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Eliz87
| Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 9:25 pm
During my son's well-visit last month, the doctor said that the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending flu shots this year for all children 6 to 23 months (my son is 15 months). I declined because I figured since my son doesn't have any health problems whatsoever otherwise, that it's not really necessary. And I know that I never got a flu shot as a child. The doctor said if I changed my mind, I could call and get the shot done anyway. Since then, I've read and heard all of these reports on the news about children dying from the flu virus and it's making me nervous. Did any of you decide against getting your child vaccinated this year or in previous years? I'm really caught because on one hand, I think it helps strengthen the immune system to fight off a virus. On the other hand, I of course don't want him to get deathly ill. What do you think?
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Herckleperckle
| Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 9:37 pm
Well, just my 2 cents, as my children are grown now, but I watched a show last night about the young children who have died from the flu. VERY scary. Kids and oldsters (especially those with compromised immune systems) just don't have the natural immunity to fight it. I would definitely have my children immunized, if they were still little ones.
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Cathie
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 1:18 am
This year's flu is especially bad and our local area has been hit really hard. I work in a children's hospital and our ER has been swamped; the peak of flu season isn't even here yet. I would reccommend flu shots for all adults and children this year.
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Tess
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 1:52 am
My 7 year old daughter is getting her first flu shot next week. She's never had the flu but if she got it and passed it on, it would be deadly for me...even a mild version. My husband has always gotten the shot for that very reason. Of course, I get one as well. Our health clinic is recommending that every person who can get a flu shot, should get one.
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Starfire
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 1:53 am
I would because so many children have died from it. A 1 yr old from my state(IA) died yesterday and she was the first. I work in a care facility and our older residents are getting hit hard with it. Its better to be safe than sorry I guess.
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Whoami
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 5:21 am
We've had nine children die in Colorado alone. The vaccine is almost all gone, and is now restricted to high risk patients (children and elderly). The tale is that the mfg of the vaccine won't have another batch ready for four months. An excerpt from the local news in Colorado about it... "The state health department says children are especially vulnerable because their lungs are small and their immune systems are not well developed. That is why the state wants the flu vaccine given to that age group first."
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Ddr1135
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 6:23 am
My brother is a doctor and we were all instructed to come in early October to take the flu shot as it had already hit our area. We usually don't take the shot until late October or early November. This was the first year he INSISTED that his 5 children and my 1 be given the flu shot. That's how bad the flu strain is this year.
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Mocha
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 6:28 am
I actually never thought of getting the shot for my kids till I read this thread. We've never gotten it before but it looks like I will be calling their doctor today. They also give out the shot where I work for free.
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Lostintheglades
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 6:41 am
Wow...this is really interesting as my girls and I have never had a flu shot. My DH got one last year because they offered them at his office. Like Mocha, you're making me re-think this.
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Resortgirl
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 6:53 am
I've always gotten a flu shot, and have been getting one for my son for the last 3 years. The first year the nurse seemed a little surprised that I would ask for one for a 10 year old, but now the nurses have said they wish more kids would get them. I have a lot of friends who say "they don't believe in them" whatever that means.... and for the most part they have all been sicker then sick this winter!
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Meridian
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 7:01 am
Maybe this article will encourage you to think once more before hauling your children to the physician. http://www.iahf.com/20001109a.html
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Jeep
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 7:04 am
I had a friend that got the flu years ago and did just fine, but she passed it on to her mother, who died. Since then, I have always gotten the shot and especially so when my parents' started having health problems. It's not weather you can tolerate the flu, but those you might pass it onto (children, elderly) that can't handle it. Besides, I hate being sick.
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Maris
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 7:04 am
I always get sick when I get a flu shot so I am very wary of them. I wonder why so many children are dying in Colorado from it, it seems odd to me.
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Eliz87
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 8:06 am
*sigh* It's just such a big decision. I mean, I've had the flu shot before as I used to work with the public and in a hospital, and when I did get sick it seemed that I got even SICKER when I had had the flu shot. They say it's not supposed to be that way, but for me it was true. But gee, this is my child I'm considering. I just really didn't think it would be necessary since he doesn't have any health problems and is not in daycare, but all these kids dying is just making it really hard not to seriously consider the shot. The problem is that although the media is quick to tell us about deaths, they don't tell us about any underyling health problems (if any) these children had or any other environmental circumstances which might have exacerbated their conditions. I really appreciate all of your input. I don't want my child over-vaccinated but I certainly don't want him fatally ill either. I guess I'll call the doctor today and get him in there just to err on the side of caution. Thanks again everyone.
