Abby and I received the H1N1 vaccine today

[Dave Gray]

It's not just about the individual deciding to get the vaccine or not.  Vaccines aren't just to prevent 1 person from getting an infection.  It's to stop the spread of that infection.  Even though you think you're healthy enough to survive H1N1, your neighbor may not be, so by contracting it, you're putting him at risk as well.

[MaineDolFan]

^^Exactly correct.

The way that the vaccine has bottle necked is going to be a problem.  Kids under 12 need two doses, seperated by 4 weeks, before they are fully protected.  Adults generally see moderate protection 10 days after incoulation, however full protection could take 3-4 weeks. 

The seasonal flu really ramped up around January, which is why the aim is generally for a late October, early November flu vaccine run.  In a perfect world the H1N1 would have hit in February of 09 instead of April...thus giving researchers two additional months and rolling out the vaccine in August.

The vaccine has hit a bottle neck, for several reasons.  We're in a race and the virus is winning right now.  The highest risks can't have the nasal mist and that is what is most readily available right now.

We can only hope that the CDC is sending what IS available to the best places, the "hottest" spots.  Schools and colleges are priority 1.

[Buddhagirl]

I have extremely low vitamin D levels. (This is common in African-American women and can lead to a slew of other issues. I didn't know that until I was tested while in the hospital for my embolism, though.)  Yesterday, my doc suggested I get the H1N1 vaccine due to my D levels still being really low and the fact that my lungs are still recovering.

I'm still undecided, though.

[MaineDolFan]

Buddhagirl - do you have any other auto immune condition that would place you at risk for the nasal mist? 

[fyo]

I have extremely low vitamin D levels. (This is common in African-American women...

It's extremely widespread in anyone with a dark skin color living in a Northern clime or spending a lot of time indoors. The lighter the skin, the less exposure to sunlight is needed to reach normal vitamin D levels. However, even the palest of people rarely get enough sunlight in places that are far to the North (especially during winter). Not only is there not enough sunlight (inclination and time), but it's also cold outside, so exposure is limited even further.

I read a provocative article by a cancer researcher a while back who said that sunscreen probably killed 10x as many people as it saved. The purpose of the quote was to provoke, clearly, but the idea does have a lot of merit. (One of his points was that the mortality rate of skin cancer was very low compared to the cancers that people with low vitamin D are at increased risk of getting).

[Buddhagirl]

Buddhagirl - do you have any other auto immune condition that would place you at risk for the nasal mist? 

No, and my doctor said I should be fine with that. I'm just not sure if it's absolutely necessary. (My mom is freaked and about to drag me there herself.)

It's extremely widespread in anyone with a dark skin color living in a Northern clime or spending a lot of time indoors. The lighter the skin, the less exposure to sunlight is needed to reach normal vitamin D levels. However, even the palest of people rarely get enough sunlight in places that are far to the North (especially during winter). Not only is there not enough sunlight (inclination and time), but it's also cold outside, so exposure is limited even further.

I read a provocative article by a cancer researcher a while back who said that sunscreen probably killed 10x as many people as it saved. The purpose of the quote was to provoke, clearly, but the idea does have a lot of merit. (One of his points was that the mortality rate of skin cancer was very low compared to the cancers that people with low vitamin D are at increased risk of getting).

Over the past year my doctor has sent me numerous articles about low Vitamin D. It used to be thought that African Americans had a higher death rate from cancer and a slew of other diseases due to poverty and little access to healthcare. However, the thinking now is that a lot of these illnesses are brought about by low Vitamin D. A good range of D is between 55 - 80 or so. When I was tested I was at 17. I'm still really, really low now and they're upping my D levels to 50,000 IU once a week and about 2800 IU per day. 

The funny thing is that I run almost everyday outside, but slather on sunscreen, wear a hat, and cover up. I didn't want skin cancer.

Sadly, many blacks do not know about this. I had never heard it and I visit the doctor regularly. I just happened to stumble upon a gyno that was researching this and wanted to check my levels just out of curiosity after my embolism. He said he would bet me money that my vitamin D level was below 20 and he was right.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Over the past year my doctor has sent me numerous articles about low Vitamin D. It used to be thought that African Americans had a higher death rate from cancer and a slew of other diseases due to poverty and little access to healthcare. However, the thinking now is that a lot of these illnesses are brought about by low Vitamin D. A good range of D is between 55 - 80 or so. When I was tested I was at 17. I'm still really, really low now and they're upping my D levels to 50,000 IU once a week and about 2800 IU per day. 

The funny thing is that I run almost everyday outside, but slather on sunscreen, wear a hat, and cover up. I didn't want skin cancer.

Sadly, many blacks do not know about this. I had never heard it and I visit the doctor regularly. I just happened to stumble upon a gyno that was researching this and wanted to check my levels just out of curiosity after my embolism. He said he would bet me money that my vitamin D level was below 20 and he was right.

Take a fish oil supplement each morning along with whatever other nutritional supplements you take.  That'll bring up your vitamin D levels.

[MaineDolFan]

^Or - just a thought - a D supplement?

[Buddhagirl]

^Or - just a thought - a D supplement?

Bingo. I'm taking a prescription. Over the counter isn't enough.

[MaineDolFan]

What are your hesitations about the H1N1 vaccine?  Anything I might be able to help with?

[Buddhagirl]

What are your hesitations about the H1N1 vaccine?  Anything I might be able to help with?

No. I'm just cheap and don't want to pay for it or take the time for it. I'm working 2 jobs, going to school full time and I just don't have the time or patience to deal with it. And, I'm broke. Being sick is expensive.

[MaineDolFan]

The H1N1 vaccine is free.  If anything you can only be charged a small fee that a clinic might charge in order to not have a loss.  However I haven't heard of any clinic charging a fee.

[Buddhagirl]

The H1N1 vaccine is free.  If anything you can only be charged a small fee that a clinic might charge in order to not have a loss.  However I haven't heard of any clinic charging a fee.

I didn't know it's free. Where do I get one and NOT take time off work to get it?

[MaineDolFan]

Here is a resource for you.  It might be a bit before you are in a group that are being done, but it sounds like you should do it.  Your doctor should be able to do it for free as well.

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/myfluclinic.htm

[Buddhagirl]

Thanks, Maine. I'll look into it.