pesky, I thought not much about germs before. And then, DH's cold sore, which was dormant for 15 years (I knew he got them . . .but he'd never had an outbreak when I knew him) appeared. OMG, I was a freak about it, esp. with the kids. Now I am more careful all around. I don't let the kids share food or drinks with ANYONE, much to my DH's great annoyance (he still does it anyway). This has cut way, way down on people passing illnesses around.

My 7 yo washes her hands better than anyone I know-- she get sick least of all.

"*Jasonmi7- the # of cases is misleading, implying that H1N1 is 6.25% fatal. This is not true, these are HOSPITALIZED cases, not even doctor-reported cases, and certainly not an estimate of infections. The actual fatality rate is MUCH lower, but the true # of cases is probably much higher. Not all cases are reported, many infected people probably don't even know they are infected, and the CDC no longer tracks the number of doctor-reported cases, only the number of hospitalized cases."

Thanks, beat me to it. THey stopped tracking reported cases at approx 43,000.

I'm not saying it's not a big deal, because obviously it is. But a 7% fatality rate is 10 times higher than the actual rate.

That's the number of reported cases versus deaths. That's not misleading at all. No matter how you slice it; reported cases versus deaths is significantly higher for this particular strain than for any strain we've seen in a while.

Regardless of the actual number of deaths, each one was a person, with a family and they are no longer here. If there is a vaccine provided to prevent one from getting this flu, I don't understand why anyone would want to take a chance with this. My grandmother died in 1991 from complications from the flu. She was a person that became a statistic. And that is not a chance I would want to take ever again.
Auntjen, I know it is your opinion, and you are entitled to you opinion. I think you are missing the point deedee and I were trying to make. A ton of people on this forum do care, and that is why they have responded. I am not trying to debate with you. You can continue to choose to believe doctors generate income from the flu shot and thats the reason they recommend them for their patients. Our statements were informing readers of this thread that thats simply not what motivates doctors to recommend flu shots. Both of us know this first hand since we work in healthcare. You don't expect people to base their decision on your opinions, but that very thing is possible. That was the point deedee was trying to make. Are you really surprised that someone would call you out on such a statement?

"That's the number of reported cases versus deaths. That's not misleading at all. No matter how you slice it; reported cases versus deaths is significantly higher for this particular strain than for any strain we've seen in a while."

No, it's the number of hospitalizations vs deaths, not reported cases vs deaths. It makes a huge difference.
Hospitalizations are only the subset of reported cases that were severe enough to require the individual to check into the hospital.

I'm not trying to minimize the severity of the issue; just to make sure accurate information is out there. Because when things are overstated, some people become jaded and stop being careful.

You don't expect people to base their decision on your opinions, but that very thing is possible. That was the point deedee was trying to make. Are you really surprised that someone would call you out on such a statement?

Yes, I remain surprised, but let me get back to you after I make my morning rounds of healing the sick, turning water into wine, and walking on water. **insert smirk here**

This is just silly. Perhaps you think I should temper my responses to posts in this forum based upon how my opinion might "sway" others, but if I were to do that, then I'm no longer an honest participant. I'm no longer who I truly am. I have no interest in not remaining genuine and not holding true to my own beliefs, no matter how "alternative" or non-mainstream they may seem to anyone. I think that anyone who expects me, or any other forum member, to do such a thing needs to reframe their own expectations, because it's certainly not unreasonable to expect that your fellow members want to be themselves when they post here.

Just wanted to add that it stands to reason that if I believe my opinion is justified and right (and who among us doesn't?), then it wouldn't bother me if someone did choose to base their own decision on something that I say. If that bothers you, well, I could say that perhaps someone basing their decision on your point of view is not something I'd especially like to see happen either. We could go round and round (not that I care to), but don't you see how silly this is? Of course we put our opinions out there, thinking they're right. Who among us holds opinions that we believe to be erroneous?

That said, I would never expect anyone to base a decision off of my own opinion. However, if anything I express here causes them to think twice and seek out further information that perhaps sheds light on a differing point of view, where's the harm in that? We are certainly not liable for anything we say here being followed as "gospel truth" by others, but because this is a discussion forum in which the exchange of ideas and opinions is encouraged, it's reasonable to expect that we might influence one another to think twice about the subject at hand. What's wrong with that? We're not sheep ... let's give one another credit for having minds of our own. ;-)

I'm pretty much done here. I think I've made my points.

