Are you planning to get H1N1 vaccine?

Jilly · Veteran Member

Are you planning to get H1N1 vaccine?

3s_a_crowd · Guru

dh just got back from the doc. They said he has the flu but dont know what kind, they didnt bother swiping or testing him. THey said to come back if hes worse but the doc said here all there verified swine cases havent had any complications.

Part of me thinks if weve already had it whats the point in the vax. but I guess we dont know for sure if weve had it ya know.

Supafly · Guru

3s_a_crowd wrote:

dh just got back from the doc. They said he has the flu but dont know what kind, they didnt bother swiping or testing him. THey said to come back if hes worse but the doc said here all there verified swine cases havent had any complications.

Part of me thinks if weve already had it whats the point in the vax. but I guess we dont know for sure if weve had it ya know.

UGH. I am sorry, Tracy. That just stinks.

I would totally feel that way too-like if we had already had it, why get the vax for it?

I hope everyone gets (and stays) healthy in your house quickly.

Juni · Guru

Supafly wrote:

Juni wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Ok, so this is off topic, but here it is...

I fully intend to get the girl's the regular flu shot-we have done so in the past and it has not been a problem. I have waivered btwn yes and no to the swine flu.

But here is the thing. My pedi's office sets up clinics for the flu shots, but they are (and have been) fully booked. They do not set up office visits for flu shots, but will give them if you have a well visit planned. Kate's 3 year is on 11/20 (it was in november last year too, so if had to be after that), and I had planned, like I did last year, to take both girls in to get their shots then. But now that it seems like there are already a lot of kids getting sick, I am wondering if that is too long to wait???

Any thoughts? Should I be calling and seeing if there is anyway we an get in sooner?

If it were me I would get in ASAP to get the flu vax. The thing about waiting is not only that they go longer without the vax but you run the risk of them not having any available. So, definitely, I would do the sooner is better approach. But, that is just me.

Well, they know I am bringing them both for that purpose, and I would ASSUME they would make sure there were vaccines for them?? But maybe I should check on that.

I do worry that between now and then, they will get something from someone at school. We are trying to avoid a lot of public places for now, and being as careful as we can about hand washing, but that only goes so far!

I really don't know if they will get us in earlier. They set up these clinics to avoid having people just come in left and right, but if the clinics are full, one would think they would let you come in. I should call.

As far as I know they do not "save" them for appointments so while they would plan for that the likelihood of them being gone is pretty good.

Juni · Guru

CoffeeQueen wrote:

I just learned something today. Maybe I am slow, but flu season does not typically start till November. So they believe everyone with the flu right now has had the H1N1.

Laura, not sure about where you live, but tons of places are giving flu shot clinics around me. Also check with your Dr. they may have them and give the girls a shot.

The nurse here at our school just had it and she said it was awful and she felt like she was going to die. She said even her hair hurt,lol. Her son had it and her sons girlfriend. They ended up in the hospital and were so dehydrated. She had it attack her gall bladder. So crazy.

Our health coordinator told us the same thing about the regular flu not usually starting until later so it is a good assumption that all the flu cases are H1N1.

Alison · Guru

I have read that elderberry extract can help shorten the duration of the flu:

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, elderberry was shown to be effective for treating Influenza B.^[4] People using the elderberry extract recovered much faster than those only on a placebo. This is partially due to the fact that Elderberry inhibits neuraminidase, the enzyme used by the virus to spread infection to host cells.^{[citation needed]}

A small study published in 2004 showed that 93% of flu patients given extract were completely symptom-free within two days; those taking a placebo recovered in about six days. This current study shows that, indeed, it works for type A flu, reports lead researcher Erling Thom, with the University of Oslo in Norway.^[5]

Thom's findings were presented at the 15th Annual Conference on Antiviral Research.

The study involved 60 patients who had been suffering with flu symptoms for 48 hours or less; 90% were infected with the A strain of the virus, 10% were infected with type B. Half the group took 15 milliliters of extract and the other group took a placebo four times a day for five days.

Patients in the extract group had "pronounced improvements" in flu symptoms after three days: nearly 90% of patients had complete cure within two to three days. Also, the extract group had no drowsiness, the downside of many flu treatments. The placebo group didn't recover until at least day six; they also took more painkillers and nasal sprays.

