<p>My ds has had pneumonia a couple of times in his life. Last fall he received the pneumonia shot as he had a rough go of it that summer before with a bad pneumonia. I am a wreck considering the effect N1H1 might have on him. Would this shot help? He has always had bronchial issues when he gets sick, but I am praying that shot will help some should he come down with this new flu. He has already had the normal flu shot this year and we are toying with the new shot when it comes out. It is a scary thought since it is so new, but having watched him 2 summers ago, that was equally as frightening. I am just hoping the pneumonia shot may help a little should he get N1H1.</p>
<p>oops! too early…that should read H1N1! off to get more caffeine!</p>
<p>It is my understanding that the H1N1 vaccine is prepared exactly the way the seasonal flu vaccine is – just with this virus as the strain rather than the ones they had chosen for the seasonal flu vaccine (which is done about a year in advance). The “shot” (as opposed to the nasal spray) is NOT made with live weakened virus, so it is what’s recommended for anyone immunocompromised, pregnant women, etc. I plan to get my kids vaccinated for H1N1 at soon as it’s available (they’ve already gotten their seasonal flu vaccine) and since they have no other medical issues, I have no problem with either the nasal vaccine or the shot – whatever is available. It’s great your son got the pnemococcal vaccine, since that should help protect him against secondary bacterial infection in the event he does get the flu. I’d really advise you or your son to talk with his doctor about the vaccines and risks and benefits for your son. the flu.gov website also provides excellent fact-based information.</p>
<p>The pneumonvax should protect your offspring from several of the most common sorts of pneumonias – but not all. If your child has had past respiratory issues, I strongly urge you to contact a health care provider and make a plan for what will unfold when (not if . . . when) this kiddo gets sick. IMHO this would be an Rx for Tamiflu or Relenza that he went ahead and had filled and on hand (I am not a doctor or a nurse. I am a mom – but I do know that the antivirals work best if started within 48 hours of the first symptoms)</p>
<p>A couple more things to know: this flu mimics cold symptoms. A lot of teens have congestion and no fever the first day or so. A cough or sore throat is common – the tricky part is that the symptoms take a couple of days to get going (normally flu hits like a train) and it is the third or fourth day before the kid feels really, really ill – at that point the Tamiflu has an uphill battle in doing any good. </p>
<p>Also, be aware that bacterial infection on top of influenza can be deadly. Things like strep throat, pneumonia or sinus infections can really get out of hand if happening concurrently with flu. Normally you would not ask for an antibiotic as part of dealing with a case of flu but this is another thing to talk over with your health care provider. Maybe this time your kiddo wants to have an antibiotic either on hand or readily available. </p>
<p>It’s good to know that there have been thousands of mild cases. Washington State University had 2500 cases and only one kid was hospitalized. That’s amazing given that you know some of the kids had to have had some other health issues before they got the flu. </p>
<p>At the same time, influenza is a tricky beast. Don’t underestimate it. It makes me crazy when people pooh-pooh this flu. They are ignorant of the fact that your neighbor’s mild case may or may not be the strain that hits your doorstep. It is a very nimble virus and it can kill – and it can kill rapidly. </p>
<p>Another thing to discuss with your health care provider is Vitamin D supplementation. It is cheap, readily available and can boost immune defenses. As always, check it out throughly to make sure you understand what any product can and cannot do for you or offspring. Darker skin tones take more sun exposure to make adequate Vitamin D – and people in northern latitudes may not get enough sun exposure through the winter months. </p>
<p>I am dubious about the hand sanitizer craze. Sure, its great to have clean hands but that may not be enough for a student in a huge lecture hall or on a crowded bus. I hope you will take further steps to minimize/handle influenza. </p>
<p>Good luck!<br>
(My personal choice will be to get the H1N1 vaccine when it is available. It is a “new” mix but we have a new mix in flu vaccine every year. There are five manufacturors of this fall’s vaccine. It seems reasonable to research if there are adjuvants or preservatives in the vaccine one is offered – but the manufacturing technique is the same as has been used in years past).</p>