The Flu and Epilepsy

[KelVarQ]

I just heard on channel 5 news (Fox news America) today regarding flu season and some of those bad flus going on (sorry, don't recall the numbers (names) of the types of flu and it wasn't Swine) that those children ages 5-17 that have Epilepsy or some seizure disorder are at a higher risk of death if catching these type flus. There were 3 conditions they named that would increase the risk of death and they were 1. Cerebral Palsy(simple partial?) 2. Epilepsy 3. Seizure Disorder. They didn't mention why that would be the case and the reason for the topic is because school is now starting and there's some bad flus going on and flu season is not even at its peak. I thought I would share this with everyone, so remember to take all measures to avoid the flu and don't forget your flu shots. I'm still a little curious as to why one with E would be at higher risk of death if getting the flu, but that's what they said. Be well and safe.

[epileric]

According to the Canadian news it was children with asthma, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy that were at increased risk.

Medical conditions that seemed to put children at increased risk of severe disease from the H1N1 virus included asthma and disabilities such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2009/...-children.html

[KelVarQ]

Here's the info. from Fox News (America).

Quote:
"Two-thirds of the children who died had high-risk medical conditions. Nearly all of them had an illness related to the nervous system, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy and epilepsy and other seizure disorders."

Link to Article:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,...est=latestnews

[KelVarQ]

Sorry, perhaps they did mean Swine Flu?

[Loudmouth]

I know that both times I have had flu (regular flu and swine flu) my seizure activity went through the roof, I was having many more seizures and they were lasting for a longer time before I would 'come round'. I hate flu.

[RobinN]

Flu shots are no longer optional for anyone associated with UI Health Care: It is a condition of employment.

“People who do not comply will not be eligible to continue their positions at UI Health Care,” said UI spokesman Tom Moore.

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2009/09/02/Metro/12623.html

[Shelley]

I found this link at work. It may sound disgusting, but it may work.
http://www.livescience.com/health/09...lu-remedy.html
You may find this Chinese herb at a specialty store.

[Meetz1064]

thing sounds disgusting, Shelley, but I just might actually consider it. I don't need any more illnesses on top of everything else.....

[Shelley]

Tell us how well it works vs disgusting smell and taste, and we'll follow. I'm chicken. Although in Austin, we have our own "Chinatown".

[skillefer]

Why are people with E more likely? Probably due to vomiting and diarhea screwing up med levels. That would be my guess. That and the fact that stress can trigger seizures and being ill is physically stressful.

[Meetz1064]

I couldn't figure out why, but Skilly is right, I think. *d'oh!* Makes perfect sense once you actually think about it.....

[Nakamova]

Any kind of infection can lower your seizure threshold -- fevers affect circulation, respiration, hydration, sleep, digestion...

[Shelley]

We are particularly vulnerable, in that we must maintain an optimal balance in order to avoid those unwanted seizures. Anybody have any ideas, other than stay very hydrated? Anyone going the chicken soup route?