It's likely that antioxidants called flavonoids—which are contained in the extract—stimulate the immune system, writes Thom. Also, other compounds in elderberry, called anthocyanins, have an anti-inflammatory effect; this could explain the effect on aches, pains, and fever.

Elderberry extract could be an "efficient and safe treatment" for flu symptoms in otherwise healthy people and for those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, Thom adds.

Russell Greenfield, MD, a leading practitioner of integrative medicine and medical director of Carolinas Integrative Health, advocates treating flu with black elderberry, he says in a news release. "It can be given to children and adults, and with no known side effects or negative interactions," he says.

It can be found at drug stores and natural food stores. The kind I bought (which I've been taking for a week and doesn't seem to be making my cold any better, LOL) is called Sambucol.

daisy · Guru

ugggggggg now i have NO IDEA what to do!!!

Juni · Guru

So, my city is doing free vaccinations for the H1N1 starting October 24th. This is great except then we will be surrounded with tons of people and that is going to freak me out bringing my kids there. Ugh.

CoffeeQueen · Guru

Supafly wrote:

a_mastermom wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Juni wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Ok, so this is off topic, but here it is...

I fully intend to get the girl's the regular flu shot-we have done so in the past and it has not been a problem. I have waivered btwn yes and no to the swine flu.

But here is the thing. My pedi's office sets up clinics for the flu shots, but they are (and have been) fully booked. They do not set up office visits for flu shots, but will give them if you have a well visit planned. Kate's 3 year is on 11/20 (it was in november last year too, so if had to be after that), and I had planned, like I did last year, to take both girls in to get their shots then. But now that it seems like there are already a lot of kids getting sick, I am wondering if that is too long to wait???

Any thoughts? Should I be calling and seeing if there is anyway we an get in sooner?

If it were me I would get in ASAP to get the flu vax. The thing about waiting is not only that they go longer without the vax but you run the risk of them not having any available. So, definitely, I would do the sooner is better approach. But, that is just me.

Well, they know I am bringing them both for that purpose, and I would ASSUME they would make sure there were vaccines for them?? But maybe I should check on that.

I do worry that between now and then, they will get something from someone at school. We are trying to avoid a lot of public places for now, and being as careful as we can about hand washing, but that only goes so far!

I really don't know if they will get us in earlier. They set up these clinics to avoid having people just come in left and right, but if the clinics are full, one would think they would let you come in. I should call.

Definitely call. My ped ran out of the regular flu shot vax weeks ago.

Yikes!!!

Ok, so I called. They said that they currently are out, but they will be getting more and would have them by the 11/20 appt. They said it was fine for both girls to get i then, and they wouldn't be out at that time.

She also said that there are clinics around the county (the next one is 10/27, then 10/31), if we feel like they should get it sooner, but that she had talked with the nurses about it as well, and they said that the flu hasn't really started here, and they *should* be ok if they wait. But there was a child at my neighbor's daughter's preschool with the flu, so who knows.

They don't even HAVE the H1N1 (and they were part of the trials for it!), so I guess I don't even have to make that decision right now!

I'm going to look into the other county clinics as well. It is more money to go that route, but might not be a bad idea.

Thank you ladies for pushing me into calling!

a lot of places take insurance. The price I see around here is 20-25 a shot? Not sure if that is the same elsewhere.

CoffeeQueen · Guru

daisy wrote:

ugggggggg now i have NO IDEA what to do!!!

Tell me about it.

Times like this makes me hate having to be the grown up :)

daisy · Guru

CoffeeQueen wrote:

daisy wrote:

ugggggggg now i have NO IDEA what to do!!!

Tell me about it.

Times like this makes me hate having to be the grown up :)

my friend and i were researching pediatric deaths from regular flu last night...

apparently it's approx the same amount of regular flu deaths as swine flu deaths (i have no idea the circumstances of the deaths though - like other health issues)- and about 50% of this year's flu deaths in pediatrics have been swine...

so i'm still feeling like swine is in the same category of risk as regular flu....

but god i'm worried about making the wrong choice here...

Sara · Guru

daisy wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

daisy wrote:

ugggggggg now i have NO IDEA what to do!!!

Tell me about it.

