Will you have the Swine Flu shot?

[Miss Chicken]

I had the Swine Flu shot last week and I would be interested to find out what percentage of people plan to have it.

If you are not going to have it, is this because you don't feel you need to, or is it because you don't approve of vaccinations?

 

[RoJoHen]

Nope, I don't feel the need. I haven't had the flu in over 10 years. In fact, the last time I was sick at all was 4 years ago when I had bronchitis.

 

[Jan]

I'm definitely getting it. Any time I get anydamnthing that might affect my lungs I end up with at least bronchitis which fairly regularly turns into walking pneumonia or worse. I've already gotten my 'regular' flu shot and I'll be getting the H1N1 shot also.

Jan

 

[SPOCKED]

No. So that means there's an extra shot for someone who needs it.

You're welcome

 

[Goji]

When I went with my family to get the regular flu shot last week, we were told that they wouldn't be getting the swine flu shot for a long time. Otherwise I'd probably be strongly encouraged to get it. As it is, we likely will not.

 

[Joshua Howard]

No. Media hype has fueled a certain hysterical belief that Swine Flu is actually a huge deal. Headlines such as "Swine Flu to Impact 50% of Pop" have been scaring people into buying newspapers, and people are going crazy over the phenomenon; and yet, statistics show that this flu is not any more deadly than regular flu. The outbreak(s) of it have not even come close to producing the number deaths already caused by standard strains. I don't buy the hype.

That said, It has been a long time since I have been sick; I never took shots as a child or adult, and based on all of the above, I have no incentive to go get innoculated over a scare on Nightly News.

 

[Lindley]

I'll be getting the regular one, but I think I'll skip H1N1 for now. If it's offered conveniently I might get it later.

 

[John Picard]

No. It's overblown media hype. The last flu shot I had was thanks to the military in 1990(?). Eff that.

 

[RoJoHen]

No. Media hype has fueled a certain hysterical belief that Swine Flu is actually a huge deal. Headlines such as "Swine Flu to Impact 50% of Pop" have been scaring people into buying newspapers, and people are going crazy over the phenomenon; and yet, statistics show that this flu is not any more deadly than regular flu. The outbreak(s) of it have not even come close to producing the number deaths already caused by standard strains. I don't buy the hype.

Are you sure about this? I mean, I don't fall for media hype either, but I saw an interview with some important doctor person (I don't remember who) who said Swine Flu has already killed what the normal flu strains kill throughout the entire flu season.

It was on the Chicago news, so it may have been a local statistic, but still.

 

[Mallory]

I'll be getting it, probably this Friday when I see my oncologist. I have a compromised immune system so I'm having to redo all my childhood immunizations as well. The H1N1 vaccine will just be one more needle this week.

 

[Joshua Howard]

Are you sure about this? I mean, I don't fall for media hype either, but I saw an interview with some important doctor person (I don't remember who) who said Swine Flu has already killed what the normal flu strains kill throughout the entire flu season.

It was on the Chicago news, so it may have been a local statistic, but still.

^ Well, a quick google suggests that we have seen 1,081 Swine Flu Deaths since the outbreak, while the CDC estimates that regular flu kills about 36,000 annually (U.S. Statistics).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic_by_country
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/us_flu-related_deaths.htm

 

[RoJoHen]

Interesting. I'm just going by memory. I think it may have been child deaths in the Chicagoland area.

 

[Miss Chicken]

I received a letter from my local health centre telling me that the H1N1 shot was available and that I was in a high risk group so I should have it as soon as possible. The health centre is vaccinating high risk groups first but the sister that gave me the shot recommended that my sons have it to but for them to leave it for a couple or so weeks (by which time the high risk groups will have been done).

I am not sure if my sons will want to have it.

 

[Middle Earther]

It's not available here yet. I will probably get it along with the seasonal flu shot. The health care news is we may be able to get both at the same time, now. Yipee.

 

[John Picard]

Are you sure about this? I mean, I don't fall for media hype either, but I saw an interview with some important doctor person (I don't remember who) who said Swine Flu has already killed what the normal flu strains kill throughout the entire flu season.

It was on the Chicago news, so it may have been a local statistic, but still.

^ Well, a quick google suggests that we have seen 1,081 Swine Flu Deaths since the outbreak, while the CDC estimates that regular flu kills about 36,000 annually (U.S. Statistics).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic_by_country
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/us_flu-related_deaths.htm

Not to mention the big Swine Flu hysteria of the 1970's.

 

[Joshua Howard]

@Miss N Thrope - I personally second the notion that healthcare professionals might be wise to take it. As someone in that line of work, if somebody gets H1N1, you are probably going to be one of the first people to come in contact with the victim.

Of course, in taking it, the question of government conspiracies comes to mind; something which has been mentioned in no small way over the last several months. I wouldn't say that I don't trust Federal agencies, but whenever they start campaigning for something with all the banners and red flags unfurled, I get a little worried about what they may be up to. Everything is driven by political motive. It is important not to forget that. Nevertheless, I am not trying to derail this thread into a political discussion, so don't take my comment that way.

 

[auntiehill]

I won't get getting the shot. I work at home and I'm alone all day, 5 days a week, until hubby comes home late at night. So, really, what's the point?

Save the shot for someone who really needs it.

 

[Zulu Romeo]

I think I've already had swine flu itself. Or maybe it was just a typical rhinovirus spreading around instead. In any case, it was... fun.

Although, as someone apparently on the front line, I might end up having the shot for the craic anyway. I'm not *THAT* front-line, however...

 

[StolenThunder]

I'm bundled in with one of the high risk groups, especially as I'm frequently changing departments and hospitals I suppose.

Wouldn't be a good time to get the 'flu either.

 

[Maestro]

Only if it comes with BBQ sauce and a side of coleslaw.