i have been monitoring cnn most of the day, and now realize their isn't enough flu vaccine to inoculate everyone. their is a disturbing trend where the children are losing their life, and may not be able to get the vaccine soon enouh to enhance their immunity,

my proposal isn't perfect, but it could save a child's life. if you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s or 50s, have no heart disease, no diabetes, immuno comprozed and otherwise healthy, you are not likely to die, don't take the vaccine and let the docs give the shot to a child. anyone could shoot holes through this idea, but their is nothing more devastating the a mother that loses her child.

the vaccine covers three strains, with the most recent strain not included in the vaccine. apparently this flu progresses rapidly in children and may start with only a sniffle.

mothers, if your child shows any respiratory symptoms, don' wait, see your doctor. if your doctor does not have the vaccine call every doctor, clinic or hospital until you find the vaccine.

their is a drug resistent staph that it has been said is associated with the flu. it is a potent pathogen and may have caused the deaths of some of the children.

bruce

Bruce I am all with you on that. But I heard there are plenty of doses of flumist left! My son personally cannot have that due to an immune deficiency. I feel that if people can have that one they should so they can save the left over of the shots for the kids and chronically ill. I am a nervous wreck because my son hasnt had the vaccine yet due to other illness but I am hoping he can have his by next week!

Bruce I am all with you on that. But I heard there are plenty of doses of flumist left! My son personally cannot have that due to an immune deficiency. I feel that if people can have that one they should so they can save the left over of the shots for the kids and chronically ill. I am a nervous wreck because my son hasnt had the vaccine yet due to other illness but I am hoping he can have his by next week!

the latest i have heard about flu mist is it is available, contains a live virus, not a bad thing, and you have to pay for it, sounds reasonable to me. isn't a child's life worth 20$?

ps hope you get that shot.

bruce

Bruce,
I cant get the flumist due to my sons condition since it is the live virus. I also feel a childs life is priceless and I would be willing to pay whatever for the mist but cant get it anyway. I was trying to locate the flu vaccine but there isnt any left in the county I live in. I am a stay at home mom so basically the only way I will get it is if my kids do. I am crossing my fingers here:)

Bruce and mome22
I have waited and now can't find the shot. My old dr told me not to get it because a an egg sensitivity but my new dr say's yes, get it. I didn't have an actual allergic reaction and since I have an immune deficiency then I shoul get it. Now they are all out and not sure when or if they'll get more. I'm sorry now that i waited. With all the talk on the news it sure is making me nervous!
Michele

Bruce and mome22
I have waited and now can't find the shot. My old dr told me not to get it because a an egg sensitivity but my new dr say's yes, get it. I didn't have an actual allergic reaction and since I have an immune deficiency then I shoul get it. Now they are all out and not sure when or if they'll get more. I'm sorry now that i waited. With all the talk on the news it sure is making me nervous!
Michele


call either your local healh department or the state board of health. thestate board should have the latest information from the cdc. don't give up. if you are not allergic to eggs, you need the vaccine

bruce

Great idea Bruce. Thanks alot. I didn't think of that.
Michele

Bruce,
I cant get the flumist due to my sons condition since it is the live virus. I also feel a childs life is priceless and I would be willing to pay whatever for the mist but cant get it anyway. I was trying to locate the flu vaccine but there isnt any left in the county I live in. I am a stay at home mom so basically the only way I will get it is if my kids do. I am crossing my fingers here:)


Call the state board of health. they work closely with the cdc and should give you the latest information on where to find the vaccine. if it is the last resort call the cdc in atlanta. it might take awhile to find the right department, but that is their main function. don;t give up if you get a busy signal.


The cdc should be able to tell you where their is a source for the vaccine anywhere in the country. they also have a website. i think they are listed under government.

bruce

Bruce and mome22
I have waited and now can't find the shot. My old dr told me not to get it because a an egg sensitivity but my new dr say's yes, get it. I didn't have an actual allergic reaction and since I have an immune deficiency then I shoul get it. Now they are all out and not sure when or if they'll get more. I'm sorry now that i waited. With all the talk on the news it sure is making me nervous!
Michele

mamu, check out my last post here

bruce

Thanks Bruce I will do that! Mamu- I know you need that shot! We have talked alot on the immune disorders board. Let me know if you find it!

Well... I heard an ad on the radio that the VNA Visiting Nurse Association are going to several sites to administer the shot. The only problem with that is finding one near me. I think I have one I just have to hope they don't run out befor I get there. I have a couple people out there searching though. I'll keep you posted and I'll look into the cdc like Bruce suggested. Thanks,
Michele

Well I just got back from the doctor with my daughter. They are all out of the flu vaccine because the CDC called them yesterday afternoon and took what was left! My daughter is without the flu shot for now. I am going to ask my sons pulmonary doc if they could possibly spare one for my daughter also. The way I see it is if my daughter gets the flu it will bring up my sons chances of getting it also,she does have asthma and has been sick alot lately(has an MRI tomorrow to r/o mass in her head)I just hope the CDC didnt take what my sons doc's had left. My kids can NOT have the flumist due to my sons immune deficiency. Wow I never have seen it this bad.

