Oink

Yesterday after work I went with Chris to the doctor's office since he's had a bad cold for just over a week. His cough has gotten really bad and he has been really plugged up. I was sick a week prior to him getting sick, and it's still slightly lingering. Chris went in and coughed and was immediately given a mask to wear, to match the other handful of people wearing them. It was strange to see since previously I thought it was silly seeing in the news how in Japan and other countries people were wearing masks on a daily basis. Obviously since this new strain of the flu is going around, it makes sense to have masks in the doctors office where everyone is sick. It made me think of the new H1N1 flu-shot and whether or not I should take it. I have read a number of blogs that have this as a main discussion, like Linda's, and there is quite a bit of insightful, interesting and differing opinions in her comments on the subject.
Basically, from what I know, the shot is available to everyone who wishes to receive it, along with the regular flu shot, but it is recommended for the elderly, women between the ages of 18-24, and children. More emphasis on those who have asthma, or any other type of respiratory illnesses.

Alot of people have been worrying about the time frame it took to create the H1N1 vaccine and the limited testing that was done for it. I found out by reading the blog I linked to above that a commentor stated, " The seasonal flu vaccine is developed new every year, which is why we need one every year, because the expected strains of the virus are different each time. The H1N1 vaccine is developed using exactly the same methods as the seasonal flu vaccine, so even though it seems like it's scary! and new! it is really just like a seasonal flu vaccine for a different strain."

Makes sense to me! I do fall under the category for those who should maybe get the shot, but I don't think I am going to. I have never gotten a regular flu shot, and though I have gotten the flu, I would rather take a kick at the can and hope my body can fight it on it's own.

I think everyone has to do their own research and decide what's best for themselves and their families. What are YOU going to do?