Am I being a bit paranoid? - Page 2

cherry · ‎03-09-2010

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

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

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.

jeanlake · ‎03-10-2010

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!

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." Henry David Thoreau

chattycathi · ‎09-26-2010

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.

jeanlake · ‎03-10-2010

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

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." Henry David Thoreau

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

@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.

Kkins · ‎02-15-2014

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!

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

@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!

Tribesters · ‎03-10-2010

@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...