Good news! A recent news article states that blood tests on older people (over 52) show we have antibodies from previous flu epidemics that protect us from this new virus. Well, Hot Dog!
The first H1N1 flu epidemic in 1918 was called the Spanish Flu. Every flu virus descended from that strain until 1957 when the Asian Flu (H1N2) came along. I caught that version while I was in the early stages of pregnancy and had a miscarriage a few months later. I escaped the Hong Kong Flu (H1N3) in 1968 but was laid out for three days by the Swine Flu in the 70's.
I get a flu shot every winter, take lots of vitamins and supplements and take my prescriptions faithfully. Still, I spent my winter suffering with a persistent bad cold, followed by the flu, in addition to having a massive cold sore (on my nose of all places!) and a stye (for the first time in decades). These are all caused by different viruses so it seemed my immunity was unusually low. I asked my doctor why I was catching everything.
She smiled at me and said, "It's because you're diabetic."
It wasn't until later that I realized she had considerately refrained from saying, "It's because you're getting old."
So even though I'm happy to know that my age will protect me from the new H1N1 flu, all the other viruses are out to get me!
The Funny Papers
4 hours ago
2 comments:
I getting close to that 52 yr old mark. I was fairly lucky this past year. But, had a few flair ups from taking care of the clients at work.
I now have trouble with the allergies. Last week, the farmers were burning the growth off the fields in preparation for planting. Even at night the smoke drifting in the air aggrevated my sinuses. Thankfully they are done.
Like the Spanish Flu, the H1N1 Mexico flu seems to be hurting the young and healthy for some reason! Very strange!
I hope summer will bring you relief from all your viral battles! Maybe you can store up some immunity for next winter!
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