Get vaccinated

This is one roller coaster ride that has gone on far too long for my nerves.

After the chest tube was inserted and over a liter of fluid was drawn off of Patty’s lung cavity, I thought the worst may be behind us. Getting all of that infected fluid out had to make the situation better. Didn’t it?

That was when we were informed that Patty was positive for Types A and B Influenza. (How can you have two flus at the same time?) An H1N1 confirmation could only be made by the CDC and was confirmed two days later. Patty went into quarantine. Her room was sealed and a powerful HEPA filter was installed. Everyone who visited her was now required to wear a particulate filter mask, gown, gloves and hairnet. Everyone who had been in contact with her for the past week, including all the physicians and nurses (who had all been vaccinated in the Fall), was also urged to get a prescription for Tamiflu anti-viral medication as a precautionary measure.

I began to seek out any information that I could find on influenza and specifically on H1N1. I have read every word concerning H1N1 that the CDC has made available on its website. This virus is a killer. I and my family have learned our lesson well. We have never had a flu shot; ever. We will be the first in line when new flu shots become available in the future. H1N1 is the prevalent flu in the US since April 2009. 99% of confirmed influenza cases in the US currently are H1N1.

Reading the CDC reports it becomes obvious that the experts at the CDC are very frustrated that so many people have not been vaccinated. I believe it is because the facts have not been reported and the seriousness of this flu has not been given the proper sense of urgency. Any bug that can affect a reasonably healthy person like Patty the way this one has is frightening. Imagine what would happen to a weaker person?

If you haven’t already, get your flu shot today.