Today the schools are beginning to line up children -- for a quick spray in the nose -- to "protect" them against the Swine Flu. My children, at least for now, will not be among them . . .
I have been tossing and turning over this issue. To do, or not to do? That is my question. I have being scouring all the information available, in an effort to come up with a finite decision. I am still unsure. After my pursuit for answers, I find I am even more confused?! There are "pros" and "cons" (extreme ones) on both sides. It seems to me -- you are darned if you don't, and darned if you do! So, after my research, I have chosen to be -- darned if I don't?
Now, my biggest fear is . . . because of the vaccine, which is basically a scaled-down version of the swine flu (mixed with some eggs, mercury, and other lovely ingredients) my kids will be surrounded by vaccinated kids and they will get sick! Aargh! Truly, this has been strange.
I am not an extremist when it comes to vaccines. My kids have had their 100 shots in the thighs -- as I hold them down while they scream, and I cry. I am not fanatical about being "organic" and all-natural. Sometimes, my kids even eat macaroni and cheese from a box! (I know, how horrible of me!) Though I am not (and far from) "all-natural-super-organic-mom", I am VERY concerned about drugs, vaccines, and other scary chemicals put into our bodies, and the over-use/over-prescribed medicines, and "quick fixes".
I am EXTREMELY hesitant to put any drugs into myself, or my children. The one thing I know about drugs (in any form) is that there are ALWAYS side effects, always. There is always a consequence for what you put into your body -- whether it be a good consequence, or a bad one. I lean (far) on the side of prevention (taking good care of yourself/ word of wisdom) rather than finding a drug to change the chemicals in your body. . . hence, my dilemma over the vaccine! I do believe in prevention -- yet I am anti-drug!!
My biggest concern regarding the vaccine, is the incredible speed at which it was produced. It has not been tested long-term, and side-effects are not known because of it. I am very hesitant, personally, because when Daniel was small (about 2) he had a horrible reaction to his immunizations. He was fine for awhile, and then, after a few hours, his body swelled to twice it's size, he was covered in a rash, and he also had a hard time breathing. I remember being so scared for him, and we had to rush him back to the doctor's office.
I have also read many articles about the relationship, and perhaps, link, between Immunizations and Autism. I, of course, do not know if it is true, but it does lead you to wonder . . . I think it is 29 shots a child has, before the age of 4? That is quite a lot of foreign substance to inject into something so small.
Oh, how I hate having to make these kind of decisions!
I think what is more troubling than anything, is that the "pros" and "cons" are very conflicting. The "Pros" (the pro-vaccinate groups/messages) are highly funded, government run programs, with unlimited resources. The "Cons" (the anti-vaccinate groups/messages) have less funds, are not government run, and do not have the same "power" in their message -- but the message is not any less poignant or stirring. The "Pro" side declares, "Hooray for the vaccine, it will save the day." The "Con" side, in stark contrast, cries, "No! No! It will destroy the day!"
Is there a middle ground here? Unfortunately, no! Do, or do not. That is it.
Continuing on . . .
I recently read in our city, that out of the 200 patients that went to the ER for the flu (over the weekend) only 2 percent where kept at the hospital -- the rest were sent home to rest, and drink lots of liquids, and to let it pass.
I am wondering if "fear" is not sending people into a frenzy over all of this? Is the Swine Flu really worse than the regular flu (which people die from all the time). Will the vaccine not infect others, who have not had the vaccine? If we were all to eat our fruits and veggies, drink lots of water, exercise, and get plenty of rest -- would we not, as a whole, be better off then injecting a mutated version of the disease into our bodies?
So, so, so many questions. Have I prayed about it, yes, of course. But, ultimately, I am left to make my choice.
I think I will just have to be very careful. I will do my best to keep our family healthy, and if (and probably when) they do get sick (with Swine flu -- or whatever) then I will have to be extra wary, and not hesitate, to take them to the doctor.
The vaccine is NOT a guaranteed protection against the Swine Flu. The one thing that stood out to me was a piece of "news" that I read. It was a one-liner and it pretty much sealed my no-vaccine choice. It was, "Though the doctors and nurses have had the vaccine, they are still getting sick."
It is because of that "no guarantee" that I chose not to sign my children up to have a low-dose of the swine flu injected into their bodies. I hope I have made the right decision for my family. I, of course, would be horribly disappointed in myself, if something tragic happened to any of my family, because of a decision that I made. I pray that will not be the case.
I very strongly believe this is a decision best made on a personal level. Many of my friends are having their children get the vaccine -- and I support their decision. There are many factors that need to be considered, to be sure. The health of children being priority.
I hope that this "pandemic" will pass . . . and quickly. It is giving me a headache.
