All of the time. FebUary is a biggie too. And "there's" when "there are" should be used. "There's six books on the table." AHHHHHHHHHHH! There's the pictures we took on vacation. Sound FERmiliar? :D

eh, but that's actual medical terminology. k

or maybe could. or might could.. ......ugh ;)

'by' May I pick her up 'by' you? rather than May I pick her up at your house? 'We're staying by the Smiths this weekend' supposedly equals 'we're staying AT the Smith's this weekend". OMG I cant' STAND IT. Drives me nuts. Absolutely crazy. Seems to be a NY transplant thing that has taken hold recently. K

lots of americans use this as well....it's common in the jewish communities around here if they're transplants from the NE. K

The rapid fire changes are frustrating but it's seriously for good reasons. Kids should be in boosters until they properly fit the adult belt which for most is 4'10" My 10yo still generally sits in a booster. K

No fever here either *but felt like I had one*. Strangest feeling. I'd bet my last dollar that you've had H1N1. Katherine

LaurieNE, The ones who've been seriously seriously ill (hospitalized) aren't the ones who 'never get sick'. You should do well. All the best, Katherine

seriously low BMI.....and youth. And very strong stomach muscles from traditional ballet work. K

We attend an Orthodox Jewish synogogue and often involved in the larger synogogue community. 90+% of the married women cover their hair. For normal daily activities, probably half wear snoods, tichels, hats etc (with all hair tucked in), another 40% or so wear a sheitl (wig), maybe 5% wear hair down/showing but with a bandana/covering/hat over it and another 5% don't cover hair. Again, this is married women only. For formal worship, a few married women wear hats with hair showing/down but 95%++ wear a sheitl with or without a hat. Hmm. I just realized that I am probably the only married woman who doesn't cover at synogogue services at that shul. **note to self.....** At our other synagogue (small Chabad synogogue) only the rabbi's wife covers her hair - sheitl for formal purposes/services.....tichel/snood etc when going about a normal day. K

Not so much..... the biggies are underlying respiratory issue (ie already ill with another respiratory issue...asthma....copd etc) overweight pregnant (esp third trimester) diabetic •some are having a normal 'bad' flu •some are so mildly sick that they are certain they DONT have the flu, but then test positive •most of the cold/croupy sounding stuff going around right now is really H1N1 •at least half have no fever •some only have gastrointestinal symptoms which is very atypical for seasonal influenza •my symptoms were so incredibly mild....but I went in anyway for tamiflu as I'm v high risk for respiratory complications (hx of complicated pneumonia)....got tamiflu, had no fever, doc didn't want to give it to me but I was persistent:)

Varies so much. Emory has two 30 yo's on ventilators right now. My 10 yo's 30 yo teacher is in the hospital. My 39 yo dear friend should be in the hospital. I felt slightly ill with ubermild symptoms (as in 'barely noticeable') and went in for tamiflu as I'm at high risk for pneumonia (i've had it 9 times...). I feel great.....teensy weensy symptoms for 4 days....I was 99% fine the whole time, now I'm back at 100% But for those that get really ill, it's really bad. K

Usually pneumonia settles in after influenza or a cold though. it's very possible she had an ubermild case of flu. K