Well, I called the health dept. and they are giving the shot to a limited no. of people. I don't fit the criteria. They did say to keep checking because that may change.
Also, called the site that is supposed to be giving shots and they have 100 and have had 1000 inquiries already! I can't believe this!
Well, still have a couple ideas so I'll keep trying!
Michele

i think i got my threads or topics mixed up. i repeated my self a few times.

Okay, i will try and list some sources of the vaccine. county health department, local hospitals, VNA, doctors offices, state board of health, cdc, out patient clinics.

The most susceptable age group are children between six months and 23 months, immunocomprised patients, patients with chronic lung disease and patients over 65, however, you can have my shot.

flu synptoms: early onset, temp over 101, muscle pain, and weakness.

bruce

Just wanted to say that I got my hands on a flu shot yesterday. I'm glad and hopefully that will work to keep me flu free! Thanks for the suggestions and help!

Just wanted to say that I got my hands on a flu shot yesterday. I'm glad and hopefully that will work to keep me flu free! Thanks for the suggestions and help!

i will bet you feel better now.

the latest info is the governent shipped 100,000 doses of the adult vaccine today to all states, and will ship 150,000 doses of the children's vaccine in january.

one of the most vulnerable groups is from 6 months to 23 months of age.

now you can relax

bruce

How well does the flu shot work? I never had one but I have heard some people actually get the flu after getting the shot! Is this true?

Another question.....if you already had the flu a few weeks ago, is it possible to get it again?? I had it and so did my son....but it still seems to be lingering...sore throat, small cough every now and then...

How well does the flu shot work? I never had one but I have heard some people actually get the flu after getting the shot! Is this true?

Another question.....if you already had the flu a few weeks ago, is it possible to get it again?? I had it and so did my son....but it still seems to be lingering...sore throat, small cough every now and then...

It is a myth that you get the flu after receiving the shot.

the flu shot gives protection against three strains, but a newer strain is not included in the vaccine, however, the flu strains have some DNA in common so you do get some protection against the new strain. you might still contract the flu, but the symptoms could be milder.

i am not sure, but i think i read the vaccine gives up to 90 % protection.

this is just my opinion, but it is possible to get reinfected by another strain, but it is not likely,

you mentioned still having a sore throat, it wouldn't hurt to get checked for strep. their is a rapid test fir it. the complications after contracting the flu comes from mainly bacteria such as Strep pyogenes (group A0 or staph pneumonia. their are a lot of drug resistent staph out there, so if you need an antibiotic, make sure you have the right one.

bruce

Strep, huh? Well, my son and I both had this nasty flu but it's gone except for the sore throat like I said but this sore throat comes and goes with it being a little worse in the morning. It's not severe...for him or I. I thought it was just from the flu we had and maybe the dryness...we are in CO. Any ideas? It's kinda scratchy and dry and it does not hurt when swallowing real bad. Mine is only on the one side and his is both. ??

Strep, huh? Well, my son and I both had this nasty flu but it's gone except for the sore throat like I said but this sore throat comes and goes with it being a little worse in the morning. It's not severe...for him or I. I thought it was just from the flu we had and maybe the dryness...we are in CO. Any ideas? It's kinda scratchy and dry and it does not hurt when swallowing real bad. Mine is only on the one side and his is both. ??


doesn't sound like strep. try gargiling with salt water, it might make you feel better..

hot tea is another possibility, and their is always chicken soup.

drink more fluids, because a dry throat is more painful.

i can't prove all this will help, but i work cheap.

bruce

Thanks Bruce. Hey-I was wondering...do you think I have a bad immune system...I 1st had the stomach flu for a week, then the flu for 2 weeks, then a sinus infection for 2 weeks and now I feel like I have a cold....not sure if it's still the sinus infection. I refuse to go to the doctor AGAIN. LOL. I just can't believe one person can be sick one time after the other. This never happened to me before. Any ideas? I'm real tired of being sick...it's been 6 weeks! If I had a job, I would be fired by now. Glad I work from home.

Thanks Bruce. Hey-I was wondering...do you think I have a bad immune system...I 1st had the stomach flu for a week, then the flu for 2 weeks, then a sinus infection for 2 weeks and now I feel like I have a cold....not sure if it's still the sinus infection. I refuse to go to the doctor AGAIN. LOL. I just can't believe one person can be sick one time after the other. This never happened to me before. Any ideas? I'm real tired of being sick...it's been 6 weeks! If I had a job, I would be fired by now. Glad I work from home.


my first guess, are you gettting enough rest?

many infections are spread by contaminating our hands then touching our nose, mouth and eyes. more of handwashing migh help.

i can't tell you about your immune status, because it would depend on your age, any conditions that would affect your immunity, and if you are usually healthy.

a clue that would make you suspect lowered immunity, is if you became infected with an organism that doesn't affect people that have normal immunity. an example is a heavy infection of the mouth with a common yeast. hiv patients will have heavy patches of yeast in their mouth (Thrush).


