H1N1

I've debated whether or not to blog about this subject in detail, but I am. I am about 98% sure I will NOT be getting the seasonal or H1N1 flu vaccines. I left 2% in there leaving room in case Dr. Shamma some how convinces me otherwise, which I think will be highly unlikely.

Now here's my disclaimer *This is a personal decision everyone must make for themselves based on their own risk factors and personal beliefs. I am not judging anyone who disagrees with me or has gotten the vaccines. I am simply stating my thoughts and beliefs on the subject.*

I'm not sure where to begin here. I'll start with this. I stopped watching the news on a regular basis a while ago because I got flat out sick of everything being sensationalized and all the "experts" they had making speculations without any accountability. And I think that is what is happening with the influenza "pandemic." The government gave the pharmaceutical companies massive amounts of money to produce the H1N1 vaccine. It was undoubtedly rushed, which means the testing was also rushed with limited testing on pregnant women. And there is no data on any potential long term effects on a fetus. The local Health Department here held a thing for pregnant women to get both their seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines together, which has not been studied. I know that pregnant women's immune systems are more vulnerable, so doesn't it seem obvious that maybe giving two flu vaccines at the same time might not be such a good idea. There is also fear that the H1N1 will mutate into something worse which is hasn't. It remains mild. Yes, there have been deaths and complications as with any illness. But do we know the circumstances of each case. How long did they wait before seeking treatment. Did they have other factors that made them more vulnerable to complications? We don't know. That is the over riding theme in all of this. We don't know. There is not enough information. And how often is the medical community split on something. I'm not saying they are always right, but they are almost always united. With this vaccine, they are not.

And we have seen the deterioration in our health care because doctors are practicing medicine based on fear, on what if's. That is what is happening here. The news media is causing extra fear, causing us to turn to our doctors who are afraid to tell us not to get it... because what if they say don't and then we get the flu and complications arise?!

I have also heard of so many people who end up more sick after their vaccinated than they ever were before. I have never had the flu or a flu vaccine. Pre-pregnancy I had a very healthy immune system. I know now that I am pregnant, my immune system is more vulnerable, but I still have faith in my immune system that God masterfully created us with. And of course, I am taking steps to keep healthy like drinking water, getting extra Vitamin C, washing my hands like crazy, and using hand sanitizer like a mad woman when I'm not able to properly wash my hands. I have also been avoiding the grocery during peak times. And in general, I stay out of public unless there's a need. And because we are fortunate to have good health insurance, there is no reason to hesitate going to the doctor at the first sign of illness to seek treatment.

Now I know not everyone can avoid public. I have a friend who is also pregnant who works in a school. She basically works in a flu petri dish. She has also had the flu and pneumonia in the past. Her situation is different from mine. Her risk factors are much greater than mine. She actually did get both flu vaccines just this week which, for her, was probably the right decision.

So that pretty much sums it up for me. As I said, I will talk to Dr. Shamma about it on Monday, but its very unlikely that he'll change my mind. And in the meantime, I'll be praying everyday that God keeps me and our baby healthy and far away from the flu.