A Study of Inactivated Swine-Origin A/H1N1 Influenza Vaccines in Healthy European Subjects Aged 3 to 17 Years Conditions: Influenza; Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Interventions: Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated); Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated + Adjuvant); Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated + Adjuvant) 13 Active, not recruiting A Study of Different Formulations of an A/H1N1 Pandemic Vaccine in Healthy Children Aged 6 Months to 9 Years Conditions: Influenza; Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Interventions: Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 Influenza vaccine; Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 Influenza vaccine; Biological: Normal saline solution (placebo) 14 Active, not recruiting A Study of Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Vaccines in Healthy European Adults and the Elderly Conditions: Influenza; Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Interventions: Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated); Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated); Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated) 15 Active, not recruiting A Clinical Trial With Influenza A/H1N1 Vaccines Condition: Influenza Interventions: Biological: split-virion, adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine of 7.5 μg per dose; Biological: split-virion, adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine of 15 μg per dose; Biological: split-virion, non-adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine of 15 μg per dose; Biological: split-virion, non-adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine of 30 μg per dose; Biological: whole-virion, adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine of 5 μg per dose; Biological: whole-virion, adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine of 10 μg per dose; Biological: placebo control 16 Active, not recruiting A Clinical Trial of CSL's 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (CSL425) in Healthy Adults Condition: Influenza Caused by the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Interventions: Biological: CSL's 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (CSL425); Biological: CSL's 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (CSL425) 17 Recruiting A Clinical Trial of CSL's 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (CSL425) in Healthy Children Condition: Influenza Caused by the Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Interventions: Biological: CSL's 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (CSL425); Biological: CSL's 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (CSL425) 18 Recruiting Immunogenicity, Safety and Tolerability of Two Doses of Adjuvanted and Non-adjuvanted Swine Origin A/H1N1 Monovalent Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Subjects 18 or More Years of Age Condition: Pandemic Influenza Intervention: Biological: Monovalent A/H1N1 influenza vaccine 19 Active, not recruiting Immunogenicity, Safety and Tolerability of Two Doses of Adjuvanted and Non-adjuvanted Swine Origin A/H1N1 Monovalent Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Subjects 18 or More Years of Age Condition: Pandemic Influenza Intervention: Biological: Monovalent A/H1N1 influenza vaccine 20 Recruiting Immunogenicity, Safety and Tolerability of Two Doses of Adjuvanted and Non-adjuvanted Swine Origin A/H1N1 Monovalent Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Subjects From 6 Months to 17 Years of Age Condition: Pandemic Influenza Intervention: Biological: Monovalent A/H1N1 influenza vaccine But that's not who is being hospitalized and who is dying this go around. I took my healthy, fit neighbor to the hospital on Friday. My daughter's young healthy (albeit overweight) teacher was hospitalized all this week. I have a dear friend who should be in the hospital but is refusing to go. We are seeing an exponential increase in the number of hospitalizations in the 30-49 age group. A flu outbreak *in the southeast* with widespread activity in the early fall/late summer is occuring right now. This is unprecedented. Usually there is virtually no flu right now. Nothing about this is normal. Katherine Who, at the same time, is not concerned

Hm. Clinical trials are going on as we speak. 20 of them are either completed, recruiting or upcoming. This is only in the US. They are going on in other countries as well. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=kv6&q=H1N1+vaccine+trials&aq=f&oq=&aqi= http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=H1N1 Rank Status Study 1 Not yet recruiting CSL H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Administered at Different Dose Levels With and Without AS03 Adjuvant in Healthy Adult and Elderly Populations Condition: Influenza Interventions: Biological: AS03; Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine 2 Not yet recruiting Sanofi H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Administered at Different Dose Levels With and Without AS03 Adjuvant in Healthy Adult and Elderly Populations Condition: Influenza Interventions: Biological: AS03; Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine 3 Active, not recruiting Sanofi H1N1 + TIV - Adults and Elderly Condition: Influenza Interventions: Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine; Drug: Placebo; Biological: TIV 4 Active, not recruiting Sanofi H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Administered at Two Dose Levels in Adult and Elderly Populations Condition: Influenza Intervention: Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine 5 Not yet recruiting H1N1 Vaccine in Pregnant Women Condition: Influenza Intervention: Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine 6 Recruiting Peds Sanofi H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Administered at Two Dose Levels Condition: Influenza Intervention: Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine 7 Active, not recruiting CSL H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Administered at Two Dose Levels in Adult and Elderly Populations Condition: Influenza Intervention: Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine 8 Recruiting Sanofi Pasteur, TIV + H1N1, Pediatric Population Condition: Influenza Interventions: Biological: Inactivated H1N1 Vaccine; Biological: Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine 9 Not yet recruiting A Study of Different Formulations of an Adjuvanted A/H1N1 Pandemic Vaccine in Healthy Adults and the Elderly Conditions: Influenza; Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Interventions: Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 influenza vaccine with adjuvant; Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 influenza vaccine with adjuvant; Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 influenza vaccine; Biological: Normal saline solution 10 Active, not recruiting A Study of Different Formulations of an A/H1N1 Pandemic Vaccine in Healthy Adults and the Elderly Conditions: Influenza; Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Interventions: Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 Influenza vaccine (7.5 µg of HA); Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 Influenza vaccine (15 µg of HA); Biological: Monovalent Subvirion A/H1N1 Influenza vaccine (30 µg of HA); Biological: Normal saline solution (placebo) 11 Not yet recruiting A Study of Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Vaccines in Healthy Europeans Children Aged 6 to 35 Months Conditions: Influenza; Swine-origin A/H1N1 Influenza Interventions: Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated); Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated + Adjuvant); Biological: Swine A/H1N1 influenza vaccine (split virion, inactivated + adjuvant) 12 Active, not recruiting continued in next post

