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October 16, 2009The Browns Will Win If…
October 16, 2009LeBron James, several Cleveland Cavaliers teammates and even members of the Ohio State Buckeyes are all suffering from an pesky flu bug that attacked the state of Ohio. There has been no confirmation of any single one player testing positive for the H1N1 virus (swine flu) but team doctors and medical staff are currently preparing for the worst. It seems that these two close-knit teams are sucspectible to this sensitive flu season much like local universities such as Miami University.
There are multiple accounts out there, but here is to setting the record straight: LeBron tested positive for influenza A and nothing else. That is the standard flu while the H1N1 virus is a more serious condition slightly related to that illness. Individuals that have swine flu will have influenza A as well, but the case frequency and severity of the H1N1 have been doubted. Take a look at the order of events in LBJ flu news:
As first reported by Brian Windhorst at the Plain Dealer Wednesday, LeBron James and reserves Coby Karl and Darnell Jackson all missed that night’s game against the Washington Wizards with flu-like symptoms. At the time, all three were tested for the H1N1 virus in a precautionary measure that has become commonplace in the NBA this preseason. While it certainly was a news story at the time, the issue has now exploded on to the front pages of ESPN.com, SI.com and others within the last 24 hours.
In the last report of news from the PD, things seemed upbeat concerning the ailing Cavalier players. Mary Kay Cabot was at a brief reporter’s session with LeBron and others on Thursday and to the extent of her report, it seems like the theeafflicted teammates are listed as probable for tonight’s preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs. That was the positive news at least as reserves JJ Hickson and Andre Barrett did not travel with the team due to other flu-like symptoms.
The PD is the one of few publications around this Cavaliers team the most and on these stories I definitely do trust them. It is only speculation to say that LeBron might have the swine flu and per an article published in the wee hours of the morning, things look pretty upbeat. As long as LeBron, Coby and Darnell play tonight against San Antonio than this will become a pretty much non-issue, as LBJ missing just one preseason game with flu does not concern me too much in the long-run.
Around the state if you recall, various members of the Ohio State offensive line were hit by the flu earlier last week. Center Mike Brewster and left tackles Andrew Miller and Mike Adams. Miller especially was of concern because it was just reported that he lost over 15 pounds from his bout with the flu.
The OSU medical staff treated it much like the Cavaliers however, and for the most part, the concerns died down later in the week. The problem with athletes getting the flu this time of year are just as common as students at elementary schools or universities getting them due to re-exposure to a populated living environment in the early school year. To add to the optimism, a swine flu vaccine does exist in the state and thus there are ways to prevent it from spreading if necessary.
For now at least, the moral of this story is that the flu is common right now and not all flus are the swine flu. Since the last report was optimistic and upbeat about all traveling members of the team playing tonight against the Spurs, there are no indications of any lingering conditions. Hopefully LeBron and others get well soon and are ready to go tonight and for the rest of the preseason.
(The team photo above is courtesy of David Liam Kyle/Getty Images and was found here.)
5 Comments
God has sent the swine flu to the Cavaliers to punish Cleveland. yet again. I’m beginning to think the man in the sky is a bit of a b*tch.
I’d rather have LeBron sit out another preseason game, than have him fatigued for the whole first week.
Don’t sweat it out, get your rest LBJ!
Wasn’t me. Go Cavs!
God for the win!!!
I know WFNY was a popular award-winning site and all, but who knew God was a reader?! LOL