H1N1

H1N1

I got an email this morning from our Sunday School class… apparently one of the members has gotten H1N1 (the swine flu) and wanted to warn everyone who might have been exposed. Since we were in Indiana last weekend, we don’t have to worry, but it got me thinking.

I’ve been noticing a lot of people on Facebook whose family members also have gotten the swine flu. Normally, I’m not concerned but now with Savannah I wonder if I should be concerned.

I like to get out with Savannah (stores, church, etc.), so I don’t want to stay home all the time. How can I best protect her without going overboard? I know new infants are the most at-risk for the swine flu.

Also, there’s the question of the vaccine… I wasn’t considering getting it, but maybe I should? How does all that work? Anyone done research about this?

I don’t want to freak out, but I don’t want my baby to get sick or die because of my lack of action either.

6 thoughts on “H1N1”

  1. Well, I’m one of those weird people who has all sorts of problems with vaccines ;-), but Dr. Sears is the most objective source on vaccines out there, providing lots of good options and information. Right now his front page has some stuff on the H1N1 vaccine. http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/ He doesn’t say not to get it, but he is rather surprised that it’s recommended for breastfeeding moms with so little (most of the kinds have none, actually) testing in that area. That bothered him.

  2. my biggest concern about the vaccine is that it hasn’t been around much so there isn’t much knowledge on long term side effects. My knowledge and observations of the actual swine flu is that it’s really not as bad and big as everyone’s fears. Seems like most people that get it are fine and don’t even require hospitalization. About the same as the regular flu that goes around. but… that’s just me. my babies are bigger, so we just focus on washing our hands a lot. I’ve read some other things that are supposed to help, one is gargling with salt water or mouth wash, and even using the salt water to clean out your nose. :)

    so there are my two cents.

  3. From what I understand, the H1N1 shot isn’t all that different from the seasonal flu shot. The seasonal shot is extremely researched, so that’s why I feel comfortable with the H1N1.

    The H1N1 is particularly nasty for our age group, including our children. Johnny got his first round of it yesterday and will go back in a month to get another.

    I got my seasonal flu shot today. Shane and I will get the h1n1 shot as soon as it becomes available.

    I want to be immunized to help lessen the spread of the flu, especially to protect those who can’t get the shot, such as little babies and people who are allergic to eggs (like my neighbor’s 2-year-old! Can’t get a flu shot!).

    I’m concerned for my friend who is pregnant. She suspects her husband has h1n1. It has been really bad for pregnant women.

  4. Oh, and I should say that we follow the CDC’s vaccination schedule for Johnny. I am a big fan of Dr. Sears for most things, but I just don’t like his delayed vac schedule. So I thought I’d post this disclaimer :)

  5. The problem with the seasonal flu shot is that it’s *not* extremely researched (Can I politely disagree with you, Kacie? :-D).

    Studies have shown that it doesn’t statistically effect deaths, hospital stays, or time away from work. It’s a guess every year as to whether the strains included in the shot will actually be dominant in the U.S. It’s probably the least effective of all the vaccines, and definitely has one of the highest risks of side effects. Furthermore, look at the product inserts and you’ll see that it’s one of the least researched as far as extensive studies on side effects. The sample sizes are much smaller than for other vaccines. As far as h1n1, it’s made precisely like the regular flu shot, so I consider it a take both or leave both. Although at least the seasonal shot has undergone some safety testing. The h1n1 vaccine has not.

    Just my 2 cents :-). You wanted opinions. . . And I won’t think you’re an evil mother if you get either vaccine ;-).

  6. You should move to a remote country and expose your family to lots of common things. Then, move back when Savannah’s immune system is so strong, all she gets is the seasonal sniffle.

    … it worked on me ;)

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