Flu Shot or Not?

The flu shot is something, as a mother of two, I debate about every year. However, I never remember getting the flu shot annually when I was a kid.  So has the flu gotten worse? Has the shot gotten better? Or, are the pharmaceutical companies distributing the shot playing off of our fears?  They even have the insurance companies offering free shots to limit medical expenses as a result of the virus. It is a very personal decision and I am not sure I have the answer. Nor do I criticize or condone the administration of it.

I was pregnant with my second child when there was a big H1N1 scare a few years ago. I had to get through the peak of flu season right in my last trimester.  No one wants to put their child at risk or themselves when your body needs to be ready for labor.  And, boy did I get sick that second pregnancy. My daughter was in preschool and I worked there one day a week, so having us both involved there really increased our susceptibility. I was told after the season had passed that the regular flu claimed more lives that year than H1N1 did.   Did I get the flu or H1N1 shot? No. Did I get sick? Yes, but was it the flu? I don't know, it never got serious enough to seek treatment. Did I make the right decision? I don't know.  As I said, I think its personal.  Was I scared? Definitely.

Whatever happened to H1N1? Do we wait another few decades before the next scare? No, the vaccine is now included in the normal flu vaccine.

I am thinking about this today because my family has been battling the flu.  I was hoping to post about something fun, like making over my poor paint chipped mailbox, but that will have to wait.  The flu has been making the rounds, starting with my daughter's kindergarten class, and then my son's preschool.  As many of you know, I'm in the middle of packing and getting our new house ready to move into.  I don't have time for this! But when does any parent have time to miss so much school and work?  So if you get the shot are you protected completely? No, I heard that the virus will be more short lived than without the shot.

Here are some FAQ's from the CDC to help you make your decision:

*FAQ
There are many other links to check out on this page that will help you with your decision.

I do think that there are other factors to consider when you or your family members have pre-existing conditions that put you in a higher risk category.  Maybe this makes it easier for you to make your decision if you automatically get them every year.  Regardless, my heart goes out to you as we all strive to make the best health decisions for our families.

Now, as I struggle with this decision, is the virus that we have this week THE FLU? I don't know.  I'm told you can get tested, but I know how this virus works now and I know I can ride it out.  My mother-in-law is a retired nurse and does not get the flu shot, I think she is in awe of how the body works and fights it off.  She currently has the same virus. My mother, on the other hand, gets the flu shot every year. When asked why I didn't get it as a child, she doesn't remember doctors recommending it as much as they do these days.  But, she probably would have given it to me if they had recommended it.  What goes into doctor's recommendations? CDC recommendations, liability, patients health and best interest, revenue? Hopefully we all have doctors we have a rapport with and trust, and if you don't check out your options.  Often their practices have websites and tools that will walk you through making these decisions. Osteopaths can be a good alternative to family medicine because they look at how everything is affecting your body on the whole. Most doctors require new patient visits, so schedule it now when your healthy and keep notes in the days leading up to your appointment with questions you want addressed. Google "doctors questionnaires" if you need help. Most doctors have bios online that you can read through and see if you like their philosophy and background and if they are taking new patients. Ask around! I have found the best doctors that way!

Insurance can be limiting if you have HMO's and can only get care from specific clinics.  Even PPO's will pay different rates for in network and out of network providers which can effect your pocketbook.  Look into your options and find out when open enrollment is so you can make these decisions without lapses in coverage or cancellation fees.

What can you do to prevent getting sick:

Wash your hands, don't touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth etc.  Unfortunately, good luck telling this to a toddler who constantly has their hands in all of these places.  Here is a hand washing guide. If you get sick a lot you should get tested for allergies which can compromise your immune system making it easier to get sick. I am sensitive to molds and get sick more often in wet seasons.

I recently tried this activity I found on Pinterest, it was fun for my toddler, but really sank in with my kindergartener on how detailed you need to be with hand washing.  For my toddler I sing a hand washing song about getting in between your fingers and remembering the tops of your hands.  He loves it. A lot of people sing the ABC's or Happy Birthday

If you do get sick, monitor your symptoms, temperature, stay hydrated, feed a fever.   If you have a fever, don't let it get out of control, but they do have a purpose in burning off the infection. Call your doctors office to ask what is considered high for your age or child's and about alternating between acetaminophen and ibuprofen.  And please, don't go out and infect others, stay home, wash your hands and sleep.

I come from a community that really supports natural remedies, my favorite herb to have if I feel like I'm fighting something is Astragalus. Look into it and see if it works for you.  Acupuncturists have great recommendations and will often treat you even if you are sick which can shorten the time you are sick.

Do I vaccinate? Yes. I live in a community that doesn't vaccinate as much as other communities which can increase risks of sickness. After my sons birth, there was an outbreak of whooping cough so we got additional tetanus shots to protect him. There are many different thoughts on this, but I do know people who have had their brand new infant come down with whooping cough because of this trend against vaccinations, so be aware of the risks. This can be very scary for young infants and their families. Nursing can help pass on your antibodies and in some cases prevent illness.

If you or your infant gets prescribed antibiotics, please remember that this kills all bacteria good and bad. Take or give acidophilus (in the refrigerated aisle at your natural foods store) to replenish good bacteria which can help prevent yeast infections and restore balance in your body.

In conclusion, talk to professionals if you need help making these tough decisions and don't beat yourself up too much if you or your children get sick, but seek treatment if warranted.  We do the best that we can given the information we have.  Stay healthy!

Perry Mama