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Oh sh!t! *&%$#!!! H1N1 Rant
So...I returned from 10 days in Nashville for our international convention, where there were 7,000+ folks attending, from around the world. I took Monday and Tuesday off to recoup (slept A LOT)! Came into work today to find out that TWO of my coworkers were diagnosed with Swine Flu yesterday and a third, my admin, has all the symptoms, but her test was negative.
I have been fighting some sort of upper respiratory thing off and on for the past three weeks. There was 3-4 days in Nashville that I felt fine and then it started back up again last Thursday evening. By Saturday I was completely stuffed up and flew home to Tulsa on Sunday with a stuffed nose that led to the most excrutiating blocked Eustachian tube in my right ear. Finally, at 3 a.m. on Monday I got it to open (after an early hours run to CVS for real-behind-the-counter-so-meth-cookers-can't-buy-it Sudafed, a hot shower and 10 minutes wrestling with my Neti Pot). It's still partially blocked, but not as fully as before and not nearly as painful.
Monday I had my regular OB appt. and was offered the H1N1 vaccine but declined it since I've been under-the-weather and didn't want to exasperate things. I have started on my Zyrtec and I think all of this stuffy nose and post nasal drip has been due to my allergies this time of year (I am allergic to the leaves that fall off the trees and decompose, releasing spores, etc.) and now that I am taking the antithisthamines, my nose is clearing up.
So, now that I am prety sure it's seasonal allergies and not a cold I've been dealing with and in light of my coworkers' recent diagnoses of H1N1, I called my OB's office today to get the H1N1 vaccine. And guess what? They are out. COMPLETELY and have no idea when they'll be getting more in (on Monday I was told I could just get it the next time I am in, which will be November 9). The health dept. is also out. So I called my GP and she's not offerring it to her patients and is not recommending it to her staff either since she's concerned about it being a live virus and there not being adequate research on it.
So I called my OB advice nurse and basically am told all I can do is wash my hands, stay hydrated and keep away from sick people. If I do feel sick, I should call them right away. Not very encouraging. If need be, I will work from home, because people are still coming in even though they don't feel well but they don't want to use their PTO or lose overtime (since most worked last Sat/Sun). Managers are now sending them home if they are hacking up a lung or obviously ill. UGH!
Re: Oh sh!t! *&%$#!!! H1N1 Rant
How frustrating! Finally your allergies start to get under control, and now the people in your office aren't even considerate enough to stay home when the freaking H1N1 is already confirmed to be going around the office?! What is the point of all this public education on germ control if people who actually do get sick don't care to stop spreading it around? In an office environment, everyone is sharing equipment and facilities and germs get everywhere; I don't care HOW much soap and Purell is being used.
Grrrrr. I feel for you, and I'm not even PG! If I were you, I would definitely be working from home like you mentioned. And I'd be d@mn sure to tell my boss the reason I wasn't coming in... my selfish, diseased coworkers!
As for what your GP said, only the nasal one is a live virus - which you can't take if you are pg anyway. You HAVE to have the shot.
We've been dealing with the shortage around the DC area. Most places are prioritizing who can get it - preggers first, kids 6-36 months were the 2 groups that were allowed to receive it first. The supply is supposed to be better in the next couple of weeks though. Hang in there.
I would definitely work from home if you can! I'm glad the managers are sending people home there - I've heard reports of people coming in sick and no one is saying anything to them!!! So frustrating!
If it makes you feel any better, I don't think I would have taken it on Monday either, esp if you thought you were sick. Just get it as soon as you can.
that is annoying.
it sounds like since you have the flexibility to do so, working from home might be a great option. I think it is selfish that others are not staying home since it was probably advised for them to do so.
If it's really worrying you maybe you could check on your local baby board (if it's active) to see if any other OB offices in your area have the vaccine? I have seen some random posts even on the national boards that discuss where you can/can't get it and people have had success going to another office.
All that said, I think many offices are declining to vaccinate anyone that has cold/flu symptoms already, not sure if your respiratory/allergy issues are severe enough to make that apply but it's something ask about.
Oh gosh, that sounds so stressful!
I'm also extremely congested due to the pregnancy and it sometimes makes it hard to tell whether I'm sick or just experiencing some harmless side-effect. I've also had 4 nosebleeds in the past week!
I was on the fence about getting some of these vaccines because I was concerned about protecting the baby, but the more I hear stories like this -- about the spread of viruses and about the limited availability of the vaccines -- the more I am sure that, for me, the benefits outweigh the risks. I just got my flu shot (preservative free) and when the H1N1 shot finally becomes available here, I'm going to jump on it. Thimerasol-free or not!!!
Until you can get vaccinated, I think you're smart to work from home. It's too bad some people feel so pressured, or have no choice other than to show up to work when they are sick. (That's why some other countries have much more liberal PTO policies!) Take care!
