Is the flu impacting you, your family, or where you live? (Page 3)

I caught the UK bug on a trip there a couple of weeks ago.  18 hours of nastiness and I was good to go.  PR'd a half marathon the following morning.  

Full disclosure, it was my first half and it was ugly.

And yep, got the shot.

As a side question, i saw earlier on the news that "projections" suggest that 50k could die from this.  Anybody know what the stats are for a normal year?  I hate it when they give numbers without any context.

How does one die from the flu?  What is it that kills a person?  Is it something from the virus itself or does a person develop other problems as a result of their weakened condition?

I've never had true Flu.....but my wife had verified Influenza A about 10 years ago and it wiped her out for a week.  I know it can kill very young children and old people, but how does it kill healthy teenagers/adults?

don't underestimate the influenza virus. Yes it can kill a previously healthy teenager. Without any superinfection complications. Viruses cause massive amounts of toxins in your body and you can essentially drown in your own fluid. 

It hit my son on Friday.  He feels better now, but it hit me today.  The doctor said I should stay away from people until at least Wednesday, assuming the fever is gone some time tomorrow.  She said that it's contagious for about 24 hours after the fever is gone.

3 in 10? 

this year the vaccine is estimated to be 62% effective.

but even amongst those who get sick despite the vaccine, they tend to have a milder illness.

I would estimate (from what I am seeing in the office) that those who are exposed and did not get vaccinated as higher than 80% (and actually closer to 98%). but that is not scientific - just what I am seeing in the office

I'm so paranoid I barely want to leave the house. I did not get the shot and for no good reason. I was just distracted with other things. My family all refused - kids had screaming meltdowns when I even brought it up.

My son and husband both come home from school every day telling me about some kid who came to school with a temp or someone started to feel sick at school and had to be sent home. I spent the weekend cleaning and trying to disinfect my house although I think that is pointless. I could not help myself. Washed both my kids backpacks, school shoes, sheets, pillows, bedding, on and on.

I wash my hands so much they are chapped and raw.

We have not had it yet but I feel like our days are numbered.