Flu Vaccination

This is my thought...I would NEVER be able to forgive myself if I chose not to vaccinate and my child got sick and died from a preventable disease...including swine flu (if they get side effects, I wouldn't feel nearly as bad...)! The flu shot is made the same way as the seasonal flu shot, so I am taking it with minimal worry as to the side effects (as are my hubby and 2 year old...we have a 6 week old baby to worry about). (BTW...I will never understand the parents who are willing to vaccinate their children for the flu, but won't take the shot themselves...)

A.,

I am not getting the H1N1 vaccine, and I am not having my children get it. They are regularly vaccinated and they both have had the flu shots. I just don't believe there is enough research on the side effects.

We will not do it. We regularly vaccinate against nearly everything that is offered, but not the flu-regular or h1n1. Way too new, pushed way too fast is the biggest reason. Another is all the media hype. This strain is not new! Quite the contrary. There was an outbreak of h1n1 just a couple of decades ago, and there was a push for mandatory nationwide vaccination. While the vaccination never reached as far as what the powers that be wanted it to be, the results of those who got it were devastating. There were all sorts of problems and side effects and the cost to attempt to remedy that disaster were far and above what the monetary cost for the vaccination program was. Not to mention the physical and emotional toll on those who were effected.
I will grant you that medicine has come leaps and bounds from the last time this was vaccinated against, but that in itself is one reason no one in my family will get this vaccine. People point to the epidemic in the early 1900s....think of sanitation back then. Think of medical options, the way towns/cities were set up, the lack of drs and hospitals....it's apples to oranges.
H1N1 has only touched (and therefore killed) a tiny fraction of the number of people that are affected by "regular" influenza each year. The targeted flu strain (that they make flu vaccination for) mutates and changes every year, this is just another strain.
I personally think the media just needed something new to talk about.

The reason the cdc is worried about the current H1N1 strain is that usually flu strains go away during the warm months. H1N1 didn't. Flu usually takes a while to get ramped up and start spreading everywhere...and then it tapers off. H1N1 never left. It's at full force. This worries them.

The cdc recommends flu shots for:
-kids 6 months to 19 yrs old
-pregnant women
-anyone who already has health issues (congenital defects, diabetics, etc)
-care takers of people who should get the shot.
These are the people who would have worrisome health issues if they got the flu.
-----------------
They didn't rush the H1N1 vaccine. It takes 6 months to make a vaccine. They started making it 6 months ago.
-------------------
If you don't get the shot. Get crazy about hand washing or hand sanitizing. 90% of colds/viruses can be avoided by manditory hand sanitizing when the person enters the house.
-----------------
the flu is NOT a stomach bug. It is a respiratory illness that is very serious. It's too bad everyone says 'flu' when they're feeling queasy.

I'm not going to tell you whether or not to do it, I just wanted to point out a few things. I agree that it is a very emotionally charged subject with a lot of fear surrounding it (as with all vaccines). When I'm approaching a subject like this, I try to weed out the noise & stick with the facts - that is, I try to really consider my sources very closely. The media is sensationalized on both sides of the argument, so I don't listen to them. I don't listen to anecdotes of people....(I got the shot & was fine...I got the shot & immediately landed in the hospital). Anecdotes prove nothing. I stick to the science & studies that have been done. Your pediatrician is the most qualified to help you decide which studies have been done and how credible they are and to weigh the risk vs. benefit of the vaccines. The truth is, H1N1 has become a huge deal in all of our minds because of media...and recently so has the vaccine. So try to tune out the noise and the emotion, talk to your pediatrician and your husband & make a decision that is best for your family. More specifically, you obviously have some reservations about vaccines in general to be going with an alternative schedule for other vaccines. I would discuss those specific issues with your doctor - i.e. if you're worried about fillers, ask about what is used in the H1N1 - if you're worried about side effects of regular vaccines, discuss those, etc.

Hi,
I've been doing lots of research on all sorts of environmental toxins over the last few years. Since I used to work in health care, I was in the habit of always getting the flu shots - as well as getting them for my kids. Last year, they did not get them (my husband never has) and this year none of us will be getting them. www.mercola.com has lots of info on flu shots as well as Vitamin D as a way to help prevent the flu in the first place. Here is a snip of 9 reasons not to get the vaccine.

