Take The H1N1 Flu Seriously

[aTailOf2Kitties]

I recently attended a meeting at which one of the leading flu doctors in the world spoke. He spoke at length about all of the hard work that has gone into the swine flu pandemic since it first reared it's ugly head last spring and answered questions from the audience, all of which work in the medical profession. All of the above statements were discussed at some point and according to him, nearly everything Hellow/Reggie just said is FALSE!

1. H1N1 has nearly all of the same symptoms, but with the addition of more gastrointestinal upsets.
2. This one is true....but H1N1 is quickly catching up. In fact H1N1 infections have continued to spread even during the summer months, which is almost unheard of among flu
3. According to Dr Robert Webster, the media has not overblown anything about the severity of the H1N1 virus. In fact there are so many cases in Memphis right now that a major hospital has a special tent outside of the main building just to handle possible flu cases. There are that many! There have been at least 2 deaths recently from the H1N1. There is a huge chunk of data showing that the percentage of actual cases vs. symptoms is much higher than your typical flu.
4. Currently, studies show that only ONE vaccination is necessary. This vaccination has been in development since early in the year, when it was realized that H1N1 was indeed going to be a problem.
5. See #3. According to the Doc, H1N1 is not something to be taken lightly. It is far more contagious and has more severe symptoms than the seasonal flu. However you can still protect yourself by practicing the usual safety precautions like washing your hands. Some people will unfortunately die, but that is to be expected with any flu.

Right now 2 people in my immediate work area have the flu. One is a confirmed H1N1 case, the other I have not heard back on. But seeing as these 2 people pass each other in the hallway several times a day, it's quite possible the other has it too. Being a laboratory setting, we all wear masks and gloves in our work areas anyway, but there are common areas where people gather to put on or take off our PPE.

[sparks19]

I take the H1N1 flu very seriously... however we will not be getting the vaccine at least for Hannah anyway.

perhaps we will get it at our own risk but there is just NOT enough known about the vaccine. it was pushed through SO fast they don't and CAN'T know the true effects of the vaccine.

AND hannah CANNOT have the regular flu shot due to an egg allergy and I'nm not willing to risk this particular shot either. ANY flu symptoms will be taken seriously VERY early and she will go the doctor immediately. but I just cannot blindly get her the vaccine without it being seriously and properly tested. many doctors don't even know the allergy complications and I have asked around.

I have a friend who has a grandson that has the swine flu right now and I am praying for her and that child and his family every single day. but the vaccine is just not something at this point I am willing to risk. there hasn't been enough testing and they dont' know much about allergic reactions to it.

[kitten645]

"nearly everything Hellow/Reggie just said is FALSE!"

Wow! Color me surprised..NOT
I had the stomach flu a couple of years back. Got it while visiting my mothers rest home. There was a sign on the door indicating that it was going around. I thought I took precautions. Washing hands, clothes. Vitamins etc. I got so sick a couple of weeks later between Xmas and New Years! I've NEVER been so ill. I was so weak that I had to CRAWL to the kitchen to get something to eat and call my brother to come help me! I honestly thought I was at deaths door and I hava a HIGH pain tolerance.
I would never want to be at that place again so I'm getting the shots asap. Waiting on my doctor.
Regarding the media hype. I'd rather have this "hyped" than hear ANOTHER word about Kate/Jon or Letterman! At least this is a real concern.
Claudia

[Grace]

From the CDC website - 2 doses may be necessary for kids of a certain age.

Will two doses of vaccine be required?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of one dose of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine for persons 10 years of age and older. This is slightly different from CDC’s recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccination which states that children younger than 9 who are being vaccinated against influenza for the first time need to receive two doses. Infants younger than 6 months of age are too young to get the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.
What will be the recommended interval between the first and second dose for children 9 years of age and under?

CDC recommends that the two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine be separated by 4 weeks. However, if the second dose is separated from the first dose by at least 21 days, the second dose can be considered valid.

link

[sparks19]

yes I also heard that YOUNG children may need multiple doses.

and the REGULAR FLU vaccine does not protect you from ALL flus or sickness's. so even if you get the flu does not nessecarily mean the flu shot didn't work. it means you got a strain that they didn't predict and design the seasons shot to protect against

again... Hannah won't be getting either because the regular one she can't have and theyd ont' know enough about the H1N1 and it is possible she CAN'T have that one and they have no idea.

[K9karen]

I haven't had the regular flu since getting the flu shot umpty ump years ago (knocks on wood). You bet your bippy that I'm getting every flu shot available. i take care of relatives in their 90's and can't afford to get sick. They're getting the shots too.

[moosmom]

I agree that the media has blown the H1N1 strain up. But maybe it will make people aware that any flu can be deadly. I know I am much more careful in situations where germs can be spread. I'm not a germophobe (well, almost), but I am more aware.

Well said!!

Unfortunately, my insurance does NOT cover the flu vaccine. I paid out of pocket last year. Not sure if I can afford it this year. The problem is, I work with the public (retail) and customers and their snotty nosed brats are ALWAYS sneezing and coughing in my face. UGH!!! Why can't they just stay the hell home when their sick??