The tricky thing is that 50% of ppl with H1N1 are presenting fever free.....throws off allllll sorts of things. 3-5 days is such an oddly short period of isolation considering that one infected with H1N1 is contagious for 24h prior to onset of symptoms until 7 days post onset - at least....up to 10-14 days in people with weaker immune systems or in younger kids. But I stayed in for 3 days.....I was on Tamiflu for three and felt totally fine....uber minor symptoms for three days. No symptoms after that. K

Ditto with my asthma...only an issue if I'm sick. Non issue otherwise. Here is some info I've compiled regarding prevention and tx of the flu - esp H1N1. For most people optimizing D, 1000 IU per 25 lbs body weight seems to be about right. The amounts sound high but they're not one you're up to your ears in D research and how much it's actually taking people to get to optimal D levels. vitamindcouncil.org and grassrootshealth.org are very very helpful. You may want to consider grassrootshealth.org as they have a $40 vitamin D test, twice a year as part of a population based study. It could do wonderful things for you and the baby you're carrying. ACE inhibitors, some anti-inflammatories will help dampen down a cytokine storm. So can optimal D levels. Read on. share as needed/interested. All information is mine and from evidence based sources. I didn't have time to cite......so do with it what you will. http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AV...ZGd3a2N3&hl=en Virtually all flulike illnesses currently presenting are H1N1. It's possible that 50% of cases are presenting without a fever and very likely many more. This makes meaningless, the recommendations to "stay home from school or work until fever free for 24 hours" as many with the flu will never have had a fever. Children are unknowingly being sent to school with H1N1; adults with H1N1 will continue to go to work not realizing that they are spreading the flu. Contagion is a factor from 24h prior to onset of symptoms and for 7-10 days after *onset of symptoms*. It's wonderful that most people are reporting being sick for 1.5-2 days. Yay! For those at risk for respiratory complications though (including our pregnant friends and family members) it doesn't matter that 'most' are sick for 1-2 days. For them, this is not a typical flu so please stay home if you have any symptoms. Please keep your child home if they have any symptoms. If one is sick, keep them all home. What can you do to prevent or treat the flu? Consider: •Anti-Virals if you think you have the flu [CDC recommendation not mine] Keep in mind that there is a 50-90% false negtive rate on the rapid flu tests. Yes, you read that right. Just b/c you have a negative rapid flu test absolutely positively does not mean you are home free. Effective treatment: •Anti-Viral Medication started within 24h (less helpful but still helpful if started later....though drug resistant cases are emerging) •High Dose Vitamin D3 therapy aka Stoss Therapy. (reduces cytokines) Stoss Therapy is 1,000 IU D per one lb body weight per day FOR THREE DAYS, then back to normal dosing: 1,000 IU per 25 lbs body weight. Stoss therapy is not appropriate for those with kidney disease. Take sufficient calcium and magnesium while taking vitamin D. Likely Helpful adjuncts effective treatment - will reduce and/or moderate cytokines or act as ACE inhibitors: •Aspirin, Adults only; never children or adolescents (reduces cytokines). •Green tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines). Consider drinking daily and/or gargling with it. •High dose vitamin C therapy to bowel tolerance. Use cheap ascorbic acid unless you personally need buffered - avoid time released for this usage. Effective Prevention: •Optimal blood levels of D3 (reduces cytokines) •50-80 ng/mL is optimal; some say 50-70 ng/mL, some say 55-80 ng/mL - it depends on who's writing and when they wrote it. Anything less than 50 ng/mL=substrate deficiency which is a Very Bad Thing. Our 50-80 ng/mL translates to 150-200 nmoL in any other place in the world Moderate levels are correlated, by some data, with increased cytokine activity (20-40 ng/mL). We don't want moderate levels or even 'normal' levels. We want optimal levels in the middle of the 'reference range'. •Remember that because of problems with Quest's test, any D result from them should be divided by 1.3 to get an accurate number. •Optimal vitamin D levels are your very best defense against influenza, some researchers posit that it may be as or more effective than a vaccine. •Green tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines). Drink it or gargle. •Probiotics. Take daily. May be helpful adjuncts to effective treatment and/or prevention in addition to above measures: •Black tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines) •Quercetin (possible ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines) •Pomegranate (ACE inhibitor) •Proanthocyandin containig foods, supplements (ACE inhibitors): grapeseed extract, pinebark extract (pycnogenol) •Turmeric (reduces cytokines). 1/4 tsp powder can be placed on tongue and swallowed with water . •Black pepper (reduces cytokines) •Raw crushed garlic (reduces cytokines). For easy dosing, mix with tsp raw honey. •Coconut oil (reduces cytokines) •Echinacea (increases some cytokine activity but overwhelmingly reduces cytokine activity) Assess carefully: •Elderberry aka Sambucol (known to increase cytokines). I am avoiding. •Astragalus (reduces activity of some cytokines, increases activity of other cytokines). I am avoiding. •Olive oil (may increase cytokines). I will continue to use as needed but will use coconut oil for cooking/baking. •Fish oil (may increase cytokines). I will continue to take significant amounts. •Chocolate (ACE inhibitor but increases cytokines). I will use moderately;p Cannel on preventing and treating H1N1: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsl...itamin-d.shtml Randomized, placebo controlled trial shows D3 prevents and treats colds and flu: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17352842

