Last week I had the great fortune to be at the beach. I enjoy time spent at the coast and this visit was really nice - the weather was good and there were minus tides. The pelicans were making their annual visit in large numbers and the sea lions were plentiful as were the harbor seals. My mom and I were there all week, Tramp 1 made it for just one night before heading out on a business trip and a special Aunt joined us for three days.
On Friday we left and headed inland to visit an Aunt and Uncle before they head south for the winter. When we arrived at their home, they had already started eating dinner. A cousin, his son and his buddy were there, too. As we all squeezed up to the table to eat, I found myself placed between the two kids - 5th and 6th graders. The buddy kid appeared to have some sort of something going on - adenoids, allergies or something worse. He was coughing and sounded very nasal. I was feeling pretty nervous - I am the person who catches everything and has it twice as long and twice as hard as others. I slowly started inching away from him, toward my cousin's son. I could hardly eat... Finally I just had to ask him if he had been sick... He replied yes, that he had a fever, cold, cough, etc. I asked him when - he said three days ago... That was it - way past my comfort zone! I apologized to him and the others, picked up my plate and moved to a tray and chair way behind him! I felt really bad about it, still do but I really don't want to get sick - not now. I started a vitamin regimen last week, adding plenty of vitamin D in hopes of boosting my immune system. H1N1 or not, I want to know that I am doing what I can for my health. I have had bad reactions to flu shots in the past and have not been able to have one for many years. So far, whatever the kid had, it hasn't taken hold with me and I am sure glad. And I am thinking about going to the doctor to try and find out why I react to the flu shot and whether or not I should get the H1N1 shot. (I assume I am not allergic to eggs - I eat them just fine!)
What about the rest of you? Are you making any changes with regard to H1N1?
8 comments:
I admit to being a bit worried about this flu--but the people I've talked to that have had it say its just another flu. They're really hyping this one up and it's scaring me to death. I'm like you-I can't take the flu shots. I am out on the road AGAIN, and find myself PISSED when someone starts hacking away right by me. What CAN we do??? Hide? I have a bad time of it when it comes to respiratory problems.
I always take the regular flu shot each year but I am passing on this new flu vaccine. I don't think it has had enough testing to know for sure that it is safe. I guess I'll take my chances with the H1N1 flu. It is pretty scary. I am especially worried for my grandkids since the young ones seems to be affected worse. I hope the scare is over soon.
I was debating about whether to vaccinate the girls and had decided not to. Irrelevant-since we have had widespread cases and no vaccine available. 3/4 family members sick for a while but no harm other than a few days of work/school missed.
Kris
Wayne and I always get our seasonal flu shot. I'm like you, I get everything and really hard. When I taught elementary school I could guarantee at least two colds (flu?) each school year. You would think my immunity would build up, but no. The H1N1 shots will be available for everyone wanting one next week in our town. I plan on getting one just in case. We live in a fairly isolated place where something like the flu spread easily. - Margy
Well.. I am hoping I may be immune. I had a swine flu shot in the 70s and I got horribly ill right after it. I guess it must have 'took'.
I have read here is a chance some folks have immunity from that earlier vaccine. We'll see. Meanwhile, I'm a wee bit nervous when I go to my job because I know I've been around it there. So far so good though.
Not doing much else. I encouraged one of my kids to get a vaccine but he has said no. Really was most concerned about him and his daughter--since she is young and since he is susceptible to pneumonia and has asthma.
Keeping things clean encouraging everyone to wash hands alot and try to avoid sick folks. Not much else to do I guess.
I would have moved too and probably while I gave him a few tips, in a nice way, on how to keep from spreading his illness to others. In LA county there are H1N1 vaccine clinics here and there. Yesterday, I went with my 23yr old son to the one day clinic in our town (he is in the allowed age group to get the vaccine) and the line was literally hundreds of people long. He got out of work early (2 hours before the clinic closed) to go to it but wasn't able to get the vaccine because they ran out. It is ridiculous that they tell everyone how much they need the vaccine but then they can't supply it.
Everyone,
Thanks so much for your comments. So interesting to hear from so many different parts of the country about what you are experiencing and planning to do.
I know I worry but like some of you, I also have respiratory issues this time of year. Last night I was trying to find my new inhaler - I put it away the end of March after being so ill when we lost our dear dog - guess I put it away too good!
We have a large bottle of hand sanitizer gel in each of our vehicles that we use religiously when we are unable to use soap and water. The gel should not freeze this winter as it has so much alcohol in it. We are trying to eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and take vitamins. We are also going to get a humidifier as it is very dry here.
No worry about getting the H1N1 shot - none available here....
Hand sanitizer and face masks are our accessories whenever we leave here since about a month ago. Nearly everyone we know - even just by name - seems to have the flu. Just this evening I learned four are hospitalized. Teh medical community is already overwhelmed and three area schools have closed.
I almost dread my Dad coming tomorrow because he's been like a bee to honey visiting, etc. I'll hand him the hand sanitizer when he comes in the door!
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