* Posted by lindybarts (My Page) on
Wed, Aug 26, 09 at 22:45

[[Jen)) I did ask for opinions and I'm glad you gave yours. I appreciates everyones input because I was really unsure about what to do.

Lindy, I bet I'm not the only who who is curious now that you have seen several opinions. Have you decided what you'll do after reading them? Has what has been placed here helped you make up your mind one way or the other?

Well news around here, apparently there is something going around in an area high school (some schools started this week), and here at the university 10 students were earlier (last week) diagnosed with H1N1. They've tried to keep them isolated and we have not received notification of any more cases, but apparently the on-campus student health clinic has been PACKED. They are asking students NOT to come in with flu symptoms at this point. One of our instructors was telling me this morning that he has had a few students come to class with the little medical type masks (covers mouth and nose). Whatever it is, it does sound like it is hitting a particular age group harder.

tina

I am a great believer in alternative health methods including fasting, natural remedies and visiting naturopathic doctors.

Having cared for two sick parents for the last decade, I've seen many doctors who are quick to prescribe a pill because that is all they know Or cut something out, of course. They are in the hands of the trillion dollar pharmaceutical industry and when asked a question about alternative methods, usually can't give an answer. And most people want a pill instead of radically changing their diet or lifestyle anyway and are too scared to try something weird and outside the norm.

I had it happen again two weeks ago when at 45 I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. I will not go on Evista which is what they want me to do but I have started lifting weights (more) and increasing my calcium and D.
I don't know yet if I will get the shot. I haven't had a flu shot in 20 years so maybe, maybe not.
I am vaccinated for other things and I don't take it lightly. And my dogs stay up with their vaccines....

my3dogs, I haven't really decided yet. As I mentioned above, my Ped has never really pushed it before but if she all of the sudden changes her attitude about it and strongly suggests we get one for the kiddos, we probably will. Dh and I probably won't get one however. We are not in any of the high risk groups and have never gotten one before, so I think we'll stick with our routine. It's only the kids that have me more concerned this year.

L

tinam61 - would you share where "around here" is? Maybe other know generally where you're located but I don't remember (see other thread on mental-pause!). I have a college son as I mentioned abouve so am very interested in knowing what's doing on college campuses in particular. Thanks.

Sorry dlm - I'm in Tennessee.

tina

Thirteen elementary, middle, and high schools in Baton Rouge are reporting cases of swine flu. Sororities at LSU have also been hit with about 20 cases reported the beginning of rush week.

Here's the thing- I don't care if I get swine flu, as long as I live without serious consequences to my health or to the health of those around me. And the fact remains, MOST of the people who have gotten swine flu have lived, without serious consequence to their health or to the health of those around them. I'll take those odds, since I am not in a high risk group.

Vaccines are not without consequence. We as scientists don't understand all the workings of the immune system and all of the consequences of vaccination. Ask anyone with a child who has autism. Or someone with a cat who has vaccine associated sarcoma.

My children will most likely receive it. Three of our children are homeschooled but my 5 yo is not. He is the least consistent about washing his hands adequately. Since he does have autism and his ability to communicate with us that something is wrong (other than by just having a melt down) I feel it is in his best interest to receive the vaccination. Mommy may not get it, that is undecided as of right now but I certainly hope daddy does because mommy does not have time to take care of him (you are right parma, men are the absolute worst).

Do you think they're going to give you a choice? It seems that with so many high risk people really needing the shot, the normal healthy population may be out of luck in having supply to vaccinate everyone.

Is there a special shot for H1N1? So you'd really need two shots? Don't forget there are still the normal flu germs out there too....

Ouch Auntjen-
I understand what you are saying-
just wanted you to know there are still some of us in medicine that truly want what is best for our patients, and when we make rounds, our patients are front and foremost, not the almighty dollar.

Polly, I am sure that's true. As I stated above, I'm thankful to have a surgeon that I know and trust, since my DH may soon need to have a procedure done. This guy is great, and is surprisingly "affordable", at least as far as specialized surgery goes. I understand that you have your own point of view, especially since you work in the medical field. My own experience with doctors has made me a skeptic about many things, and I'll continue to seek out many sources of information before making a final decision about what happens to my body.

I work in the legal field, and I hear lawyers being "knocked" all the time. It doesn't bother me ... I realize there's a certain perception that exists, and there is a reason that it does exist in the first place.

Just my $.02 ... all of this.

Caroleoh, Yes two different shots. Whether there is going to be enough of the H1N1 shot to go around when it comes out is uncertain. From what I've read, a scheduled roll out is being discussed with the high risk groups getting priority.