Thanks so much SBGrace, you're so right about Vitamin D. Since for the OP, testing isn't an option right now, take every single day, 1000 IU per 25 lbs body weight for you, the kids and dh. Here are other helpful evidence based tips. The amounts sound high but they're not one you're well immersed in D research and how much it's actually taking people to get to optimal D levels. vitamindcouncil.org and grassrootshealth.org are very very helpful. You may want to consider grassrootshealth.org as they have a $40 vitamin D test, twice a year as part of a population based study. It could do wonderful things for you and the baby you're carrying. ACE inhibitors, some anti-inflammatories will help dampen down a cytokine storm. So can optimal D levels. Read on. share as needed/interested. All information is mine and from evidence based sources. I didn't have time to cite......so do with it what you will. http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AV...ZGd3a2N3&hl=en Virtually all flulike illnesses currently presenting are H1N1. It's possible that 50% of cases are presenting without a fever and very likely many more. This makes meaningless, the recommendations to "stay home from school or work until fever free for 24 hours" as many with the flu will never have had a fever. Children are unknowingly being sent to school with H1N1; adults with H1N1 will continue to go to work not realizing that they are spreading the flu. Contagion is a factor from 24h prior to onset of symptoms and for 7-10 days after *onset of symptoms*. It's wonderful that most people are reporting being sick for 1.5-2 days. Yay! For those at risk for respiratory complications though (including our pregnant friends and family members) it doesn't matter that 'most' are sick for 1-2 days. For them, this is not a typical flu so please stay home if you have any symptoms. Please keep your child home if they have any symptoms. If one is sick, keep them all home. What can you do to prevent or treat the flu? Consider: •Anti-Virals if you think you have the flu [CDC recommendation not mine] Keep in mind that there is a 50-90% false negtive rate on the rapid flu tests. Yes, you read that right. Just b/c you have a negative rapid flu test absolutely positively does not mean you are home free. Effective treatment: •Anti-Viral Medication started within 24h (less helpful but still helpful if started later....though drug resistant cases are emerging) •High Dose Vitamin D3 therapy aka Stoss Therapy. (reduces cytokines) Stoss Therapy is 1,000 IU D per one lb body weight per day FOR THREE DAYS, then back to normal dosing: 1,000 IU per 25 lbs body weight. Stoss therapy is not appropriate for those with kidney disease. Take sufficient calcium and magnesium while taking vitamin D. Likely Helpful adjuncts effective treatment - will reduce and/or moderate cytokines or act as ACE inhibitors: •Aspirin, Adults only; never children or adolescents (reduces cytokines). •Green tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines). Consider drinking daily and/or gargling with it. •High dose vitamin C therapy to bowel tolerance. Use cheap ascorbic acid unless you personally need buffered - avoid time released for this usage. Effective Prevention: •Optimal blood levels of D3 (reduces cytokines) •50-80 ng/mL is optimal; some say 50-70 ng/mL, some say 55-80 ng/mL - it depends on who's writing and when they wrote it. Anything less than 50 ng/mL=substrate deficiency which is a Very Bad Thing. Our 50-80 ng/mL translates to 150-200 nmoL in any other place in the world Moderate levels are correlated, by some data, with increased cytokine activity (20-40 ng/mL). We don't want moderate levels or even 'normal' levels. We want optimal levels in the middle of the 'reference range'. •Remember that because of problems with Quest's test, any D result from them should be divided by 1.3 to get an accurate number. •Optimal vitamin D levels are your very best defense against influenza, some researchers posit that it may be as or more effective than a vaccine. •Green tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines). Drink it or gargle. •Probiotics. Take daily. May be helpful adjuncts to effective treatment and/or prevention in addition to above measures: •Black tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines) •Quercetin (possible ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines) •Pomegranate (ACE inhibitor) •Proanthocyandin containig foods, supplements (ACE inhibitors): grapeseed extract, pinebark extract (pycnogenol) •Turmeric (reduces cytokines). 1/4 tsp powder can be placed on tongue and swallowed with water . •Black pepper (reduces cytokines) •Raw crushed garlic (reduces cytokines). For easy dosing, mix with tsp raw honey. •Coconut oil (reduces cytokines) •Echinacea (increases some cytokine activity but overwhelmingly reduces cytokine activity) Assess carefully: •Elderberry aka Sambucol (known to increase cytokines). I am avoiding. •Astragalus (reduces activity of some cytokines, increases activity of other cytokines). I am avoiding. •Olive oil (may increase cytokines). I will continue to use as needed but will use coconut oil for cooking/baking. •Fish oil (may increase cytokines). I will continue to take significant amounts. •Chocolate (ACE inhibitor but increases cytokines). I will use moderately;p Cannel on preventing and treating H1N1: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsl...itamin-d.shtml Randomized, placebo controlled trial shows D3 prevents and treats colds and flu: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17352842

