The Swine Truth

Dear Yo Mama,

I am not sure what to do about flu season this year.  I'm getting a lot of different information from different sources.  What do you think about swine flu and the regular flu shot? I am at a loss. I want my baby to be safe this year.  She is seven months old, not in day care, and generally healthy.  Her father works at a school however, and tends to bring germs home.  I would love to hear your take on this.

                                                                             Sincerely,

                                                                                   Conflused

Dear Conflused,

       I don't think there is one "right" answer.  It is always a risk/benefit question, and frankly a bit of a guessing game.  There is the risk of actually getting the disease, and the risk of the vaccine itself.  Each family must weigh those factors and try to find the best decision for their family.  Now, add a media that tends to love hype, and a drug industry that is corrupt at times, and try to come to a place of clarity and it gets very tough.

      What I can offer you is this:  Finding a calm center is the first step.  Then, listen to a few people that you trust.  One may be your pediatrician, one could be someone else.  Try not to listen to sources that are not respected.  Watch out for random internet searches. Here is a link that you might find useful.  I know it is more information, but it is a respected source, and helped me find clarity for my family.  Dr. Jay Gordon is a wonderful MD in Los Angeles, and his site is filled with good information.

Dr. Jay Gordon's Blog

        I can completely relate, as we took our little man in today for his Six month appointment, all set to do our one vaccination that we have decided on, and within minutes of our appointment starting, we were entertaining both flu shots.  We made it out of there with our original plan intact, but it was a challenge.  It's amazing how fear can alter your thinking.

        So, take a deep breath, enjoy the reading, and best of luck with your conflusion.  You will know what to do.  It's always there, deep in your gut, if you can get quiet enough to hear. 

Comments

[doula los angeles]

There's so many speculation going around the shot and safety of swine flu. I am with child and a bit confuse myself.