Auntjen, this is completely off topic but I forgot to mention that my dh is also needing a hernia operation. His is pretty mild right now and the doc said he could schedule it anytime...Nothing urgent. It's a relatively easy procedure from what I know. Good Luck to your dh!

Thanks, Lindybarts! I know so many men who have had hernia operations -- it seems like an (unfortunately!) very common procedure. My DH is asymptomatic, but his endocrinologist noticed a "bulge" that he said was likely a hernia, and now DH is semi-worried that his "insides are gonna fall out." ;-) I'm curious to see what the specialist has to say about what he needs done.

My personal opinion. My 12yr old dd just had her shots done. She had an updated chicken pox because when she first had it 11 years ago it was thought it might have to be redone in 10 years. Turns out the studies came true and a booster is needed. She will never get Shingles which her grandfather and aunt both had and some thought is that developeing shingles after trauma cound be hereditary. She got the Hep B. Will need it for highschool and it is recommended. We have outbreaks each year at the schools and it is becoming mandatory. After researching, questioning my trusted ob, I decided to do the HPV series. I was on the fence but after discussing with her and professionals whom I trust we both decided to do it. DS will get his updates as needed.

DH is in medical profession. He has had two patients whom he sees three times a week in close examination involving bodily fluids and other stuff, both are confirmed H1N1. They wear masks. Last week after examining a patient who was obviously sick, he sent him to the ER. Confirmed H1N1. We awaited the three days and so far dh is well. He is high risk. He can bring germs home on his shoes. He will get the vaccine if he can. I and the kids will not as far as I know as we are not high risk, unless living with him counts. So far there is no mentioning of distributing to providers at his facility. With him facing furloughs through State of CA, hopefully the day they do the shots is not a day they make him stay home. But that is another topic.

To each their own on the vaccines of any kind, just to do your research and make decision that fits your needs. I do know there was a horrible outbreak of something that vaccines prevent, pretty much wiped out, a few years ago locally. Turns out it was a group of homeschooled kids who's parents all practiced no vaccines. Not to knock either practice but I have heard too many good practitioners state that the reason these horrible diseases are gone is because we vaccinate against them.

One thing for sure is that there are thousands of cases of H1N1 that have gone undiagnosed because the folks get better and never were diagnosed because it was just a flu that passed. Personally, I will be doing a lot less shopping this winter when folks go shopping even when sick to get that red hot holiday special. Gift cards this year.

I will not be getting the vaccine, for the many reasons listed here. Also, my dd has HAD the swine flu in June and I was with her all the time and even slept with her a couple of nights and did not catch it. As I posted then, her doctor said there were thousands of cases at my local HMO this summer and they were not testing or reporting it.

Maybe when H1N1 comes around this winter it will have morphed into something more catching, but it was almost exclusively children who caught the big wave of it this summer.

I have never had flu vaccines and have had the flu just once. I guess I'd rather take my chances with the flu.

Shannon01, do you have any more information on the outbreak that concerned "a group of homeschooled kids who's parents all practiced no vaccines"? Some people do homeschool specifically to avoid required vaccines, but they are the minority. I homeschool and the other HSers I know are as varied in their beliefs about vaccines as any other group.

Good subject!
I do not do flu vaccines.
I am not going to start now, and I think it has not been tested enough. No one knows the possible effects.
The husband of one of my friends is a doctor and they are not going to get vaccinated.

I am on the fence about it all at this point. My youngest dd aged 3 is currently unvaxed, not because I am really against them but because she has a seizure disorder and severe food allergies. We've had her tested for possible mitochondrial disorder with no official diagnosis, but I have been concerned as to what vaccines could trigger in someone like her. For now, we've not done any vaccines and will proceed with caution as far as what and when she gets them.

My older two children are fully vaccinated. We homeschool so they are not in constant contact with other children. We eat very well and get plenty of outdoor time. Still this swine flu is very scary. I'm not sure if it's been blown out of proportion or if it's not being blown up enough. Time will tell. I know that it's a big crap shoot every year - they try and make a guess as to which strains of flu will be prevalent and put those into the vaccine. I think the last couple of years they were off on the mark and people still got the flu even though they were vaxed. Maybe it was a less severe form, maybe it wasn't. It's a tough call for me. If the vaccines *really* work it's worth it to get them. So ya, I am still on the fence!!!!

