that flu again

Ok I'm not young, but I dont consider myself old either. due to forward planning, the Uk was at the front of the queue when ordering tamiflu anti flu medication.  However, as this virus appears to be targeting the young we elderly are being put to the back of the queue. The reason the virus is attacking the young in my opinion is because this group of people are always in direct close-contact with others of their agegroup. But I think its more sinister than that, the elderly are dispensible, living too long and are considered an increasing financial burden to the state. Unfortunatly this isnt just happening in the Uk but worldwide. The only people that appear to fight for the rights of the elderly are the elderly themselves, such is life, but what a waste of valuable knowledge and wisdom, learned in the university of life. It is also noted that the towns with high immigrant communities appear to be at the front of the queue.

 Swine flu drugs 'must be rationed'

I am afraid you have a point there, Michael.  It is true, with the exception of a few, there are very few cultures that value their elders any more. It's a shame on so many levels. Just a few weeks ago I was strolling through down town Salem and wandered into a quintessential New England shop still managed by it's owner, an aged gentleman who remembers vivid details about Salem from when he was a boy before WWII.  We started talking and he told me things about where I had grown up (in the south) that I never knew. He had been shipped there as a young man for basic training in the army.

Another person who comes to mind is an elderly woman in Salem whom I used to see on the bus every morning (before I started driving to the train station). I was on my way to work and she was on her way to school (she was learning Japanese...to keep her mind sharp, she said), or to volunteer at one of the many Veterans associations around Boston. Turns out she was a nurse during WWII who worked under cover for the US government as a spy! What stories she had to tell! I would sit there with my mouth hanging open just wishing my life was half as rich as hers had been.

I could go on and on with stories about other elders including my own (now deceased) grandparents. What makes their stories so fascinating is not just the facts but the personal touch that no Internet site could ever bring to a tale no matter how well told.

I sort of agree, but if we have to prioritise how do you do it?  who would you chose?

Also tamiflu is not the cure all its been made out to be, this flu is coming back with a vengence in the autumn, and those who have already had tamiflu because they've had a 'cold' will not have it again, this is going to cause problems, but its the way it is. I've been to countless people suffering with swine flu, and its true, in the majority of cases your body can cope just fine with it. Although quite a few 'fit and healthy' people have died, i think its been found most were actually not fit and healthy, but were suffering from undiagnosed problems.

I have only had one flu shot (that I can remember) and it made me sick as a dog. Since then I have elected to take my chances and avoided the shot like the plague. I am not sure that's the right attitude but I have never been so sick as I was when I got that flu shot.

In your experience, is that typical, Jason? That is, the shot actually causing the flu?

I've never had the flu shot either Diana! But I think they are making manditory for school age children to have it, which I do not agree with. BUT on the other hand, is it the right thing to do for Erin? I think if we should get the flu we are healthy enough to fight it. I've already started to change our diets to boost our immune systems and explained to her the importance of handwashing.

My mother though I think should have it. She already suffers from COPD and now with her recent health scare the last thing she needs is the flu!

No, the flu shot doesn't cause it, but i've heard a lot of people get ill after it. But Tamiflu is different, its not a vaccine, but from what i understand it helps stop it reproducing as quickly inside, and starts to kill it. But like i said, you only have it once!!

We are been called out constantly to swine flu, why? i have no idea, we can do nothing unless the symptoms have become life threatening, and all its doing is spreading it around! we are told not to take any to hospital (again, unless life threatening) We have to wear full ppe, mask, apron gloves etc...  but is this really going to work??   no i don't think so, if we're going to get it we will.

People seem to be panicking and all that does is make people make stupid, dangerous and selfish decisions!

So true, Diana!  I love listening to our elders relating their memories of what life was like when they were young(er).  Most of them are so sweet and relish just having someone to talk to.  They are worthy of our love and caring, time and attention.

Since I had pneumonia several years ago, I have been getting, on my doctor's recommendation, the standard annual flu shot (although I don't recall which strain of flu it's supposed to be preventing).