Recommendations

Below are our recommendations:

Vaccine:

This is a personal decision, however it is recommended that you get as much information as you can and make an educated decision.

-Firstly if you are allergic to eggs consult your MD or allergist before getting the h1n1 vaccine, it is not recommended to get the vaccine if you are allergic to eggs.

-We suggest pregnant woman should still receive only the non-adjuvant vaccine

-Ask your MD or person performing the flu shot who or what is liable for any damages due to improper vaccine administration or irregular side effects?  i.e who can you sue if something goes wrong? (Since the vaccine manufacturer have been given immunity from the Canadian government.

-Ask yourself if the swine flu vaccine is to protect yourself or a child from serious complications due to the virus?  And if your child does develop the swine flu and serious complications, will you be okay with your decision to not get your child vaccinated?

-Do not make your decisions about getting the swine flu vaccine, based on whether coworkers, friends and others you ask are getting the shot or not.  This is not a popular vote choice.

-If you feel pressured or cornered into getting the vaccine by work protocol or your employer’s suggestion, tell them you cannot because you have mild allergies to eggs and it is not recommended to get the vaccine if you are allergic to eggs.

Treatment:

-If you (or your family member) develop flu like symptoms ensure you visit your MD, flu assessment unit, or even the hospital as the antiviral is most effective within 2 days (48 hrs) of symptoms first showing .  The sooner you receive treatment the better.   Governments have stockpiles of antivirals and the only reason they are constraining giving out the antivirals is due to the possibility that the virus may become resistant to the antiviral. 

-Be persistent of receiving the antiviral treatment.  However, be aware of the side effects of the antivirals as well. 

Protection:

-Remember that there are only thee entry points for the virus: the eyes, the nostrils and the mouth.  Keep good hygiene and ensure you eliminate any means of transporting bodily fluids from one person to the other.

-Use saltwater or mouthwash to gargle your and keep your mouth bacteria free.  You can also use a saltwater soaked q-tip to clean the inside of your nostrils.  This ensures your points of entry are as clean and bacteria/virus free.