We are hopelessly out of Flu vaccine!!!!

[Hallarian]

This ia terrible. I have so many high risk patients and can't do a thing. Worse yet I feel guilty that my handsome male nurse gave me mine in the hOspital. He said " you are not getting away from me litytle girl without your flu shot."

This is so serious. Drug companies don't want to make vaccines because they consider them low profit. Since the drug comapnies like Pfizer (Biggest in the World) pay about half of Bush's political campagn money and a pretty big portion of everyone else's why can't we find a way to fund making vaccines.

Years back states like Michigan made most of their own vaccines except flu vaccine. We need to do somehing and now. I am afraid some of our old people will die this winter because of not getting their shot. They are a treasure. They have much to teach us. If some die, their deaths will be a lesson about greed and who cares and who does not.

 

[Amos Stevens]

With the scare of batches being contaminated so many people hesitated to go out & get their shots,& now there is a shortage!




Flu Shot Shortage Highlights U.S. Crisis -Officials
Fri Oct 8, 2004 02:58 PM ET


By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Correspondent
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Concerned health officials began investigating on Friday what went wrong at a British vaccine plant where half the U.S. flu shots were made, and called on more companies to get into the vaccine business.

The officials said the closure of Chiron Corp.'s Liverpool facility was only the latest in a long line of vaccine disasters to hit the United States and warned things will only get worse if companies are not somehow lured back into making vaccines.

"This shortage is a call to action," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Julie Gerberding told reporters after a meeting of the House Committee on Government Reform, called to investigate the issue.

Chiron, based in Emeryville, California, was supposed to supply 48 million doses of U.S. flu vaccine for this year. The company now says it cannot ship any, although U.S. officials hope some may be salvaged.

Chiron shares lost 87 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $35.66 in early afternoon trading on Nasdaq.

Chiron had earlier said that several lots, accounting for a few million doses, were contaminated with a bacteria called Serratia. The company said it had the problem under control but on Tuesday Britain's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency revoked its license for the vaccine, citing plant-wide problems.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials met with their British counterparts on Thursday and were in Liverpool with Chiron on Friday, Acting FDA chief Dr. Lester Crawford said.

Some of Chiron's vaccine may be usable, he told the hearing. "It is not possible to say if any of them are salvageable at this point," Crawford said.

"I have to present to you a pessimistic view about whether we can clear any of those."

Gerberding and other health officials have been warning for years that too few companies make vaccine and too few Americans get the flu shots. Flu kills 36,000 Americans in an average year and lands 200,000 in the hospital.


But the vaccine-making business is risky, said Dr. Tony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Influenza vaccine, which must be reformulated each year to match mutating strains and takes months to produce, is the worst.
A flu shot, good for year, also costs $10, versus $1,600 for a year's supply of a brand-name cholesterol drug, he said.

The CDC could contract for and buy more vaccine, but taxpayers would have to accept that it may be wasted if demand drops, Gerberding said. Congress only approved half of the $100 million requested last year to develop better flu vaccines and shore up the distribution system, she noted.

Dr. Jim Young of MedImmune said his company slashed production of its FluMist inhaled vaccine after very few people bought it last year.

"A universal recommendation that all Americans receive annual flu vaccine will drive the demand for routine annual vaccination ... which will in turn provide the impetus on the part of vaccine manufacturers to increase their production," Young told the hearing.

The vaccine is currently recommended for people over 65, infants 6 to 23 months, the chronically ill, their caregivers and pregnant women.

Crawford said the FDA was working to cut red tape. "What we are trying to do is update our processes so that we create a favorable environment for companies," he told the hearing.

© Reuters 2004. All Rights Reserved.

 

[Jules]

I was surprised when my childrens pediatrician called and wanted to give them the flu shot. I can understand my youngest, but they insisted in doing ALL of them. I thought the ones who were to get it were the most vulnerable. (low immunity, old, and very young.)

 

[TDWoj]

I've been getting a flu shot regularly these past few years because when I do get the going strain of flu, I get quite seriously ill. The last time was in 1997, on my trip down east when both my parents were in the hospital (separate hospitals - my stepmother was in Halifax, being treated for colon cancer, and my father was in Antigonish, suffering from the flu and exhaustion from looking after my stepmother on his own). I caught the flu from my father.

I simply can't afford to get sick, since I have no income if I'm not working; and because I get worse with every bout (the first time, when I was a teenager, I was sick for a week; the second time, in my 30s, I was sick for two weeks - and this last time, it was three weeks), there's just no way I'll take any chances, especially since I live alone and have no one that cares enough about me to visit me or check why I might not be answering the phone.

I hope the shortage doesn't affect the offering of vaccines here - the government usually provides one shot for everyone. If it's restricted to the standard high risk groups, I guess I won't be going out anywhere all winter!

