I got my H1N1 shot today

natalie_ca

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They're doing a daily blitz at the hospital for the H1N1.

For those who haven't gotten theirs yet, this is what you can expect:

1. A slight burning sensation when they inject the solution into the muscle. This is because the vaccine is thicker than the regular flu shot vaccine.

2. Mild discomfort at the injection site when you touch the area.

3. A mild sore arm similar to having lifted weights.

After you get the shot you are required to sit in a "post vaccination recovery area" for 5 minutes. For us that meant sitting at tables in the cafeteria close to where the shots were being given.

Apparently they require you to sit there because there is a small chance that the adjuvant added to the vaccine to boost your immune response, can cause a mild drop in blood pressure. It's not serious and will happen soon after the shot is given if it's going to happen at all. It passes quickly.

Dr. Barry Dworken explains what an adjuvant is:

http://www.drbarrydworkin.com/audio/...-explained.mp3

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calico2222

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I have a question about the flu shot (both kinds). Is there a mist shot and also a regular shot available? I never heard of a mist shot...I guess it's kind of an inhaled thing. The reason I'm asking is my friend who had a masectomy and underwent radiation and chemo for breast cancer told me there were two different ways to get the treatment. And, I never knew that. He told her to stay away from the mist treatment, recommended her to get the actual shot for regular flu but not the H1N1 shot because of her lower immunity.

Yeah, I know I could actually google it, but it's so much easier to ask you.
I figured a health professional would know.
 
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natalie_ca

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The vaccine you inhale is referred to as LAIV which stands for "live attenuated influenza vaccine" basically it means the viruses in the vaccine are still alive (weakened) and able to replicate.

The viruses in the flu shot are “dead” and unable to replicate.

Both vaccines contain the same virus strains, which are grown in eggs. Currently the LAIV is only approved for healthy people aged 5-49 years, while the plain old flu shot is approved for most people older than 6 months.

Those who have received the LAIV should avoid contact with severely immunosuppressed people for 7 days after receiving it.
 

calico2222

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Thanks for explaining that because I didn't have the chance to ask her. I can understand why the inhaled version isn't good for her. So basically the inhaled version makes you catch the flu (since it's live) and then your body fights it off?
 

crittermom

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this outta make my kids that much happier about getting the shot.NOT!! LOL!!
 

crittermom

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they are actually having a free clinic here this weekend.For kids from 6 months to 24 years.
 

zoeysmom

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In true flu shot season tradition, I have a cold! I'll have to wait until I'm healthy to get the shot. I'm not sure if I'd be eligible for the first round of shots anyway (here in Ontario, they are giving it to children under 7 and those with chronic conditions first...I'm on an immunosuppresent, but a relatively low dose at the moment)...

Usually, I don't stress myself out too much...but with 138 kids away from a 700 student school....as well as about half the staff...I'm not going to hedge my bets...
 
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natalie_ca

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Originally Posted by calico2222

So basically the inhaled version makes you catch the flu (since it's live) and then your body fights it off?
Basically yes, but only a mild case. The virus is weakened so you don't get a full fledged flu.
 

mbjerkness

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My oldest daughter and I will be getting both flu shots on Friday. They usually do our whole family at once, But this year they have to wait a week. Only high risk is being done this week.
 

mrblanche

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I got the regular flu shot Monday evening. That's the one that's likely to kill someone my age. The H1N1 is killing young people. I'll get it when I can, though.
 

deedeemay

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The NHS Trust in my area began their H1N1 vaccine clinic this week, I'm due to have mine soon as they are going round the Wards individually. They have started in the specialist Wards first e.g. Maternity, Paediatrics, Theatres etc...and being front-line staff, I don't really have much choice seeing as I have close contact with patients all the time, (I'm a HCA).
 

fwan

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Here in Australia at our clinics we are only giving the H1N1 to children over 10 years old, pregnant women are advised to have the flu shot and elderly.

None of our staff members have got it though. I got the flu shot just before the swine flu started and it made me very ill for several weeks so I will stay away from it.
 

sneakymom

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I'm a first semester nursing student at a hospital-based diploma program. We were told that we HAD to get both the flu and H1N1. Or we'd have to wear a mask when we go to clinical on Tuesdays and Weds. The flu shot we got a couple of weeks ago. My arm hurt for a couple of days afterwards, but I had nothing else.

I have no idea what they're going to do for H1N1. We finished up lecture today. There's a math test on Monday, and if you pass it we only have to be at school a handful of times between now and the final on Dec. 9. So getting 65 people in for an H1N1 shot (whenever it becomes available) is going to be challenging to say the least.

Dh got his flu shot today. I have yet to get my kids shots (they're 15 and 12) But I know I should b/c I don't want them getting both seasonal and H1N1 at the same time.
Cheryl
 

tiberius709

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Originally Posted by GloriaJH

No thanks, this vaccine isn't for me. -
Same here. Won't knock anyone who has or will get it but you couldn't pay me a million dollars to get it.
 

rubsluts'mommy

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I just got my regular flu shot today while doing a followup with the Sports Med Doctor for my knee. I said flat out that once the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, I will get it as well. I work retail, go to school at a hard hit University, and I take public transit. I am not taking any chances.

Amanda
 
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