Swine Flu - Belleville,IL

There is no vaccine yet, which is part of the concern. The vaccine won't be ready possibly for a couple more months and there probably won't be enough since we only have one production facility in the US and we import the rest. If there is a widespread outbreak no other countries will be sharing. So, right now please just stay calm and observe good hygiene practices. Just be a little more vigilant about not sharing cups and food. You could, perhaps speak to your ped about whether or not they have a reserve of flu meds like Tamiflu, but most likely they do because when the Avian Flu was a concern they stockpiled. Also, the doctor might help answer any questions about it. I'm sure you won't be the only one calling.

I can also relate to your fears. If this spreads out of control, it does sound scary, like the stories in our nations history. But, one thing that has eased my mind in this case is we are seeing the media cover this as it's happening. Imagine if they covered the spread of the common cold, and other flus that were contagious. All we can do as parents is educate our kids in the best ways to keep healthy, and encourage hand washing and the other ways to keep diseases from entering our system. I think there is more of a fear due to the constant media coverage....remember after 9/11 and the anthrax scare and things like that? The unknown is very scary, and we are fearful of our children, I know I am, but I cannot dwell and obsess about it right now until I know it's getting closer and what the real fear is yet. take it easy, watch the news and keep yourself informed, but I wouldn't scare myself as if it's the end of the world just yet.......

Hi,K.. I understand your fears. I work in a hospital and am in close contact with patients while doing mammograms, so I am at a high risk of catching absolutely anything. But I choose not to panic and follow the instructions given by the CDC-lots of proper handwashing. I also encourage my patients and family to cover their mouths when they sneeze of cough. There is no vaccine currently for the swine flu. Tamiflu is administered at the first signs of the flu in an attempt to lessen the side effects. Tamiflu has been around for some time for flu symptoms, but I think it is getting a lot of publicity because of the swine flu. Just take precautions with hygiene. That is the best defense.

From what I have read so far from numerous sources, there is NO vaccine against this particular strain of flu. I am concerned about the this virus, mainly for my son who has a compromised immune system, but I am trying not to let it run my life. Currently, my son is sick with a stomach virus. When I took him to the doctor I was told that because of my son's asthma, I am probably not going to be able to distinguish the difference between an asthma symptom and the flu because they can be similar. Well, let me tell you, that was not the best news that I could hear. Not only did I not find out what was currently wrong with him, but I was told that if he does get the virus, I am probably not going to know it. So, I was told that if he has any asthma symptoms to call the office immediately or take him to the ER if it was after office hours. Sorry, I am not trying to scare you more, actually, I was more trying to give you a pep talk that even though I got all of that bad news, I am still living my life like everything is normal, I just keep a close eye on my son's breathing patterns and asthma. You can't live in a "what if" mode, you'll drive yourself insane and you will miss so many wonderful things in the process. Try not to worry about it too much, you can't change what's out of your control. I hope this helps you.