 

[kickingbird]

For those of us not in the "most vulnerable" groups - stock up on Vitamin C, Echinachia, zinc, and eat lots of garlic and onions (no one will get close to you ) ... there's already a bug going around at work. Keeping the body healthy and getting plenty of rest and exercise helps a lot too. One thing people tend to forget and is most important - hand contact. Keep fingers out of the nose (!), eyes, mouth, face - and wash hands often with soap and water. Remember door knobs, keyboards, mouses (well, THE mouse), (mouseii), anything hands touch - these can harbor virus. If you must rub your eyes (after watching Reality TV) then please use a kleenex or clean sleeve or shirt tail instead of bare fingers. And no nose-picking! You'll cram those little buggers (virus) right up yer nose!

 

[Hallarian]

Kicking bird that's excellent advice. And very good advice to wash your hands often. Lot's of things get contaminated like money. Wash hands with SOAP vigorously for a minimum of one minute, two is better. I would add eating your veggies is very smart.
Be really careful when you handle raw eggs, and meat especially poultry, but beef and pork, etc very carefully.

I don't let my patients having chemo handle anything raw unless they use the gloves I give them.

Being careful and very clean may just save you from a serious illness.

 

[ORANGATUANG]

I had my flu shot the other day i have to have it because of my diabetes so my doctor says any way..i dont know whats the big deal if i get an flu i get an flu....but iam covered gotta make my doctor happy i guess........................................................

 

[Littledragon]

The last flu shot I got was I think 2 years ago..

 

[Hallarian]

Inflenza kills diabetics every year!!!!

I had my flu shot the other day i have to have it because of my diabetes so my doctor says any way..i dont know whats the big deal if i get an flu i get an flu....but iam covered gotta make my doctor happy i guess........................................................

I've lost two patients over the past few years who had Diabetes but refused to get a flu shot and my colleagues have lost many too. So it is a bif deal if you get the flu. It's more dangerous to you than others especialy if you are not careful and keep your sugar under control. Syrupy blood is heaven to germs.

 

[kickingbird]

One woman died after standing in line 5 hours for a flu shot. Another elder woman said "it's a shame the government of the US is saying "just die" ...
Indeed. Seems that's exactly what is happening. Get more people out of the way and that'll free up more Medicare and Social Security funds - that's one way to "revitalize" social security! I believe the Nazi's called it something like survival of the Master Race. Sick people, special needs people, elderly people - all were expendable. And we didn't think it could happen again.
Of course (and this is a "Jerry theory" - Conspiracy Theory): what caused the contamination of all that vaccine in the first place?? Do you suppose the don't want to admit that someone might have sabotaged it? Sounds pretty fishy to me, but I've always been curious about such stuff.
Isn't it ironic that the supposed "richest" nation in the world can't manage to provide simple health care to it's citizens? What's wrong with this picture? Oh well, at least social security will get a shot in the arm.

 

[Littledragon]

What causes the flu?

When does flu season start??

 

[Amos Stevens]

Flu in Adults Causes

Three types of influenza viruses exist. Types A and B cause epidemics of severe respiratory illnesses known as “the flu,” and type C causes a mild illness, not associated with epidemics. Type A is divided into different subtypes based on the chemical structure of the virus. Type B is not divided into subtypes. Both type A and type B are responsible for the seasonal outbreaks of flu.



Outbreaks occur more frequently in the winter months. Many factors may play a role in this seasonal pattern:


The virus survives for longer periods indoors in winter because the relative humidity of indoor air is very low, in comparison to the outside air.


The virus may stay suspended in the air for prolonged periods and thus infect others by being inhaled. The virus droplets can also infect by landing on sensitive body areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.


In winter, humans tend to be indoors more and thus have closer contact with each other, which makes it easier for the virus to spread.


Flu outbreaks are classified as epidemics (occurring in a set geographical area) or pandemics (a worldwide occurrence).


Influenza is a highly contagious disease. The virus is spread when you either inhale infected droplets in the air (spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes) or when you come in direct contact with an infected person’s secretions (for example, by kissing, sharing of handkerchiefs and other items, and through use of objects such as spoons and forks). Touching smooth surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, and telephones, are other ways to transfer the virus to your hands, which may then contact the nose or mouth where the virus gets absorbed.


A person with flu is contagious for up to 7 days after the onset of the illness, although the virus can be detected in the secretions up to 24 hours before the onset of symptoms. Thus, an individual can transmit the virus one day before symptoms begin.


In young children, the virus can still be spread in the secretions into the second week of illness.

 

[Littledragon]

Flu in Adults Causes

Three types of influenza viruses exist. Types A and B cause epidemics of severe respiratory illnesses known as “the flu,” and type C causes a mild illness, not associated with epidemics. Type A is divided into different subtypes based on the chemical structure of the virus. Type B is not divided into subtypes. Both type A and type B are responsible for the seasonal outbreaks of flu.