This year it is more important that you protect your children and loved ones from the flu vaccines than influenza itself.

In his article published on LewRockwell.com, Bill Sardi details 18 reasons why you should not vaccinate your children against the flu this season. Here are nine of them:

1.

The swine flu is simply another flu. It is not unusually deadly.
2.

This is the first time both seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines will be administered. Both seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines will require two inoculations. This is because single inoculations have failed to produce sufficient antibodies. This is an admission that prior flu vaccines were virtually useless. Can you trust them this time?
3.

Adjuvants are added to vaccines to boost production of antibodies but may trigger autoimmune reactions. Some adjuvants are mercury (thimerosal), aluminum and squalene. Why would you sign a consent form for your children to be injected with mercury, which is even more brain-toxic than lead?
4.

This is the first year mock vaccines have been used to gain FDA approval. The vaccines that have been tested are not the same vaccines your children will be given.
5.

Over-vaccination is a common practice now in America. American children are subjected to 29 vaccines by the age of two. Meanwhile, veterinarians have backed off of repeat vaccination in dogs because of observed side effects.
6.

Modern medicine has no explanation for autism, despite its continued rise in prevalence. Yet autism is not reported among Amish children who go unvaccinated.
7.

Researchers are warning that over-use of the flu vaccine and anti-flu drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza can apply genetic pressure on flu viruses and then they are more likely to mutate into a more deadly strain.
8.

Most seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus strains tested from the United States and other countries are now resistant to Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Tamiflu has become a nearly worthless drug against seasonal flu.
9. Public health officials are irresponsible in their omission of any ways to strengthen immunity against the flu. No options outside of problematic vaccines and anti-flu drugs are offered, despite the fact there is strong evidence that vitamins C and D activate the immune system and the trace mineral selenium prevents the worst form of the disease.

For even more reasons -- 18 in all -- please review the full article on LewRockwell.com.

Good luck. More info on staying healthier at livinghealthiernow.com.

S.

Hi A. - SarahK just asked a similar question so I thought I would post the links I sent to her here. I've learned that there is a Thimerosol-free flu shot which is the one that my 3.5 yr old received. I agree that it feels like all the public service announcements are saying that getting H1N1 is equivalent to a death sentence when in fact it's seems more mild than the regular flu right now. My oldest son had it - high fever aches sore throat and headache for 48-72 hours and some fatigue and low appetite for another few days. But then there were 2 little kids in my community hospital who are on heart/lung machines because the virus attacked their lungs.

It's hard to know who to believe anymore. I hope these links are helpful.

****************************************************
Posted 10/10/2009:

Hi Sarah - I wish I had an answer for you. We're trying to decide the same thing. One of my sons already had the flu about a month ago but no one else in our household got sick from it so we dont know if we have some immunity or were just lucky.

Here are 2 things I looked at recently. Mark Siegel on Fox tends to be pretty on track about things. The other is a video from the Glen Beck show. I dont normally watch his show but this interview with Mark Siegel and another doc who is an infectious disease expert was very good.

I look forward to seeing other posts to hear what people have to say. I wish there was a blood test to see if someone was immune.

http://health.blogs.foxnews.com/2009/10/06/h1n1-swine-flu...

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/317...

You are right, there is a lot of pressure out there to get the flu vaccinations. Do you know why? Because when you vaccinate your child AND yourself you are doing more than just protecting your own child against the flu, you are also helping to slow and stop the spread of the flu virus. Because you or your child can be a spreader of the virus BEFORE you show symptoms and up to 10 days after you feel better (for H1N1) not getting vaccinated is not enough. H1N1 is just like any other flu -- I know, I had it in the first round. So did my baby, at 1 year old. Thankfully she has a really strong immune system and did not have to be hospitalized. We'll be getting our flu shots to help stem the tide of flu. Tens of thousands DIE each year from the flu, why not help prevent that?

My daughter is 7 and has a heart disease. It was recommended to us to have the flu shot for our entire family to protect her. Last year, the prices continued to rise and we simply couldn't afford the $100. It was our healthiest year ever! Bethany and I also did some intense chiropractor work which probably had a huge effect on our health as well. To be honest, all the hype this year makes me realize it really is about money and politics not health. We are not getting them and hopefully, we will have another healthy year.

Hi A.!

