Swine Flu info overwhelming
I have been doing well and haven't needed this support for almost a year. I live in the part of Texas with most of those swine flu cases and I am out of work for a week because of the school closures. However, this has been no vacation. I'm sick. I probably have allergies, maybe a cold and some sinus problems. I don't have a fever and have felt like this before and recovered just fine. Because the swine flu is lurking all over our county, I keep thinking that I must have that stupid flu. I don't think I need to see a doctor and I would be very uncomfortable being in a building with people that really may have the swine flu. Any suggestions or tips that may help me stop the unnecessary worrying would be appreciated. I know that I definately need to stop watching the news and reading online.
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Guest
Bevee - Sit and worry on paper for a good twenty minutes. Really worry, worry, worry and don't be gentle. Take it to the worst case. Do not try to fix anything. Just write what you are worrying. When twenty minutes is up, put your pencil and paper down and do your best to stay present. Let yourself know that it is OK to worry but it will have to wait now until your designated worry time (you decide what time is best for you.)
We all worry, but worrying obsessively is miserable. Make it ok to worry but only when you give yourself permission to. Do this daily. You will desensitize.
We all worry, but worrying obsessively is miserable. Make it ok to worry but only when you give yourself permission to. Do this daily. You will desensitize.
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Guest
Yesterday on the news, a doctor said that if you are having symptoms that wouldn't have sent you to the doctor a month ago, then don't go to the doctor for those symptoms now because doctors are being overwhelmed by people going for coughs and sniffles they normally wouldn't go for because they are afraid it is the swine flu , and it is keeping the doctors from getting to the real cases, which helps none of us.
The truth is that if you get the flu, you will know it, and it will send you to the doctor because you will feel so bad, and they will give you Tamiflu and you will most likely recover just as well as all other Americans who have or have had it are recovering.
I don't live in Texas, but I've been the same way about my allergies all week. Normally, I would automatically know they were allergies and think nothing of them, and all week I have been worried, but today after hearing the doctor say that, I'm certain I have allergies because this wouldn't have sent me to the doctor a month ago.
I also want to add, and this is not to scare you by thinking that you are going to make things worse but to encourage you about worrying, but I had a period in my life where I was an extreme germ phobic-using lysol and hand sanitizer and being constantly fearful I was going to get a deadly disease, etc. My husband and I lived in married dorms, and I kept thinking he would bring home meningitis, but I was too afraid to get the vaccine:(. Do you know what? I had never been more sick in my life. The worry was wearing down my immune system. I heard a doctor in our area talk about that yesterday too. Take the precautions, and it looks like you are and you are out of work so you aren't out in public being exposed, and try to use this time for something positive like some extra sleep or reading or watching some fun Netflix movies:). I know it's hard, but it will help your immune system to laugh and have fun, and even if you did get the swine flu, those activities would help you recover. So, that's my ultimate advice because that will help you no matter what. Exercise, sleep longer, eat some fruits high in vitamin C, have some chicken noodle soup and hot tea with lemon, do relaxing activities, play with your pet if you have one, and really get that laughter in;).
Hope something I said brought you some comfort:)
Take care,
luvpiggy
The truth is that if you get the flu, you will know it, and it will send you to the doctor because you will feel so bad, and they will give you Tamiflu and you will most likely recover just as well as all other Americans who have or have had it are recovering.
I don't live in Texas, but I've been the same way about my allergies all week. Normally, I would automatically know they were allergies and think nothing of them, and all week I have been worried, but today after hearing the doctor say that, I'm certain I have allergies because this wouldn't have sent me to the doctor a month ago.