We also are not doing the Vaccine. I think that to often we jump to medications to fix our problems when rest, fluids and less stress might be a better remedy. According to the CDC they aren't even treating people for H1N1 unless you are under 5, have compromised immunity or allergies/asthma. Nick says they aren't even treating anyone that comes into the ER anymore just advising them to get rest and drink lots of fluids. So, like you, I'll take my chances. Although, I guarantee we have been exposed a ton due to the fact that Nick has seen literally hundreds of cases in the ER. Good luck....
ReplyDeleteIMO, the swine flu is not really any scarier than the regular flu. It just has a gross, scary name! I've never had my kids get any kind of flu shot (although they've had all their other shots), so I don't think I'll do swine flu shots, either.
ReplyDeleteJeromy got the H1N1 vaccine at the hospital the other day, so at least he won't be bringing it home to us from work!
I completely agree---I wish this would all pass--it is stressing me out. Mya had a bad cough, mild fever, runny nose and with all the news of kids dying within two days of symptoms...I opted to take her to the dr...no swine flu--just bronchitis. At least that is the docs opinion...
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought on a comment you made...if they are spraying a live culture up hundreds of kids noses...aren't those kids then carrying the swine flu...and won't that make kids not vaccinated more likely to get it?
I never get the flu shot either...except when I have been pregnant...but my mom has me too scared not to this year.
I don't think Swine Flu is much different than seasonal flu and like you said thousands die from that each year...but I have read this new strain is affecting the lungs in a different manner...and that is why people are dying so quickly. It seems as long as people are getting in to their dr right away when symptoms start--they are fine.
I hate making potentially life altering decisions! Being a mom is not easy!
Hey Mari,
ReplyDeleteDon't listen to the crazies.(I briefly thought about saying that tactfully...briefly.)
The H1N1 vaccination is created in the same safe manner that the regular flu vaccination is made every year. It is just a strain variation. The previous vaccine safety record applies. Prevention by way of fluids doesn't build the antibodies your bodies needs to fight the virus. Only exposure does it. I prefer dead or weak viruses to getting knocked down by the real deal.
Here is my reasoning to why my family is getting vaccinated. Harvey Unga, a BYU football player, lost twenty pounds this summer because of the swine flu. My kids don't have twenty pounds to lose. Here in Utah, a five year old boy died three days later after getting swine flu.
Sure, most people will be miserable a few days and be fine. But since this strain hits younger people harder, I'm not going to risk my kids being one of the 3 in 100,000 that is hospitalized or dies.
Howdy Patrick (and others),
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. Your comments confirmed my previous thoughts about conflicting information. Even just in my "comments" section there are "pros" and "cons" enough for confusion.
I was reading on a blog the other day, and the author who stated an anti-vaccine opinion asked for any opposing views on the subject -- well, she got em!
As I was reading through the comments, they got down-right nasty! People were so certain that they were right (on either side) that they would be willing to defend their view to the death! (Or so it seemed).
I am not so unwillingly to see reason, or even change my opinion (sometimes daily!). If I did not have access to so much information (like back in the day, before the internet) I probably would have jumped in the front of the vaccine-line, without thinking twice!
Yet, I do have access -- to tons and tons and gobs and gobs of conflicting information. Which is a good thing and a bad thing. I am glad to have access to another view besides just the government-enforced view. (A view that can also be good and bad.) I have looked at information on both sides -- with eyes wide open.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, all the "crazies" I have been listening to, have very valid points -- that are hard to ignore.
So, personally, I am still (and family) opting out of the vaccine. I would not dare declare that I am "right" on this issue -- it is far too uncertain!
Some people really get their "blood boiling" over this one. Why? Because we are making decisions for our children, little people -- with no choice in matter. Their "fate" seems in our hands -- and it is scary!
Just today I found out my good friend (who I am "exposed" to daily) her husband has Swine Flu. (Or so they say, the doctors did not even test him, just medicated to be cautious). So, technically, I have been vaccinated, right? I have been "exposed" to it, along with my family.
The vaccine is also delayed here, and it will be for a long time (unsure exact date). So the kids did not line-up after all. I guess we will have to wait and see . . .
If the Prophet, or any church leader says, "Go get vaccinated!" I would gladly bend my pride and listen to my church leaders. Gladly, happily, joyfully! I would be happy to have straight-up council like that! What a relief it would be. For now, I have to go with my "gut". As do all the people/parents out there.
I support either decision, I really do. If I was ever standing on the "line" on an issue (which I don't normally do) -- it would be this one.
However, at this point, on this day, it seems to me, too little, too late. Tons and tons of people have already been infected and "shared" their germs all around. My friend (with Swine-infected hubby) breathed on me today, and her daughter sits next to mine in class, her son swaps slimy-boy handshakes with my son. We are doomed, for sure.
I doubt the vaccine has the capacity to stop what has already been let loose . . . like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. There was something in the scriptures . . . what was that about the last days? Men's hearts failing them, famine, plagues, etc., etc. Should be fun! :-) Best of luck!