Is anyone else panicking over all of this flu stuff?

[JupiterSound]

I was doing pretty good with my health anxiety since August or so. Suddenly, I see on CNN this morning about all of this flu stuff sweeping the nation and of course, I've been in complete terror all day long. I have been scared stiff all day and it's all I've thought about since this morning. I'm also one of those people who worries about vaccines and stuff.

Is anybody else experiencing stress over all of this media coverage? It's really getting to me. I feel sick thinking about it.

[sweetblubrry]

I'm terrified of it as well. I am also scared of vaccines and I got the flu shot today and I'm panicking about it. Either way I am panicking, it is ridiculous.

[Evap]

Not necessarily panicking yet, but my partner and I are both sick with something unidentified and I'm hoping its just a bug and not the flu.

[Brody108]

Drink something warm like tea and it will kill the organisms in your throat. Get a cup of warm salt water and a q tip and swab your nostrils and it will kill the bacteria/virus. Takes 2 days for them to effect your system and this is where they start. I drink tea everyday during flu season and I've never had the flu.

[Angelofworry]

I am! I'm a nurse and I worked with about 30 influenza a positive people last might and now I'm certain I'm getting sick!

[dancer67]

Other then getting real sick, I am wondering why everyone is panicking? I am just trying to understand this. If you get the flu, is this a strain you are going to die from? And I heard this flu shot does not protect you from this strain. I don't want to panic, I just want some reassurance.

[SighNoMore]

I don't want to get the flu, but I am not panicked over it. I pray that my family stays well, but the flu doesn't really freak me out. However, the media does a bang up job at making people freak out. They had some big scary 2 minute news flash here last night with showing flu germs magnified, and showing all sorts of scary statistic. The media isn't know for presenting happy news or even balanced news. They present the scary side, and I have to remember that.

I realize it is running rampant and such, but the media makes it all that much worse when they shout death! flu! you're next! They create panic! I hate it!

[gcalex]

People have been dying from the flu -- for the overwhelming part people with other medical problems who were compromised -- for decades.  It's only recently that the media has decided to cover it and send everyone into a frenzy.  Vaccines make billions of dollars for pharma companies -- follow the money.

[LindaRK]

Isn't that the truth!!!! I'll be 56 this year.  I've never had a flu shot and I've not had the flu either.  I wash my hands and keep my hands/fingers out of my eyes, nose and mouth.  I use my own pen .... when I pump gas, I use wipes to clean my hands after.  You just take precautions ........

[SighNoMore]

People have been dying from the flu -- for the overwhelming part people with other medical problems who were compromised -- for decades.  It's only recently that the media has decided to cover it and send everyone into a frenzy. Vaccines make billions of dollars for pharma companies -- follow the money.

  exactly!!

[DizzyKangaroo]

I am nervous, but I'm trying to remind myself that even if I get the flu, it's not exactly a death sentence by any means. I've had it several times-- I specifically remember having it when I was about nine and sixteen. I'm twenty-one now, and I imagine that if my immune system could fight it off then it can fight it off now.

Of course, I'm still nervous about it and am going through all the 'What if?'s, but that's only because I'm just a big old hypochondriac :)

[aunjypoo]

Considering what I've thought I've had the past couple months worrying about the flu seems like worrying about a papercut to me. If I got the flu that would be the absolute least of my worries...

Then again... I've never had the flu in my life, I've actually never really been sick except for strep throat maybe once or twice.. I guess I just have a pretty good immune system.

[crazilyanxious]

It is freaking me out horribly!  I've never really worried about the flu in the past, until my health anxiety issues started.  Last year, I got a flu shot for the first time in my 27 years of life, because my then 3 month old daughter was too young to get one, and I wanted to protect her as much as possible.  So, I got one, and I swear, even though it's considered a myth, I was more sick last winter than I've ever been sick any year in my life.  So I vowed I would not get a flu shot again.  My now 16 month old daughter was able to get a flu shot this year, and did for her protection, because she is so little.  I, however, am not getting one.  In 27 years, I've never had the flu, and I hope it continues.

However, I am petrified of the chance I could get the flu, and how bad I am hearing it is this year.  I've heard of dozens dying from the flu, and that is really scary for me.  Of course if I get it, I fear that I'll be that one who is going to die from it.  I went to a new daycare today that my daughter is going to be starting to attend, and every kid in there and the daycare providers were sick...coughing, runny stuffy noses, etc.  Typical cold symptoms, but I'm now freaking out that I'm going to get something they have, and that it will turn to flu.  UGH.

[evwifey]

i have never ever worried about the flu until i had children.  in fact, i never really worried until i had my kids!!!  i hate the flu, and actually had it about four years ago.  i have since gotten the flu vaccine and will always get one.  the worst year was the swine flu outbreak.  i never wanted to leave my house or let me kids go to school.  but we all turned out just fine.  try not to watch the news.  just make sure you wash your hands, get plenty of fluids and take your vitamins.

[JupiterSound]

Thank you guys very much for your reassuring posts. When it comes to health stories, I'll admit, I am an easy target for the media's scare tactics!!! The rational part of me is agreeing with those of you who are saying that they like to create hype and get us all worked up! Thank you guys again!

[JunoX]

Yes. I haven't been sick for a very long time. The last time I got the flu was years ago when the same type of similar outbreak as the one they are having now happened. I remember it was February and I literally couldn't get out of bed. I thought I was dieing. I remember on the news they had said Micheal Jackson had been hospitalised because he had gotten it too. It was the pits so yes, I am horrified of getting it.

I walk everywhere with hand Sanitizer and try to stay in my house and not go out at all. I should have gotten my flu shot when I had the chance.

[gridder]

Yeah, I hate all the hype. Not good for us HA types!

[LindaRK]

I think it's also important to note that just getting a flu shot won't prevent you from getting the flu.  There are so many strains out there - one immunization doesn't cover them all. 

[tnlady10]

I am VERY freaked out by it. I am pregnant and don't want anything to hurt my precious baby. I'm being hyper vigilant  about washing my hands, etc. I just have to tell myself I'm doing everything I can do.

[AMRELP2712]

I am also very scared. Just recovering from a bug recently. I also have a four month old, and am terrified he will get anything at all what so ever that I have got. The news has got me freaking out. Cleaning every inch of every tile in my bathroom. Door knobs. Hand sanitizer, I made my bf take of his work clothes at the door and sanitize and wash his hands,... I'm that bad shhhh crazy. Doesn't help my mom keeps saying people are dying it's an epidemic. I'm like the f..... I am so scared. Actually the reason I logged on tonight was to write a post about how scared I am and ask if anyone was feeling the same...... and alas, lol. Here I am on this post. glad i'm not the only freak!