The Wife and I have had quite a bit of difficulty with the field of pediatric medicine these days. We both have the image of our childhood pediatricians in our head as we are somewhat disappointed in McClinics and how they completely destroy any feeling of relationship and partnership with our baby's physician.
In general, the people we've interacted with at the local pediatrics clinic have been nice in an impersonal kind of way. But the Wife got something of a dirty look from a nurse the other day when she dared question her as to just how useful a flu shot can be when there are thousands and thousands of permutations of flu bug that can infect you.
Now in general we're pro-immunizations for babies. It sucks to watch a small baby get poked with 4+ shots in one sitting, though the nurses we've had administer the Baby her shots have been tremendously talented at making it as quick of an experience as possible with our help. Laying that aside, I'm not sure I'm sold on scientists who've attempted to link autism and learning disabilities to a higher concentration of immunizations at a young age. I'm not convinced that there's a causal link there and I haven't seen any study show more than correlation.
But I have to say, for now I'm convinced that flu shots are a crock. We were waffling about it last month when we gave the Baby a set of boosters and they asked us if we wanted to give her a flu shot, and our doctor pointed out how miserable it would be to have a sick baby. Well, not only did the Baby run a temperature for two or three days as a side effect of the vaccination, but she got sick last weekend. Just as she was getting better from being sick, she was due for her booster and then promptly burned a fever after getting it. I'm so glad we got that one extra vaccination.
Does anyone out there know of any legit studies on this? Any strong feelings one way or another? I'd be interested to hear them.
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Chris, do you know how they come up with the flu shot for the year? They guess. Some scientists gather at the CDC and predict what strand of the flu shot will be "the main one" of the year. Did you know that last year they guessed completely wrong?! I fully support the flu shot and think those with low immune systems should get it but, Anna is right, with some various strands of the flu, its not always 100% sure you won't get sick.
p.s. about Sascha getting sick after the flu shot, I can recall hearing that does happen but it is because her body is getting used to the vaccine and thus will be able to fight the "real" flu bug of the season.
This is my second straight year getting the flu shot. Last year winter proved to be my best winter healthwise in the last 8 years. It may be placebo effect, but whatever it is, I was convinced to get another shot this year. I felt kinda crappy for a day, and for a small child/baby that crappiness is likely magnified, but I believe in them. I know it doesn't cover all varieties of the flu, but I think my immune system gets stronger from avoiding the version of the flu that most people get, allowing me to have a better chance at avoiding the nasty variants.
I laugh in the face of Flu shots. I've never gotten one before. And, better yet, I've never had the Flu before either!! Ok I'm done bragging now...
Is Sascha feeling better?
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