I Have H1N1

say, vaccinate them. All the pediatricians are recommending it, so why would anyone go against their advice?

If you have it they have already been exposed. All of the viruses are contagious prior to any symptoms. I have heard nothing but negative stuff about the shot. I do not know for certain but I would think that with them already being exposed plus the vaccine, it would make their system weaker, causing more of a chance of getting something.
We don't do the general flu shot because we are normally healthy too (typical sinus infections). We did the flu shot at my husband's request (he's a paramedic), 3 years ago. We got so sick over Christmas break we won't ever do it again. So yes my opinion is bias. Wish you luck.

Do you have a web cam? We've used it the year my husband was in the Army in Germany. My boys have at times also slept with "Mommy's Teddy Bear" to help them with the few nights I've had to work late.

This definitely has to be your decision and either way you are at risk.

We have a vaccine injured son, and it is not just mercury that you have to worry about (nor is ANY amount of mercury safe) putting a live virus into your body (along with the long list of additives that are pretty scary) can cause an injury to someone with a weakened immune system or predisposition that they may never recover from. You are questioning because you hear two sides, Mainstream Healthcare and Real Parents going through it... Most doctors/nurses are not misinforming you when they say that they believe these vaccines are safe - they are telling you what they know and learn - the truth is, and my son's neurologist said it perfectly they go by guidelines, they are medical doctors, they know what they are taught, the ones that know the truth are the ones that have the misfortune of having a family member that is vaccine injured and those are the medical professionals that have actually done true research on both sides.

Not to say that vaccines are unsafe to all - but there is a large group of people that cannot tolerate them and unfortunately as of right now where you fit in is a gamble.

I agree with the majority here. I will not vaccinate my family. There are too many unknowns and too many mishaps with the vac so far. it's a stab in the dark, and even people who have been vaccinated have gotten sick. Make sure you and your children are supplementing with appropriate vitamins, ask your parents to make sure they get plenty of rest (Grandparents might want to take them out and about more to keep them occupied - probably not a good idea!) and concentrate on getting better yourself.
All the best!

I really feel for you! My two year old son had H1N1 a couple months ago and seemed pretty miserable. He had high fever for five straight days. Then one day without and then the fever returned. We took him to the doctor at that point and he had two very bad ear infections.
I had my nine year old vaccinated because he only needed one shot. I opted not to do the two year old since it'd already been in his system.
I myself am also pregnant but did not get vaccinated due to the lack of testing on pregnant women (or animals even). I also figured I'd been exposed to it twice already. With the two year old and my nine year old got the mist which is actually a live strain.

My sister is now recovering from H1N1 herself. We're close so we've talked every day and miserable doesn't even describe how she's felt. She had fever for six days then saw her doctor and has bronchitis. Her doctor was very aggressive with antibiotics in fear that the bronchitis would turn into pneumonia. She's feeling a little better now and finally sleeping with the strong cough medicine she was prescribed.
I encouraged her to take vitamins while she was sick to help ward off anything coming afterwards. From what I've heard that's hat will get you, not the H1N1 itself.
Also, didn't see that anyone else mentioned it but kids eight and younger have to get two doses of the vaccine. That sealed the deal for me not vaccinating my little guy. And honestly if I had done some more research first I probably wouldn't have vaccinated my older son. This was two months ago and when I heard the little guy had H1N1 I freaked out.

Best of luck and take care of yourself!!!!

My daughter, 3, tested positive about a month ago. She literally only had a wretched cough and 1 day of a fever. I took her in only because of the bad cough, since there were a few confirmed cases of bronchitis in her preschool class. About a week later, she started coughing again and I took her back. She had the bronchitis. I just watched her very closely for signs of a high fever and being lethargic. She never got that. I say, NO to the vaccine. There are too many unknowns, and the info keeps changing (i.e.-now they say you don't need 2 doses). To me it just seems too risky. I know its a hard decision, but I would hate to have to deal with something worse later in her life. Good luck, I know its a major decision. Ask God, and I will say a prayer for you, too!

