H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine…. What Are the Pros and Cons and What Are “Your” Options?
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As of now, there are limited quantities of H1N1 vaccines available, but are increasing on a daily basis. Both the Nasal Spray and injections are available.
What is interesting, and a little disconcerting, is that members of the medical community have opposing views as to whether or not you should rush to get vaccinated.
This is to say that there is only one H1N1 vaccine but it has 2 opposite views.
Some doctors are recommending that we get vaccinated against Swine Flu at the first opportunity while other doctors are currently against it.
CONS
Not enough information from the FDA. To early to start using it. Some doctors are even going as far as to tell their pharmacies not to recommend it yet. The reason behind most of those opposed?
Production of the vaccine was started before the FDA had concluded their testing. all of this was done to be certain that the vaccine would be available on time to distribute to the public.
There is even a FDA statement associated with the vaccine that states that “Clinical Studies are Ongoing” according to some doctors this can only mean that all of the evidence is not yet in.
Skeptics are telling us that this untested vaccine is potentially dangerous and unnecessary.
PROS
Immunize before it causes a major pandemic across the country. They want to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible.
This was the only way they had to get the vaccine to the public in time for the flu season.
Some say that there “were no shortcuts” by the FDA inspectors.
Some doctors also tell us that even though the vaccine production was speeded up, the quality of the inspections were just as thorough.
The production of the normal seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine differ very slightly.
It should be given to the public ASAP because children especially are at a higher risk for the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.
Priority for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine are being given to health care workers, children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, adults who care for infants under 6 months, pregnant women and adults with conditions such as asthma or a compromised immune system that predispose them to complications from flu.
The CDC and H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations
When questioned about the safety and side effects of the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination, this was response of the CDC:
Will the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine be safe?
“We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following flu vaccinations are mild, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events and we will work with state and local health officials to investigate any unusual events.”
Are there any side effects to taking the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine?
“CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot is given.
After vaccination you should look for any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical attention right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form.”
No matter what facts you are presented with, either for or against, one must also be aware of possible misinformation by well meaning people. And, this goes for those both for or against the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.
It is suggested that you speak to doctors on both sides of this issue but ultimately, it is only you and your family that can make this important decision.
Watch the video related
The H1N1 virus has hit children particularly hard. Mark Strassmann revisits an overwhelmed Oklahoma hospital where two children he reported on earlier are now showing great improvements.
Help answer the question
Confused about the Flu Vaccine and H1N1 Vaccine during pregnancy?
I am pregnant with my first child (30 weeks) and I'm very confused about what to do about his year's vaccination plans. I discussed the matter with my family doctor and he said I should take the seasonal flu vaccine when it comes out (mid-October) then take the H1N1 vaccine when that comes out (early-mid-November), and I'm due early December.
What are other moms-to-be planning to do?
H1N1
16 Comments
September 16th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I'm pretty sure it was between April 27th and April 29th. That's when I keep seeing articles posted that worried about the swine flu here in the US.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
It could range from anything to the common cold to allergies. Not everything is H1N1. I was feeling down yesterday and had all those symptoms you said so I took a Tylenol and now I feel fine.
Get some rest and if your symptoms continue or worsen, go see a doctor.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:48 am
jesus christ makes me really want to rip my child out of school more now then ever.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
GET HEALTHY!!!!!!!
September 16th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
The answer to your question is there in this blog, hope it might help you
Goto : health-careblog.blogspot.com/
September 17th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Direct from the CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface
Given this life expectancy, you would not likely be in any danger from a letter mailed from an infected person under most circumstances. And while this flu has everyone's attention, the fact remains you are more likely to pick up other kinds of bacteria and virus you don't want as well, from inanimate objects like books and doorknobs. You should still be washing your hands before you eat, no matter where your hands have been or been touching. Before I'd worry about the mail, I'd be worried about the money you have touched. That and public keyboards (even home keyboards for that matter) are far nastier in terms of the gerbies. Just wash your hands before you eat, and you don't have to worry about what might be living on the surfaces of things.
September 16th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Ohh jeez
September 17th, 2009 at 6:18 am
Kids gotta be more subject to dirt earlier so they can develop a good immune system. Also there is few greater immune values than eating lots of vitamins starting young. Constantly using Purell is bad
September 17th, 2009 at 9:52 am
FUCK YOU NEW WORLD ORDER!
September 18th, 2009 at 10:58 am
H1N1 (h1n1) flu also called Swine flu. “H1N1 and H3N2” swine flu viruses are endemic among pig in the US. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. The virus is contagious and can spread to human and from human to human. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig. The current swine flu H1N1 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses. TRANSMISSION : Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to people. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. DIAGNOSIS : To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 7 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.
MEDICATION : There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent H1N1 influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.
You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick.
Good luck!
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/h1n1f...
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm…
September 18th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I am getting both vaccinations as will the rest of my family.
My husband travels by plane for work each week so he breathes in that recycled air twice a week. my 7 year old goes to school and everyone knows schools, especially elementary, are big germ factories! I have a 17 month old baby at home with me and Im 18 weeks pregnant. Since my new born wont be able to be vaccinated, we are all getting the vaccinations when they become available just to protect everyone in the home.
If you dont get the shot and you get the flu after your baby is born, you could pass it onto your newborn. You might not get it as severely but your baby will only be tiny and wont be able to fight it off as you will most likely be able to.
To everyone who carries hand sanitizer, I do too! My son carries it to school and we ALWAYS wash our hands and change clothes when we come home from shopping, etc. But there is no way of knowing if the person who sneezed behind you in the grocery line sneezed the swine flu germ onto you or your children. And as an adult, we know not to touch our faces, but what about our young children who often forget or dont know any better?
September 18th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
wow this sux!
September 18th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
i have a friend who has a cousin who has h1n1 and im realy sorry 4 her
September 19th, 2009 at 8:49 am
It's just hype. The flu vaccine they make each year is made from the previous year's strain. Here, they are trying to hurry up and make one from samples taken just this past season, and we have to be careful to go through all the safety procedures. There is nothing really different.
And you can add to that the suspicion that swine flu may not be that bad after all, and the idea that since the flu is the result of a cross-species jump, that means something about the vaccine, which it doesn't
September 19th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Influenza viruses can infect multiple species of animal.
This is really not hard. Birds migrate, they take the flu with them. Humans travel they take the flu with them.
An Asian bird migrates to Europe taking a bird flu with them. That flu finds it's way into a human who gets "bird flu" and infects others. One of the poor unfortunate souls who picks up this "bird flu" is a sick elderly person who already has a form of human flu.
The two flu's combine and infect healthcare workers, then the healthcare workers kids, then the healthcare workers kids classmates, then the healthcare workers kids classmates parents. One of those parents gets infected, travels to Mexico on vacation, and passes this "combined flu" to one of the workers in the hotel. That worker passes it to their families.
One member of their family is already infected with a form of swine flu. That family member is now infected with a combination swine-bird-human flu.
This is not all that uncommon. What is uncommon is for these combined flu's to spread so late in the flu season. Which theoretically ends in mid-Spring.
September 19th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
It's not mandatory because it's not important. Firstly, H1N1 has been documented since around 1915. This isn't new.
Second, it's insignificant to the general population. The WHO reports around 185,000 confirmed cases worldwide, with around 1400 deaths. Compare this to the rest of the Influenza A group, at 340,000,000 – 1,000,000,000 infections per year, and 250,000 – 500,000 deaths worldwide per year. That means H1N1 has less than .02% of the deaths per year globally than Influenza A, which the general population basically ignores. In the end, the numbers speak for themselves…the media is just stirring the pot because there's nothing better to scare people with right now.