What chaps my hide is that ANY flu-like symptoms are being atrributed to H1N1 right now - as postum noted, no one's even bothering to test for it (or even whether the person actually has influenza AT ALL), so people could be getting another strain of flu or even some other disease entirely but since H1N1 is the big bugaboo right now, pretty much anything is being thrown into the category of "swine flu". There are no distinctive symptom variations that mark "flu-like symptoms" as being specifically H1N1. I think that's a big load of bullpuckey, not to mention yet more fearmongering.

My neuromodulator surgery is scheduled for November 13. The surgeon is requiring I be up to date on all routine adult vaccinations to reduce the risk of complications so I get three stabs this fall (not counting H1N1 if there is one) instead of one. Bummer.

What chaps my hide is that ANY flu-like symptoms are being atrributed to H1N1 right now - as postum noted, no one's even bothering to test for it (or even whether the person actually has influenza AT ALL), so people could be getting another strain of flu or even some other disease entirely but since H1N1 is the big bugaboo right now, pretty much anything is being thrown into the category of "swine flu". There are no distinctive symptom variations that mark "flu-like symptoms" as being specifically H1N1. I think that's a big load of bullpuckey, not to mention yet more fearmongering.

I completely agree with you. The way that this is being reported is nothing short of absurd - and irresponsible.

Dh came in from an oil rig last Tuesday with flu-like symptoms. It was normal change day and he'd only been feeling sick for about a day. One of the rig foremen was also flown in. His doctor diagnosed flu. Dh's doc ran a series of tests ... blood, nasal, and chest X-ray. All came back negative, but doc said in 30% of cases that's actually a false negative. At this point, the only way they'll test for H1N1 is if you're diagnosed with the flu and it doesn't improve within a few days. I already have issues with the medical community and this doesn't help matters.

I thought the following link was very interesting and wanted to share

Polly-I understand there are many health care workers that truly want what is best for patients. I understand you went through years of study to become what you are. However, It frustrates me when case after case of a mother's cry for the truth to be heard about how her healthy toddler sudden developed autism after recieving a round of MMR shots is undermined. I happen to know three women who went through this. I worked in a health food store for 7 years and had so many customers who told me stories of how they recieved vaccines because they were going into the health care profession or because they are teachers, or for whatever reason, and how they came down with Autoimmune Disease following vaccination. I could go on and on about things I've heard working there but it would be too lengthy. I've learned to research for myself instead of relying on mainstreem media or listening to doctors who have to tell me that vaccines are necessary. I had a nurse practioner tell me once that she HAD to tell me she recomended vaccinating my kids regardless of her personal opinion on the matter. Vaccines in my opinion are scary, but then again so are some deseases. It's such a tough call for some of us on what to do. I don't mean to discredit your profession but sometimes hearing firsthand from victims speeks louder than doctor's and government's recomendations.

I guess my point here Polly is that it is sometimes hard to trust doctors because they are trained in medicine and it is medicine in so many cases that has made people sick. ( I am not denying that illnesses make people very sick or even causes death and medicine can also be lifesaving) I do not just rely on the internet. I made a choice not to vaccinate my kids by listening to other moms' experience and reading books containing research. And yes, I had the most horrible flu of my life 5 years ago. I couldn't care for my 2 little kids very well and was in bed for 10 days.I went from a size 4 to a 0. But my body recovered on its own the way nature (usually) intends. I still to this day would never get a flew shot. It's unfortunate for those who work when work can't wait for them to heal...mabey this is just part of the problem with our society in regards for work getting done being worth more than people and their health.

It's hard to trust the stats of the safety of vaccines if they can't or won't link or include autism, SIDS, autoimmune disease. Would the percent of negative effects then be higher? Even if the stats are fairly low, when one receives ill effects from vaccines the percent for them becomes 100.

I went off on a tangent...oh well.

PS-I know this discussion isn't about SIDS or autism, just wanted to share some of my opinion about vaccines in general.

thought this was interesting too
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ybenjamin/detail??blogid=150&entry_id=48800

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ybenjamin/detail??blogid=150&entry_id=48800

Here is a link that might be useful: vaccines and SIDS

Megpie - Would you please click on my name and send me an email? I can't send you one. Thanks!

Megpie, thank you for posting. You might not get a lot of agreement here with your take on this, and this may be a topic that's best left as one where folks agree to disagree, but I just wanted to tell you that you are not alone in your understanding and reasoning.

