I have to say I got a little excited today, ok maybe more than a little. When I looked at our mail there was an envelope from the University of Kansas Hospital Renal Transplant Program. Of course all kinds of things went through my mind and I ripped it open immediately (it was address to Steve). Nothing about transplant. Small let down. It was a letter informing us about H1N1 (swine flu) based on recommendations from the doctors from American Society for Transplantation and Center of Disease Control.

The vaccine has been approved and some of the first doses are available this month. It was informing Steve to not take the nasal mist form of H1N1 vaccination, it contains live virus. He must wait until a dead-virus vaccine is available in form of injection.

They did recommend he get the regular flu vaccine, which he already has. After transplant it is recommend that the patient never receive a live virus. Which the injection of regular flu is not a live virus. They outlined who is at risk of serious complications for H1N1
Pregnant Woman (Steve doesn't fall into this category)
People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old(He missed this category to)
People ages 25 to 64 years of age who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems ( Steve would fall into this category).

It listed the symptoms of H1N1:
Abrupt fever greater than or equal to 100
Cough, sore throat, runny nose
Aches, chills, fatigue
Diarrhea and vomiting are unusual

It listed some precautions you should take which are the normal:
Stay home when sick, don't go to school or work so not to spread the disease.
At home isolate the patient as much as possible from family member's.
No hugging, kissing or handshakes (Maryville & Conception Parishes have stopped drinking the wine Maryville has also stopped the sign of peace by shaking hands if you choose so).
Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. (If patient is on a special diet and you would not normally drink the drinks recommended) Steve's fluid intake is somewhat restricted which worries me because of fever, the normal patient would be told to push fluids.
Cover your mouth when coughing, washing hands frequently, etc.,
Do not visit hospitalized or high risk family members or friends.

So the letter was to inform us to take precautions. Which we have been. This is not to be taken lightly. Maryville middle school had 60 students gone yesterday Oct 20th. I think it is just getting started around her. I had a few parents at my work with children who have H1N1. Steve and Blair probably think I am nuts. I bought hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, Clorox, etc... Steve just needs to be in a bubble for a while. So if you see us and we don't get too close, hug, kiss, etc, you know why. We have to keep him healthy as possible or he will be in the hospital I am afraid.

The plan is still the same in 3 weeks he is going to do the surgery to have the catheter put in to start dialysis. Hopefully he can avoid the flu. It is going to be a little scary going into the hospital where all the sick people are.