H1N1: So Far Very Mild,
Vaccine is on the Way
H1N1 influenza infection has increased emotionally, but not medically.
As noted earlier in the series of posts on the subject of H1N1 (swine)
influenza infections, this has become an epidemic.
Certainly in the Greater Cleveland area, this virus has become
quite common, if not nearly universal across all our families and
households.
The chance of getting an H1N1 infection has jumped to such a
high level, that recently President Obama declared the H1N1 epidemic
of 2009 a national emergency.
One could easily be forgiven for panic.
But the point of this post is to offer an equally compelling
perspective: so far this epidemic has been strikingly mild.
Not only the vast majority, but in the case of Advanced Pediatrics,
every case has been very mild, causing no lasting harm, at all.
And so the recommendation from Advanced Pediatrics to seek
H1N1 immunization is more a reasonable than urgent
recommendation.
We say reasonable, since it makes sense to seek protection
from an infection that might get more severe over time.
Not urgent, because so far the infection has been so mild.
And so now we come to the unavoidable challenge of logistics.
The production of H1N1 is going to take a few weeks. Within a month or so,
we expect that all medical facilities, including Advanced Pediatrics, will
have lots more H1N1 vaccine material than you could possibly demand.
But right now, shipments are dribbling in. That means right now, many
of the families at Advanced Pediatrics are frustrated, perhaps frightened,
maybe even angry. The H1N1 epidemic is raging, and we do not have
all the doses we have ordered. A recipe for strong feeling.
That is where the reality of our current situation comes into such strong play.
Yes, it is frustrating for all of us not to have all the H1N1 vaccine we need.
But, it must be kept in mind that if you get H1N1 infection today, you will simply
get a cold. That's it.
So for now, when everyone is getting infected with H1N1, it is critical that we
all keep in mind that you will most likely just have a cold.
We are working hard to make sure that as soon as the United States ships
H1N1 vaccine to Advanced Pediatrics (no one can buy it, it can only be
delivered via the government), to set up times to have the vaccine
administered.
So stay posted, we will alert you by posts to this blog whenever a new
shipment arrives and new immunization dates can be set.
In the meantime, your family, as always, depends on your guidance.
Stay informed. Be aware that as of right now, there is little if any
danger from H1N1, so panic has no justified place in your family.
BOTTOM LINE
H1N1 infection is very, very widespread in our area, now.
So far, these infections have been quite mild, basically giving
people colds, aches, and such. No one has even been admitted
from our practice to the hospital during this epidemic.
H1N1 vaccine is being delivered slowly, but will be
delivered. I am confident we will have ample supplies
to protect the entire practice, and in good time.
Our current situation is, therefore, actually quite good:
- The disease is mild.
- A vaccine has been created that works to protect us from H1N1
- The vaccine is as safe as the flu vaccines in use for decades
- We will have plenty of H1N1 vaccine in plenty of time, just not right now.
We look forward to working together with your family to get through these
rather tumultuous times, just keep in mind that right now most of the tumult
is in our minds, and not reflected by the actual facts on the ground.
Dr. Lavin
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*Disclaimer*
The comments contained in this electronic source of information do not constitute and are not designed to imply that they constitute any form of individual medical advice. The information provided is purely for informational purposes only and not relevant to any person's particular medical condition or situation. If you have any medical concerns about yourself or your family please contact your physician immediately. In order to provide our patients the best uninfluenced information that science has to offer,we do not accept samples of drugs, advertising tchotchkes, money, food, or any item from outside vendors.
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