The Swine Flu Shot a Waste of Time!

[Eden]

Eden,
I get "Wired".
I did read it.
And I support vaccines. I am a pediatric critical care nurse and ARNP.
IMO the Flu vaccine is a bit different. And if I still did direct care with the kiddo's my thought framework maybe be different that it is today.
I feel for those that are feeling pressured to have the season and H1N1 vaccines. I am fortunate not to be pressured.
Do I support my parents (in their 70's) to get it...Absolutely!

As with many things, there are many sides to this story. Many "truths" and "myths" out there.

K

If i didn't work with kids I might be more inclined to skip it - but then I've never had the flu.....

If I were like some posters and I had the flu each year (or even some years) - even if I didn't get very ill, I'd definitely get the vaccine, even without the sick kids factor. My point is only that it is not all about *you* - that anyone who does get the flu probably passes it on and someone on down the line may have a very bad outcome. Even if you get a mild case, even if being sick for a few weeks doesn't affect you that much, it could be very different for the next guy.

The risks to me are minimal - I've never had a bad reaction to a vaccine. I've never had Guillaume-Barre and I don't have an allergy to eggs or feathers. I think it is my responsibility to protect the community when I'm given the opportunity. Could it be that I won't ever get the flu or pass it on even if not vaccinated? Maybe so, but why take that chance.

I also think that we've been so successful at eradicating and treating some diseases that we've become complacent about how dangerous that they can be. Flu epidemics in the past killed millions. Just because we have it under control right now, doesn't mean it will stay that way. If we become complacent about prevention we could have a new epidemic on our hands. There have already been resurgences of diseases that were nearly gone - like measles and whooping cough.