Bruce

I am 31. I was checked for all sorts of auto immune disorders because I had iritis in my eye and my eye doc said people who get that usually have some sort of auto immune disease. But they all came back negative. I get stys in my eyes a lot and canker sores and now being sick for so long, these are all signs pointing to immune disorders. By eye doc said auto immune diseases sometimes show up later in the blood...and I should be tested again in a few years.

Yes, I do get plenty of rest. :)

Bruce, Good news! My son was able to have his flu shot yesterday! YAY! I am feeling a little better about it now. His doc didnt have enough to give my daughter one so she doesnt have one yet. My son also has to have another flu shot in a month. I have never heard of that but she said it needs to be done IF we can find it. She said he is a little covered but needs the second shot to get to where it needs to be (the titres i am guessing). He has an immune deficiency so maybe thats why. I hope all is well.

Bruce, Good news! My son was able to have his flu shot yesterday! YAY! I am feeling a little better about it now. His doc didnt have enough to give my daughter one so she doesnt have one yet. My son also has to have another flu shot in a month. I have never heard of that but she said it needs to be done IF we can find it. She said he is a little covered but needs the second shot to get to where it needs to be (the titres i am guessing). He has an immune deficiency so maybe thats why. I hope all is well.


Thats good news. Two shots are the usual way to give children the flu vaccine, and you are right, the second shot is a booster, giving your son a higher antibody level.

Their is more vaccine on the way.

Bruce

I am 31. I was checked for all sorts of auto immune disorders because I had iritis in my eye and my eye doc said people who get that usually have some sort of auto immune disease. But they all came back negative. I get stys in my eyes a lot and canker sores and now being sick for so long, these are all signs pointing to immune disorders. By eye doc said auto immune diseases sometimes show up later in the blood...and I should be tested again in a few years.

Yes, I do get plenty of rest. :)


The canker sores are a clue that your immunity isn't up to par. most of us have been infected with Herpes type I, and the virus lies dormant until your immunity is a little low, and then the canker sores pop up.

when i was much younger and the canker sores would appear, and be painful, i would hold a mouthful of listerine on the sores and it would reduce the pain.

autoimmune diseases are a little different. the immune system attacks its own cells, and an example of that is lupus. it can be a serious disease, and you need to keep a close watch on it. that doesn't mean you will contract lupus or any other autoimmune diseases.

Bruce

I did some research on canker sores a while back and I did find out that it could be the toothpaste you use...which has sodium lauryl solfate...so I switched to Biotene which does not have SLS in it. Since that, I have not gotten any canker sores. I got canker sores since I was a teen! But it still makes me think it's immune related just because of all my other ailments. And lastnight....I had this strange rash on the side of my belly and leg. It was small red bumps that were far apart and itched. No clue what it was and it went away today. I know rashes are auto immune related as well.

I did some research on canker sores a while back and I did find out that it could be the toothpaste you use...which has sodium lauryl solfate...so I switched to Biotene which does not have SLS in it. Since that, I have not gotten any canker sores. I got canker sores since I was a teen! But it still makes me think it's immune related just because of all my other ailments. And lastnight....I had this strange rash on the side of my belly and leg. It was small red bumps that were far apart and itched. No clue what it was and it went away today. I know rashes are auto immune related as well.

i found some interesting stuff about canker sores on webmd.

stress or run down can cause the sores to appear.

diet lacking iron, folic acid and vitamen b 12 can cause it.

canker sores can be caused by a defect in the immune system, such as food allergy

the sores occur twice as often in women.


bruce

First of all,
mome22, glad to hear your son got his flu shot. That's great!

Second to abbey
The doctors can check your immune globulins or gamma globulins to see if you have an immune deficiency. Their are a lot of different immun def.'s IgA, CVID (Common Variablt Immune Def) I have Low IgA's and CVID. Right now th Doc says my levels are up except for my IgA's. Thats great news for me. Help me to fight all those bugs going around right now.
These are what helps our bodies fight infections. Just a thought.
Michele

I forgot to add that I also get cankor sores. They used to last about 2 or 3 weeks but the last one went away more quickly. So, I guess that's my ivig infusions are working to boost my immune system. I haven't had one in 3 months! Yeah!

First of all,
mome22, glad to hear your son got his flu shot. That's great!

Second to abbey
The doctors can check your immune globulins or gamma globulins to see if you have an immune deficiency. Their are a lot of different immun def.'s IgA, CVID (Common Variablt Immune Def) I have Low IgA's and CVID. Right now th Doc says my levels are up except for my IgA's. Thats great news for me. Help me to fight all those bugs going around right now.
These are what helps our bodies fight infections. Just a thought.
Michele


Thanks Bruce-interesting.

How do I know if my doc did check me for that? All I know is lots of tests were ran but they never really told me for what. Lupus was one...anemia...thyroid. Do I have to ask for a specific test? You'd think they would just know with all my symptoms. Today I have another stye in my eye! HATE THOSE!!

Abbey
Immune Globulins aren't checked routinely I don't think. Ask your doctor. Also, get a copy of your lab work and check for yourself, ask your doctor if they ran that test and if they did to show you on the lab work. It kind of rare, but you never know.