Outbreaks occur more frequently in the winter months. Many factors may play a role in this seasonal pattern:


The virus survives for longer periods indoors in winter because the relative humidity of indoor air is very low, in comparison to the outside air.


The virus may stay suspended in the air for prolonged periods and thus infect others by being inhaled. The virus droplets can also infect by landing on sensitive body areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.


In winter, humans tend to be indoors more and thus have closer contact with each other, which makes it easier for the virus to spread.


Flu outbreaks are classified as epidemics (occurring in a set geographical area) or pandemics (a worldwide occurrence).


Influenza is a highly contagious disease. The virus is spread when you either inhale infected droplets in the air (spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes) or when you come in direct contact with an infected person’s secretions (for example, by kissing, sharing of handkerchiefs and other items, and through use of objects such as spoons and forks). Touching smooth surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, and telephones, are other ways to transfer the virus to your hands, which may then contact the nose or mouth where the virus gets absorbed.


A person with flu is contagious for up to 7 days after the onset of the illness, although the virus can be detected in the secretions up to 24 hours before the onset of symptoms. Thus, an individual can transmit the virus one day before symptoms begin.


In young children, the virus can still be spread in the secretions into the second week of illness.

Thanks for the information Amos.

 

[Jalu]

I Wonder....

I think many people have become dependent on the flu shot. I am one of those people who is at high risk (asthmatic), but I cannot take the flu shot. For many years I was getting this shot until the Dr. found out (I requested a food allergy test) that I was allergic to the gluten in eggs (and grains). Taking a shot that I was allergic to gave me a Lupus-like reaction. For many years I felt fatigued, joint pains, sensitivity to sun, etc.... I still get flare ups.

While I am not against vaccination I think people should be careful, and inform themselves better. I haven't had the shot in years, and haven't gotten sick(with the fly). Like Kickingbird said> was your hands, and take natural supplements....also cover you mouth when coughing, and stay home if you are sick. In other words "don't spread it". In some countries people wear masks when they are sick out of consideration for others.

On another note... When I took economy in college we learned that death and war are perfect solutions to lower population and balance the economy. I wonder if that is what's going on...

 

[kickingbird]

Masks are good to wear even if one isn't ill - they can help a bit from inhaling virus; however, hand contact is till a big spreader.
I agree that there are some who can't take flu vaccine. I had to have it when I was a care-giver for my late hubby. Now I just have my dogs for company ... does this mean I should get a rabies shot too? lol
Seriously, it sounds like a good winter to stay healthy as possible.
If one does get the flu or lung infection, a nice hot curry soup with lots and lots of garlic and onions helps. Onions are very good for clearing the lungs. Hot peppers also help as an expectorant.

 

[Hallarian]

Be cautious with masks!

Masks are good to wear even if one isn't ill - they can help a bit from inhaling virus; however, hand contact is till a big spreader.
I agree that there are some who can't take flu vaccine. I had to have it when I was a care-giver for my late hubby. Now I just have my dogs for company ... does this mean I should get a rabies shot too? lol
Seriously, it sounds like a good winter to stay healthy as possible.
If one does get the flu or lung infection, a nice hot curry soup with lots and lots of garlic and onions helps. Onions are very good for clearing the lungs. Hot peppers also help as an expectorant.

Masks need to be changed or thoroughly washed after about 30 minutes of wear. Hand washing and careful attention to foods and fluids are the wisest.
If I had a choice I'd avoid flying during the first part of flu season because the air in planes is so contaminated. Unfortunately if I can get away from my cardiologist I will probably be flying some where unless the world suddenly has fewer crisises. Bit I can't complain I love what I do and what better way to celebrate Jesus's birthday than serving people.

 

[TDWoj]

I'm still feeling guilty about being sick with the flu when I came home from Nova Scotia in 1997, after visiting my parents in hospital. My stepmother was in one hospital in Halifax being treated for cancer, my father was in another hospital in Antigonish (about 200 miles away) being treated for exhaustion and flu. I caught the flu while I was visiting him. I was terrified of giving it to my stepmother when I went back to Halifax. I washed my hands every time I coughed, and wore a mask but not for long because my glasses kept steaming up! I was there for a week before I went home, and spent the next three weeks after that in bed. I was in full blown flu mode on the airplane going home, and have had, since that day, the horrible suspicion I made a lot of people very ill.

I get the flu shot religiously now - each bout of flu I get, I have it for longer, and the symptoms are worse. I live alone, with no family support system or friends that visit me on a regular basis, so if I get the flu, I'm on my own. A couple of times during that last round, I had so much trouble trying to draw any kind of breath; so I was terrified of going to sleep.

I'm supposed to be meeting a friend of mine next week who has developed difficulty breathing (akin to emphysema, but it has some other complicated name); I told her I'd be happy to meet her for coffee, but only after she got her flu shot, and I've had mine! There's a bad flu making its way through Canada right now, and sure as eggs is egss, I'll get it if I don't get the shot to prevent it.