Has anyone asked this question yet re: the H1N1: Can you be an asymptomatic carrier?

[Mike 03]

I don't mean the incubation perdiod, but could you possibly be contagious without ever being symptomatic?

Someone close to be is about to undergo a stem cell transplant and the hospital has incredibly strict rules about what and who can be allowed around him, for good reason. But anyone's worst nightmare in this situation would be to unknowingly be sick and give it to someone who is immune-compromised.

[supernova]

1. It's possible I suppose

that's what "Typhoid Mary" was, asymptomatic and it's also true of some TB patients, the carry the disease but display no symptoms.

[Mike 03]

3. That's frightening. NT

[kestrel91316]

8. Those are both bacterial diseases, so apples and oranges. But a good question.

[Avalux]

2. Yes.

It is possible to be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus and pass it on to others.

[Mike 03]

4. Yikes. This is a city with confirmed H1N1 cases (one, possibly four). NT

[mike_c]

5. yes and no....

Remember, that for virons to reproduce they must invade and kill respiratory cells-- well, take them over and ultimately kill them after they've subverted them for virus production. That tends to produce symptoms. If respiratory cells are not being taken over and killed, then the infected person has little or no virus to shed into the environment.

Second, the primary means of shedding virons are some of the symptoms themselves-- cough, mucus production, etc. Most virus is transmitted by contact with respiratory and oral fluids, and those get into the air and onto hands via coughing, runny noses, wetting feverish lips, and so on.

So completely asymptomatic persons have low virus counts and fewer means of virus dispersal.

[Mike 03]

6. Thank you mike_c for the information--much appreciated! I know

from having read your posts over the years that you know a hell of a lot about these matters. Your posts over the years regarding flu and (I think) GMO have been illuminating.

[Mike 03]

7. Speak of the Devil: I just received this in my In Box regarding the H1N1 and Stem Cell Transplant

For what it's worth:

"BMT InfoNet has received a number of inquiries from transplant patients and survivors about the swine flu. We've asked medical directors at transplant centers throughout the US what they are currently recommending for their patients and survivors. Nearly all have said that, at the moment, they are not recommending anything different than what they normally tell patients about infection prevention:
Avoid crowds if your immune system is still compromised - malls, crowded stores, theatres, churches, etc.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Carry a gel-based disinfectant with you when in public and use it after touching things touched by people you don't know like door knobs, elevator buttons and money.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Avoid contact with sick people.
If you develop flu symptoms, call your doctor immediately, especially if your symptoms include a fever.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

In addition, many are temporarily recommending against travel to Mexico, or contact with people who have recently travelled to Mexico.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is closely monitoring the swine flu and will alert the public if the situation warrants further action. You can find more information at the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm.

If BMT InfoNet learns of any additional precautions that pertain to transplant patients and survivors, we will pass that information along to you. As always, your best source of information is your doctor who knows your medical history best.

Best wishes,

Sue Stewart
Executive Director, BMT InfoNet
www.bmtinfonet.org


Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network - (BMTInfoNet)
2310 Skokie Valley Rd Suite 104
Highland Park IL 60035
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847 433 4599 (fax)
www.bmtinfonet.org
[e-mail]

BMT InfoNet....we're with you every step of the way!

[NNN0LHI]

9. Like Typhoid Mary?

[Warpy]

10. That person should be on reverse isolation

Meaning you should mask and glove anyway. That also means no fresh fruits, no flowers, no plants and nothing that could possibly carry a pathogen in.

If you're really worried about that, ask at the nurse's desk. If there isn't a cart outside the room with masks and gloves on it, they'll give them to you.