Swine Flu (H1N1) vaccine?

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I'm wondering what everyone's thoughts are on taking the vaccine for the Swine Flu? I've been hearing that some are afraid to take it, while others are strongly promoting it. To tell you the truth, I don't know what to think about the vaccine, or whether or not it is even available in my community? Should I have my DD get the vaccine, (college student) or not?

I've also read that vitamin D might be a help in preventing the Swine Flu, as well as the standard Flu vaccine having some preventative qualities.

Any thoughts? are you planning on getting the vaccine?

[littlestar Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close littlestar]

I won't get it. I don't think it's been tested enough.

My niece's little girl has H1N1 right now. Her flu has been pretty mild. Body aches and fever. 28% of her school has it here in Indy.

[Pat H Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pat H]

The swine flu does not affect older people (no offense) the way it does the young. A friend of mine went to the Dr. yesterday and the Dr. told him that he will not give the swine vaccine to any of his patients. He said there are too many preservatives and that it is actualy being made in China. I don't know if any of that is true or not. I got my first ever regular flu shot but I am not getting the swine vaccine.

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

I won't get it. I don't think it's been tested enough.

That's how I feel about it, too.

Regular flu shots are always offered here at work and I will do that, but not seek the h1n1 vac.

Unlike other years, if I get the flu I will go see my doctor.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I got this in my email today. I can't vouch for its accuracy - maybe one our resident medical professionals can weigh in - but some of the things listed do make sense, certainly the handwashing - I particularly like the signature "no virus found in this incoming message"

With H1N1 and flu cases on the increase throughout our area, I found the article below very interesting. If we all take the precautions and share this article with everyone....maybe it won't be as awful as predicted!
With the constant fear of H1N1 symptoms, the following measures can be practised by one and all.
This is an information which just received from a friend whose father is a Consultant General Surgeon & Gastroenterologist, and I do hope it could be beneficial to the students and their families alike.
Tami flu does not kill the virus, but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation till the virus limits itself in about 1 - 2 weeks (its natural cycle). H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there.
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat.
In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1.
Contactwith H1N1 is not so much of a problem... as proliferation is.
While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation (growth & spread of the virus), aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not fully highlighted in most official communications can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tami Flu)
1. Frequent hand washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands off the face" approach, Resistall temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap!!!!)
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt. H1N1 takes 2 - 3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.
Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on healthy individual that Tami flu has on a infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hardoncea day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in vitamin C (Citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets make sure that it also has Zinc/bioflavonoids to boost absorption.


6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside public hospitals.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - AVG Antivirus and Security Software - Real-time protection against viruses, spyware and malicious websites
Version: 8.5.420 / Virus Database: 270.14.3/2409 - Release Date: 10/02/09 06:46:00

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

Our local providers are only vaccinating "at-risk" populations at this time: kids 6 months through 24 years old, health professionals, those who provide care to infants under 6 months, and those with compromised immune systems. Healthy adults who don't otherwise qualify cannot obtain one at this time. As the supply increases, that may change. I suspect most locales have similar restrictions in place.

My wife (a physician) is getting hers next week. She believes it is as safe as any other flu vaccine, as it is manufactured using the same techniques and processes in more or less the same laboratories that produces the seasonal flu vaccine that my family gets every year.

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

I work for a medical device company and we have had reports that our product is being used on the most seriously ill H1N1 patients so we are keeping up to date on the latest reports on the worldwide epidemic.

Even though I know that I'm not in one of the high risk groups, I still intend to get the vaccination when I can. My sister came down with H1N1 a few weeks ago and it really knocked her off her feet, although she wasn't deathly ill. If I can avoid getting the flu this year, I personally think getting the vaccine is well worth it. JMO.

Sue

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

Today's Times has an article on the subject.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/16/health/16vaccine.html

[kbletzer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kbletzer]

my children's elem. school here in VA Beach is offering it to all the students later this month. We just rec'd notice yesterday.
Now I am skeptical about this 1.) because our pediatrician said he is more concerned about them getting the flu vaccine and there is alot of hype over the H1N1 and 2.) I also feel that it hasn't been tested enough.

We did get the flu vaccine a couple weeks back and the kids did have minor side effects from it. I am also concerned about the possible side effects of this vaccine.

K

[Fern Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fern]

This is an important side issue. DO NOT get the inhaled, "FLU MIST" version of the vaccine if you may come into contact with anybody whose immune system is compromised (ie, Leukemia, Aids, CMV, etc.). Flu Mist is a live form of the virus. The shot will not be.

Fern, who's learning what she needs to, to get along...

[kbletzer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kbletzer]

This is an important side issue. DO NOT get the inhaled, "FLU MIST" version of the vaccine if you may come into contact with anybody whose immune system is compromised (ie, Leukemia, Aids, CMV, etc.). Flu Mist is a live form of the virus. The shot will not be.

Fern, who's learning what she needs to, to get along...

I did hear this....thanks Fern

[Bill4728 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Bill4728]

This is an important side issue. DO NOT get the inhaled, "FLU MIST" version of the vaccine if you may come into contact with anybody whose immune system is compromised (ie, Leukemia, Aids, CMV, etc.). Flu Mist is a live form of the virus. The shot will not be.

Absolutely true.

BUT for those people worried about the shot, the flu-mist may be a better option for them.

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

Any thoughts? are you planning on getting the vaccine?

No. Teenage son was recovering from H1N1 when the vaccine roll-out was announced here. Neither DH or I caught it.

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Absolutely true.

BUT for those people worried about the shot, the flu-mist may be a better option for them.

Flu mist is not recommended for people over 50.

[jlwquilter Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close jlwquilter]

My 5th grader got the FluMist vaccine on Wednesday, at school. She had a low temperature yesterday and some mild body aches. Today she back to normal - no temperature at all and feeling good. If the vaccine protects her from a more serious case of the flu -and perhaps protects me as well as she's my main vector for illness - then I am a happy camper.