topic Re: Am I being a bit paranoid? in Wellness

Am I being a bit paranoid?

Karie2022 — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:33:02 GMT

I have things I want to do this weekend, as we are finally getting some nice weather, but with all the talk of this awful flu, I’m a bit nervous about being out and about with the public...I did have my flu shot, my health is generally good, but I’ve had the flu a few times in the past and it is brutal...this year the flu seems much worse and apparently healthy people are dying from it...in the past it seems if someone died from the flu they had a weakened immune system or some other issue before they got sick..I do the obvious with hand washing, germ gel, staying away from coughers. there’s nothing I need to do, just fun stuff, but I feel now like maybe I should just stay home until the worst of this is over...anyone else feel like this? Maybe I’m just getting older and feel more cautious....😏

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

OKPrincess — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:41:43 GMT

No you're not being paranoid just cautious. DH and I both have had our flu shots but I'm wondering how many of these people died had a shot this year. Scary to say the least.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

KentuckyWoman — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:42:18 GMT

We had our flu shots and other than going to church, we are staying in a lot. The flu is rampant here and we don't want it. Our children are keeping their little ones at home as well even though they all had the flu shots. This flu season is the worst we have seen in some time. Never hurts to be cautious.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

flickerbulb — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:46:55 GMT

I don't even think about it. I go and do what I need to do and use anti bacterial wipes and hand sanitizer after I am out.

I have to go to work each day in a school so there is no way I can hole up in my house and hide until it is over.

My immune system is built up from years of exposure to all kinds of people with cooties. Does not bother me one bit.

If I were sickly, old, or immune compromised, I would probably limit my exposure.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

drizzellla — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:53:16 GMT

We have a funeral to go to today. Another couple we were going with, just declined. They don't want to be exposed to people who might be sick.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

Vivian — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:56:21 GMT

In my opinion it is NOT paranoid to fear exposure to flu. I too had flu years ago, the one year I didn’t get the vaccine. I almost died and missed a trip to Paris with my husband, who had to cancel his business trip. I always get a shot now, but I know that this year’s vaccine is not entirely accurate. I’ve been home sick with a serious intestinal infection but after I recover I must return to PT for my knee replacement recuperation. I have aleady been thinking about flu exposure there. I’m even thinking of wearing gloves as I use their exercise bike and other equipment. An NBC report on bacteria-infested exercise equipment, this time at health clubs, was a real eye opener, not in a good way.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

GCR18 — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 14:58:22 GMT

My mother decided she's limiting going out. If you are feeling uneasy and don't have to go out, don't. I stay clear of coughing/sneezing people and wash my hands often.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

Mominohio — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 15:05:35 GMT

Honestly, this is a true concern, and I wouldn't call it paranoid in the least, as I know many people are thinking and saying the exact same thing, including myself and my 81 year old mother.

We are still going out, but we are being more cautious.

We go out less often (really don't need to be anywhere or do anything so in those times, we just don't go).

When we do, we are touching less things. Use our winter gloves to open doors in stores, sanitize the carts in the grocery, sanitize our hands at regular intervals throughout the day out, wash hand thoroughly in restaurants.

I avoid movie theaters most of the time anymore, especially in the flu season. The ones around here are getting older and are gross regardless of the flu, but shutting myself in with people that close during a heavy flu season just doesn't seem smart!

When I run errands, I try to go on slow days and at very early hours before a lot of people get out and about. Fewer people in the store, bank, post office etc, the less chance maybe of coming into contact with those that may be sick.

Like all else in life, everything has an element of risk, and you need to go an have fun once in awhile, but I personally have a lot to do at home in the winter, and actually look forward to not running and doing after the busy summer and holiday madness.

We have to live our lives, but many people go and do even when they don't need to or really want to, because it kind of becomes a way of life.

I'm ok with being out of the public arena much more this time of year in general, and during a bad bug season especially.

I don't consider myself paranoid or missing out on anything. Actually went to dinner with family last night at a very crowded restaurant, after a day of running errands. The rest of the week prior, I stayed home and concentrated on my spring cleaning. Balanced enough life for this time of year for me.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

Zhills — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 15:19:15 GMT

I had a reaction to the flu shot a few years ago and they won't give me one.

I definitely am staying in as much as possible!

I use SHIPT for my groceries so I don't have to go to the grocery store. The rest can just wait awhile!

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

Karie2022 — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 15:47:41 GMT

Thanks all for your comments...glad I’m not alone in this way of thinking...I’ve decided to get an early jump on my spring cleaning/organizing...why wait for the weather to be nice, should do it now while I’m inside...I think I will take my big girl for a walk, don’t see many people out and don’t stop to chat so I’ll be good 👍🏻

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

cherry — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 15:51:49 GMT

I am a bit torn about going to mass. They have stopped shaking hands for the rite of peace, but the thought of being enclosed with people who might be contagious gives me pause

I can watch it on TV, but I really like to attend in person. The unfortunate thing is, people will drag off to all kinsd of events ,and spread what they have, to everyone else, without giving them a thought

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

SeaMaiden — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 16:39:46 GMT

I hear of all the flu deaths in the news... and yes it is concerning... but, I do not worry about getting the flu or let it keep me from going to the store or doing things I like to do. I feel I take very good care of myself, I eat right, I take all my supplements for the immune system everyday( extra this time of the year) and have for over 25 years... did get a flu shot in October with DH.