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Skootz
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 9:32 am
In Ontario it is free and it is recommended that everyone get it. Myself, as well as my 3 young children (age,4 & 2) have got one for this year. We get one every year. I had a bit of the flu a week ago and it only lasted 1 day. I couldn't imagine being stuck in bed for a week or more with the flu.
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Eliz87
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 9:41 am
Sheesh...I just called the pediatrician's office and they are now reserving their shots for high-risk patients. For anyone else, they're referring them to the local health department. And there was an article in the paper today saying that although the health department has plenty of shots, they're not sure if they're going to have enough of the vaccine for booster shots (which are necessary for children receiving their first shot -- like my son). Then, you turn around and read the newspaper and there's an article detailing people lining up to get their kids vaccinated and the very same article goes on to say that MOST adults and children are as very low risk for developing serious complications from the flu, and a local prominent pediatrician says, "Parents should keep a good perspective. There's absolutely no reason to panic." UGH Then why don't they stop with the television and news articles that make you feel like you're tempting fate if you don't get the shot? UGH UGH UGH Well, hopefully the pediatrician's office will call back today.
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Tabbyking
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 9:51 am
one problem with the strain of flu so many are suffering with right now is that it is NOT one of the 3 strains this year's vaccine was made to protect us from. however, experts feel having the flu vaccine will make this strain's symptoms less severe; it's too late to make a vaccine for this particular strain. many places are out of the shot vaccine, but the flu-mist vaccine is available for healthy people age 2 to 49. they made 2 million doses and have only used 400,000 according to news reports. my daughter is on her 9th day of being sick, but not sick enough to stay home from school--no fever, etc.--mainly a lot of coughing at this point. if she hadn't had the flu shot a month ago, would this have been worse? who knows!?
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Cablejockey
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 10:10 am
I am really concerned hearing about children dying from the flu. What gives? I have never heard of otherwise healthy kids dying from the flu! Are they sure that's what is doing it? I know back about 90 yrs ago some strain of flu went around the world killing millions of young healthy adults, among the others who usually succumb to this kind of thing. The scary thing is, that it came out of nowhere, and went back to obscurity. Needless to say, I got the shot as did my 10 year old, who never gets a cold--I am that worried this year.
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Amchess
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 10:26 am
If I had young children, or children with asthma, bronchitis, etc., I would definitely have it. I have had the flu shot for years at work, and got one at the health dept in September since I retired in the summer - I have never had any problem with the shot. (knock on wood!)
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Tishala
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 10:41 am
I am of the class of people who have to have flu shots [because of heart failure] and I am counting the days until I have my next appointment with my cardiologist because he will insist that I get it, even though I need no prodding. There are many people--young children, the elderly, and people with cronic health problems--who simply NEED the shot, whether the flu season is "bad" or not. Do yourself a favor and get it. It won't harm anything and it can only help.
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Eliz87
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 10:43 am
The doctor's office just called back and he's going in tomorrow morning for his shot. :-) Whew!
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Brenda1966
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 11:43 am
I get a flu shot each year as do both of my parents. I also get my daughter one (well, last year it was two since she was a baby and it was her first round). In my state the flu killed 2 children last year. This year it has killed 10 so far. It is very scary. These are not chronically ill children who are dying. We'll continue to get flu shots each year, not just the bad ones.
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Grooch
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 1:34 pm
When I drive home from work, I can pick up NBC Nightly News w/ Tom Brokow on my radio. They have been doing stories every day now about the flu. Last night they interviewed a mother in Texas who's child had just died. She said he was perfectly healthy the day before and the very next day she had to rush him to the emergency room where he passed away. A doctor who was interviewed said that some of the kids who survive have brain damage, kidney and liver failure among other things. Also a lot of people who are coming in, end up in intensive care. They have no idea what the effects will be on babies when pregnant women come down with the flu. Also, some of the secondary infections that they are coming down with are drug resistant. Also, on past shows they talk about the pan epidemic and the doctors all agree that there is going to be another one in a few years. That it is only a matter of time. Pretty scary stuff.
