A bit disconcerting on what's what
As of now, there are limited quantities of H1N1 vaccines available, but are increasing on a
daily basis. Both the Nasal Spray and injections are available.
What is interesting, and a little disconcerting, is that members of the medical community
have opposing views as to whether or not you should rush to get vaccinated.
This is to say that there is only one H1N1 vaccine but it has 2 opposite views.
Some doctors are recommending that we get vaccinated against Swine Flu at the first
opportunity while other doctors are currently against it.
CONS
Not enough information from the FDA. To early to start using it. Some doctors are even
going as far as to tell their pharmacies not to recommend it yet. The reason behind most of
those opposed?
Production of the vaccine was started before the FDA had concluded their testing. all of this
was done to be certain that the vaccine would be available on time to distribute to the public.
There is even a FDA statement associated with the vaccine that states that "Clinical Studies
are Ongoing" according to some doctors this can only mean that all of the evidence is not
yet in.
Skeptics are telling us that this untested vaccine is potentially dangerous and unnecessary.
PROS
Immunize before it causes a major pandemic across the country. They want to vaccinate as
many people as possible as quickly as possible.
This was the only way they had to get the vaccine to the public in time for the flu season.
Some say that there "were no shortcuts" by the FDA inspectors.
Some doctors also tell us that even though the vaccine production was speeded up, the
quality of the inspections were just as thorough.
The production of the normal seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine differ
very slightly.
It should be given to the public ASAP because children especially are at a higher risk for the
H1N1 Swine Flu virus.
Priority for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine are being given to health care workers, children and
young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, adults who care for infants under 6 months,
pregnant women and adults with conditions such as asthma or a compromised immune
system that predispose them to complications from flu.
The CDC and H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations
When questioned about the safety and side effects of the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination,
this was response of the CDC:
Will the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine be safe?
"We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu
vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. Over the years, hundreds of millions
of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following
flu vaccinations are mild, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot
was given. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing
unexpected adverse events and we will work with state and local health officials to
investigate any unusual events."
Are there any side effects to taking the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine?
"CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza
vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced
following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include
soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents),
headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin
soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are
very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot is
given.
After vaccination you should look for any unusual condition, such as a high fever or
behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing,
hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast
heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical
attention right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and
when the vaccination was given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the
reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form."
No matter what facts you are presented with, either for or against, one must also be aware
of possible misinformation by well meaning people. And, this goes for those both for or
against the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.
You can speak to doctors on both sides of this issue but ultimately, it is only you and your
family that can make this important decision.
As of now, there are limited quantities of H1N1 vaccines available, but are increasing on a
daily basis. Both the Nasal Spray and injections are available.
What is interesting, and a little disconcerting, is that members of the medical community
have opposing views as to whether or not you should rush to get vaccinated.
This is to say that there is only one H1N1 vaccine but it has 2 opposite views.
Some doctors are recommending that we get vaccinated against Swine Flu at the first
opportunity while other doctors are currently against it.
CONS
Not enough information from the FDA. To early to start using it. Some doctors are even
going as far as to tell their pharmacies not to recommend it yet. The reason behind most of
those opposed?
Production of the vaccine was started before the FDA had concluded their testing. all of this
was done to be certain that the vaccine would be available on time to distribute to the public.
There is even a FDA statement associated with the vaccine that states that "Clinical Studies
are Ongoing" according to some doctors this can only mean that all of the evidence is not
yet in.
Skeptics are telling us that this untested vaccine is potentially dangerous and unnecessary.
PROS
Immunize before it causes a major pandemic across the country. They want to vaccinate as
many people as possible as quickly as possible.
This was the only way they had to get the vaccine to the public in time for the flu season.
Some say that there "were no shortcuts" by the FDA inspectors.
Some doctors also tell us that even though the vaccine production was speeded up, the
quality of the inspections were just as thorough.
The production of the normal seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine differ
very slightly.
It should be given to the public ASAP because children especially are at a higher risk for the
H1N1 Swine Flu virus.
Priority for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine are being given to health care workers, children and
young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, adults who care for infants under 6 months,
pregnant women and adults with conditions such as asthma or a compromised immune
system that predispose them to complications from flu.
The CDC and H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations
When questioned about the safety and side effects of the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination,
this was response of the CDC:
Will the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine be safe?
"We expect the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to have a similar safety profile as seasonal flu
vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. Over the years, hundreds of millions
of Americans have received seasonal flu vaccines. The most common side effects following
flu vaccinations are mild, such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot
was given. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing
unexpected adverse events and we will work with state and local health officials to
investigate any unusual events."
Are there any side effects to taking the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine?
"CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza
vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced
following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include
soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents),
headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin
soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are
very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot is
given.
After vaccination you should look for any unusual condition, such as a high fever or
behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing,
hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast
heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical
attention right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and
when the vaccination was given. Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the
reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form."
No matter what facts you are presented with, either for or against, one must also be aware
of possible misinformation by well meaning people. And, this goes for those both for or
against the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine.
You can speak to doctors on both sides of this issue but ultimately, it is only you and your
family that can make this important decision.
Swine Flu - Immunize Your Child Or Not?
As the health departments in North America begin ramping up production of swine flu
immunization, the pressure will mount for people to be immunized. While I am not
advocating one way or the other and believe it is a personal decision each family must
make, I am amazed at the controversy that is being stirred by certain companies and
schools who are requiring the swine flu immunization.