I also want to add, and this is not to scare you by thinking that you are going to make things worse but to encourage you about worrying, but I had a period in my life where I was an extreme germ phobic-using lysol and hand sanitizer and being constantly fearful I was going to get a deadly disease, etc. My husband and I lived in married dorms, and I kept thinking he would bring home meningitis, but I was too afraid to get the vaccine:(. Do you know what? I had never been more sick in my life. The worry was wearing down my immune system. I heard a doctor in our area talk about that yesterday too. Take the precautions, and it looks like you are and you are out of work so you aren't out in public being exposed, and try to use this time for something positive like some extra sleep or reading or watching some fun Netflix movies:). I know it's hard, but it will help your immune system to laugh and have fun, and even if you did get the swine flu, those activities would help you recover. So, that's my ultimate advice because that will help you no matter what. Exercise, sleep longer, eat some fruits high in vitamin C, have some chicken noodle soup and hot tea with lemon, do relaxing activities, play with your pet if you have one, and really get that laughter in;).
Hope something I said brought you some comfort:)
Take care,
luvpiggy
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Guest
I totally agree with luvpiggy......this has been blown way out of proportion by the media...I guess its a slow news week so they are harping on this issue. When this is past us we will be hearing all about how the First case of West Nile is out and about.
My best advice is dont panic...dont listen to the news and stop reading the paper. Theres so much information out there and much of it is just speculation and exageration to sell stories.
Be smart and wash your hands limit your exposure to unnecessary events and keep to yourself. Proper rest, fluids and diet are always a good way to keep the body in tip top shape so that your less likely to catch an airborne bug. Our bodies are very smart and efficient.
My best advice is dont panic...dont listen to the news and stop reading the paper. Theres so much information out there and much of it is just speculation and exageration to sell stories.
Be smart and wash your hands limit your exposure to unnecessary events and keep to yourself. Proper rest, fluids and diet are always a good way to keep the body in tip top shape so that your less likely to catch an airborne bug. Our bodies are very smart and efficient.
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Guest
Hi,
This is an article on "misinformation" about the swine flu. I wouldn't post further news to worry anyone, and this for the most part seemed to be the most comforting and factual information I've seen about the swine flu. At the end of the article, it posts the worst case scenario if the virus were to turn stronger, and said that it would most likely be double the number of cases and deaths as a regular flu season. That was just the worst case scenario, and everything else just seemed much more informative and to alleviate panic.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...e_flu_misinformation
This is an article on "misinformation" about the swine flu. I wouldn't post further news to worry anyone, and this for the most part seemed to be the most comforting and factual information I've seen about the swine flu. At the end of the article, it posts the worst case scenario if the virus were to turn stronger, and said that it would most likely be double the number of cases and deaths as a regular flu season. That was just the worst case scenario, and everything else just seemed much more informative and to alleviate panic.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/200...e_flu_misinformation
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Guest
Hi Bevee!!! 
Just wanted to tell you I know how you feel...I live in California and have been sick for a week now...I have all the symptoms they describe except for a fever...I haven't been sick in a long time...I also think about the swine flu but on the otherhand I haven't left my house for almost a year so how could it be that flu...then I start to think maybe my kids have been exposed at school and they brought it home...even though there have not been any reported cases here yet it still worries me...I woke up at 2am this morning with a full blown panic attack...first I thought it was that bad flu and I was going to die...so I ran down stairs and grabbed my little cards and started reading them...it took about an hour but I got threw it...then I threw up and went back to bed...so even though it's very unlikely it's this flu since the only people I have contact with are my 2 boys and my boyfriend, I still cant help but think about it since I hear about it all the time since California declared a state of emergency over it...I guess I shouldnt worry untill I hear we have cases of this flu in our small town, but it's easyer said then done since I'm a person that worries about EVERYTHING!!!
thanks for posting this topic...I was too afraid to do it myself..
thanks again, Little~Italy
Just wanted to tell you I know how you feel...I live in California and have been sick for a week now...I have all the symptoms they describe except for a fever...I haven't been sick in a long time...I also think about the swine flu but on the otherhand I haven't left my house for almost a year so how could it be that flu...then I start to think maybe my kids have been exposed at school and they brought it home...even though there have not been any reported cases here yet it still worries me...I woke up at 2am this morning with a full blown panic attack...first I thought it was that bad flu and I was going to die...so I ran down stairs and grabbed my little cards and started reading them...it took about an hour but I got threw it...then I threw up and went back to bed...so even though it's very unlikely it's this flu since the only people I have contact with are my 2 boys and my boyfriend, I still cant help but think about it since I hear about it all the time since California declared a state of emergency over it...I guess I shouldnt worry untill I hear we have cases of this flu in our small town, but it's easyer said then done since I'm a person that worries about EVERYTHING!!!