Times like this makes me hate having to be the grown up :)

my friend and i were researching pediatric deaths from regular flu last night...
apparently it's approx the same amount of regular flu deaths as swine flu deaths (i have no idea the circumstances of the deaths though - like other health issues)- and about 50% of this year's flu deaths in pediatrics have been swine...
so i'm still feeling like swine is in the same category of risk as regular flu....
but god i'm worried about making the wrong choice here...

my boys pediatricin said this same thing about regular flu vs swine flu and deaths. he just said swine flu is getting all the hype right now because it is a new strain of the flu in the u.s.

we have been fighting it this week. i will admit while sick bryce and keegan both looked AWFUL! i think what helped was catching it early and getting them on the Tamiflu and keeping them hydrated and such.

i personally think alot of the problem comes down to parents who do not pay as much attention when their child is coming down with something therefore missing all of the warning signs before it is much to late. :(

i will say keegan puked i would easily say 3/4's of his doses of the meds but it still seemed to take effect.

daisy · Guru

Sara wrote:

daisy wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

daisy wrote:

ugggggggg now i have NO IDEA what to do!!!

Tell me about it.

Times like this makes me hate having to be the grown up :)

my friend and i were researching pediatric deaths from regular flu last night...
apparently it's approx the same amount of regular flu deaths as swine flu deaths (i have no idea the circumstances of the deaths though - like other health issues)- and about 50% of this year's flu deaths in pediatrics have been swine...
so i'm still feeling like swine is in the same category of risk as regular flu....
but god i'm worried about making the wrong choice here...

my boys pediatricin said this same thing about regular flu vs swine flu and deaths. he just said swine flu is getting all the hype right now because it is a new strain of the flu in the u.s.

we have been fighting it this week. i will admit while sick bryce and keegan both looked AWFUL! i think what helped was catching it early and getting them on the Tamiflu and keeping them hydrated and such.

i personally think alot of the problem comes down to parents who do not pay as much attention when their child is coming down with something therefore missing all of the warning signs before it is much to late. :(

i will say keegan puked i would easily say 3/4's of his doses of the meds but it still seemed to take effect.

so they have swine for sure?
my friend was concluding the same thing (that the deaths are the unfortunate cases where parents think it's just a cold, etc...) -- her dad is a doc and doesnt think his granddaughter should get the vax.
i hope you guys are feeling better soon...
did they start off with a fever?

Sara · Guru

daisy wrote:

Sara wrote:

daisy wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

daisy wrote:

ugggggggg now i have NO IDEA what to do!!!

Tell me about it.

Times like this makes me hate having to be the grown up :)

my friend and i were researching pediatric deaths from regular flu last night...
apparently it's approx the same amount of regular flu deaths as swine flu deaths (i have no idea the circumstances of the deaths though - like other health issues)- and about 50% of this year's flu deaths in pediatrics have been swine...
so i'm still feeling like swine is in the same category of risk as regular flu....
but god i'm worried about making the wrong choice here...

my boys pediatricin said this same thing about regular flu vs swine flu and deaths. he just said swine flu is getting all the hype right now because it is a new strain of the flu in the u.s.

we have been fighting it this week. i will admit while sick bryce and keegan both looked AWFUL! i think what helped was catching it early and getting them on the Tamiflu and keeping them hydrated and such.

i personally think alot of the problem comes down to parents who do not pay as much attention when their child is coming down with something therefore missing all of the warning signs before it is much to late. :(

i will say keegan puked i would easily say 3/4's of his doses of the meds but it still seemed to take effect.

so they have swine for sure?
my friend was concluding the same thing (that the deaths are the unfortunate cases where parents think it's just a cold, etc...) -- her dad is a doc and doesnt think his granddaughter should get the vax.
i hope you guys are feeling better soon...
did they start off with a fever?

well, bryce tested positive for type A flu. his doctor however said that it was most likely swine flu because that is the flu that is going around.

they are not running tests for swine due to the cost and it not being a quick swab test.

when it started it came on fast...it was fever then constant coughing!!! and they just instantly looked awful in the eyes.

CoffeeQueen · Guru

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

Juni · Guru

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.

ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

Juanita · Guru

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

If you start tamiflu within the first two days of being sick, it usually helps. Also sometimes the flu virus doesn't show up on day ! of the test, but it'll show up on day 2

Juanita · Guru

Sara wrote:

daisy wrote:

Sara wrote:

daisy wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

daisy wrote:

ugggggggg now i have NO IDEA what to do!!!

