Swine Flu Vaccine

[Scottishnewbie]

Given that millions of us are to be injected with the swine flu vaccine over the next wee while, I was a bit shocked when I read this article this morning.

Swine flu jab link to killer nerve disease: Leaked letter reveals concern of neurologists over 25 deaths in America | Mail Online

not sure how accurate it all is but it'll make me think twice and might just 'take my chances'.....

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Hubby is due his flu jab (normal one) on Thursday, if the Swine Flu stocks have arrived he will be getting the first of two innoculations for Swine Flu. Does the risk of GBS worry us, only slightly. I've known people with GBS it is a serious condition but not necessarily fatal. GBS is part of the "family" of peripheral neuropathies (over 100 causes, ranging from lack of vitamin b12 to viral infections). Hubby has poly-neuropathy just now, so has no feeling in both feet, parts of his legs, all the way up to between his top lip and nose (can anyone remember what's that called?), he is sleeping for approx 18 hours a day, has whole body jerks etc, etc won't go on. Want to know the suspected cause - statins! I am more worried about the effects of statins on the general population, hubby's GP stated he would prescribe them to everyone over 50 even if they did not have raised cholosterol. Hubby's cholosterol is 5.4. Be more afraid of the innocent looking wee pills.

[ginger ninger]

Ooo Frosty that's terrible, and that's all from a cholesterol lowering drug?? It makes you wonder what the hell we're putting in our bodies.
I'm dew my flu jab, I personally think the benefits out way the negatives, there's always an element of risk with all drugs, you just have to weigh up the odds for your self. The alternative is a very nasty virus that can kill and has killed.

[HotStuff]

I've had the seasonal flu jab every year for about the past 20 years as I'm diabetic and thankfully the only reaction I've had was that I felt a bit rough the first year. Also, because I'm over 50 I'm on a daily Statin and my last Cholesterol test was 4.0.

On the other hand the father-in-law of a very good friend of mine had GBS. I don't know what the cause was in his case but it is a horrible debilitating condition. Thankfully he has made a very good recovery, but it's taken a couple of years. I know my friend has very big doubts about taking the swine flu jab.

With any drug there is always a risk of side-effects, thankfully the majority are mild. If you really want to scare yourself, next time the doctor gives you some tablets read the enclosed leaflet in the pack.

[SarzWix]

Bloomin' Daily Mail.... They just love scare-mongering don't they??!!

Close reading of that article tells you a lot more than the headline does... It says that GBS is a risk after any bout of the flu; the deaths in America were in 1976, not linked with the current vaccine; and, the Gov't is merely asking all neurologists to report all cases of GBS for the next 9 months. Not that they have any identifiable risk with this vaccine, just that they are being cautious.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Thankfully I don't read the Daily Mail

[Polly Fouracre]

It's a fact that more people die getting in or out of the bath than die of flu each year!

[Jax]

I have to say that unless its absoloutely neccessary I dont use medication. I havent had even parecetamol in about 3 years and I am poorly less often. I virtually lived on medication and in the GP office but I havent even seen my doctor in 2 years. Thats not to say i dont get ill, I do, but the difference is that with a bit of tlc I recover very well and quite quickly in comparison to years ago. So I wont be having it.

[bubblewrap]

Flue jab- NO THANKS.

Not had flue since 1963(I was 14)so I would sooner take my chances.

[Bigmallly]

Like every other vaccine, there are concerns & each individual has to way up the pro's & cons then make a decision. I personnaly have the flu jab & will take the H1N1 jab when it is available.

[OllieMartin]

...between his top lip and nose (can anyone remember what's that called?)

I believe it's called a 'philtrum'.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Thanks Ollie

[Hilary B]

I've heard that the Swine flu jab is not recommended for those over 50. I wouldn't bother anyway. If I get it, I do, and if I don't, I don't. I take all health scares with an enormous pinch of salt. There is only one certainty in life, you won't get out of it alive!