anyone else developing sense of panic over getting DC the H1N1 vaccine?

[Anonymous]

oh yes---panic!!! It's my nature. I am a hypochondriac---esp. when it comes to my loved ones (not myself). Relieved to have the 4-year old get his first dose today. Panicked because it is beginning to show up in siblings of his classmates and his body won't have immunity just yet. Panicked because my 18month old cannot get a vaccine yet since none is avail for that age group. Panicked that my nanny rides public transportation, hasn't been vaccinated yet and could bring it into our house.

I take a deep breath and try to keep it in perspective, etc., chances are this won't be serious. That makes me feel tremendously better. I have always been pro-vaccine and as soon as i heard there would be a vaccine this Fall---I wanted on the shortlist!

[Anonymous]

Just a question re: the Spanish flu that mutated into something more dangerous -- if that were to happen, then isn't the existing vaccine useless anyway? I.e., it wouldn't be effective against the new, mutated strain?

[Anonymous]

No, I don't feel a sense of panic. We aren't getting the H1N1 shots.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a question re: the Spanish flu that mutated into something more dangerous -- if that were to happen, then isn't the existing vaccine useless anyway? I.e., it wouldn't be effective against the new, mutated strain?

Probably. Or at least, it'd be less effective. People might still get very sick but not die.

(Not that I'm worried this strain will mutate into something more severe though. So far it seems very stable, and overall quite mild, although some people really are having a very bad time with it.)

[Anonymous]

Good question. Honestly, I'd hope and expect it to provide some protection, at least because the flu strain would still be an h1n1, but with a different configuration. I think the issue was that up til now, there weren't any recorded h1n1 strains in humans, only animals. I say recorded, because I think "they" think that there must have been some h1n1 in the past, which is why older people seem to have some immunity. The same was true in 1919. Older people survived it, the younger ones did not or got terribly sick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just a question re: the Spanish flu that mutated into something more dangerous -- if that were to happen, then isn't the existing vaccine useless anyway? I.e., it wouldn't be effective against the new, mutated strain?

Probably. Or at least, it'd be less effective. People might still get very sick but not die.

(Not that I'm worried this strain will mutate into something more severe though. So far it seems very stable, and overall quite mild, although some people really are having a very bad time with it.)

The answer is that it depends on the mutation and how recognizable the new virus is (how similar the surface antigens are to the orignal strain). The degree of cross-protection will vary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of the posters are an excellent reason for OP to panic, namely the last one.

I want to get the vaccine, but I am suddenly feeling like it is "now or never" with these clinics. That is pushing me to feel more panic. My doctor said he ordered it and does expect it to come in, but doesn't know when. It is this push for hurrying (all my playgroup is planning on going today and to FFX on Saturday morning) so I now I feel rushed.

OP here.. thanks to this and the other sane posters. Definitely feel like the media is fueling the frenzy. Here's hoping H1N1 doesn't find its way into my DD's or your DCs daycares, playgroups, schools, homes, etc!

[Anonymous]

No panic here. We're not getting the flu shots, so availability isn't an issue.

Honestly, just turn off your tv, or watch Glee or something. H1N1 isn't worth all this stress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I was tested at a hospital. I have piece of paper stating I have FLU STRAIN B. Can I fax it to you? I mean, since it is IMPOSSIBLE and the only flu out there is SWINE.

I didn't say it was impossible. I said it was highly unlikely.

But, I doubt you. Who gets a piece of paper from their doctor stating what strain flu their test came back? I get tests from the doctor all the time, they just write the result in my file. They don't hand me a diagnosis on a piece of paper.

[Anonymous]

Also (PP) it's only people who say specifically that they have Flu strain B and notSwine flu, that I might believe are actually correct.

The people who say, "My son tested positive for flu, but it's not the swine, it's flu A/B, which ISN'T swine flu, my doctor said" that I tend to think really didn't understand what they were told.

[Anonymous]

Panic and stress weakens your immune system. Until the vax is available, I plan to remain as calm as possible and work on strengthening my immune system.