I get all of my herbs/vites/supplements from iherb. It's the least expensive available (even if you ship it overnight) and if you order by 4pm EST you can have it to you ASA 10 am the next morning. I'd get Now kids probiotic or Udo's Children's probiotic zinc lozenges (zand has some tasty ones....avoid elderberry) talk to your child's doc about getting his D levels tested - ideally they'll be at 55-75 ng/mL if you test with LabCorp or ZRT......Quests test has some problems and runs low - their results need to be divided by 1.3 to be accurate which means you want (iirc) 85-105 on Quest. Consider grassrootshealth.org to join a population based vitamin D study. Super Nutrition Perfect Kids is an absolutely wonderful multi if your child can swallow vitamins. I am a high risk person wrt any respiratory illness but esp H1N1. I'd been exposed and live in the area in the US with the highest current rates of H1N1. I took a neighbor to the hopsital last week (female - 30's). My daughter's teacher is in the hospital (female 30's also). I have a friend who should be hospitalized but is refusing to go......she can barely breathe even with 20 mg prednisone 3x per day. When I started having symptoms on Tuesday am, I went in and got Tamiflu. Wonderful call. It's been amazing. Only the tiniest shadow of flu symptoms has hung around....I quarantined T, W, Th and by Friday I was back in the saddle. Well, I was up and about doing normal activities the whole time - I just stayed away from ppl. Wishing you all the best, K

