"Cover Me, Tonto, I'm Going In..."

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"We're going on a pig hunt.
We're going to catch a big one.
What a beautiful day!
We're not scared.
Oh-oh! A pig!
A troupe of portly pigs.
We can't go over it.
We can't go under it.
Oh, no!
We've got to go through it!"


Going back for two more days in Neurodramaville. Haven't heard yet if any little piggies have come to visit us, but I'm certain we're on high alert for them. Our unit deals with neurosurgical/neurological injuries--which doesn't mean a patient could not additionally have the flu, but more likely those patients would be on the Medicine floors. Visitors are much more worrisome. You know, the folks who come in to see their neighbor's cousin's nephew's girlfriend and bring their carload of school aged children to spread the love. Stay home.

CDC recommendations:
1. Wash your hands frequently with hot, soapy water.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
3. See your doctor--NOT THE ER-YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR--if you exhibit symptoms of fever, fatigue, headache, chills, body aches, and cough.
4. Sick people should STAY HOME. Well people should avoid contact with the sick.
Now they tell me. And yes, the CDC is actually run by an ever changing group of women called Moms of Toddlers.

"High-ho, Silver, away."


please note: photo by wallyg and profuse apologies to We're Going on a Bear Hunt as retold by Michael Rosen

Comments

  1. LydiaApril 30, 2009 at 2:22 AM

    tee hee. I really do like little piggies, especially at the State Fair.
    Interestingly, tonight's tv news from Portland had quite a report on the upcoming weekend Cinqo de Mayo celebration that draws thousands to the waterfront park. There will be health workers on site walking around with information on staying safe, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  2. OwenApril 30, 2009 at 2:34 AM

    Dear Distracted,
    I "discovered" your blog when Blogger named you a "blog of note", and have been following and reading with great pleasure since then. And then slowly began to realize that you're also participating in some other blogs which I hold in great estime and admiration : Halfway to France, Where's My Effing Pony, and Drowning but not Waving.

    Just wanted to pass on this link to you, for a story which appeared on an automobile oriented site (where I don't normally venture, but my brother sent me the link) where there is a story about Swine Flu issues that you may appreciate as a health care professional...

    http://jalopnik.com/5229812/ten-ways-to-prepare-your-car-for-the-swine-flupocalypse

    I'm going to do a short piece on this story on my blog as well here shortly...
    Best wishes,
    Owen

    ReplyDelete
  3. OwenApril 30, 2009 at 2:37 AM

    PS I'm not awake yet this morning, spelled "esteem" as though I was thinking and writing in French... maybe because I was thinking in French... please pardon ! ;-]

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownApril 30, 2009 at 5:07 AM

    Thanks for telling everyone about taking precautions, especially the 'stay at home if you're sick' part! There should be some law that prevents contagious sick people from spreading whatever around!

    ReplyDelete
  5. RudeeApril 30, 2009 at 5:23 AM

    Oh! I see you are trying to plea for a little common sense. What a novel idea-especially where patient visitors are concerned. Personally, I love when the bring the 9 month olds and then set them down on the floor to crawl around.

    ReplyDelete
  6. robertApril 30, 2009 at 5:59 AM

    The favourite soft toy of my 20months old son is a pig. Hope that all this ends as quick as it began, as think pigs are kind of cute - additionally I don't think that they are to blame...nice picture indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  7. PyzahnApril 30, 2009 at 6:11 AM

    Stay safe, DBSO. Hope there are no piggies on your watch. Or mine! I'm washing, I'm washing...singing and washing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rosaria WilliamsApril 30, 2009 at 8:42 AM

    Good advice. Funny picture!

    ReplyDelete
  9. YogaforCynicsApril 30, 2009 at 8:54 AM

    Having just recovered from some kind of sickness, which, who knows, could be at least a relative of the swine flu...I kinda hope it was, so I don't have to worry about getting it again...though it probably...almost definitely...wasn't...oh well....

    Love the artwork....

    ReplyDelete
  10. dsApril 30, 2009 at 10:15 AM

    Love the photo; thanks for the advice. Had an email this am from the college student's health services with same CDC info; comforting in a strange way. Local petting zoo has removed all porcine creatures from 'exhibit' due to negative publicity (it ain't really the pigs, people). Keep washing those hands...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Erin DavisApril 30, 2009 at 10:25 AM

    That picture has made my day. Thanks for the excellent advice. You're right--any mom with kids could tell you this!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Batteson.IndApril 30, 2009 at 11:27 AM

    There was a radio interview with a health fella over here and when asked what's the best thing to do if you think you have symptoms and have been abroad, the guy said; "eeeerrrrr.. nothing.." basically stay at home, tell everyone to stay away and get someone you haven't been in contact with to get you some drugs..lol.. sounds like a plan to me!-) hope all goes well for you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. ArgentApril 30, 2009 at 1:13 PM

    Huuray for common sense! I feel sorry for anyone working where large numbers of the general public go. Hope yopu and yours remain piggy-free.

    ReplyDelete
  14. NanceApril 30, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    I love that pic. Now, if only they were cows or bunnies, then I'd really be in love...!

    ReplyDelete
  15. BarbApril 30, 2009 at 5:54 PM

    I like the levity of your swine pictures lately - in stark contrast to the news media...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Annie CoeApril 30, 2009 at 9:00 PM

    I am with Barb on this. I have found that washing one's hands, often, is the best way to not get sick with any flu. I myself have not had a cold or flu in about 10 years. I better go knock on some wood now :-).

    ReplyDelete
  17. KathleenApril 30, 2009 at 11:50 PM

    Glad you could get that awesome picture in before the BIG name change. No longer swine flu, or swine-origin flu, but the oh-so-poetic "H1N1 Influenza A." It's name seems to mutate faster that the virus itself.

    Here's hoping it fizzles but good. But just in case, hope you've got plenty of N-95s around. They're so attractive--and comfortable. ~;^P

    ReplyDelete

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Hey, thanks for your thoughts and your time:>)

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