Flu Shot May Have Triggered Rare Disorder?

[Velouria]

Hey Pandora - as an RN I can take an educated stab at what happened to you. Anyone with an allergy to eggs cannot take a flu shot. If you don't have an egg allergy you may have acquired one. My own sister cannot ever get a flu shot because she is deathly allergic to eggs. Sometimes people get allegies as they age that didn't exist before. (I found out about 5 years ago that I am allergic to peanuts. I had not previously had any problems from peanuts.) Or you could have had an allergic reaction to something used in the inactive ingredients. Ask your physician if he thinks you should have allergy testing done. It could tell you everything for which you have allergies and prevent an anaphylactic reaction. My daughter has allergies to so many things she carries EpiPens in her purse, car, etc. On several occasions she had to use them. Hope this was an isolated occurrence, and it never happens again.

Thanks Kateyes. I appreciate the info. I was once given an infusion for my rheumatoid arthritis that contained mouse protein, and subsequently had a violent reaction: fever, elevated blood pressure, and despite being covered with three blankets, my teeth were chattering audibly. It makes sense to find out as much as you can about a drug or vaccine first, and to inform your physician of any medications you're taking or conditions that could cause problems.

 

[CyberLaw]

Dancing With the Stars, some people have come down with the disease.

On person said that "he had to sleep in the bathtub because he soaked the bed with a 105 fever. He could not even walk.

The "expert" in our country has come down with the disease,

So the chances of getting this disease is far greater then being protected by the vaccine.

Even IF I choose not to vaccinate our family, I don't want to see "them" suffer horribly if they do not get this vaccine.

It has "just" been approved for use in Canada, and I am phoning the Doctors office today.

I have no qualms about the vaccines, especially considering a pregnant women died because of this flu.

www.cdc.com

Forty-one states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. They are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu.

From August 30, 2009 - October 10, 2009

15,696 hospital admissions with 2,029 deaths

Flu tests positive - 4,958 with 292 deaths.

Ask you self this question, if you had the chance to save your life and prevent "a fatal" illness why would you not do so.

If you died, because of this flu, who would care for your family and how would your family, husband and kids feel that all it would have taken to prevent your death was a vaccination.

Top News story: Swine Flu vaccine approved........4, 700 people have died worldwide, including 87 in Canada.

The vaccines has been approved and used in Europe for some time now with no "deaths" from the vaccine, but many from the swine flu.

This is only October.....hopefully with "many" people vaccinated the death rate will lessen, I hope and pray that is true.

I would hate for any poster or their family to get very sick because "they feel" that the vaccine is worse then the flu and possibly dying from the flu.

I just logically cannot live with myself if I don't do everything within my power to protect my family.

 

[kgeaux]

Dancing With the Stars, some people have come down with the disease.

On person said that "he had to sleep in the bathtub because he soaked the bed with a 105 fever. He could not even walk.

The "expert" in our country has come down with the disease,

So the chances of getting this disease is far greater then being protected by the vaccine.

Even IF I choose not to vaccinate our family, I don't want to see "them" suffer horribly if they do not get this vaccine.

It has "just" been approved for use in Canada, and I am phoning the Doctors office today.

I have no qualms about the vaccines, especially considering a pregnant women died because of this flu.

www.cdc.com

Forty-one states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time. They are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. This many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu.

From August 30, 2009 - October 10, 2009

15,696 hospital admissions with 2,029 deaths

Flu tests positive - 4,958 with 292 deaths.

Ask you self this question, if you had the chance to save your life and prevent "a fatal" illness why would you not do so.

If you died, because of this flu, who would care for your family and how would your family, husband and kids feel that all it would have taken to prevent your death was a vaccination.

Top News story: Swine Flu vaccine approved........4, 700 people have died worldwide, including 87 in Canada.

The vaccines has been approved and used in Europe for some time now with no "deaths" from the vaccine, but many from the swine flu.

This is only October.....hopefully with "many" people vaccinated the death rate will lessen, I hope and pray that is true.

I would hate for any poster or their family to get very sick because "they feel" that the vaccine is worse then the flu and possibly dying from the flu.

I just logically cannot live with myself if I don't do everything within my power to protect my family.

I probably am the one who used the word "feel." Please don't think this is an emotional decision I have made, however! I have done much research into vaccines and I have made an educated decision. One of my sons has had the swine flu---he works with a large group of Mexicans---and it was relatively mild. My family physician has informed me that 99 out of 100 cases is extremely mild, except for people with prior disease, auto-immune disorders, etc. None of us are in the "high risk" group for dying from this flu, and several of us have allergies which up our risk of reacting to the preservatives and ingredients of the flu shot. The threat of a serious allergic reaction is something I don't want to play with, since another of my sons has already suffered a catastrophic respiratory failure due to an allergic reaction---he was in ICU for over a week on a respirator. Had a heart attack and a stroke while he was without oxygen. The last thing that kid needs is thimerisol entering his bloodstream!