Read on for my list of evidence based treatments/preventions re: H1N1. Share with anyone interested. Fwiw, I just had the flu and used Tamiflu - what Gdsend. http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AV...ZGd3a2N3&hl=en Virtually all flulike illnesses currently presenting are H1N1. It's possible that 50% of cases are presenting without a fever and very likely many more. This makes meaningless, the recommendations to "stay home from school or work until fever free for 24 hours" as many with the flu will never have had a fever. Children are unknowingly being sent to school with H1N1; adults with H1N1 will continue to go to work not realizing that they are spreading the flu. Contagion is a factor from 24h prior to onset of symptoms and for 7-10 days after *onset of symptoms*. It's wonderful that most people are reporting being sick for 1.5-2 days. Yay! For those at risk for respiratory complications though (including our pregnant friends and family members) it doesn't matter that 'most' are sick for 1-2 days. For them, this is not a typical flu so please stay home if you have any symptoms. Please keep your child home if they have any symptoms. If one is sick, keep them all home. What can you do to prevent or treat the flu? Consider: •Anti-Virals if you think you have the flu [CDC recommendation not mine] Keep in mind that there is a 50-90% false negtive rate on the rapid flu tests. Yes, you read that right. Just b/c you have a negative rapid flu test absolutely positively does not mean you are home free. Effective treatment: •Anti-Viral Medication started within 24h (less helpful but still helpful if started later....though drug resistant cases are emerging) •High Dose Vitamin D3 therapy aka Stoss Therapy. (reduces cytokines) Stoss Therapy is 1,000 IU D per one lb body weight per day FOR THREE DAYS, then back to normal dosing: 1,000 IU per 25 lbs body weight. Stoss therapy is not appropriate for those with kidney disease. Take sufficient calcium and magnesium while taking vitamin D. Likely Helpful adjuncts effective treatment - will reduce and/or moderate cytokines or act as ACE inhibitors: •Aspirin, Adults only; never children or adolescents (reduces cytokines). •Green tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines). Consider drinking daily and/or gargling with it. •High dose vitamin C therapy to bowel tolerance. Use cheap ascorbic acid unless you personally need buffered - avoid time released for this usage. Effective Prevention: •Optimal blood levels of D3 (reduces cytokines) •50-80 ng/mL is optimal; some say 50-70 ng/mL, some say 55-80 ng/mL - it depends on who's writing and when they wrote it. Anything less than 50 ng/mL=substrate deficiency which is a Very Bad Thing. Our 50-80 ng/mL translates to 150-200 nmoL in any other place in the world Moderate levels are correlated, by some data, with increased cytokine activity (20-40 ng/mL). We don't want moderate levels or even 'normal' levels. We want optimal levels in the middle of the 'reference range'. •Remember that because of problems with Quest's test, any D result from them should be divided by 1.3 to get an accurate number. •Optimal vitamin D levels are your very best defense against influenza, some researchers posit that it may be as or more effective than a vaccine. •Green tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines). Drink it or gargle. •Probiotics. Take daily. May be helpful adjuncts to effective treatment and/or prevention in addition to above measures: •Black tea (ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines) •Quercetin (possible ACE inhibitor, reduces cytokines) •Pomegranate (ACE inhibitor) •Proanthocyandin containig foods, supplements (ACE inhibitors): grapeseed extract, pinebark extract (pycnogenol) •Turmeric (reduces cytokines). 1/4 tsp powder can be placed on tongue and swallowed with water . •Black pepper (reduces cytokines) •Raw crushed garlic (reduces cytokines). For easy dosing, mix with tsp raw honey. •Coconut oil (reduces cytokines) •Echinacea (increases some cytokine activity but overwhelmingly reduces cytokine activity) Assess carefully: •Elderberry aka Sambucol (known to increase cytokines). I am avoiding. •Astragalus (reduces activity of some cytokines, increases activity of other cytokines). I am avoiding. •Olive oil (may increase cytokines). I will continue to use as needed but will use coconut oil for cooking/baking. •Fish oil (may increase cytokines). I will continue to take significant amounts. •Chocolate (ACE inhibitor but increases cytokines). I will use moderately;p Cannel on preventing and treating H1N1: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/newsl...itamin-d.shtml Randomized, placebo controlled trial shows D3 prevents and treats colds and flu: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17352842

Yup. Canned chicken soup won't be helpful.

ITA. I don't care if it's well received behind closed doors. Not gonna happen irl. K

I remember so so so much. My first day at my beloved montessori school when I was three....so many clear memories from that entire preschool experience.... so many memories that my mom says are from early on....12-18 mos......24 mos.....tons of them. K

No it's not a big deal *at all*. I broke two - one in the coat closet and one in the kitchen. A friend of mine who's dh is an emergency project manager with the EPA came over with his little machine to test. He was there within the hour. Even in the non-ventilated closet: nothing. Katherine

Cool!