Some hospitals are requiring all of their employees to be immunized. It may seem like an
extreme measure, but because of the risk involved of health care providers either being
too sick to work in large numbers or getting swine flu and passing it on to compromised
individuals in the hospital, the hospital administrators feel justified in making it a
requirement.
Many schools are also considering making Swine Flu immunization a requirement for
continued attendance. As many as one-third of parents do not agree with the idea of
having their child immunized. There is some reason for concern. In 1918 when the last
Swine Flu epidemic raced through the world, the Swine Flu immunization that was given
had an unexpected side effect of exacerbating a certain type of paralysis. While it was an
extremely small number of people who were impacted, to this day the U.S. government
does not know what caused the problem.
Parents are fearful that the government's desire to swiftly put in place a Swine Flu
Immunization program will cause some of the same complications down the road.
However, the people at the health department who have been working on the vaccine
assure the public that this Swine Flu immunization benefits from advanced testing
procedures that allow them to pinpoint problems with the vaccination before it hits the
general population.
Only you can decide whether or not your child should receive the Swine Flu immunization.
Whether you choose to be immunized or not, be sure to talk to your children and
teenagers about taking safety precautions. The following precautions are recommended
by the health department:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes and nose or putting your fingers in your mouth.
• If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, stay home at least 24 hours.
• If you have a fever, you should be fever free without the use of medication for at least 24
hours before returning to work or school.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
As the health departments in North America begin ramping up production of swine flu
immunization, the pressure will mount for people to be immunized. While I am not
advocating one way or the other and believe it is a personal decision each family must
make, I am amazed at the controversy that is being stirred by certain companies and
schools who are requiring the swine flu immunization.
Some hospitals are requiring all of their employees to be immunized. It may seem like an
extreme measure, but because of the risk involved of health care providers either being
too sick to work in large numbers or getting swine flu and passing it on to compromised
individuals in the hospital, the hospital administrators feel justified in making it a
requirement.
Many schools are also considering making Swine Flu immunization a requirement for
continued attendance. As many as one-third of parents do not agree with the idea of
having their child immunized. There is some reason for concern. In 1918 when the last
Swine Flu epidemic raced through the world, the Swine Flu immunization that was given
had an unexpected side effect of exacerbating a certain type of paralysis. While it was an
extremely small number of people who were impacted, to this day the U.S. government
does not know what caused the problem.
Parents are fearful that the government's desire to swiftly put in place a Swine Flu
Immunization program will cause some of the same complications down the road.
However, the people at the health department who have been working on the vaccine
assure the public that this Swine Flu immunization benefits from advanced testing
procedures that allow them to pinpoint problems with the vaccination before it hits the
general population.
Only you can decide whether or not your child should receive the Swine Flu immunization.
Whether you choose to be immunized or not, be sure to talk to your children and
teenagers about taking safety precautions. The following precautions are recommended
by the health department:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes and nose or putting your fingers in your mouth.
• If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, stay home at least 24 hours.
• If you have a fever, you should be fever free without the use of medication for at least 24
hours before returning to work or school.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
Pneumonia and the link to Heartburn Drugs
Widely used heartburn and ulcer drugs such as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec can make
people more susceptible to pneumonia, probably because they reduce germ-killing
stomach acid. Which means create more problems for your digestive tract by making the
acids in the stomach less effective.
The biggest health risks occurred with more powerful acid-fighting drugs called proton
pump inhibitors, these are sold in the United States under such brand names as Nexium,
Prevacid and Prilosec. Over nearly three years, users of these drugs faced almost double
the risk of developing pneumonia compared with former users. Those that fought it
naturally had none of the side effects.
Users of another class of acid-fighting drugs that includes cimetidine and famotidine --
sold in the United States as Tagamet and Pepcid -- also faced an elevated risk which
compound into other health related issues. The acid in normal stomach fluids generally
kills harmful bacteria; suppressing it with drugs to treat heartburn and ulcers may make
the body more hospitable to such germs, which may then infect the lungs and cause
pneumonia. This in turn can lead to hospitalization and even death.
These heavily promoted medicines are among the most widely prescribed drugs
worldwide, with almost $13 billion in sales in 1998 alone. Millions of Americans take these
drugs, which are heavily advertised in "ask your doctor about ..." TV commercials.
The next time you sit down to watch your favorite TV show, count how many Drug
commercials come on.......it will shock you.
Widely used heartburn and ulcer drugs such as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec can make
people more susceptible to pneumonia, probably because they reduce germ-killing
stomach acid. Which means create more problems for your digestive tract by making the
acids in the stomach less effective.
The biggest health risks occurred with more powerful acid-fighting drugs called proton
pump inhibitors, these are sold in the United States under such brand names as Nexium,
Prevacid and Prilosec. Over nearly three years, users of these drugs faced almost double
the risk of developing pneumonia compared with former users. Those that fought it
naturally had none of the side effects.
Users of another class of acid-fighting drugs that includes cimetidine and famotidine --
sold in the United States as Tagamet and Pepcid -- also faced an elevated risk which
compound into other health related issues. The acid in normal stomach fluids generally
kills harmful bacteria; suppressing it with drugs to treat heartburn and ulcers may make
the body more hospitable to such germs, which may then infect the lungs and cause
pneumonia. This in turn can lead to hospitalization and even death.
These heavily promoted medicines are among the most widely prescribed drugs
worldwide, with almost $13 billion in sales in 1998 alone. Millions of Americans take these
drugs, which are heavily advertised in "ask your doctor about ..." TV commercials.
The next time you sit down to watch your favorite TV show, count how many Drug
commercials come on.......it will shock you.
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