Well, I am a science based person who believes in vaccinations. That said, I live in a county in California with the highest number of children who do not get vaccinated. We've had school closures and newborn babies dying of whooping cough. One baby was too young for the whooping cough vaccination but was exposed at the grocery store (the only outing she had been on). She died.

I believe vaccinations are a social obligation. There has been no science based studies that link vaccinations to SIDS or autism. I have watched too many people die from cancer because they sought alternative treatments, foregoing science based medicine. (There is another fundraiser headlining in the paper today for someone who needs my money to pursue herbal treatment, raw foods and enemas which will surely get rid of her breast cancer. I thought it was ironic that 'The Deadbeats' will play music at the fundraiser.)

I plan to get the swine flu shot and the seasonal flu shot this year. Not so much for me, but for other people who are in the high risk category that I happen to care about.

Our local high school made news on CNN last week after 14 boys on our football team came down with Swine Flu and had to postpone a game.

I realized I forgot to update ya'all on the advice we got from our internist. He said for our risk group, he DOES NOT recommend us getting the vaccine. The targeted high risk group (I believe) is age 2-16, along with pregnant women. He said us being in good health, not in a high risk group weighed against the possible disadvantages - well he would just not advise it. He said as of now he felt that the vaccine was rushed through production and testing. So, we have opted not to get it.

Interesting though - we just got at work a letter where our insurance plans will pay for a regular flu vaccine and a H1N1 vaccine. The anti-viral meds used for treating these are also being discounted to us.

(We have had two more cases at work of tested/confirmed swine flu.)

tina

Tina, my friend's internist told her that he absolutely would not recommend that she (50-something years of age, in good health) get the flu shot. (He also stated that he absolutely would not be getting one himself.)

Jen, I'm assuming you're referring to the H1N1 shot and not the regular flu shot. Am I right?

auntjen and everyone else-I didn't mean to come across as being totally against vaccines and hope I didn't offend anyone. I was just pointing out to Polly and anyone else why people may second guess getting the vaccine for the swine flu. I can understand why people would say "how could you not protect yourself against the disease?". Like I said, it's just a hard call for some of us because of the reasons I listed above.

I am not necessarily opposed to getting the vaccine. Surprise! Perhaps I won't have a choice. I will agree to disagree. I just have a tendency to get wordy. I was not offended by anyone's opinion (or facts) and sure hope no one was offended by mine.

I just wanted to respond because some people seemed to wonder why anyone would refuse a shot to prevent an illness.

Natal - With regard to what my friend's internist told her, yes, the H1N1 vaccine.

No offense taken at all.

I am the mother of 3 small children and in regards to their regularly scheduled vaccines, I chose to vaccinate them, but not all at once. I've paid probably 10X the amount of co-pays so they could receive their vaccines individually. In the field I work in I HAVE seen adverse reactions to vaccines when they are given several at a time.
I understand your point of view, and Auntjen's as well.
My personal experiences may be a little different than yours since I not only had the flu, but it also claimed my grandmothers' life 17 years ago.
Since I am a healthcare worker and I care for premature babies, I will be getting the H1N1 vaccine, to protect my patients, not so much myself. I take the yearly flu shot, b/c I can't afford to ever be that sick again.

I've been hesitant to post in this thread because I have a 16 month old toddler who just got his MMR shot and I have been a wreck about it and it's just too emotional for me. He seems fine but I cannot tell you the amount of anxiety that I had around this shot, even though the one study linking it to autism was basically a lie with made-up data. Logically I understand why we vaccinate but when you have your beautiful, perfect, normally developing child in your arms and you hear about these mothers who had the same, it's just heartwrenching to make that decision without adequate study and confidence.

That said, our pediatrician is about as traditional as you can get on vaccinations. She is OK with us splitting them up but says it is really not necessary - it's more that she humors me. She is a huge proponent of vaccinating on schedule etc. She made it clear from the beginning if we refused vaccinations we'd go our separate ways because she will not risk her other patients (specifically unvaccinated infants) with exposure. So I was a little surprised when I asked her about the H1N1 vaccine, expecting the usual eye roll and sigh that accompanies any discussion on vaccines before telling me that yes, he really should have it and here's why... instead she told me that they cannot at this time recommend the H1N1 flu vaccine because there is just no information about it yet. The CDC recommends it but they are not going to blindly recommend it without seeing the data themselves and it's just not available. She still recommends seasonal flu shot.