I fit in the same category you do. My research indicates that you shouldn't stress over this one. It's a money maker. Not that the flu is fun, but this one is no worse than any other. Unless any of you fit into a "high risk" category (auto immune issues, etc.), I'd skip it and take vitamin C and/or anything else you usually do during flu season.

L.

I will be interested to see the responses to this. We don't consider ourselves alternative vaccine peeps, but I, too have a major problem with the H1N1 vaccination.

Wow, lots of responses! Clearly a topic of strong opinions! I have gone back and forth a bit myself. We don't usually have the regular flu vaccine because of the risks and the fact that it doesn't cover every strain of the flu going around on a given year. I have also seen statistics on how proper hand washing does more to lessen your odds of contracting it than the vaccine. I was considering it however, with the H1N1 because it is airborn as well. Handwashing doesn't do much for that! Then I heard that when this flu made the rounds in the 70's, more people died from the vaccine than the swine flu itself! Not a huge number, but concerning for sure! And now that it is hitting, most people I know who are getting it (and I'm talking about confirmed cases here), it is shorter lived and less intense than typical flu strains. I have finally decided we would skip it. If someone in my family does contract it, I would consider Tamiflu if it seemed severe. There is a 48 hour window in which Tamiflu is effective, so hopefully in that amount of time you we could clearly see if it were truly necessary. The bottom line is, there is no one, easy answer. We all have to go by what we are most comfortable with, and consider our individual situations such as whether we or a family member has compromised health, which changes things as well. Good luck with your decision!

I am a mom who regularly vaccinates my children, including the flu shot, which I've already received myself. I am currently pregnant and will absolutely NOT be getting the H1N1 vaccine. I don't like that there are no studies on long term side effects, for myself, or my unborn babies. I don't want to be a statistic years down the road for my unborn babies having medical problems, or myself because of a vaccine that just hasn't been out long enough

I am getting the regular flu shot this year, and in fact have already received it, but for a variety of reason will not get the H1N1 shot. I think it's been rushed, and I am concerned about side effects. My own doctor is not getting it and she advised me to not get it either.

I did want to address the previous post who stated that the H1N1 shot was a money making attempt. This is false, as the government made the vaccine, and as a result, the vaccine is being provided to the public for free (the government is not charging the public for manufacturing the vaccine as private manufacturers do for the regular flu shots). However, doctors offices and clinics may be charging service fees for administering the shots to patients. The government is strongly urging clinics to not charge any fees for the H1N1 vaccines, but some clinics re charging fees anyway. So any fees you payas a result of the H1N1 vaccine are going to the doctors office or clinic for administering the shot, but the vaccine itself is free to all patients.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for asking because I've been wondering as well. The thing my husband keeps pointing out is that more people end up dieing from the regular flu than the swine flu. It is interesting to see what others think. Just remember that the H1N1 and the regular flu vaccine are two different vacines. I have heard that you must take them 2 weeks apart if you are getting them both.

i have tried the flu shot with two of my boys and it was the sickest they have ever been so I won't give them the flu shot any more. My oldest hasn't had one for 5 years and he has been just fine. Plus there are so many different strains of the flu, i don't see how getting the shot for one will really make that much difference. I won't even concider the h1n1 because i think it is too new and really the media is making a bigger deal out of it than needs to be. Kids get sick. It just happens and I don't think I need to give my kids another shot when they already get enough as it is. I have had to argue with the doctor to not give the flu shot to my kids, but i just don't think it is necessary. It is really your choice and you have to do what you feel is best for your kids. good luck.

I am completely opposed to this vaccine and to back that up I will give you a couple of websites and you can read the information provided and make your own educated decision. The media coverage is one sided and is creating fear so you will run out and get the vaccine. None of my 5 children have ever had a flu vaccine and none of them have ever had the flu. Whether or not they will get the H1N1 flu is yet to be determined but I don't believe the vaccine will prevent it. My mother who has had the flu vaccine has had the flu only in the year she gets the vaccine. I would recommend a liquid vitamin D about 35iu's per pound of body weight, probiotics and a whole food vitamin along with fresh fruit and veggies and very little sugar.
www.mercola.com
www.naturalnews.com
You will have to search the site for articles regarding flu/H1N1 vaccines
Hope this helps...

Hi A.!

