Discussion Forums > General Chatter
Swine Flu
SF:
--- Quote ---Also we have an extra door of infection entry, our Tx. So we are at greater risk i think.
--- End quote ---
That is exactly what I was also worried about. I called Stanford Blood Center to ask them if they're screening donated blood for the swine flu, and they responded, no as there's no approved screening test available for flu. :(
They explained to me that the leuko-reduced blood does not have a great chance of still containing any infections as most all WBC are taken out.. They further comforted me by reminding me that they conduct a detailed questionaire to ask donors whether they've had any symptoms in the last few days and whether they've travelled to any of the high risk locations (not only for flu but whole lot of other things). They also mentioned that they take the vitals (temp, weight, and BP) and if the donor was feeling ill, especially if he/she had a flu, it would be shown through abnormal temperature.
After hearing all this, I felt a bit comfortable, but even a small chance is still a chance.... :( I actually believe that exposure we get at work, in school, and in other public areas is greater of a risk than blood transfusion if it's packed red blood cells that you're getting.. You can also ask similar questions to your blood donor or blood bank, just to make sure...
I'm going in for blood draw tomorrow and for transfusion on Friday... I'll need your prayers in this critical time. I also pray for everyone's safety more than ever!
T @ r ! Q:
--- Quote from: SF on April 30, 2009, 07:38:53 AM ---They further comforted me by reminding me that they conduct a detailed questionaire to ask donors whether they've had any symptoms in the last few days and whether they've travelled to any of the high risk locations (not only for flu but whole lot of other things). They also mentioned that they take the vitals (temp, weight, and BP) and if the donor was feeling ill, especially if he/she had a flu, it would be shown through abnormal temperature.
--- End quote ---
Same practice is followed at my bank too fortunately. One question arises though, what is the duration in days between virus entry and noticeable symptoms in patient. Because if that is long, donor might get thru the checks if he/she just got the infection.But again that would be an exceptional case and exceptions are exceptions. Sorry if this talk is making people more worried but one's gotta know of what is headed ur way
SF:
--- Quote ---One question arises though, what is the duration in days between virus entry and noticeable symptoms in patient. Because if that is long, donor might get thru the checks if he/she just got the infection
--- End quote ---
Yes, I pointed out the same thing to that doctor I spoke with at the blood bank here, and she then mentioned that since hopefully no WBC are present and also plasma is removed, the risk is very low... and again, I say even a tiny risk is still a risk... Again, like Tariq mentioned, we're not trying to scare anyone.. but, we should know the practices being used at our blood banks and just know our risks...
I'm hopeful, though, that there are drugs that can help fight this flu and the vaccine would also be available soon, inshah-Allah. We should do everything under our control to prevent the disease and what's not in our control, all we can do about that is to pray and keep ourselves calm! I just ask Allah for our protection and what's best for us, Ameen!
Andy Battaglia:
What Narendra said always applies. The best way to prevent colds and flu is cleanliness. Wash your hands after contact with people and surfaces.
Most people who have gotten this current flu have only had a mild flu. I do feel this scare is a bit overblown. 3000 people die on earth from malaria every day and the death count from swine flu measures in the dozens, but these "fad" illnesses get so much publicity that we get the impression that people are dropping like flies from swine flu when it really isn't the case. Observe clean habits and if you do get sick, see your doctor.
nice friend:
Hi buddies,
hummm... situation seem really critical ...humm May ALLAH(GOD ) KEEP us all in His Safety and bless us all, with the best of health AMEEN ...
SF , please investigate completely bfore getting Tx and best of luck for your TX and health , MAy ALLAH keep you and all others safe to all kind of viruses and infections (AMEEN) , please keep us updated and keep in-touch , may GOD bless you ... Thanx alot for taking time to reply and informing and updating us abt the virus and risk for thals and other aspects of related to it ... Thanx alot ...
As for me : i got last Transfusion at last saturday and next will be a day bfore or a day after 6th may , till then i m at home not gona goo out-side ( as usual ) , may ALLAH keep all of us safe and healthy ... AMEEN
Andy, Tariq , SF, Zaini , Sharmin, Lil-A, Lil-Z ,Ahmed, Manala and all , you're always in my prayers may GOD bless you all with the best of health and everything ... God Bless you all buddies & all other thals , members and all oter people of the world ...
Best Regards
Take CAre
Stay Safe
Umair
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