Be blessed, CyberLaw.

 

[Celeste]

About a year and a half ago, I started taking a new arthritis drug that provoked in my body a severe allergic reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome. I can't begin to describe the horror of that experience; to be very brief, whole body turned red and purple and my flesh started just peeling/flaking off. The thing will most often kill you and/or leave you permanently damaged. Anyway, I was told that the chances of having this severe a reaction to a drug are one in a million, so small that the doctors don't even bother mentioning the risk. But let me tell you, when you are that one person, those numbers mean nothing to you. This is why talk of numbers and chances of this and chances of that do not impress me.

The long and the short of it is this: I would much rather get sick because of something I did not do, than to get sick because of something I sought out and brought upon myself.

P.S. All this faith in modern medicine is misplaced.

 

[Boyz_Mum]

kgeaux, I most likely used the word "feel" too. When I'm trying to express my opinion I use "I feel" often.

I appreciate all the opinions here, whether the same or polar opposite of mine.

I am rather curious about the diagnosis of swine flu (and any other flu). As I said earlier, we (my family) have never been diagnosed with a flu. We've had strep throat, sinus infections and some other viruses (sp?) in the house, and been diagnosed. And I can't think of a time during childhood that anyone in my immediate family was ill with what was called "the flu".

When one of us is suffering cold-like symptoms, we treat it as such, plenty of liquids, rest, ibuprofen if there are body aches, chicken soup, frequent washing, etc... We try to "isolate" the one who is ailing, to prevent further spread of what we suspect as a "cold". Okay, if the more serious symptoms (vomiting, pain, serious lung involvement in the cough, etc...) don't appear to lessen or get worse, we go to the doctor's office. That's happened one time with one child and wasn't diagnosed as a flu, it was the beginning of a battle with strep and an eventual tonsilectomy.

If the doctor doesn't do blood tests or otherwise, how would we know if we've ever had the flu? Are there other people who treat a cold or what may be a flu at home and not seek medical intervention if the ailment goes away in a timely manner and doesn't worsen?

 

[kgeaux]

kgeaux, I most likely used the word "feel" too. When I'm trying to express my opinion I use "I feel" often.

I appreciate all the opinions here, whether the same or polar opposite of mine.

I am rather curious about the diagnosis of swine flu (and any other flu). As I said earlier, we (my family) have never been diagnosed with a flu. We've had strep throat, sinus infections and some other viruses (sp?) in the house, and been diagnosed. And I can't think of a time during childhood that anyone in my immediate family was ill with what was called "the flu".

When one of us is suffering cold-like symptoms, we treat it as such, plenty of liquids, rest, ibuprofen if there are body aches, chicken soup, frequent washing, etc... We try to "isolate" the one who is ailing, to prevent further spread of what we suspect as a "cold". Okay, if the more serious symptoms (vomiting, pain, serious lung involvement in the cough, etc...) don't appear to lessen or get worse, we go to the doctor's office. That's happened one time with one child and wasn't diagnosed as a flu, it was the beginning of a battle with strep and an eventual tonsilectomy.

If the doctor doesn't do blood tests or otherwise, how would we know if we've ever had the flu? Are there other people who treat a cold or what may be a flu at home and not seek medical intervention if the ailment goes away in a timely manner and doesn't worsen?

I think many people do not seek medical care unless symptoms are severe, but that may not be true in this case because of all the media hype.

Here is what we were told: colds come on gradually. You feel a little stuffy one day and over the next few days, the symptoms will magnify.

Flu is FAST. One day you feel great! By that afternoon, you are congested, your body aches, you are running fever, etc.

No blood test is done down here, to my knowledge. A huge Q-tip is stuck in your mouth (or nose) til it gets all wet, then it is tested.

I read an earlier post which stated that Louisiana is one of the states reporting many cases of swine flu, but there are very few cases in my seven parish area. (My doctor said she is seeing many more cases of mycoplasma, which can be mistaken for the flu if not tested.) As a matter of fact, our local newspaper had an article on the front page yesterday saying that the swine flu vaccines are just sitting around in doctors' offices: few people have opted to take the vaccine. "Come in! Get your vaccine!! We're about to get another shipment and we still haven't used the previous shipment!!" The article sounded more like an advertisment for the vaccine than an informative piece.

God's blessings to you!