Tell me about it.

Times like this makes me hate having to be the grown up :)

my friend and i were researching pediatric deaths from regular flu last night...
apparently it's approx the same amount of regular flu deaths as swine flu deaths (i have no idea the circumstances of the deaths though - like other health issues)- and about 50% of this year's flu deaths in pediatrics have been swine...
so i'm still feeling like swine is in the same category of risk as regular flu....
but god i'm worried about making the wrong choice here...

my boys pediatricin said this same thing about regular flu vs swine flu and deaths. he just said swine flu is getting all the hype right now because it is a new strain of the flu in the u.s.

we have been fighting it this week. i will admit while sick bryce and keegan both looked AWFUL! i think what helped was catching it early and getting them on the Tamiflu and keeping them hydrated and such.

i personally think alot of the problem comes down to parents who do not pay as much attention when their child is coming down with something therefore missing all of the warning signs before it is much to late. :(

i will say keegan puked i would easily say 3/4's of his doses of the meds but it still seemed to take effect.

so they have swine for sure?
my friend was concluding the same thing (that the deaths are the unfortunate cases where parents think it's just a cold, etc...) -- her dad is a doc and doesnt think his granddaughter should get the vax.
i hope you guys are feeling better soon...
did they start off with a fever?

well, bryce tested positive for type A flu. his doctor however said that it was most likely swine flu because that is the flu that is going around.

they are not running tests for swine due to the cost and it not being a quick swab test.

when it started it came on fast...it was fever then constant coughing!!! and they just instantly looked awful in the eyes.

this is a telltale sign with my girls too! SG has had a cough/cold for about 3 weeks now. Not a constant cough or anything, but I can tell by her eyes that's all it is. Plus, she hasn't ran any fever

Sara · Guru

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.

most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Dddiii · Guru

Sara wrote:

Juni wrote:

CoffeeQueen wrote:

Kelly, like Sara said it come on fast. All the cases here with kids have been fast. Most start with fever, but not all. I hear that within two hours they go from somewhat sick, to realy sick. The key is like Sara said in getting the tamiflu. The tamiflu does not work if it is past so many hours. I am not sure what that time frame is.

I have read 12-48 hours from the first time symptoms present.
ETA: And that's where I have a problem because they also say to treat it like the regular flu and most people won't go in that first day or two to treat the regular flu, kwim?

-- Edited by Juni on Friday 16th of October 2009 09:08:13 AM

the only reason they had me bring Bryce in was because he was complaining his ears hurt. otherwise they told me over the phone it sounded like the flu.
most will probably just prescribe or call in tamiflu after talking with the doctor or nurse.

Meghan was diagnosed yesterday with H1N1 without getting a flu test.

I was really uncomfortable with her pedi not giving her the test, but everyone I've spoken with since (her school, my ob, pharmacist) said that a)the flu test is only about 80% accurate, if that much and b)the flu has always been diagnosed by symptoms and no one had even heard of the flu test before last year.

It's weird you guys mention the eyes... that is the first and biggest symptom I noticed too. Her eyes looked OFF. And her pedi mentioned it too.

Meghan's generally fine. Her fever was up to about 102 yesterday but only low grade today. She's got her energy back. Her throat is killing her so she's not eating much and she does have a nasty cough (but luckily no mucus in her lungs as of yesterday).

I'm still not 100% convinced it is the flu and I'm keeping my eyes open to see if any other obvious signs of a sinus infection develop. She's VERY stuffed up but has no discharge so I can't see the color of her mucus. The thing that makes me question a sinus infection is she keeps crying about this loud noise in her head when she lays down to sleep.

Now I have to go on Tamiflu. I've been in tears about it all morning but the head honcho at my OB's office basically insisted and I know he's right. I was hoping to get a prescription and go on it if I end up with any symptoms but he said for pregnant women, that could be too late. That you have a 1 in 3 chance of ending up in the hospital even if you start Tamiflu after the symptoms start. He also said that it is absolutely safe for me and the baby because it doesn't operate on our symptoms, only attacks the virus (don't really understand this one). I pretty much don't buy into any of that but I also know I can't risk ending up the hospital and being pumped with even more medication I don't want in me.

Being pregnant right now SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!