USVI-On-Line

mindehankins wrote:Good advice and links!
Maggy, it's "easy" to get Tamiflu here if you have a prescription and insurance (or money). You just take the prescription to the pharmacist and he gives it to you. It's never been an over-the-counter drug; always prescription.
Rick, glad you're feeling better!

Ok, so the doctors are generous with prescribing it? That's what I meant. I should have explained myself a bit better. I don't think that our doctors just prescribe it, because you want it. At least not if you are a regular healthy person, not having any other condition that would make the flu more dangerous.

I haven't tried, but that's what I keep reading in the papers.

Maggy wrote:

Ok, so the doctors are generous with prescribing it? That's what I meant. I should have explained myself a bit better. I don't think that our doctors just prescribe it, because you want it. At least not if you are a regular healthy person, not having any other condition that would make the flu more dangerous.

I haven't tried, but that's what I keep reading in the papers.

In this country, as yours, the antiviral medications are intended to be prescribed for the patients who are more at risk for developing flu related complications. Most folks will recover from the flu without the antiviral medications and without complications.


That bag over my head is quickly becoming a mask...

Maggy,

The doctors around here are quite cautious about prescribing it because of the shortages. My daughter got it because of her asthma, but the doctor said he only recommends it to patients like her with risk factors.

The flu is rampant here and when we went to the pharmacy I believe we got the last doses of Tamiflu that they had (I am assuming they could reorder it but they are having trouble keeping it in stock)

But basically, most people with young healthy kids are not getting Tamiflu or even asking for it. I wont ask for it if my younger daughter gets the flu, unless she is in bad shape.

Same here...Tamiflu is being prescribed for only those who have high risk factors. and the test for swine is being "rationed" too depending on the severity of the illness. There is apparently not enough to go around. I asked my dr. for a prescription for myself since my son was so ill (just in case) and was denied. I didnt realize it was scarce.

I have also had a hard time finding the vaccine for the H1N1...you have to be "high risk" to get it as well.

This does seem to vary from state to state as related to supply. My sister and her family (Texas) were all tested for H1N1 and given Tamiflu and they do not fall into any high risk category.

The bishops of several Catholic Dioceses have asked parishes to temporarily suspend receiving holy communion from the chalice; we also have suspended the exchange of peace (shaking hands), and holding hands at the recitation of the Our Father. Good ideas all...
Hope everyone stays well, takes care of themselves and their loved ones.

Rick - I think it may have been something you ate. Glad you are feeling better.

Thank you for clearifying that to me. Then I guess it's pretty much the same in Sweden as in the US.

The flu has spread slower than expected in Sweden this fall, but they think that's going to change now when it's getting colder. Right now the people at higher risks are getting their shots and after that, the rest of us.

I won't get a chance to get any shot before I leave for STJ next Thursday, so I have to rely on luck and being as careful as I can.

Maggy

hijack: what does code mean??

Another hijack: please eat pork! The pork industry were having problems as it was but now that has been compounded because of "swine flu". Apparently, there have been a lot of peole who will not buy pork out of fear. A man was just in the office and said that he is going to have to close his facility because he is losing money on every hog.

It is a new facility. A huge investment.

Gina[/size][/color]

Our whole family had that stomach flu about a month ago. Started with the grandbaby then the rest of us got it, each on a different day in succesion. Lasted about 3 days and I lost 6 pounds None of us had a fever or any respitory symptoms. The Johns sure got a workout that week.

I'm sorry, Maggy, I misunderstood you. I thought you meant could you just walk into a store and buy it! My bad. As far as regional differences in Tamiflu prescribing, I think some docs just aren't following the CDC recommendations. They may also be trying to stay on the good side of important people by improperly prescribing for non-hospitalized/no high-risk patients.
I worked with a doc who would give you anything you want if you were a politician, cop, businessperson, etc.
Here's the health alert network message that went out to all prescribers' emails yesterday: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/HAN/101909.htm
(Sorry if that's the same link you provided, Iprof!)

GinaXOXO wrote: Go bluejays!



Gina

Creighton? That's a serious baseball program right there!

GinaXOXO wrote:
Another hijack: please eat pork! The pork industry were having problems as it was but now that has been compounded because of "swine flu". Apparently, there have been a lot of peole who will not buy pork out of fear. A man was just in the office and said that he is going to have to close his facility because he is losing money on every hog.

It is a new facility. A huge investment.

Gina[/size][/color]

No problem here...In fact, just ate some left over pulled pork we made Sunday. Folks who don't eat the pork are just not educated about the disease.

Oh well, at least PETA is happy! Screw the people, as long as fewer pigs are led to slaughter!

And of course, feel better, Rick.