 

[Boyz_Mum]

Thanks, kgeaux, for telling me what a flu test consists of. We've had the giant Q-tip culture of the throat (and skin) for strep. I didn't know how they test for "flu" and I didn't know the doctors could test for the flu.

Michigan (our county) doesn't seem to have fallen victim to many cases of H1N1. I've read back and last April, it seems that there was at least one reported case, in our county. We weren't here at the time. I haven't heard or read of any cases for this latest round.

Today, I heard that doctors in our area are notifying candidates (based on illnesses they have suffered) for the flu shot. Is it a good thing that our doctors haven't contacted us in regards to having the vaccine?

 

[anneinchicago]

What I wonder (and others have said the same) is why a combination of various vaccines for a number of diseases are all given at once.

Veterinarians recommend animals under a certain weight receive their vaccinations in a series of shot, not all at once, in order to reduce the chance of a reaction. If vets recommend this for pets, then why is it not recommended or encouraged for children?

I can't help but think the problem is not the vaccine itself, but the number of vaccines given at all at once.

 

[PorcineGranny]

There is a test for the swine flu and I think its a blood test, not absolutely sure.
and if you ever get the flu, you will not mistake it for a cold.

 

[Velouria]

There is a test for the swine flu and I think its a blood test, not absolutely sure.
and if you ever get the flu, you will not mistake it for a cold.

Granny, they do a nasal swab test, and I've read that some people who test positive for H1N1 don't exhibit all the symptoms of flu, such as fever. In some people it can cause a sudden onset of viral pneumonia unlike previous flu strains. Very scary. Personally, I think if someone has persistent cold symptoms it's worth going in to get tested.

I heard that keeping your hands clean is actually the best way to avoid H1N1, so I've become a real stickler for the hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes.

 

[kgeaux]

There is a test for the swine flu and I think its a blood test, not absolutely sure.
and if you ever get the flu, you will not mistake it for a cold.

Good morning, granny. I don't think they do blood work for the flu. Over here, it is a swab test. If it shows positive, it means you have the flu.

Actually, I have a friend who went to the doctor on a regularly scheduled check-up and complained of having a cold. Doc did a swab, friend had swine flu. She had no body aches, no fever----nothing but congestion. It was extremely mild. Another friend got so sick so fast that she just knew she had the flu. She went to the doctor, and was tested and told she had "mycoplasma" The doctor told her many cases of mycoplasma had been mistakenly assumed to be the swine flu, and unless you tested, you wouldn't know which you had. Ever since then, I've been wondering if the number of cases of swine flu are the result of tested cases, or if mycoplasma has falsely inflated the numbers.

 

[lillys]

People in my town have feared a negative reaction or disorder from the newest flu shots. What a no win situation-get sick if you don't get the shot. Get sick if you do.

 

[PeteyGirl]

I got the H1N1 vaccine on Friday (I'm an RN). So far, it caused less of a painful spot on my arm than the regular flu shot . I've been a little nervous because I read HERE lol but I'm also pretty relieved, too.

They are stopping ALL visitors at the front of the hospital and putting colored wrist bands on visitors. No children are allowed to visit unless they are direct family members of the hospitalized. If you appear or admit to having been sick with ANY respiratory illness, you are turned away UNLESS you are visiting a gravely ill person, then you must wear a mask.

This kind of thing underscores to me how this isn't really a media hype thing, when the hospitals are operating in pandemic emergency mode.

 

[MaxMoMom]

I just spent the weekend in the PICU with my 3 year old - pneumonia, possible H1NI, ear infection. No visitors under the age of 18. In his ward you had to robe/mask/glove up to come in his room and take all off to leave. There were so many sick children in there with the flu. It was very scary.

We would be vaccinating if I could find it here. Also my 3 year old has an egg allergy and normally gets the flu shot at the allergist. The doc. ordered it for him in the hosp. (not sure which flu shot) but the pharmacist wouldn't dispence b/c of the food allergy. Lose/lose situation for us.

 

[CyberLaw]

No kidding......our walk in clinics and Dr's office were already "supplied" with pandemic supplies prior to this outbreak. No 20/20 hindsight there.

Well stocked and well prepared. You deal much better with a crisis that you know "will eventually happen someday, then to "hurry" and catch up when it does.

If a person suspects they have the flu, they are advised to tell the doctor and staff. Last appointment of the day also. Everyone in the office will be masked and gloved.

Our hospitals have already taken precautions, old age homes, nursing homes.

WE learned from the mistakes" of SARS" a few years ago, in what not to do in a pandemic. I wish some people who "lived" thorough the SARS problem years ago can experience the "outright" fear of an illness that had no vaccine, can be exposed to others, was fatal and again had no vaccine. It was more then fear.........

