H1N1 mutation found in some flu fatalities
OSLO - Norwegian health authorities said Friday they have discovered a potentially significant mutation in the H1N1 influenza strain that could be responsible for causing the severest symptoms among those infected.
“The mutation could be affecting the virus’ ability to go deeper into the respiratory system, thus causing more serious illness,” the Norwegian Institute of Public Health said in a statement.
The concern over mutation of the H1N1 virus came as health officials said the H1N1 virus is moving eastwards across Europe and Asia after appearing to peak in parts of western Europe and the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
There are “early signs of a peak in disease activity in some areas of the northern hemisphere,” the WHO said in a statement Friday.
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H1N1 mutation found in some flu fatalities
I broke down Wednesday and went to our local pharmacy and got my H1N1 vaccination. Not because anyone told me to do it, not because I was forced to, but because I am in that high risk category and because I don’t know if I can take another health scare like the one I had in March of 2008 when I ended up in ICU for a week.
I also think about the sheer hell my youngest daughter went through recently when she was hospitalized for the flu and it turned so severe that she was in ICU for 6 1/2 weeks, and a total of 9 weeks in the hospital over all.
At least 6,770 deaths have been recorded worldwide since the swine flu virus emerged in April, according to the latest WHO update which showed 520 known fatalities in the past week.
I know, in the grand scheme of things, that’s not a drop in the bucket compared to the overall number of people on this earth. I have heard the naysayers. I hope those naysayers aren’t faced with a decision at some point in time that places them, or a loved one, in a life or death situation.
It turns out, my daughter did contract the H1N1 virus, in addition to the other maladies she was suffering. She got lucky, she survived. Her baby, my grandson, survived too, and he’s growing like a weed. My daughter is getting stronger by the day but she is still immune deficient, high risk, even now. She has to be very careful about what she gets exposed to because her system is so depleted. The one thing she doesn’t have to worry about now is H1N1. She had it and survived, now her doctors are saying that she has a natural immunity to the H1N1 virus.
Authorities added they had no reason to believe the mutation had any implication for the effect of flu vaccines or antiviral drugs made by groups such as Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis or AstraZeneca.
I have a couple of friends that are medical doctors, both are right-wing Conservatives and as anti-Obama as I am. Both of them advised me to take the H1N1 vaccine. Both assured me that it is safe. Both had taken it themselves, their family members have taken it and it wasn’t a case of being forced to do so, it is an act of common sense and prevention. An ounce of prevention may well turn out to be worth that pound of cure, especially if you’re in a high risk category with some pre-existing conditions.
I want to share something with my readers, this was written by my daughter Lisa. She is the one that was hospitalized recently. Many of you sent well wishes and prayers for her, the baby and all of our family, and these are HER words to you:
On August 17, 2009 I was admitted into Dauterive Hospital at 7 months pregnant, with a fever of 105. I was quickly diagnosed with pneumonia that soon turned into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Better known as ARDS. I could no longer breathe on my own, and developed pulmonary edema because when someone receives blood transfusions, they should be taken off of all other fluids, and this was not done.
I also had an emergency C-section on August 21, 2009 and was flown via helicopter to Lafayette General on August 27, 2009. I was admitted to the intensive care unit where I stayed in a medically induced coma for 48 days. While in this coma I was diagnosed with H1N1 (Swine Flu) and I contracted ventilator assisted pneumonia. This led to a sickness the soldiers brought back from Iraq known as Acinetobacter baumannii. (Iraq Bacteria) This is a very deadly disease that only responds to 4 antibiotics. My body rejected the first 3. Thankfully, the 4th and most potent “polymyxin b” worked. It saved my life. On top of everything else, my left lung collapsed 2 times and my right lung 1. I had 3 chest tubes and a feeding tube. And I also received a trach that I kept for 4 weeks.
I spent the last 2 weeks in the long term hospital because I had to learn how to walk again, and even feed myself. I am still in therapy and getting stronger day by day. I spent a total of 9 weeks in the hospital. However, now I am back at home with my family and that’s what matters most. Carson (her baby) is doing great and is finally at home!
So to everyone who prayed for us, thank you!! It made a difference. And miracles do happen. Because I am the only woman in Louisiana in the last 10 months to survive Acinetobacter baumannii. (Iraq Bacteria)
There have been several cases of Iraq Bacteria in South Louisiana recently. Lisa is the only one to survive this disease. For more on this killer, read here: Acinetobacter Baumannii in Iraq
I am not trying to tell anyone what to do and I am not going to try and exert any influence on you. I have done what I feel is the right thing for me to do, and I hope that you will do the same. Don’t let political feelings against Obama and Company stop you from taking all the precautions that can be taken. Life is too valuable to throw away, and I can attest to this fact, when you can do nothing but stand by and watch as your child is dying, and all you can do is pray, it is the most helpless situation a parent can be placed in.