So there you have it. Before that my DH and I were in disagreement about this vaccine... then after that, and a segment he heard on NPR where they were interviewing many high risk people (mostly doctors) who were refusing the H1N1 vaccine because it has not been rigorously tested enough he is as uneasy about it as I am.

I will not be getting the HINI flu shot or any flu shot. My doctor, last year when I was in his office asked me if I wanted a flu shot, and when I said, "no", he said, "okay, no problem with that". He is the type that would have insisted I get it, if he felt it necessary. I see no reason as I'm not in a high risk group, do not work outside the home, have no school age children, and have little contact with the general public.

I've never had the flu, and I've never had a flu shot. I'm not convinced that this vaccine has been tested enough to change my mind about it's necessity for someone like me.

I don't care to be "sick as hell" from the flu!

I've almost always gotten a flu shot, and got this yrs. "normal" flu shot a week ago.
I've never really gotten very sick either.
>>> That's enough for me!!

I plan on getting the H1N1 as well. I'd rather be safe than sorry!
(being in Retail and all...)

Faron

I'll be getting the regular flu shot soon and I'm not sure about H1N1. I've gotten the regular shot every year for several years since I have lots of allergy/sinus/asthma trouble and even normal colds hit me hard and last a long time, usually with a sinus infection to follow, etc. (Sorry if TMI!)

We spend a lot of time with my 80-year-old mom and my concern is that we'd pass the flu on to her. Since I inherited my upper-respiratory and allergy tendencies from her, she'd be in big trouble if she had the flu. I'm sure she'll get the regular flu shot this year, too, but as always, it's uncertain as to whether the formulation is accurate for this year's strains. One school about an hour away from us is closed as 1/3 of the students are out with the flu, and they haven't determined if it's H1N1. It did seem like they hyped H1N1 a few months ago, but now the news seems to be full of stories on it.

I am getting the swine flu shot and yet I have never had a flu shot in my life. But, I remember when the hong kong flu came to America back in the sixty's and I was deathly sick from it.

....Jane

I'm in Faron's and Jane's camp on this one. Got my regular flu shot just this week. In fact I am the HR coordinator for my unit and I had our health care team (from the med school) come to our site to give immunizations to those who wanted them. If the H1N1 shot is available I'll probably get that too.

I do wonder how many people who don't get flu shots have actually had a bad case of the flu. I did, several years ago. I have NEVER been so sick in my life; ended up having pneumonia as a complication and didn't feel completely healthy for several months.

For me, having a sore arm for a day or so is less than a small price to pay for avoiding getting sick with the flu again.

Ann

I received the regular seasonal flu shot 2 weeks ago (all of my family has, also), and will be getting the H1N1 vaccine (killed virus, not live) when it is available. I also received the Swine Flu shot in 1976, as did all of my family members, with no side effects.

Our hospital has seen quite a few children already (it's hard on patients with asthma), and also quite a few pregnant patients.

kgwlisa, I know exactly how you felt about the shots. I have a 5 yo with autism and even though I know that vaccines do not cause autism, I still fretted when his his little brother got shots afterwards. It is amazing the power that even unfounded reports can exert over you.

OT but wow, there are so many homeschoolers on this thread!

I still have not decided about the shot. Like I said before, I'm in the high-risk group since I am not only pregnant, but supposedly the last trimester is the most dangerous, and I'm 4-6 weeks away from having the baby.

Me aside . . .I don't know about my children. While we aren't in constant contact with other children (and for a few months I'll be avoiding big groups/indoor play area type things). One of my children doesn't have asthma (technically, because she does not respond to asthma treatments) but she does have breathing problems when she gets a bad cold.

I just don't know. I do vaccinate, but I delay and am selective.

"For me, having a sore arm for a day or so is less than a small price to pay for avoiding getting sick with the flu again."

Ann, when I got my flu shot, this year, the pharmacist asked me what my dominant hand was. When I told him that I was right-handed, he told me he was going to give me the shot in my right arm. I tried to protest and said that conventional wisdom would say to innoculate my left arm, as it had always been done. He countered "Fine, but it's my belief that the arm that gets more use will feel less pain, afterward." I gave his way a try, and, for the first time, felt no pain that evening or the next day.

Like Jane, I had the Hong Kong flu in the 60's. Yeesh!

Interesting about the dominant/nondominant arm ... I'm a righty and got the shot in the left, but the tech told me to use the left arm a lot and it would help the pain. I did use it a bit (stretching, making circles, etc, whenever I thought about it), and had very little pain. Some tenderness if I touched it, like a bruise, but that's all.