They let me down this year

If you follow my blog, you know I am a proponent of the flu shot. I believe it has helped me through the years along with the pneumonia vaccine. The flu can take a toll on anyone and especially so for the young, elderly, and those living with a progressive neurolomuscular disorder.

Well, the manufacturers let me down this year. When I had the shot this October, I felt somewhat safe. As October moved into November, reports surfaced that the current vaccine was only 43% effective. November rolls into December and now numbers in the 20s began to surface. This week, 10% was thrown out there. Health officials mentioned the current flu is mutating and that is why people are coming down with it more than once.

For the last couple of weeks I have been slowly recovering from the crud—whatever you want to call it. Every time I believe I am 90 or 95% recovered, I have a setback. Today, I feel close to 100%. The best part about it is my leg strength has been pretty good to good these last few days.

I tend to become concerned after a period of weakness. However, I have also found that if I continue to exercise as best as I can and not give up hope, I seem to bounce back pretty well. And, boy does it feel good when ‘I’m back’.

During the flu season, I rely upon what my mother always told me. “Wash your hands often and keep your hands away from your eyes.” I know the advice isn’t perfect, but it will go a long way in helping to keep you healthy.

We have several months left in the current flu season. So, be smart, be careful, and wash your hands. J It won’t be long before I again remind you to get your flu shot for 2018. Let’s just hope they do a better job this next time.

On my way back

I have been off Warfarin for three days now. I began to notice a difference yesterday. This morning when I began my standing exercises the difference was amazing. I did 24 calf steps, 30 side-steps and 60 step ups without any problems. The weakness in my trunk muscles (stomach and back) was also gone. Just two days ago this was impossible. I went on to perform all of my other long-day exercises. I noticed that some exercises were still not perfect, but they were a lot easier and better.

Another difference I noticed yesterday was the heaviness I felt in my lungs was gone.

Observation: It wasn’t the flu that caused this extreme weakness.  I must be one of those 5% that cannot take Warfarin because it causes muscle weakness and fluid on the lungs.

In two more days I begin a new blood thinner. Two of the benefits of this new thinner are that I do not need INR blood tests and I can eat any food item (salads, broccoli, cranberries, etc.). I am really enjoying eating salads again. In the expansive potential side effects list is one that says, “Could cause muscle weakness.” So, I need to be observant and make certain this doesn’t happen again.

Something has to change

I thought I was recovering well from the flu, but for some reason my strength has not returned. Even worse it seems to be declining. I had a few decent days early in last week, but the last three days have been very difficult. Because of this weakness in my left leg and right arm, I have lost confidence in my ability to stand. Also, my trunk strength (abdomen and back) is very weak adding to my difficulties.

Where I normally perform 36 calf stretches, 60 side steps, 100 step ups, and 18 leg swings, I find it difficult to just do 20 side steps. Then I have to rest. Then, I can maybe do 20 step ups. If I wait long enough, I can do 18 calf stretches. I still haven’t been able to do any leg swings.

Is the weakness related to the flu or something else? Could it be related to the Warfinin?  I need to make an appointment with my doctor to see what is happening. Perhaps he can figure out why my strength is not returning. All I know is that something has to change because the current situation is not manageable. 

Living with Kennedy’s Disease is difficult (especially as we get older), but this sudden and unexplained loss of strength is something unexpected.  I need answers.

One of the 40%

The CDC commented that 40% of those who had the flu shot this year will still get the flu.

Yup, I had my flu shot and I still got the flu. And, just as I always warned, those of us living with Kennedy's Disease have to be extra careful when it comes to the flu.

It is day eleven and I feel between 80-to-90% well. I still have the cough, but not quite as bad. The fever and aches are gone. Day two and three were the worst … just plain miserable. I ended up sleeping most of the day (between coughs anyway). I have been extra cautious since coming down with it and very mindful of the seriousness of this health issue should it turn into pneumonia.

The weakness is still there, but I am improving every day. I have exercised for 50-to-75 minutes the last five days and that seems to help (as well as raise my spirits). I have always said ‘patience is a virtue’. It is also an attribute that I need to develop further. Having the flu this year has been a test for me.

I still highly recommend the flu shot and the pneumonia vaccine when you turn 65. I still believe we have to be extra careful this time of year. I was at the doctor’s office once a week for eight weeks having my blood tested (INR). If I hadn’t been exposing myself weekly I would probably have been safe.

The only real benefit to having the flu this time of year is all the college bowl games. I never felt guilty sitting around and watching every game even though I often fell asleep halfway through some of them.

It is Flu Season!