To all of my friends, family and readers, do everything you can to protect your family, whatever it takes!
Sometimes I struggle when commenting on medical issues. Until the last few years I’ve not had occasion to deal with them, but now I’m struck square in the face with my wife’s terminal illness (Pulmonary Fibrosis) hardening of the lungs. She is in the final stages. As for the H1N1 mutations and vaccinations we have both been advised by our doctors not to have them. She because of her terminal lung condition and me because of age and some other problems. I do know that most doctors recommend the vaccine.
Fred, you daughter sounds like a fighter and a real chip off the old block. Hers is an inspiring story. That Iraqi Bacteria sounds just awful, I recall you posting about it some time back. Sounds like you made the right decision on the shot!
I am Fred’s daughter. And indeed it was the scariest time in my life. I almost didn’t make it home to my husband and kids.
You see…I had to fight. They need me, and I need them. Keith is 5 and Carson is 3 months. And it is such a sobering thought to know that I am the only woman to survive in LA.
And I can’t begin to imagine the toll this all has taken on my husband, parents, brother, sisters, and family. I am just thankful for their faith and the wisdom of my doctors.
But people be wise, you never think it will happen to you! Its always someone in another state, town, or country. Its never your sister, daughter, grand daughter, mother, or wife….until it is!!
I am so glad your daughter is healthy now. And got both of my flu shots this week. For the first time the VA did something right!
KB
It does a person good to hear you’re on the way back from deaths door. We thank the Lord for answering our prayers and we did get to see the picture of that new little addition to your family that Fred was keeping from us(wink wink) till we had to get serious and threaten him if he didn’t produce some pictures. Glad you’re home and getting stronger by the day.
Fred I wish I could get a flu shot. The Dr. office told me it would be next month before they have any available so I’ll just have to stay hid. LOL
Vigilante, if ya stop kissing pigs, you don’t get Swine Flu!
KB, I am also greatly pleased that you and your son pulled through. A deadly disease and lengthy illness is a terrible strain on the entire family. God bless your miracle.
If you do not mind telling and if you even know,,, how did you come in contact with the Iraq disease?
My son is going to deploy soon, but maybe he has received a shot against it.
Take care of yourself and your family.
Lee.
I haven’t gotten mine yet as the Whiteman AFB clinic isn’t giving them out to retirees and dependents yet and nothing else in this area is giving them. I’m sure glad they’re giving them to the Gitmo detainees. I got a swine flu shot back in 1976 and they’re saying those folks who got them then seem to have a strong resistance to it today.
Lee, as far as I know, there is NO vaccine for Acinetobacter baumannii (Iraq Bacteria), and it is thought that she contracted it during her C-Section when she was so sick otherwise…
There is suspicion that this bacteria is lying more or less dormant in a lot of hospitals, waiting for a weakened system to attack…
Texas Fred!!
That was a low blow accusing me of kissing pilos…… gag, I can’t even begin to type the name.
Can you get the SF by eatin a hawg??? Because I have been known to
devour a nice big slab of fried ham with mashed potatoes and ham gravy with a biscuit’r’ two……..LOL
Got the swine flu vaccination yesterday Fred. My neurologist told me if I contracted the H1N1 virus I would end up in ICU on a ventilator fighting for my life. Been there and done that once before. My doctor told me he was getting the swine flu shot so I made the decision to get one as well. I think it was the right decision.
JDP
First of all Lisa, thank God you are back with your family. And yes, I too, believe in miracles. You see, when I was born the doctors told my parents that if I lived to be 15 they should consider themselves lucky. That was in 1963. So yes, prayer works and miracles happen.
We are battling the swine AND regular flu strains here at our house, but so far it is just the routine winter yuckies.
Thank God that Lisa and Carson are alright. The knee bruising was well worth it,and no, I don’t really pray all that much!
Got the shot yesterday as all the Doc’s have said that the interferon that I had to go through has left me with a more or less permanently damaged immune system. Just one more reason not to return to Para-medicine I suppose.
That’s wonderful that your daughter and grandchildren all survived. I’m in a high-risk job surrounded by persons who’ve already acquired or are in the midst of diagnosed H1N1. Will the county provide the vaccine? No. My provider? No, they can’t get access to more, just yet, though they’re trying.
BZ
As far as we can best figure, I contracted Iraq Bacteria while on the ventilator. However, the bacteria lingers around hospitals. I was on the vent at both hospitals; and had never even heard of the sickness until I had already beaten it.
The family stayed closed lipped in order to keep from scaring me. But you have EVERY right when admitted to a hospital to ask if their hospital has tested positive for the bacteria. They MUST tell you if you ask!!
KB… I am giving thanks to the Good Lord that he saw you and your beautiful baby through this. God’s blessings on your continued recovery.