Should I Get the New H1N1 (swine flu) Vaccine? Is It Safe?
Posted: Friday, November 13, 2009
by Steven Rogers
With new advances and increasing availability of the H1N1 Vaccine, several people have asked me if the vaccine is safe. I have looked into this and have come to the conclusion that yes it is safe. I had my doubts at first about some of the initial vaccines but the simple answer as to if the new vaccine is safe is that it is. The new vaccine is made in the same manner as the regular seasonal vaccine. Because of its late emergence last year, there was not time to have the vaccine ready to be administered as normal, which is why there is a separate shot necessary.
No vaccine is 100% safe for everyone. People with allergies to eggs, for example, can't take flu vaccines because eggs are involved in the manufacturing process, and flu vaccines cause mild but common reactions. About one in three people get a sore arm from the shot, some with a little redness or even swelling. Some, 10% to 15% of people, feel tired or get a headache some may even run a low fever. Vaccines can trigger rare but serious reactions, even among people with no apparent allergies or sensitivities. The symptoms of influenza are similar to those caused by many other viruses.
Even when influenza viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses. Specific testing, called "RT-PCR test," is needed in order to tell if an illness is caused by a specific influenza strain or by some other virus. This test is different from rapid flu tests that doctors can do in their offices. Since most people with flu-like illnesses will not be tested with RT-PCR this season, the majority will not know whether they have been infected with 2009 H1N1 flu or a different virus. Therefore, if you were ill but do not know if you had 2009 H1N1 infection, you should get vaccinated, if your doctor recommends it.
As with any illness like the flu, there are certain things that you can do to minimalize the risk of getting sick or making others sick. Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. It is recommended that you sneeze into the crook of your arm to help contain any droplets produced that could normally escape through your fingers. Wash your hands often. Wash especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are showing signs of being sick stay at home. If you have a fever you should not return to work until at least 24 hours after your fever returns to normal. This is when you are the most contagious. If you can help it stay away from crowds. Remember not everyone is going to be as cautious as you are. Talk to your doctor and make an informed decision
Steven is a self proclaimed right wing Christian extremist. He is a former Marine and currently work in the laboratory of a cancer research and treatment facility. He is the father of three and is referred to as genius by his wife (mostly as a sarcastic term of endearment!)
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)thanks for the info. I am one of those allergic to eggs so guess I will need to pass. Marijo
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