H1N1 Widespread in 46 States as Vaccines Lag
The H1N1 outbreak is officially a national emergency. People wait in lines to get their vaccinations, even as supplies run low. I won't comment on the H1N1 vaccine, but more the influenza virus vaccine.
Vaccines offer the best line of prevention for the flu:
- Get vaccinated before the Thanksgiving holidays -- holidays equal hugs, kisses, and close contact indoors with visiting family, some of who may be harboring the virus. The flu season itself may last from October to May and one vaccine covers you.
- Pregnant women and children ages 6 to 36 months are at greatest risk for complications from an infection
- DO NOT attend 'swine flu parties'; it isn't chicken-pox!
- Just earlier this year, claims of the link between autism and thimerosal vaccine preservatives were blown wide open as a hoax. No such link to even worry about.
- Allergies to eggs or chicken protein contraindicate a flu injection...
Getting sick from the flu, whatever variant it may be, is expensive because of the opportunity costs involved. Forty eight percent of the U.S. private-sector workforce can't take paid leave without advance notice. And the flu leaves you bed bound without much notice. No work, no pay, and sometimes more repercussions if there are limited sick-days or paid-time-off to take.This is just one instance where prevention is key.