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Herckleperckle
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 1:58 pm
I typed in "flu shot" on Google and clicked on the American Lung Association site. It provides a link that helps you find where you can get a flu shot, if your physician's office cannot help you. (I am going to check the American Pediatric Association site next.) I also copied some of their intro copy here and bolded a few of the sentences: "Thank you for visiting this interactive directory! The American Lung Association Flu Shot Locator only posted flu clinics that operated between October and November. For the latest on the 2003-2004 Flu Season, click here. The flu vaccine is the best tool for preventing the flu. The best time to get the flu vaccine is from early October to mid-November, although it is administered throughout flu season. If you are at high risk for the flu (see list below), then you should get a flu vaccine in the form of a flu shot since that is the only method recommended for high risk groups. You should get vaccinated every year, because the virus is constantly changing and new vaccines are developed annually to protect against new strains. You can get a flu shot at your doctor's office, hospital, health department, or at a local grocery or drug store that advertises its availability. The American Lung Association is pleased to offer you this Flu Shot Locator, powered by Maxim Health, with easy access for finding flu clinics near you. This Flu Shot Locator is intended for people who are high risk, including those with asthma and lung disease and the elderly. You should “stick with the flu shot”, if you: Have chronic lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, or cystic fibrosis. Have heart disease. Have chronic kidney disease. Have diabetes or another chronic metabolic disorder. Have severe anemia. Have diseases or receive treatments that depress immunity. Reside in a nursing home or other chronic care facility. Are over 50 years of age. Are a doctor, nurse, or other care provider to high-risk persons. Flu symptoms strike abruptly and are more severe than those of colds. Some of the symptoms include high fever (101°F or above), cough, sore throat, chills, and body and muscle aches. If you think you have the flu, see your doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider. For more information about influenza, flu shots or lung disease: Contact your local American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (586-4872) Subscribe to “Lung News You Can Use” for flu tips, reports on treatment and research, and the latest headlines. Read more about it… Learn about the Flu Flu and Cold Guidelines Flu Fact Sheet Stick with the Flu Shot - ALA targets people with Asthma, Lung Disease and the Elderly Flu: Serious Problem for People with Asthma Influenza News 2003"
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Herckleperckle
| Wednesday, December 10, 2003 - 2:13 pm
I am not sure how often the APA updates its site, but here is what I found on the button for "Parents: Flu Vaccine News." "Information for Families About Flu Vaccine Shortage An unusually large demand for the flu vaccine this season has led to a shortage of some vaccine supplies. The inactivated vaccine, which is given by injection, is most affected by the shortage. Parents should talk with their pediatricians about the current supply in their area and about recommendations for their children. Certain children are at higher risk from the flu, and they and their families should be vaccinated. These include children 6 months through 18 years of age with high-risk medical conditions, including: Chronic cardiac and pulmonary disorders, including asthma Chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes Chronic kidney dysfunction Immunosuppression from any cause Children on long-term aspirin therapy If vaccine is not available and flu is present in a community, anti-viral medication may be an option for children with certain conditions that place them at higher risk. To protect children who are born during the flu season, women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season should also be vaccinated. In addition, household members of certain people should be immunized. If your home has an immunosuppressed person or a child less than age 2, all household members should be immunized to prevent flu in the household. If you are unsure if you or your children fall into one of these groups, please contact your pediatrician. Although supplies of injected vaccine are limited, supplies of the live vaccine, available as a nasal mist (Flu-Mist), are more plentiful. However, this vaccine is only recommended for healthy children over age 5. It is also more expensive than the injectable vaccine. For all families, infection control is an important way to prevent becoming ill from the flu virus. Follow these tips: Wash hands or use alcohol hand solutions after being in public or around anyone with a cold or the flu When coughing or sneezing, turn head and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue; dispose promptly. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow Don't take young children or those with immune system problems into large crowds unnecessarily when the flu is in your community Avoid close contact (holding, kissing) between infants and anyone who has a cold or the flu Stay home from work or school if you have the flu (fever, muscle aches, cough) Do not share things that go into the mouth-drinking cups, straws, etc. Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, refrigerator handle, phone, water faucets) if someone in your house has a cold or the flu Do not smoke around children Parents should take their child to the pediatrician or to the emergency department if he or she displays any of the following symptoms: Rapid or labored breathing, bluish skin color Not drinking enough to maintain hydration Not waking up; not interacting So irritable that he or she doesn't want to be held Flu symptoms improve but then the child becomes ill again with fever, worse cough For more information, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/flu"
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