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Regional: Better to be safe than sorry, get the H1N1 vaccination
Commentary by Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
Early last week the H1N1 vaccine was made available to Canadians. Since last Monday, concerned citizens have been flooding the gates at vaccination clinics across the country.
The pandemic, which started making headlines roughly seven months ago, has taken the world by storm. But how serious is the illness, and is it really necessary to receive the vaccination?
I am 26-years-old, relatively healthy, and stubborn as an ox, so until recently my opinion was to not receive the vaccination. However; after talking to my older sister (who is an RN working in an Edmonton hospital) my decision has changed dramatically.
Yes, as with all vaccines, there are some side effects that could occur because of the immunization, but the positives (in my opinion) far out-weigh the risk of not being vaccinated.
My sister told me the average individual targeted by this disease in her hospital is quite young. She explained the hospital has gone from having private, individual, isolated rooms for each H1N1 patient, to housing two or more in each room.
Although the age demographic falling ill to the virus is mainly under 40, health officials and health ministers across the country are urging everyone to receive the shot.
High risk individuals will receive the shot first, this includes those who have a serious illness (diabetes, HIV/Aids, heart conditions), pregnant women, and individuals over 65. Those in the health care industry will also be receiving the vaccination immediately.
A public announcement was made by Public Health Agency of Canada two weeks ago, stating that the H1N1 vaccine is safe, effective and authorized for use across the country.
Health care officials are expecting H1N1 to be the most prevalent strain of the influenza virus this year. In Canada alone almost 100 deaths have been linked with the H1N1 strain thus far this year.
Symptoms of H1N1 in children includes: respiratory distress, blue lips and skin, dehydration, excessive sleeping, extreme irritability and unwillingness to be held, persistent vomiting, and a recurring fever and/or cough.
In adults, symptoms include shortness of breath, pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion, persistent vomiting, and a recurring fever and/or cough.
Other symptoms may include fever, coughing, headaches, muscle or joint pain, diarrhea and vomiting, sore throat, chills, fatigue, and runny nose.
As with any flu, if you feel sick, health officials recommend you to stay home until no symptoms are shown for 24 hours.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your arm, and ensure to wash your hands with soap and warm water.
A common misconception is that the influenza vaccines can make you sick. The flu shots prevent illness by introducing a weakened or dead version of the virus to your body. As a result, your body will build the necessary antibodies to fight off such viruses as the H1N1.
For five seconds of mild irritation, we can all be protected from this potentially fatal illness.
I was initially battling the decision because of all the sceptics with their scare tactics throughout North America. When rationally looking at the H1N1 vaccine, I’d rather have a little shot than face the possibility of lying in bed for a month or dying.
When it all boils down, the final decision is yours. I know I will get the vaccination to prevent the spread of the virus. As the old cliché says, better to be safe than sorry.
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