I have the flu!!

[jayali]

Was up all night with chills and aches and fever. My glands are the size of golf balls and my ears are killing me. So I think this is the flu. I was scheduled to get the flu shot next weekend (of course) and DS has already had his. What are the chances that he will come down with something? And should I get the shot anyway? Will it help prevent a recurrence.

Oh, and if any of you have any ideas for keeping DS entertained inside all day I am open to any and all suggestions. Today he did a TV marathon, which he hated, but I couldn't get off the couch. I am hoping tomorrow will be a little better.

[brittone2]

How old is your DS?

There have been a few studies saying that in 6 month olds up to 2 year olds, the flu shot is no more effective than placebo.

I have a link to the recent BMJ review article on flu vaccines linked under the vax board.

Feel better soon!!!

ETA link to BMJ review article (previous Cochrane Database review article also stated that in 6 month olds to 2 year olds the vax was no more effective than placebo).
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http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/333/7574/912

Interesting highlights:
The second problem is either the absence of evidence or the absence of convincing evidence on most of the effects at the centre of campaign objectives (table 2). In children under 2 years inactivated vaccines had the same field efficacy as placebo,8 and in healthy people under 65 vaccination did not affect hospital stay, time off work, or death from influenza and its complications.9 Reviews found no evidence of an effect in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis, but inactivated vaccines reduced the incidence of exacerbations after three to four weeks by 39% in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.12 13 19 All reviewers reported small data sets (such as 180 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease13), which may explain the lack of demonstrable effect.

The third problem is the small and heterogeneous dataset on the safety of inactivated vaccines, which is surprising given their longstanding and widespread use. A Cochrane Database Systematic Review found only one old trial with data from 35 participants aged 12-28 months.8 In the general population of elderly people, despite a dataset of several million observations, safety was only reported in five randomised controlled trials (2963 observations in total) on local and systemic adverse events seen within a week of giving parenteral inactivated vaccine.11 Although there appears to be no evidence that annual revaccination is harmful, such a lack of knowledge is surprising.

[pb&j]

The flu shot will innoculate you against several different strains of the flu, so it may prevent you from getting a different strain later on in the season.


-Ry,
mom to Emma, stillborn 11/04/04
and Max, 01/05/06

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[randomkid]

Try black elderberry extract if you can get someone to get some for you.

http://www.supplementquality.com/efficacy/sambucol_flu.html

http://www.localharvest.org/store/item.jsp?id=3127

You can get it in syrup or capsules at Whole Foods or other health food stores. The capsules are more concentrated and you don't have to drink the syrup which is really sweet.

HTH,

[JFC]

Jeannine - HUGS! It stinks to be sick anyway, but only those who have been there no how much it stinks to be sick and have to care for a child! HUGS!!

A few ideas: Maybe a few choice TV shows (power naps for you); draw, blow bubbles at DS, play w/ blocks and/or playdoh - you could just about lay down or at least wrap yourself up in a blanket and sit while you are "playing." My experience is that if I try to participate in an activity w/ DS, then I can alternate that with some movie or TV time and he is happier with the day, but I can still get a lot of rest.

Do you have anyone that can come over for a little while - a babysitter, friend, etc. so you could get some rest?

Good luck! Here is to a speedy recovery!