Posted by Essie at 3:31pm Aug 14 '09I'm on the list of people to be immunized for H1N1 (henceforth shall be "hamthrax") because of my work.
The hamthrax vaccine will be given in a series of two injections, I believe 2 weeks apart (but I'm pulling all of this information from memory from a memorandum I got three weeks ago). It is different from the flu vaccine that will be distributed. The government is providing the vaccine to healthcare workers and others in particularly sensitive populations.
If it makes anyone feel any better, H1N1 isn't that big of a deal as far as severity. Its VERY mild for MOST people. The problem is that it is very contagious. This causes concern for the young and the elderly, as well as those who are immunocompromised. It also causes concern that it might mutate with an existing form of flu (such as the avian flu) and become extremely contagious and extremely deadly.
I've taken care of several patients with it. One died (but probably because he was already critically ill) and the others were just bitching that they were on isolation precautions and wanted to go home. My mother had it and we've both had colds that were worse.
Whatever direction you decide to go with the vaccine, make your decision without fear clouding the picture. I get the flu vaccine every year, but if I weren't working with this populace, I'd have to closely examine the additives to the vaccine and the pros and cons in taking it.
The hamthrax vaccine will be given in a series of two injections, I believe 2 weeks apart (but I'm pulling all of this information from memory from a memorandum I got three weeks ago). It is different from the flu vaccine that will be distributed. The government is providing the vaccine to healthcare workers and others in particularly sensitive populations.
If it makes anyone feel any better, H1N1 isn't that big of a deal as far as severity. Its VERY mild for MOST people. The problem is that it is very contagious. This causes concern for the young and the elderly, as well as those who are immunocompromised. It also causes concern that it might mutate with an existing form of flu (such as the avian flu) and become extremely contagious and extremely deadly.
I've taken care of several patients with it. One died (but probably because he was already critically ill) and the others were just bitching that they were on isolation precautions and wanted to go home. My mother had it and we've both had colds that were worse.
Whatever direction you decide to go with the vaccine, make your decision without fear clouding the picture. I get the flu vaccine every year, but if I weren't working with this populace, I'd have to closely examine the additives to the vaccine and the pros and cons in taking it.
Here's what little bit that I know - Essie