I fall into the same "alternitive vaccine category" as you do - I'm not totally anti-vaccine, but My son who is now one has only had about half of the recommended amount. He will get the other ones when he is older - I dont feel right injecting THAT MANY toxins into a poor tiny little newborn! Not onloy that but I dont see a reason to vaccinate against ear infections, chicken pox, ect - if its not life threatening, he doesn't need it!

I am pregnant and Due in Dec. And I am choosing not to get the swine flu shot for me or my son. Surprisingly, my husband is on board (he was less supportive about the other vaccines for my baby boy), thought his family is really putting the pressue on to get it. Neither of us feel comfortable going out and getting a vaccine that is so newly introduced - there hasnt been enough time for it to get tested or to see if it will have effects on the unborn baby. There have been times int he past (I think my hubby cited polio) wheer they have had all pregnant women get a vaccine and YEARS later they finally realized that the jump in birth defects was totally related to that vaccine.

I read up on swine flu, and my overall impression is that REALLY its not much worse than an actually flu or cold. Yes, there are some severe cases, and everyone is saying how pregnant women are MORE at risk to have complications, but the reality is, the chance is still very slim. They said that 1% of the population is pregnant, but 6% of the more severe swine flu cases are in pregnant women. 6% is still a very small number to me. They said that if you have a sore throat, a fever, and a cough at the same time then you have swine flu because those are the most common symptoms. Vommiting is actually a more rare symptom. I read what to watch for and "when to go to the hospital" if you do get it, and basically I just feel that its not a big enough threat to me to jump up and get a breand new vaccine that hasn't been throughly tested. If I get the swine flu, we will just watch it very carefully. They said the largest complication was contracting pnemonia.

But yeah, I dont know if anyone agrees with me here, but I'd rather take my chances. I am a very minimalist when it comes to vaccines... I feel like your body can handle most things on its own and if you let it, you immune system is stronger because of it. I have NEVER gotten a winter flu shot, and I dont spend the whole winter sick. Last winter my hubby and I got a 24 hour bug, but that was the first time I had had the flu is 4-5 years. But yeah, the swine flu is all hyped up, but I dont feel like the chances it would get severe are great enough for me to get the vaccine for it. Who knows, I could gurantee myself to get it by getting the vaccine anyways - sometimes that happens when you get vaccines. I'd rather just stay away.

You couldnt pay me to get the h1n1 vaccine. Not with know side effects and the unknown. There is a huge number of health care providers who refuse to get it and refuse to let their family members get it. That to me is enough not to do it. As for the regular flu I never bothered. It seemed a lot of the people I knew getting it either still ended up sick or got sick from it. It never seemed worth it to me.

I normally don't get the flu shot, but now that we have a 16 month old AND a 3 week old both my hubby and I got one this weekend. We wanted to protect our girls and stay healthy oursleves! We also got our 16 month old the flu shot, but we did ask for the one that is Thermisol free and they had it. That was my only concern for her. With that aspect gone from the shot I saw no reason to keep her from getting it.

We asked our docs about the H1N1 and they suggested we look at the CDC website to determine if we are in the risk factors and decide from there. The H1N1 is just another form of the flu that is no more deadly... just another form, so we most likely will protect ourselves from that as well by getting the shot when available. We are not overly concerned about ourselves, but want to make sure our little ones have as much protection as possible and making sure WE as the adults stay healthy, is the best thing we can do for them.

36,000 people die each year from the flu, so it is serious. Of course most of those deaths are elderly or people with weakened systems, but children are certainly in that group! We too are on a different schedule for vaccines, so trust me I don't take this lightly. I agree the media is really talking about this more than ever, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be taking it seriously. Just do your research and flow your gut. Good luck with your choice...

I am pregnant right now - so I am at the top of the list for vaccination. I have a friend who is a nurse and she says she is not going to take it. She doesn't think it has been tested enough. I am personally choosing NOT to have the vaccine. I do not believe in the flu shot to begin with. I have never had the flu and it seems to me that people who get the shot every year get the actual flu more often.