OH BTW, the vaccine for the H1N1 is the same formulation and process that has been used since the late 1940's for vaccines.

So the H1N1 is "nothing" new and novel.

Oh in the case of "dystonia" a women developed this condition 10 days after a vaccination for flu. The cases of dystonia are so rare in the general public only 5 cases have been diagnosed in the last 18 years.

If this was "common" it would not be so rare and of course no evidence has been forthcoming as to the "scientific" reason of dystonia and vaccines because there is none.

So trust me when I say this, you have a much better chance in real life and reality to "get the flu" then you would have on the "myth" that the vaccine does more harm then the illness.

I am sure the people who cannot "get the vaccine" are just a bit concerned and panic because they "cannot protect themselves and their family.

We are still waiting until the "high risk" groups has had the vaccine, it will start next week. Then after a few week(hopefully less) the "general" public can get the vaccine.

Some people are counting the days..........and trying not to get sick.

 

[Boyz_Mum]

I just spent the weekend in the PICU with my 3 year old - pneumonia, possible H1NI, ear infection. No visitors under the age of 18. In his ward you had to robe/mask/glove up to come in his room and take all off to leave. There were so many sick children in there with the flu. It was very scary.

We would be vaccinating if I could find it here. Also my 3 year old has an egg allergy and normally gets the flu shot at the allergist. The doc. ordered it for him in the hosp. (not sure which flu shot) but the pharmacist wouldn't dispence b/c of the food allergy. Lose/lose situation for us.

How is your 3 year old doing? Lots of prayers for you all.

 

[MaxMoMom]

How is your 3 year old doing? Lots of prayers for you all.

He is doing pretty good now - thank you. I am watching him like a hawk and we will follow up with the ped this week.

The ER was nuts. People waiting, most with masks. We spent about 8 hours in the ER room, most of it waiting for a room to open in the PICU. His ER nurse said it had been the busiest week in at least 10 years. She said that people are freaking out and some coming in with just symptoms and not serious. They have to see everyone so it was making it more difficult for the very ill. Glad to be home.

I think with any vaccine, medication, etc. you are taking a risk. You wont believe the meds my little guy is on but I know what the alternative is for him and for those little ones that were in PICU with us.

 

[eeyorelrn]

Having worked in pediatrics and having given literally thousands of immunizations, including the flu shots, my opinions on them stem from one thing. The pediatricians that I worked with were ALWAYS the first ones to have their children vaccinated at flu season, let alone with their regular childhood immunizations. All 13 of them have done extensive research, including talking to several Developmental and Genetic specialists reguarding the saftey and risks of vaccinations. Based on this research, they decided that the risks of vaccination were greatly and vastly outweighed by the benefits. the ammount of thimersol that may be present in some vaccinations (those that are live virus vaccines and some versions of the flu vaccine) are considered insiginificant by industry standards- you are at a greatly higher risk of toxic mercury posioning (thimerosol is a mercury derivitive) from eating 1 fish from your local pond, stream, river or lake than you are if you were to get the total ammount of WHO recommended vaccinations for children under five at one time, once a year for life.

I am in no way trying to disparage those that do not want their children vaccinated. That is a personal decision that a parent has to make. HOWEVER, having talked to 2 sets of parents whose newborns died after an older child brought Whooping Cough home from school from an unvaccinated child, I have my own personal views on this matter.

This is a heated issue, almost as much as politics or religion, so panning others for their beliefs isn't necessarily a good idea. However, ALL benefits and risks need to be researched, investigated, and discussed with medical professionals (those in an office with degrees, not from internet sites that cannot always be validated or vetted for accuracy) before decisions are made.

 

[Soulmagent]

I am in no way trying to disparage those that do not want their children vaccinated. That is a personal decision that a parent has to make. HOWEVER, having talked to 2 sets of parents whose newborns died after an older child brought Whooping Cough home from school from an unvaccinated child, I have my own personal views on this matter.

Were the older children not vaccinated? It is not very common for it to be spread from surface contact ,much less from 3rd person surface contact. From the information I read on it ,whooping cough is spread by direct contact the respiratory droplets of an infected person.Did the older children come down with whooping cough and then spread it?

 

[kgeaux]

A friend from work told me she had to take her child to the doctor this morning. They did a nasal swab and told her the child had flu. She asked if it was the H1N1, and was informed they aren't even testing for that anymore! CDC was overwhelmed with tests and said they weren't requiring swabs to be sent in anymore. Since this isn't the traditional time for "regular" flu, they are ASSUMING all cases of flu are swine flu.

I really think if this is true, and it seems to be from what I've read, then I believe the cases of swine flu may be falsely inflated. I know when I was a little girl, I had the flu in August----so regular flus can occur at odd times.