To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate. H1N1 in California |

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate. H1N1 in California

Posted by Todd Fries | Filed under FAQ, Medicine

More Americans died from the Influenza Pandemic of 1918 than were killed in WWI, the Vietnam War, or in any hurricane in American history. There’s no cure for H1N1 Virus-Swine Flu-and the normal, seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t offer protection against infection from the new virus. One human sneeze can eject billions of viruses.

Faced with these and other flu-related frights tossed about in the media, it’s no wonder Americans, with and without health insurance, are afraid they’re staring at another, catastrophic flu pandemic.

Of course, the use of pathogenic and pandemic don’t quell fears.
But consider the meaning:
“ pathogenic: capable of producing disease
“ pandemic: the presence of disease over a large geographical area

Clearly, neither predicts catastrophe. And with H1N1, catastrophe is not likely.

Though there’s no cure for Swine Flu, the H1N1 Vaccine, available now, reduces the risk of infection. Trials supervised by the National Institutes of Health found that a single dose of the H1N1 vaccine is enough to grant immunity in adults in only three weeks.

According to the Los Angeles Times, California has 2,700 hospitalizations and 206 deaths from H1N1. However, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says, “the 2009 H1N1 viruses cause generally mild disease but also spread between individuals relatively effectively.” Although more people may become ill from Swine Flu, fewer will die from it than from regular, seasonal flu.

Should you get vaccinated against H1N1? If you don’t want to miss several days or weeks of work due to respiratory illness, or worry about developing a “pre-existing condition” for which you might be denied health insurance, you might answer yes.

If you choose vaccination, the CDC cautions that H1N1 Vaccine shouldn’t replace Seasonal Flu Vaccine and recommends many get both. Groups that are strongly advised to receive both vaccinations include healthcare and emergency medical workers, pregnant women, infant caregivers, and everyone aged 6 months through 24 years.

If you’re over age 55 you’ve likely built up a natural immunity to the H1N1 strain.

California has already received 400,000 doses of H1N1 Vaccine; Los Angeles County – 92,000. The vaccine will be distributed to both private and public health clinics in Southern California. Vaccination locations can be found at the California Department of Public Health.

If you’re in Southern California without health insurance, speak with a health insurance agent about affordable health care options.

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For 16 years, Todd Fries has found health insurance policies that fit people’s needs and budget. Consultations are FREE. Contact Todd Fries at (323) 464-8633 or at toddshealthinsurance@gmail.com. For a FREE QUOTE go to http://toddshealthinsurance.com