOQdgj8)... (following the little speech).

Stay safe, everyone. Until this is over, everybody follow Boober's advice and be careful of germs, OK? Oh, and check this (http://www.caglecartoons.com/images/preview/%7B182ccc4f-6d98-43be-ba13-c48b64ffba5a%7D.gif) out.

Convincing John

Kermit looks a little sad in the pic (don't we all)? Its slowly getting to us. Particularly to me today because we had a reminder in class to cough and sneeze into our hands (or away from things) and wash our hands. By the way for everyone whos reading this I just came back from a trip with the school just a few days ago. We went to Abernthy Centre on mainland Scotland for a week. Feels good to be back :D. A few days ago On the bus back I listened to my portable radio and they said that brings the Swine Flu victims in the UK up to 3. This morning on GMTV they said 27 :eek:! Shocking or what? I live in the Orkney Islands and mum said it'll probably never reach here so we're fine! (coughs):)

[ryhoyarbie]

Waldorf: Hey Statler, did you hear about the Swine Flu?
Statler: No, what about it?
Waldorf: The frog thinks he's going to get it from Miss Piggy so he runs away everytime he sees her.
Statler: Doesn't he always do that?
Waldorf: Yeah, but now he has an excuse!
Both: Doh ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho.....:sleep::boo:


Waldorf: Hey Statler.
Statler: Yeah what?
Waldorf: This swine flu has got me worried.
Statler: Why?
Waldorf: Because I don't know if I'm going to survive it.
Statler: If you can survive the Muppet Show, you can survive anything!
Both: Doh ho ho ho ho ho ho........

[vaati64]

Our priest at Church today said we were under no obligation to shake hands or drink the wine today if we're nervous about the flu, hehehe. Perhaps it is an overreaction, but at this point, it doesn't hurt either. ;)




Our priest told us the same thing at church last saturday! They told us that there was to be no hand holding during the Or Father, and no hand shaking when giving peace! But everyone did it anyway.

[Ilikemuppets]

AOL.com announced that the first death from the swine flu in the US has been an infant, which is obviously very tragic. The baby was living in Texas but actually came from Mexico.

http://news.aol.com/article/swine-flu-outbreak/452130?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl1|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Fartic le%2Fswine-flu-outbreak%2F452130 (http://news.aol.com/article/swine-flu-outbreak/452130?icid=main%7Chp-laptop%7Cdl1%7Clink4%7Chttp%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2 Farticle%2Fswine-flu-outbreak%2F452130)Actually I as reading the other day of a death from swine flu that was a lady from Texas who was about 30 years old or so.

[bazooka_beak]

I don't know about you guys, but has anyone noticed that this thread was started by Convincing John, a Fraggle with a penchant to convince.

It won't REALLY work until he tells us about the swine flu in SONG... I mean, if you have to cause mass panic, may as well do it with STYLE.