Hi Ladies,

I’ve already done a Blog entry about H1N1, but I wanted to address this topic again. Everywhere you look, someone, somewhere in the world is reporting on the outbreak or pandemic of H1N1 (aka the Swine Flu). And it’s some really scary sh&t, let me tell you! We hear of cases where people are dying from the Swine flu. If you knew you could prevent this, and it was as simple as getting a little shot, wouldn’t it be a no-brainer? On the flip side, people are dying FROM the H1N1 shot. Should you risk giving a perfectly healthy individual a vaccine, only to have them develop permanent side effects? It’s a very complex issue.

In fact, there are many health practices across Canada who are going so far as to kick patients out of their practices should they opt out of the H1N1 vaccination. A little extreme, no? Doctors are very strongly encouraging the vulnerable population to inoculate; children, the elderly and those with existing medical conditions.

But the truth is, while experts are praising it, it just isn’t an easy sell. People are truly unsure. I heard on the radio yesterday that 59% of Canadians are AGAINST the H1N1 vaccine. I find this astounding. While I have opted out for my kids, I still doubt my decision. I truly do. My big son has viral induced asthma, and he would classify as one of those “vulnerable” groups being urged to get the shot.

So what do you do? To vaccinate or not to vaccinate?

I would like to give some objective information and let you decide for yourself.

But first, check this picture out. It made me laugh…

Okay, now back to the facts. This is from the CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention):

“This season, 2009 H1N1 vaccines are being made to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”). There are two kinds of 2009 H1N1 vaccines being produced: a 2009 H1N1 “flu shot” that is given with a needle, usually in the arm; and the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine given via a nasal sprayer. The same manufacturers who produce seasonal flu vaccines are producing 2009 H1N1 vaccines for use in the United States and the vaccines are being made in the same way that the seasonal vaccines are made.”

Okay, this sounds encouraging. I’m running to Dr. X yesterday to get my shot, (despite the mercury and aluminum in the ingredients)!

Then I read these…

“A harmless prick – and thereby possibly save thousands of people. This is what several hundreds of volunteers thought, who each collected a payment of 250 Euro for their participation in the study of the swine flu vaccine trial at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University.

One of them has now quit the trial: The Diploma-businessman Axel Sch. (40). He claims : “The vaccination has made me ill! – the test is irresponsible.” He says that within a few hours after the vaccination, on August 10, he had sweat on his forehead. “I felt totally beat. On the third day, my kidneys and head were aching and I got a fever. I then had a coughing fit – and the wash basin was suddenly red – it was blood!“

or “Health investigators are under more pressure as two elderly women are reported to have died, days after receiving the swine flu vaccine. It brings the total number of deaths linked to the vaccine in just Sweden to four.”

If that doesn’t scare you, read this about the seasonal flu shot:

Desiree Jennings, a beautiful 25 year-old NFL Washington Redskin’s cheerleader was just being responsible for her own health. Vibrant and healthy, she had no worries in the world. Fast forward ten days post the injection. Desiree is virtually paralyzed. When this beauty is standing still or sitting down, her body is overcome by spasms and random jerks. The crazy thing is, she is perfectly able to walk BACKWARDS, as well as RUN forward without any issues. She has been diagnosed with a rare neurological and irreversible condition.  Pharmaceutical companies are calling this a coincidence or rare reaction, and are still urging millions to get vaccinated. You decide for yourself.

Now, I can give you tons of other horror stories or I can also say for certain, that the H1N1 vaccine will probably save many lives this flu season. The reason I wrote today’s Blog, and why I am happy to bring a voice to this issue, is just to encourage you to READ and do the necessary RESEARCH.  My pediatrician who I trust implicitly is encouraging his patients to get the H1n1 shot. I am going out on a limb by going against him, and with my gut instinct. Am I scared? YOU BET! And even in my personal decision for my own family not to inoculate for now, I’m still doubting myself.  But, truth is, I’m just too scared of the alternative.

So, I think I will stick with “the plan,“ for now, just like my guest Blogger Michlyn Metropolit. She has been very effective at keeping her family healthy over the years without any shots. Whatever your decision is, just make it responsibly, and not blindly. I wish all of you a Swine flu-free winter season, with much health and happiness.

What’s your take on the whole H1N1 vaccine?

Until next time,

xoxEDxox