As almost everyone knows that is living with Kennedy’s Disease, the flu can be devastating because of our inability to clear the lungs and the strength to work through the condition. I lost a brother that also had Kennedy’s Disease to pneumonia. Over the last three years I have published several articles on the subject and always recommend the annual flu shot (and a pneumonia shot if you haven’t already had one).

The Full-Time Nanny blog has some great articles on a variety of subjects. The article below has a variety of links to flu information. There is a lot of information that I didn’t know. Take a look when you have a chance.
 
If you read no other article, read this one Influenza and Children With Neurologic Disorders . Yes, we are far from being children, but we do have a neurological disorder. The one sentence that caught my attention almost immediately: “It has long been known that people of any age with a neurologic condition are more likely to suffer severe consequences from a respiratory disease.”

Also, Dr. Paul Taylor, a member of the KDA's Scientific Review Team, wrote an article that will be of interest to parents.  The title is, "How to choose between the flu-mist and the flu shot for your children."
 
So, the question for today is: Have you had your flu shot?
 

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30 Blogs with Good Information on the Seasonal Flu

Posted on October 7, 2012 by admin | in Nanny
As the weather begins to cool and the days start to get shorter, parents’ minds generally turn towards the upcoming flu season and the best ways to prevent illness in their household. Unfortunately, there are so many misconceptions surrounding the transmission, incubation period, best course of treatment and even vaccinations that figuring out the best course of action can be a challenge. These 30 blog entries offer information on several aspects of the seasonal flu.

What is Influenza?
The first step in treating flu symptoms or preventing them altogether is to understand what influenza is, how it’s transmitted, and what signs or symptoms typically accompany an infection. These five blog posts are all dedicated to explaining what flu is, helping readers to better understand it.

• Influenza 101
• What is Flu?
• On Influenza A (H1N1)
• What is Flu? Difference Between Flu, Stomach Flu, Cold and More
• What’s New with Flu?

Treatment for Flu?
While there is currently no cure for influenza, there are treatments that can help to alleviate some of the symptoms. In these blog posts, various methods of minimizing your suffering during a bout with the flu are discussed.

• Treat Flu Symptoms
• Flu Treatment Options
• Standard Flu Treatment
• Super Antibody Could Provide Universal Flu Treatment
• Treating Flu Symptoms Sensibly – What to Do if You Think You Have Been Exposed to Flu

Contagion and Incubation Periods for Flu
Understanding how to prevent the spread of flu between family members requires a basic knowledge of incubation periods and how long an infected person can transmit the flu virus to others. In the interest of providing this essential information, these bloggers attempt to clarify facts and dispel rumors surrounding influenza contagion.

• How Long is the Flu Contagious?
• Flu Symptoms in Incubation
• When are Colds and the Flu Most Contagious?
• Incubation Period of the Flu
• Study Finds Swine Flu is Contagious Days After Fever Ends

Flu Vaccine Information
Though a seasonal flu shot is strongly recommended for certain groups of people, there’s quite a bit of controversy surrounding the vaccine. Information about flu vaccines is varied and often inaccurate, making it difficult for many people to determine whether or not receiving a flu shot is the right choice for them and their family members.

• Fear Mongering the Flu Vaccine
• What You Need to Know About the 2012/2013 Flu Vaccine
• Flu Vaccine Facts: Who Should Get It, Who Shouldn’t and Why
• Debunking the Flu Shot Myths
• The Shocking Lack of Evidence Supporting Flu Vaccines

Preventing the Flu without Vaccination
If you’re among the people that vaccination against influenza is not recommended for, or have simply chosen not to receive a flu shot, there are still steps you can take to reduce your chances of contracting the flu virus. These five bloggers offer advice for minimizing your flu risk and helping to prevent the spread of influenza in your household.

• How to Dodge the Flu Without a Shot
• How to Prevent and Cure the Flu Naturally Without a Vaccine
• How to Avoid the Flu Without Firing a Shot
• Avoid Flu Shots, Take Vitamin D Instead
• Fighting Flu Without the Flu Shot

Influenza and Possible Complications
While it often seems strange to think that people still die from what is often regarded as a minor, albeit miserable, illness, the fact is that complications from influenza do cause a significant number of deaths around the country each year. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 36,000 people will die from influenza and resulting complications. These five blog entries discuss possible complications, providing valuable information to those that may not realize just how serious the flu can be.

• Influenza and its Complications
• Influenza and Children With Neurologic Disorders
• Warning Signs That Flu is Serious
• Pneumonia: a Dangerous Complication of the Flu
• Complications Can Arise During Course of Flu