My daughter got the vaccine Friday and so far she is fine. 2 of her cousins that are brothers had H1N1 and their Mom wished she had gotten the vaccine for them because they did suffer and she missed alot of time from work. Now their Dad is sick with it. Right now I can say I'm happy with my decision to vacate my daughter.

My OB wanted me to get it, so I did. I was concerned about the mercury in it. She told me that there is no more mercury in the vaccine than in a pack of tuna. She believed it to me safe for me, my baby, and my two year old. I haven't given it to my 2 year old b/c all the people she is around regularly have the vaccine, including the kids at her daycare. There is a vaccine without mercury, which is the one I happened to get. As a mom, always go with your gut.

Both of my children will be getting their H1N1 and seasonal flu shots next month. I've only waited this long because my son has to be at least 6 months old to get it. H1N1 is particularly virulent in children. I've researched the vaccines and I've spoken with our pediatrician. I am vastly more worried about them catching the illness than getting the shots. The illness is just too unpredictable - some kids get it and it's no big deal while some die from it. There is just no way to know how your kid will react, and there is NO way I'm willing to take the chance.

You have first-hand experience with the illness. As you said, you don't want them to go through it. There is an incubation period, so they have already been exposed by you. If that's the case, they'll probably get sick whether they get the shot or not. However, if they've managed to avoid catching it, the shot is the best way to avoid it.

My heart goes out to you - I can't imagine being away from my babies (my daughter is 3 1/2 and my son is 5 months). But I do think you're doing the right thing by having them stay with your parents. I think it shows how much you want to protect them. And even though it seems like it will be for a long time, it really is brief and worth keeping them healthy.

I wish you a speedy recovery, and good luck with your decision.

The vaccine is not a guarantee to protect them and they were already exposed so, no, I would not bother with the vaccine. In many places the H1N1 vaccine is by invitation only so you may not be able to get your kids vaccinated even if you wanted to.

I do want to say, you did the right thing to send your kids to your parents. I know it must have been hard and you miss them but you need to heal. We mom's don't always let ourselves rest and heal from sickness like we should. You did the right thing and I hope you are able to see them again soon!

Hi A.,

I'm guessing your kids have already been exposed to the virus. Viruses typically have a bit of an incubation period, so you were probably carrying it around and shedding before you came down with symptoms. (I have to say, I'm GLAD you were actually tested. That is rare now.)

My personal conviction on the H1N1 vaccination is NO. I've read too many conflicting reports on this vaccine and heard too many medical professionals telling parents to not vaccinate their kids who have compromised systems. A friend of my moms has a daughter with a rare disease. Her immune system is very compromised. You would THINK her doctors would have her first in line. Her primary care doctros are the pedicatricians at The University of Michigan Hospital! This is not some small back village hospital. This is a huge world renown hospital. The mom asked the drs if her daughter should get the vaccination. They emphatically said NO NO NO! THEY didn't feel it had been tested enough with sound clinical trials. They thought the risk for her daughter far outweighed the risk of the flu.

Yes, I do think you made the right choice having your kids go with your parents. It will be so difficult for you to care for your kids while you're feeling ill. This way, you can concentrate on resting and getting well. Your kids will have fun with Grandma and Grandpa and then you can all come together again safely.

Good luck.

I agree that if you have had the flu, your body should already have an immunity going forward. My personal recommendation for your family would be to support their immune system but I also recommend researching online about vaccination beyond the traditional CDC website. I have pulled together some videos and resouces on my blog in a post a few weeks ago that you may find helpful. www.greenmoms4kids.com

Good luck with your decision.

Originally, I was very much against the H1N1 vaccine. Then I started seeing kids in hospital beds on respirators with their grief-stricken parents sitting next to them. I have seen my son in a hospital bed before (for RSV, pnuemonia, and dehydration). I never want to see him lying in another hospital bed. Kids are dying from this virus. Kids are not dying from the vaccine. I thought about those parents with kids in hospital beds and those whose kids have died from the virus......would they go back and get the vaccine for their kids? I bet they would. So I did too.

