The 2010 Flu Vaccine

[fluffhead]

DS1 had his checkup about 10 days ago, and our doc (who I love) had on hand the new FluMist, which is supposed to protect against seasonal AND H1N1, so I said "go for it!" and made appointments for the other kids to get it as well.
Well I'm sick as a dog right now, and the other kids (except for DS1) are either sick or have already finished being sick. Congestion, coughing, runny nose, fever. All the PR for flumist says that it's very rare to pass on the virus, and that it "CAN NOT" cause flu.
Any similar experiences or tales to tell?
Exercise caution - maybe if I'd gotten them all (and myself) immunized at the same time it would have been better.

[Meenah]

I'm sorry you have all been sick. All I can say is last year I had H1N1 (thanks to a patient) and this year I will take any and every vaccine I can, twice if I can!!!!!

[migirl]

I have a friend who got sick after her daughter got the Flu Mist last year.

[DCJenn]

I've heard of that happening- my husband gets sick every year but that's because he's a big baby and it's all psychosomatic.

Jenn

[fluffhead]

Thanks all. At least I feel some validation. I'm back on my feet, and the kids haven't had tylenol or motrin in about 48 hours.
We're supposed to leave on our vacation (first one in 3 years!) today, to the beach, and it's supposed to be cloudy/rainy for the duration.
Can you say "hotel room television" ???

[ladymoreta]

Ugh, I hope you get some sunny beach time. I have a friend who gets sick every time she gets a flu shot, even though they say it's not possible. She just doesn't take them anymore.

Flu-mist is live virus, like the chicken pox vaccine Varicella. The virus is designed not to give the flu, but some people will get flu-like symptoms. The flu shot that adults get is an inactivated virus meaning it's a killed virus, so should not cause the flu either. But some people will get flu-like symptoms regardless that it is an killed virus: and nobody knows why really. Sadly the side effects from the mist are like the flu: vomiting, fever, headache, runny nose, etc and seem like you have the flu. Though the symptoms are similar to the flu, it is not influzena.

Not quite a perfect science unfortunately.

Sorry your ill! I hope you get better!!

[scarlett09]

Fluff, I'm sorry you and your crew were under the weather. Hopefully you guys are feeling much better now and enjoying the beach.

I think it's pretty nice that your DS1 got the flu-mist for this year already and that all of your kids will have the vaccine early. I asked DH if he had heard anything yet about distribution for the residents or the patients and he said not yet, but that it would probably be available soon.

This page at the CDC has some information about what this year's vaccine includes and some FAQ about the upcoming flu season: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.htm.

ETA: I found the answer to my own question, which was "when will the vaccine become available?" http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaxsupply.htm

[Deebs]

The vaccine is available here now, but I hold off until closer to flu season (unless there is an unusually early flu season like last year). The immunity actually does wane over time, so if people get it too early, they may be less protected come mid-winter (which also tends to be mid to late flu season).