I do take precautions... wash my hands after shopping... do not touch my hands to my face. I have not gone so far as to wear a mask when out. I suppose if the flu became and epidemic and was killing thousands of people like the plague, I would. But, for now I am going to breath, and just go about my day.

I have not had the flu for over 15 years. I maybe get the sniffles everythree years( that was when I was working in retail.) So now I am much less likely to catch colds and such. My immune system is really really good so I feel that even if I got the flu, I would be fine fighting it off.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

jeanlake — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 16:57:55 GMT

Got the flu shot. There are some things I think twice about during flu season -- I used to stop and get salads from grocery store off of buffet - not doing that now. Doing a better job wiping down gym equipment at community center. Hitting the elevator buttons with my knuckles instead of fingertips. At work, hitting the light switch with the sides of my hand instead of fingertips. I work at a college campus and so many coughs and sneezes all over the place. Hand cleanser wipes kept in the car. Wipe down after filling up at the gas station.

But sometimes we're not fortunate if sick people cross our paths. Ugh. I had to tell a co-worker this week, please don't answer my phone or touch anything on my desk, or hand me paperwork since you're sick as a dog and you won't go home. Boss told her to go home, but he couldn't make her. So -- stay home if you're sick, people!

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

chattycathi — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 17:10:59 GMT

You are not being paranoid. I got the flu shot this year....against my better judgement. On Dec 5th I started with a fever and just not feeling well....I have been sick ever since! I was completely without my voice for 2 weeks, I am so tired of this constant coughing. I have a day where I feel 'better' so I run to the store for groceries....the next day I am sick again...I haven't even gone to church in weeks I'm so glad I can watch it live online! I live in San Diego County....the flu has been running rampant here.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

jeanlake — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 17:22:24 GMT

@chattycathi I'm sorry you've been sick for over a month. I know you're weary of this. Take care.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

RedTop — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 17:39:07 GMT

@chattycathi,

Do hope you start feeling better soon.

Your issues sound like a viral infection to me; they are annoying and hard to get rid of. You will easily reinfect yourself from your toothbrush, toothpaste, lipstick, and chapstick, as well as any other surface contact in your home. Using peroxide on your toothbrush before and after each use will help reduce exposure and reinfection. During the winter, I wash all dishes by hand with a good splash of bleach in the water.

My last bout with influenza was 1986, the year before I started taking flu shots, but I rarely get thru the winter without picking up a virus that puts me thru just what you described.

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

Kkins — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 18:01:28 GMT

No, you aren't being paranoid!

A very bad cold was rampant around my work place and despite handwashing, hand sanitizer and wiping off surfaces, of course I got it and was sick my entire week's vacation between Christmas and New Year's Day. The residual effects lasted well over a week to boot!

Now a study has revealed that the flu can spred just through just by breathing. Egads!

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

RedTop — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 18:12:31 GMT

@Karie2022,

I have learned to be very cautious during flu season; to the point others do think I am paranoid, but as long as I’m healthy, I don’t care.

In the 5 years I’ve been retired, I’ve developed a routine that works well for me. Starting in October, I start stocking my house with food, and have this completed by mid December. Flu season hits here in southern WV after Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I do my best to stay home as much as possible thru February.

My routine was thrown off just a little due to my knee surgery in mid October. Due to an issue with part of my incision opening up, I have isolated myself to avoid any exposure, but did get to the grocery store on the second Saturday of December. I did not leave my house again until January 10th, and will be in until an appt on the 30th—-depending on the flu situation at that time. I am good on groceries until late February.

I take great precautions when I am out and about, but also get exposure thru what my family carries in. We do not eat out, or get take out from anywhere during flu season. Usually, it is a viral illness that gets me; fluid in my ears, scratchy throat, cough and low grade fever.

Sending best wishes to you for staying healthy!

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

Tribesters — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 18:14:49 GMT

@Karie2022

You’re just being cautious. I actually had the exact thoughts this morning about taking my 81 year old Mom to the casino tomorrow. She loves to go & she had a flu shot but I am thinking maybe we shouldn’t go. She’ll be disappointed but think of all the germs on those slot machines...

I only had the flu shots twice in my life & I got so sick after them I vowed I’d never have another. Second guessing myself on that one too- my son’s are pharmacists (one specializes in infectious diseases) & they both urge me to get the shot. I’m wavering... I just read the shot only reduces your chances by 10-60%? I seldom get sick- even though I’ve got people constantly coughing, sneezing around me. Probably just jinxed myself...

Re: Am I being a bit paranoid?

cherry — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 18:33:03 GMT

@Tribesters the shot will still greatly reduce your chance of dying should you contract it, and become dreadfully ,and dangerously ill