We're skipping it. Especially the H1N1. We're still undecided on the normal flu shot. We had one the last 2 years, but now that my daughter is old enough to communicate if she is really really ill, I'm leaning toward no. I just don't feel that the shot has been adequately tested since they rushed to get it on the market. And with all of the issues that arose with the last "swine flu" vaccine, I'm willing to take the risk. I'm also a stay at home mom, so I don't believe she'll be exposed as often. I know it only takes once, but not being in daycare, and out in public all day cuts her risk. She's already been exposed to it, and so far so good! Although H1N1 is airborne we still do extra hand washing and stay away from the sick....http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1206807/Swine-flu...

NO way. The media exist because they get sponsoring by companies. of course they are going to blow the H1N1 out of proportion in order to help their sponsors make money by scaring you.
I heard a couple weeks ago that 95% of people who were sick at that time had the H1N1 virus. my 3yo was sick with cold/flu symptoms and recovered quickly. I don't know what she was sick with, but i do believe that the H1N1 virus is not any more threat than the seasonal flu.
Not to mention the new vaccine is not proven to be safe. It could be very dangerous. The new H1N1 vaccine has not been tested, your child will be a guinea pig.
You have got do what you feel is right for your children, what you believe is the safest thing. Do some more research if needed, because pressure from either direction is not what you should base your decision on.

There is far too much hype surrounding H1N1, and when I read the analyses by doctors and scientists, the consensus is that they themselves wouldn't take the vaccine.

I fit into the regular category of kids immunizations. That being said, I will not and have never given my kids flu shots, and I've never had one myself, except once by accident when the nurse gave me the wrong shot.

Add us to the list of 'not doing it'. Never have done the flu vaccine before, and we rarely get the flu. Plus, there's no guarantee we won't get the flu even if we do get the vaccine, so we'll just take our chances. Nobody in our family is in the 'high risk' category, and while none of us want to get the flu, we also realize this strain of it is fairly mild. My oldest is fully vaccinated, but with my youngest I did more research, and ended up skipping a lot of 'em. This one included.

I feel the same way you do about vaccinations and with both boys have never given them a flu shot yet (my son is 5 and my other 7 months.) However, I came down with the stomach h1n1 strand and I am still recovering. I have never been more sick in my life and for the first time ever I am going to get the entire family vaccinated as I would be devasted if anyone else had to go through this.

It is a completely personal choice of yours and I think both you an your husband should sit down and talk about it so you are both on the same page-whichever page that is.

I think it's a risk but personally after going through it I would rather my family be protected from going through it.

I, like you, don't know what to do, either. My children are YOUNG. 5, 3, and 1. The flu could be very dangerous for them.

My husband and I decided not to get them the H1N1 vaccine. We were TOTALLY decided! Then, I read an article in the newspaper about how parents who refused their children the vaccination were putting their kids in real danger.

Of course, all the references in the article were quoted from people in the medical field- the people who have to push the vaccine to make back all the money that's been invested in it. So, do you really trust them? They did debunk many of the claims that it causes Guillon Barre syndrome and hasn't been tested thoroughly. I have heard their is mercury in it, and THAT hasn't been disproven.

I don't want to lose any of my kids because I made the wrong choice. I am completely at a loss as to what to do here. I get my kids the flu shot every year. Last year, my hubby and I came down with a HORRIBLE flu, and my kids stayed healthy. I've gotten them their flu shot every year and they've never gotten the flu. Their older brother and sister, however, who don't live with us, but their mom, never get the flu shot and get awfully ill every year from the flu. It could be prevented. Could also be that I feed my kids much healthier than their brother and sister's mom does. Who knows?

I am going to talk to my kids pediatrician and ask them point blank- "Could this vaccine be harmful to my children? How many children have gotten it? Have you given it to your children?"

I live near New Mexico and there has been 8 deaths total there. 4 of them were people with no previous medical problems. An infant, a 5, 17, and 21 year old. I really don't know what to do, either. My kids are counting on me to make the right decision for them. I vaccinated all my kids regularly. They are up to date on all their shots and I firmly believe in vaccines.

