Swine Flu

[lisenatore2]

Hi all -

So I'm getting nervous about the possible spread of the swine flu this fall. Everything I listen to says how important it is for pregnant women to get the vaccine when it comes out in October. What are everyone's thoughts? Are you going to get the vaccine? I work in a lot of schools, both secondary and higher education and I'm nervous I'm going to be in the midst of where the flu can spread the most. But at the same time I'm worried because there hasn't been many tests on the new vaccine to see if it's completely safe. Thoughts??

[Jill_at_StorkRadio]

definitely getting both shots esp since my baby is too young for them. hand washing is key too!

[lismom2]

Nope- gonna chance it I don't think it's been well tested, and from what I understand, the disease is set to peak in late Sept/early Oct and the vaccine isn't going to be ready until November.

[Airforce020106@yahoo.com]

I'm scared to get the vaccination. I'm in the Air Force and every year we HAVE to get the flu shot. And my office is always scheduled for December but my babies due in Jan. I was told that when pregnant here you get ther shot not the nasal mist thing. But the shot ALWAYS makes me sick. I think I'm going to opt out of getting the shots until after my babies born. I don't want to risk getting the shot and it making me have the flu when I'm so close to my due date. I'm just going to take extra good care of myself when the time comes.

[JNoe]

My obstetrician suggested that I not get it because it is new. I have been watching the news such as msnbc and cnn and their doctors explain that it is made in the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine just with this particular strain so it is completely safe. One even pointed out that had the first outbreak of the swine flu occurred sooner then the strain would have been included in this year's flu shot and we wouldn't even be having these debates. I read that pregnant women make up 1% of the population but 6% of swine flu cases. It makes for a tough decision. I am 14 weeks along and hate the thought of coming down with any flu after getting over the first trimester nausea not to mention how much worse it can be for pregnant women.
The pharmacist who gave me my flu shot was 36 weeks pregnant. Her doctor said the swine flu vaccine is safe and even teased her for worrying about it. She decided not to get it because she would be so close to labor by the time it arrives.

[Angelsrose12]

My OB recommended both shots. He is my overcautious doctor and assured me that flu shots are always new each year, yet the benifits far outway the risk of getting swine flu when pregnant. The shot is a NOT a live virus and can not make you sick. Many people who get sick after vaccines already have the virus. I am going to get both. I am finally 15 weeks pregnant and feel secure going to get the regular flu vaccine this week.

[Ombeline]

So far I've gotten the regular flu shot and I'll probably end up getting the H1 vaccine, too, if I can. My mother (in California) said she heard that they were making a special mercury-free version of the swine flu shot especially for pregnant women--definitely worth looking into! I'd rather have no mercury in any shots!--and that we shouldn't get the inhaler kind because it contains a live strain of the virus so there's a higher risk of getting sick, but otherwise her doctor agrees that all pregnant women should get it for the same reasons as the seasonal flu shot.
(I asked about the seasonal flu here: http://forums.parenting.com/showthread.php?t=10877)
I agree it's a scary decision in a lot of ways.

[ddcunha26]

My doctor also recommends getting both the flu shot and the N1 shot. I have decided not to get either of the shots as I am not sure the risk associated with getting the shot. I am aware of the risk if I were to catch swine flu therefore I have decided to leave work early so I stay at home and cannot contact it from anyone. I also sanitize my house, keep hand sanitizer around and get my whole family to wash our hand the moment we get home.

[islandgirlhere]

I'm not due until March. But I have decided not to get either flu shot. I've done a lot of reading and looked at all the pros and cons. I just don't want to chance having that mercury going into my baby's body and brain. I've had several siblings have very bad reactions to immunizations and I don't know if that's genetic or not. My first child's ped told me that they are not offering a preservative-free flu shot this year, not even for the H1N1 shot. Mercury is banned from all immunizations in other countries. Why do they continue to put it in the immunizations here in the USA? I'm going to do as much shopping as I can online and will just lay low until Baby #2 gets here. Wash, wash, wash your hands! Carry wipes and hand sanitizer. Eat healthy and take vitamins and other supplements to boost your immune system. We can get through this flu season!!

[Tiffanyt128]

The odds of a pregnant women dying from swine flu are 1/16 thats not good. I would think everyone would want to get it, to keep them and their unborn child safe. I got mine this morning! They DO have vaccines for pregnant women without mercury, I didn't even have to ask for it. At the clinic I went to they new we were pregnant and had them waiting on us. If you go to a clinic they shouldn't offer you the nasal mist either, its not recommended for pregnant women or younger children. The seasonal flu shot is new every year also, many people don't take that into thought. Just know what your allergic to going in there and you should be a-ok!!