Is a Flu Shot in Your Future?
As the leaves turn and the weather gets chilly, in Peds we're usually gearing up for RSV season. This year, RSV is sitting on the back burner as we instead gear up for flu season, which promises to be much worse than RSV. There's also a new threat, H1N1, which has people in a tizzy.
Here in Indianapolis, our health department has placed strict boundaries on all hospitals in an attempt to limit the spread of the seasonal flu and H1N1 this season. The only allowed hospital visitors are parents, spouses, or spiritual counselors. There have been several people upset at the restrictions, but mostly I have seen relief that we are taking measures to protect our already compromised patients.
This nasty flu season and the arrival of H1N1 also have health care workers in a debate. To vaccinate or not vaccinate? That is the question on the minds of most of us. There have been rampant rumors and intrigue about the safety and efficacy of the H1N1 vaccine.
I had a friend call me the other night to tell me there were disastrous results of the H1N1 trial in children and pregnant women and she begged me not to get the vaccine. Doing a little digging of my own, I found no evidence that what she had told me was true, only information to the contrary.
I can say that I was very hesitant to get the vaccine as a woman pregnant for the first time. Both my OB and internist begged me to investigate further because they believe the vaccine is not only safe but necessary for me. The more information I got, I realized that the H1N1 vaccine is formulated in the same way as the seasonal flu shot, and all trials are showing it to be safe and effective.
For me, I feel that the risks outweigh the benefits. When the injectable version comes out, I will happily stand in line to receive my vaccine.
Experts have been predicting this will be a very bad season because hospital censuses will be way up and there will be record absenteeism of health care workers due to illness. That should make for a very difficult winter for all of us.
What do you guys think of all of the speculation about the flu season this year? Are you getting vaccinated? Tell me what you think. This is quite a controversial topic and it really will influence all of us. Stay healthy!
It was a really great way to bond as a department, and in the long run, ithas helped us spread synergy, fun, and excitement for our field. We're all looking forward to a great Respiratory Care Week this year!
Have fun, be proud and appreciate the little things. Have a great week!