I know that this is a very confusing subject. I think that the media has blown everything way out of proportion. My daughter brought it back from a trip that she took after graduation. Not really, a big issue for us. I try to keep all my kids as healthy as they can be. She was down for a couple of days with body aches and fever, her throat was killing her. She could not eat. If we look at reality, is this any different from the regular flu. She got a few symptoms on a sun. and was back to work on the following friday. We took her to the doctor and she was confirmed with H1N1. It does attack the lungs. I heard her coughing up phlegm for a week or so after everything else died down. We have all been exposed to the virus now. I feel that we have gotten the same amount in immunity from being exposed to her as we would get from the vaccine. I work on a special education school bus and I am in constant contact with the kids. I have been doing that job for 10 years and the only time I have ever gotten a flu shot was when I was pregnant. I have never gotten the flu and I am rarely sick. I just make sure to clean the bus twice a day with disinfectant wipes. (I am not a germaphobe) I just don't want the kids to pass it around to each of them and us. It is common knowledge that a special needs child has a lower level immune system. We are probably getting exposure to some germs, I am sure. Exposure, to some extent, keeps us healthy. My advice would be to keep the immune system stronger so the body is able to fight any germs. Vitamins and good diet is what I use. I don't feel that there has been enough research done on the vaccine.

If your kids are susceptible to getting sick easily then get the shot. If you and your kids are pretty healthy, than I wouldn't worry about it. For me, I get everything, so I get the flu shot. When I started years ago, that first year was the first year I was not sick 90% of the winter. But for some of my kids they don't get ANYTHING, even when the sickness is in the house, so I don't worry too much about them as I do, say my Daughter who is very asthmatic and gets everything that goes through. She gets a flu shot every year with me.

Hi Allison...stick to your guns and just say no. There have been zero long term side effects studies and in my opinion they will not use me or my kid as a test subject.

I have gotten my children the seasonal flu vaccine in the past and they've never had any issues. I've gotten it as well with no problems. I primarily got it because we've traveled quite a bit during flu season and they always seem to pick up a little cold or something. But I think I'm steering clear of the Swine flu. It just hasn't been out and tested long enough for me and we have no travel plans this winter. I think the media is really focusing on swine flu cases. Unfortunately many people die from the regular flu, but they don't report all of those deaths.

We aren't doing it at all. I don't feel comfortable having anyone in our family injected with a vaccine that rarely helps. My body does what it is supposed to do without the help of vaccines. This is simply a different strain of flu, but none of the research I have done shows it to be any more deadly that the regular flu. Oh, and I have never received a flu shot and have never gotten the flu!! Ultimately though, it is YOUR decision. Do what you think is best and don't let anyone pressure you!

There are so many health professionals that are refusing to take the vaccinations. We don't know what all the side effects are. None of my kids have been vaccinated. (we filed exempt for shots at their school.) More vitamin C...basic healthy measures. (plenty of sleep, good food, etc...) We have been exposed on numerous ocassions to the H1N1 and so far none of my children have come down with any flu symptoms. Pressure is the wrong reason to make that choice. Do what your instincts tell you.

I too, had concerns about the risks/safety of the recent vaccine. But it is, in essence the same vaccine as the seasonal flu. If the H1N1 would have broke a few months prior to when it did in the spring, it would have been included in the seasonal flu vaccine and there wouldn't be such a debate. My 2 yo son just got a bad cold and he was miserable with fever, cough, etc. He did not have H1N1 (he was tested), but it was very rough on him. I am 4 mo pregnant and was originally going to wait for a month or 2 til the side effects of vaccine showed themself, but after having the same cold as my son, and being sick for 3 wks and miserable, I have decided to get the H1N1 when it becomes avail. My husband is not going to get the vaccine, and I feel this is very reasonable. I think that children and pregnant women should get the vaccine, they are at highest risk for hospitalization and death. For pregnant women concerned about side effects to baby...having a fever in pregnancy has been shown to potentially be harmful to baby. Also, research on H1N1 is showing that it is prone to infect the placenta in pregnant women, putting you at risk for miscarriage and pre-term labor. I have always gotten the flu shot and my son got the flu shot last year. I am advocating for both of us to get H1N1 this year. But to each their own. And, FYI, there will be thimerosol (mercury)-free vaccines available at some point.

I personally have never gotten the flu vaccine, and never plan to. I did give my kids the flu vaccine their first year and ended up having to take them all to the ER with a 105-108 fever. Since then they have never received the vaccine and we have not had any problems. If you make sure that you take care of your stuff you will stay healthy. Wipe down cart handles before you use them, most stores carry disinfectant wipes to use, wash your hands after every personal contact and make sure you spray Lysol around every once in awhile and especially after someone in the family has been sick and most likely you will not get the flu. And if you are really worried about it Airborne really does do the trick. Take it to keep your immune system up and you won't get sick. I have my son, who is in school, take it...it keeps him healthy.

