5 things.

[learnteach]

1. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/us/ It is interesting to live in an age where so much information is available to us so readily. This has some curious positive and negative side effects. But one very positive effect is that information is available, easily, and if you employ critical thinking, useful.


2. My conclusion? There's a habit I got from motorcycle riding: Learn from other people's mistakes so you don't have to make all your own. It's too late for some, and I mourn their loss, but I'm going to go get a flu shot.

3. The anodyne for knowing of friend's death is meeting new people who just had birth; the presence of babies makes you if not happy at least content. Although it makes me happy. yay Conrad, and Lumina, and those I've yet to meet!

4. Fall dinner at my house on Tuesday, email if you want to attend. Be ready to converse.

5. I'm going to go raise a glass at the meadery. Hope you have something in a good ritual to do.

Comments

[zoccolaro.livejournal.com]

JT, I didn't think that the current seasonal flu shot protected you from the H1N1 strain. CDC confirms this...they say "The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall." The update is supposed to be for 2 days ago, but you know how rapidly these things change...

[mamapduck.livejournal.com]

You are correct, H1N1 is going to require a separate vaccine- given in two doses for the under 6 years old set. Regular flu can be just as fatal, however. Getting the shot is a Darn Good Idea.

[judith-s.livejournal.com]

http://thinktwice.com/BMJ_Flu.pdf

I'm not so sure about the fatality rates for flu. And the CDC has an agenda, and it is not your health.

That's why one needs critical thinking.

[learnteach.livejournal.com]

And cooked statistics or not (these seem cooked by definition) having a peer die of this...a younger, healthier peer--die today of this, I'm getting the shot, when it is available.

Re: That's why one needs critical thinking.

[judith-s.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Obviously I wasn't aware of context.

Re: That's why one needs critical thinking.

[ornerie.livejournal.com]

John...just something to think about....the flu shot can have some side effects. be sure whoever gives it to you is a fully accredited health care professional who is aware of your health past (ie please get it from your doctor and not some random health assistant at the grocery store who doesnt know you and your history...)

its about balancing risks. something that each of us, well armed with accurate and complete info, need to do for ourselves :)

[mamapduck.livejournal.com]

Conspiracy theories aside, lots of people die- that's DIE- from influenza annually. That it is not a flashy news story makes them no less dead. I know it's trendy to discourage people from getting medical treatment, but it's not really helpful.

[acanthusleaf.livejournal.com]

It should be available pretty darn soon though, and if there's enough after the critical populations are served, I plan to get one too.

[katerit.livejournal.com]

Flu shots are good - and we're getting them. We will also be getting the H1N1 vaccine when it comes out - especially me. Pregnant women seem especially vulnerable, and two healthy women in that condition died in the spring in Northern California. My profession also puts me in the chance of exposure. Oh yeah - and vaccines for the kids on a regular schedule - the best damned thing to do ever. Screw whooping cough and diptheria.