That seems to be the main question and yet, I can't help but think: This vaccine is being sold hard and fast. Almost too fast.
I keep reading about people coming down with Swine Flu (H1N1) and almost every article (somewhat) mentions that the very, vast majority of those getting Swine Flu have mild to moderate symptoms and are being told to ride it out at home. Get lots of rest, take Tylenol, drink lots of fluids, etc. So, I'm just confused as to why this is really any different than the "regular seasonal flu" that comes around and kills thousands a year as written in this article.
So, if I come down with a flu or have flu-like symptoms and I'm to stay home and ride it out - how will they know I have Swine Flu? And if they don't know I have Swine Flu, then how would they be able to keep up with the numbers as to how many people have contracted the virus? And if they aren't able to keep up with those numbers, then how will they know if the vaccine was, indeed, effective?
At this point, I feel like they are trying to sell the American public an umbrella on day 5 of a major hurricane.
Another question: Is this just another money making machine for Big Pharma?
With my luck, I will probably, now, catch the piggy flu. At least I would get to sport this shirt.
1 comment:
You bring up some really good points here.
How is H1N1 different from the regular flu? The main differences (from what I have read), is that we don't have any built up immunity as we might to some other strains, and it for some reason, tends to target those that are in generally good health. The seasonal flu tends to target those than are older, in less stable health for the most part, and the H1N1 seems to miss that demographic altogether.
You're right, seasonal flu kills many thousands of people each year, and if someone is only going to get one shot, that might be the one to get. When the seasonal flu vaccine is made, we go on assumptions that we've identifies the 2 or 3 strains we "think" are going to be most prevelant for the coming flu season. Sometimes those predictions are wrong and other strains cause more illness. With the H1N1 we are assuming that it will be most prevelant, so thats why the decision was also made to make a seperate shot, as they couldn't create it in time to include it in the seasonal vaccine.
Tracking numbers of those that get it is a big question, but like most things the numbers will have to be calculated on the assumption that not everyone goes to the doctor, so I'm sure there will be a margin of error.
As for "Big Pharma", yes, they will make money off of this, perhaps an astronomical amount, but they are for-profit businesses, just like the people who make the cereal I eat, the car I drive, the computer i use and nearly every thing I encounter or touch on a daily basis. There definitely needs to be some reform there, because lets face it, there is definitely waste and gluttony that could be curbed to bring costs down (do doctors need $200 steak dinners to be pursueded to prescribe medications...no).
I think, bottom line is, everyone should make the decision that is best for them and their family, and consult their doctor and the facts (flu.gov being the gold standard right now), about the situation.
Sorry thats so long! :)
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