Is the fact that there’s a swine flu shot shortage causing more Canadians to want it? Initially only one third planned to get the shot, but since the death of Evan Frustaglio and the shortage of H1N1 flu shots, more than half now want vaccinated.
The fact that Canadians were told there would be enough H1N1 shots for everyone as long as they were willing to wait in line doesn’t help. Now that there’s a shortage, only high risk people are getting the swine flu shot. This is fair enough, but it’s unfortunate that Canadians were misled into believing it was available for everyone. It should be available to all by Christmas. Unfortunately, by that time it may have swept through the country. Even after receiving the swine flu shot, people are not fully protected until ten days later.
Because of all the hype, most people expect to be hit extremely hard with the H1N1 flu, but it’s really not much different than any other flu. The Canada Headlines Examiner shares her experience after she caught H1N1 and didn’t know it until after.
Side effects from the swine flu shot
While some side effects from the shot have been reported, it’s still supposed to be safer than catching the H1N1 virus. Monica Matys spoke to health care worker Maria Gilbert about her side effects after the H1N1 shot. Her symptoms were similar to the flu including weakness, aches, pains and a low grade fever. Her case caused her to miss work, which is more common with the flu than the H1N1 flu shot. (See video)
Possible increased risk for H1N1 to those receiving seasonal flu vaccine
To complicate things further, there’s research suggesting that the regular seasonal flu shot may increase the risk of swine flu.”Four Canadian studies involved about 2,000 people, health officials told CBC News. Researchers found people who had received the seasonal flu vaccine in the past were more likely to get sick with the H1N1 virus.” (Seasonal flu shot may increase H1N1 risk, CBC News)
If people do catch the swine flu, what should they do? The city of Toronto is advising everyone to treat H1N1 like any other flu and drink plenty of fluids, get rest, take Tylenol for pain and stay home.
See Swine flu clinics in GTA for more information on the locations and hours of the H1N1 flu clinics.
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