I hear and respect everyone's thoughts on this topic. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet with myself or my kids. Here is something I've been thinking about, and I know this probably falls into the category of the media trying to scare the you know what out of us:
I don't think we understand truly what an epidemic is. I know we have better health care and technology, but we aren't gods. A similar flu in the early 1900s killed 30 MILLION PEOPLE! I have no clue what it's like to live through such a thing, and I wonder if perhaps I don't take it seriously enough. (Sort of along the line of the fact that I've never experienced war on our shores, food rations, black outs due to bombing, etc. Perhaps I could be described as a spoiled American, in a way, most of us are.)
That being said, I don't want to be bullied into this vaccine. I myself have some vague muscle issues that my doctor is looking into, he is convinced I have the beginnings of a muscle disease. I'm terrified that a vaccine that hasn't been fully tested will "wake the sleeping giant" and I'll show signs of a full blown muscle disease.
Again, all of that being said, I have a friend whose 6-year-old girl is on life support right now, because of swine flu. The family is devastated. She was a normal healthy child, their family took most of the precautions that you all have mentioned. That brings me to another point:Yes, you can take precautions, but shame on anyone for boldly proclaiming "We aren't going to get it." For as much control as you have over your kids' lives, you cannot guarantee that you can single handedly save your child from this, unless of course nobody leaves the house for 6 months.

I don't know what I'm going to do yet, and I don't have any suggestions for anyone else. But, as much as I want people to not feel bullied into following the gov't suggestions, I also don't want people to completely disregard the folks who have spent their lives studying pandemics and the effects of these diseases on millions of people. We can't blindly accept and we can't blindly ignore. God give us wisdom in making these decisions for us and our families!

You might find this article on Dr. Mercola's site helpful:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/1...

Hi Alyson,
We're not getting it in our family! This is how we are protecting ourselves: Checked Vitamin D levels, we take Juice Plus which has been proven to SUPPORT the IMMUNE system! We reduced the amount of processed foods and sugar in the house and we eat mostly fruits and veggies. Go to naturalnews.com or mercola.com and search for your topic, you'll find great info. Also search for Vitamin D on the natural news site. Goto DenverJuicePlus.com and search for the research on it. If your children are not eating the recommended 5-7 fruits and veggies each day and adults 9-13, I would highly recommend taking Juice Plus to bridge the gap. I hope that helps!

Also, Dr Oz wont give it to his family and Dr Sear of Askdrsears.com is not recommeding it either!

L.

While I think the media blows pretty much everything out of proportion, I don't think they're totally without merit. Just take everything they say with a grain of salt. Or five.

What a year for H1N1 to hit! I'm pregnant and it's the first year I have a child in school to bring illnesses home. Because pregnant women are 6 times more likely to die from H1N1 (and probably the same for the regular seasonal flu), I'll be getting the H1N1 vaccine. I also got my first regular flu shot this year.

I still haven't decided about my kids. I think if they were both preschoolers, we'd just keep them home and be fine. But with one going to school....

And it also depends on how bad it is in your area. Our neighbors 5 doors down have all had H1N1 already, and it's going around our church. Our church is taking measures like bringing hand sanitizer to all activities. So I think we're at pretty high risk. My kids will probably get it, too. They've never had flu shots before, either.

Our body is designed to fight all sorts of diseases and when we start pumping it full of strange things it does not do that any more. The testing is very limited on this stuff and they want us to inject it into our bodies as test subjects. Just say no.

This is the only experience I have. Being in the medical field my husband was required to get the H1N1 flu vaccine (they said in effect, "You don't HAVE to but if there's an outbreak you can't enter the hospital unless you've had it"....well he needs work so he chose the vaccine!) It was a live virus/nasal mist and he got it about a week ago and has been fine so far.
My husband & I get the regular flu shot every year being in the medical & dental fields. We've have never had problems with the vaccine & have never gotten the flu either. Vaccine debates can go on & on...people get very emotional about this topic. Do your own research and follow your own feelings. There are pros and cons to both so you have to decide all by yourself after having the true facts. Don't do anything because of pressure! Your husband can get it if he feels he should which doesn't mean you or your baby have to. Good luck