Monday, August 3, 2009

Back to the Zoo

So, we didn't win the Lotto. Shocker. So, I'm back to work at the Zoo.

Today was a nice 12-hour day. We are battling a swine flu epidemic. We've had quite a few people admitted with H1N1 (the official name for "swine flu") symptoms. Some have turned up positive. Some are negative, but we still think they have it. And some have turned out to have something else. It's been very educational, learning how to deal with an epidemic. There are interesting questions: Who gets prophylaxis? Who gets screened? Who do you still treat even though the screening test is positive? How accurate are the tests? Who should get the vaccine (when it comes out)?

It's not every day an ID fellow gets to be a part of something like this. So, while it is going to make for a very busy month, I'm trying to stay positive and focus on what a great opportunity it is. And while I'll likely watch my summer tan fade without any hope of seeing the sun for awhile, I know I'll end up in a better position when it's all said and done.

3 comments:

Julia Ladewski said...

Wow... crazy. is this virus "worse", per say, than the typical "flu"?

i hope you get some rest and some sun before the summer disappears!

Anonymous said...

It's worse in that it seems to hit otherwise healthy people in the 20s and 30s. But we'll have to see how it plays out as it evolves.

And, luckily, in LA the sun never goes too far. :)

christian girl said...

some might say this is better than winning the lotto! just kidding. i understand your pain. :)