Absolutely you made the right decision on taking them to your parents, I would have done the same. As for the vaccine, I will tell you I battled with this for a while. I am pregnant & I have a 4 year old daughter. I prayed & prayed on it & something told me to just get it. We did and we are totally fine & I was very relieved after we did. My daughter still has to get another dose since she is 4, but I decided that for me, the risk of the vaccine seemed less than the risk of getting H1N1, just in case there would have been a complication, etc. Best of luck & I hope you have a fast recovery!

If they can get the vaccine in a relatively healthy environment I'd do so - I've known a few people to get H1N1 from just sitting at clinics waiting for hours to be seen. If you haven't told your pediatrician (or your husband's doc) yet, I'd make sure s/he knows that they've been exposed to it - they might prescribe a half dosage of Tamiflu for the kids and hubby.

In regards to keeping the kids away - I know its hard for you and your family, but you really are doing the right thing by sending them away. It's what we did when my husband got it. Would you be able to call them and talk to them? It might help both you and the kids from missing each other so much. But please be sure to have your hubby (and you once you're not contagious and feeling yucky) clean the kids' toys and other things they use on a regular basis; it would be awful for you all to have to go through with all of this for one of them to get it from germs left on something they touch.

I have a 17 month old and a 4.5 years old and I did got them both vaccinated. They were vaccinated for both flus. To be very honest with you, I was not going to get them vaccinated either, until my brother, that is in Brazil got the H1N1. After talking to him and my mom, I decided that the way things are right now the probability of complications with the vaccine are much lower than the probabilities of them getting the H1N1. Specially since they both go to daycare and my oldest to preschool.
As far as letting your parents keep them, you are an awesome mom!!! Although you miss them dearly you know that deep on you heart that is the best thing for them right now. Would probably be much worst, if they were home with you and you not able to get too close or kiss the, etc..and I bet you would feel horrible if they got it from you. You are very lucky, to have your family close to you to help you. I'm sure grandma and grandpa are loving the time with the kids too. Take care of yourself, that is the best thing you can do for your kids right now.

By the time you showed signs and were able to test possible for it, your kids had already been exposed. It's great that your parents got them off your hands so you can recover, but it really didn't matter (it's like by the time you kid has a snotty nose, they aren't even contagious with a cold anymore...). They got a small exposure and probably don't even need a vaccination.

H1n1 is not like the normal flu. It attacks the young and many kids have died not so much from the flu but from complications and secondary infections brought on by the flu. More so than the regular yearly strain of flu. I like wise had the h1n1 and then developed a sinus infection and then pnemonia. If my kids had not given it to me before the vacination was available I would get them vacinated.

I still would not have the kids get the vaccine. They have probably already been exposed to the virus before you knew you were sick and it is likely that their immune systems are stronger than yours is.
Get them (and yourself) on vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc and a good multivitamin. Drink plenty of pure water and limit sugar and processed foods.
In less than a week, you will feel better.
I know several people who had the h1n1 virus and they all recovered in a few days. My daughter had it, went to the hospital , got put on lots of drugs and sufferred for a week and a half.

My girls both had H1N1 ~ 1 will be 9 on 12/5 & the other is 2 1/2. They were both pretty sick for a few days, but are back to normal. All schools in Geauga County were offering the vaccine for free, but don't need it now because they had it (I wasn't going to get it anyway). From what I've read, there is mercury in it (which from what I remember in H.S. science classes, if you broke a mercury thermometer, the class had to be evacuated immediately, so why put that into your body?). The vaccine also has something in it that causes Gulf War Syndrome. They might not get sick now if they have the vaccine, but who knows what the long term effects are?
Good luck in your decision.

Vitamin D and elderberry are great for the immune system. Also holistic doctors have something more natural for the flu viruses.

I feel I need to respond as a mother of 4 kids and a healthcare worker in a Children's hospital. I've seen too many H1N1 kids being admitted. If I was able to get my kids vaccinated i would! The amount of mercury in it is a very small amount. I would rather get my child vaccinated than have the worry of my child being in a hospital and all that goes with that(missing work, school work being missed, hospital bills, etc.). I can't get my children vaccinated due to egg allergies. Honestly if you are on the fence about, please talk to your pediatrician. He should be able to answer any questions and also look at the CDC website. They have the most accurate information.