thanks for posting this topic...I was too afraid to do it myself..
thanks again, Little~Italy
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Guest
I live in So. Calif. and come in contact with a lot of people who travel back and forth from Mexico. I came down with a flu three days before they announced the epidemic. Instead of worrying my self even sicker I listed steps I would take to be proactive - I phoned my Dr to see if I should come in to be tested, took all the precautions they recommended, told myself that they know what this is now and how to deal with it, and the chance that I really had the swine flu was probably very low. The program had taught me how to deal with my 'scary what ifs' so well that I was amazed how calm I stayed, and still am. No harm for a lot of us right now to review these sessions. Two years ago I would have been camped out in the ER parking lot.
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Guest
Thank you everyone for your support and advice. Even though I was afraid, I did the unthinkable and went to the doctor this morning. I coughed like crazy last night and woke up worse and even had a big red crusty eye. I only have a sinus and eye infection. I still feel terrible but I know what is wrong and I am taking medications. I should feel better tomorrow. If we have another week off from school/work I'll get to enjoy it this time.
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Guest
I am glad that someone is thinking the same as myself. I have totally shut the news out of my life for right now. I know that if I watch the news I will start to "think" I have the symptoms. I have a brother and his family that lives in Houston,Texas and they have been sick, and when I heard their symptoms I was thinking...I would be a nervous wreck! They are so calm and relaxed and I am here feeling like I would be going bananas right about now! 
My 3-year old nephew was so sick that he had to go to the ER to get IV fluids, and my sister-in-law was sick for 2 days with the same thing. I started to get a little worried since they had some cases in that area, but they were just as calm as could be!
I am happy to know that they are both much better!
I am just going to try not to listen to the news much because I know that it affects me and causes anxiety. I know I need to know what is going on around me but my family is keeping me informed as to what the news is discussing.
I am happy to know that my mom went to the urgent care office today for a sore throat, headache, and other body aches and she said the office was empty! That made me feel good to know that their must not be many sick people around my area (NC). I pray for this terrible illness and I pray that we will be covered at all times with Jesus' blood and that our families and ourselves will be well.
Wishing all of my forum and stresscenter friends Health & Wellness!!!
Hugs!
My 3-year old nephew was so sick that he had to go to the ER to get IV fluids, and my sister-in-law was sick for 2 days with the same thing. I started to get a little worried since they had some cases in that area, but they were just as calm as could be!
I am happy to know that they are both much better!
I am just going to try not to listen to the news much because I know that it affects me and causes anxiety. I know I need to know what is going on around me but my family is keeping me informed as to what the news is discussing.
I am happy to know that my mom went to the urgent care office today for a sore throat, headache, and other body aches and she said the office was empty! That made me feel good to know that their must not be many sick people around my area (NC). I pray for this terrible illness and I pray that we will be covered at all times with Jesus' blood and that our families and ourselves will be well.
Wishing all of my forum and stresscenter friends Health & Wellness!!!
Hugs!
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Guest
Hi Everyone,
You all are going to be fine. Just trust in God.
I trust in God to protect my family and myself from this particular flu, and all other diseases, and He does...He is faithful!!!!
So, you all stop that worrying over something that isn't going to happen. Remember it is your anxiety which is doing the talking!!!
May God Keep Each and Every One of You Healthy!!!! God Bless
You all are going to be fine. Just trust in God.
I trust in God to protect my family and myself from this particular flu, and all other diseases, and He does...He is faithful!!!!
So, you all stop that worrying over something that isn't going to happen. Remember it is your anxiety which is doing the talking!!!
May God Keep Each and Every One of You Healthy!!!! God Bless