Lori-
so incredibly frustrating and inconsiderate-i really feel that when you are sick you should stay home and the guv should be putting this message out as well.
so a couple of things: re sinus infections-my husband has been flushing regularly with saline solution and apparently that has been helping quite a bit. (surfers are super prone to these types of infections) also if you can stand it put some apple cider vinegar in a pot with water boil and then close eyes and try to inhale fumes-excellent for clearing out sinuses as well. Also it is great to drink apple cider vinegar with water and honey throughout the day-great to keep the body alkalinized.
re: flu-there have been all sorts of articles coming out about the importance of taking pro-biotics and that all children should be on them because it can decrease chances of getting flu-apparently it helps build you immunity-so that may be something that you want to look into as well. Personally i use a brand of pro-biotics by body chemistry support system but there are loads out on the market. Also if you have a dr who can give you b12 shots another great way to keep immunity up-i have syringes and give them to myself-major quality of life improvement. last but not least-try wellness formula-I SWEAR by it during theflu season.
so sorry that you are dealing with this stress right now.
sending healthy vibes your way
xo
a
I'm breastfeeding and Bella's dr and my OB suggested that I not get it. They both said that there hasn't been enough research on nursing moms. I'm not sure if it's different for pg. I wouldn't be too worried about not getting it, honestly. I'm a nurse and we are using droplet precautions when pp have it. Which means wearing a mask. To catch it you have to have their flu germs touch your mucousa (eyes, nose, mouth)...
The #1 thing you can do is to use good handwashing and you should be fine. Also just try to stay in a little more. If you have to go to Walmart stock up so you only have to make one trip in 2 weeks, vs a bunch of small trips and when you get home, wash your hands... that goes for any store that you go to... Good luck!!
Thanks for the tip Jaime...I may just have to get myself over there (I am sure the line will be insane)! Are you taking your trio of cuties to get it? Scary, scary stuff!
I called the campus and it's actually the heath dept. that's administering the vax in the Fitness Center from 3-7 p.m. Here's a link to the Heath Dept's Website:
http://www.tulsa-health.org/community-health/epidemiology/h1n1-flu-vaccinations/?lid=1617
They've gotten a lot of calls so it's probably best to get there early. I plan to work a half-day and then head that way and try my luck in line. Thanks for the heads-up! Pisses me off that I have to use my PTO to do this because my coirkers have decided to come into the office when they're sick and possible infect some of us! ARG!
TTC/PG Blog | Mommy Blog
Eeek! How frustrating! I agree that the work from home option sounds good (for a little while at least) since you have the flexibility to do that.
Reason #298645113521 that people shouldn't go into the office while they're sick! One of my coworkers has some kind of nasty ass cold (not a flu thankfully, but a REALLY bad cold) and has insisted on coming into work every day anyway. I'm NOT happy and am staying as far away from her as I possibly can!
So confusing since this article says:
Following delivery, new mothers can safely get either the injectable or nasal spray vaccine, even if they are breastfeeding. In fact, vaccinated mothers who are nursing can pass on vaccine antibodies to their infants and reduce their babies? chances of getting sick with the flu. This is especially important for infants less than 6 months old, who have no other way of receiving vaccine antibodies because they are too young to be vaccinated.
Dr. Pepe reminds pregnant women to get both a seasonal flu shot and a H1N1 flu shot as early as possible.
?You will need both shots this year to fully protect yourself and your baby against the flu. Both shots are absolutely safe and recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers,? she said.
This article too. And of course, the CDC web site.
Dr. Sear's, who's known to be skeptical of vax protocols, wrote an article too, but I cannot find it now. I am so beside myself on what to do.
TTC/PG Blog | Mommy Blog
Cerclage placed @ 21w6d due to CI (IC)
Sorry to hear that your co-workers are being so inconsiderate.
Since you have the option to work from home, I'd definitely do that. Good luck trying to get that shot! They're pretty elusive over here as well...
i know so much information out there right? i am off to my dr tomorrow am-she is a dan dr (sits on the board of defeat autism now) and teaches at USC medical school-my first plan is to ask her what her thoughts are on the flu vaccine-should have most likely a different point of view tomorrow
a
I would go at least 3 hrs early.... here in Dallas people were lining up 2-3 hrs at places offering the vaccine
if you don't get it tomorrow then call CVS minute clinic - they are getting it in certain US locations by the end of the month and if you call their number they can check to see if any local CVS has it
Jaime & Brent
Oahu, Hawaii | Sept. 9, 2005
My Food Blog - Good Eats 'n Sweet Treats
Here's the link to Dr Sears's website:
http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/
And here's another article I found:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/vaccine-pregnant-h-2624607-n-women
I really want to get the preservative free shot. I'm thinking if I can't get it, I may just get whatever I can. There's still part of me that feels like I don't need to get it because all my years as a flight attendant being exposed to thousands of passengers during flu season, I never got it. But then I hear about the woman who got it and lost her baby at 27 weeks (which is totally viable!) I wonder why they didn't try to deliver her baby sooner because that baby should have made it. If I wasn't pregnant, I definitely wouldn't get the shot and I wouldn't be worried about it.