[EdV]

Please post information on when and where Swine Flu shots are being given.

[katezbox]

Hi Ed,

Jim and I received ours at a Walgreen's in Ocala - at the time that was the closest place we found. This morning the Walgreens at the corner of 441 and Buenos Aires had a sign that they would be administering from 11 - 4 today. I would call first to be sure it si still going on to to ensure that you meet their guidelines.

[villages07]

Kate...thanks for the heads up; good to see that the vaccines are becoming more available.

Did Walgreens do any "screening" to ensure that higher risk people get it first or did they take all comers?

[katezbox]

V07,

You have to complete a form stating which "group" you fall in to - i.e. at risk due to health, caregiver, health care worker, general population, etc. As Jim and I both fell into the former, we were given the vaccine. Don't know what they did if anyone was in the last group.

Also, they will not give to over 65 without a script....

[villages07]

Originally Posted by katezbox

Also, they will not give to over 65 without a script....

Is this because of Medicare requirements?

Fortunately, I don't fall into any of the high risk groups, so, I'll stay back and wait my turn. The hysteria about swine flu pandemic seems to have abated for now.

[graciegirl]

It is not easy to find a place to get the shot.

We have read that it is now available to the people not at risk and since it is free and since this is the "social" season when a lot of meeting and greeting and hugging and kissing occur, I thought it would be wise to get a shot for all three of us.

BUT where????? We are in Ohio and I called the Kroger pharmacy where we get the seasonal shots, not available. Not available at our doctors office. I called the local board of health for the county and they didn't know...It seems like if you can pay for it, you can't get it.

Now that's a fine kettle of fish and this post should probably be in Political. I am chicken to post in Political.

Do you have to be poor to be immunized?

[JohnZ]

The swine flu threat has been over-hyped. The effect of most infections appear mild among all age groups with the very rare exception of course. Swine origin flu is a Type A flu and the statistics, at my laboratory at least, have shown a marked decline in the rate of type Flu A positives. Those patients having positive Flu A are now assumed to be positive for flu of swine origin and the treatment outcomes excellent. Don't worry folks.

[KathieI]

Thanks John Z.... its so good to have you back to give us inside information. Thanks and say Hi to Patty.....

Welcome back!!!

[katezbox]

07 - I think the over 65 is due to concerns over safety. With a script Walgreen's will bill Medicare.

Gracie - are thereWalgreens in Cinn? If so, I would try their website - it allows you to search by stores with H1N1 available.

John - I hear you about the media and the flu, and it seems you have some level of knowledge on this - but be very careful of the advice you give. My husband is immune suppressed My mother died of complications from the swine flu. I think people should speak with their physicians on the best options for them and not listen to advice on forums - including mine.

[villager99]

according to an ad in the daily sun, dr. khanna (premier medical associates) is giving h1n1 flu shots by appointment at his new office on santa barbara blvd near the village hospital.

[graciegirl]

Kate.

It also could be that that they are not concerned SO MUCH for over 65 population. I have read that most older people have met the bug before and probably manufactured immunity.

In Huntsville, Alabama, my friend reported that H1N1 shots were not available to anyone over 49 because generally their risk for contacting that flu is less.

I was most concerned for my grandchildren. One was able to get the shot and the other was not. Younger people have become sicker. I am pleased that John Z posted with "insider" information. I agree that it has not been as bad as we thought it would be. BUT people are still dying from it and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by JohnZ

The swine flu threat has been over-hyped. The effect of most infections appear mild among all age groups with the very rare exception of course. Swine origin flu is a Type A flu and the statistics, at my laboratory at least, have shown a marked decline in the rate of type Flu A positives. Those patients having positive Flu A are now assumed to be positive for flu of swine origin and the treatment outcomes excellent. Don't worry folks.

Sorry Topicop .. this is off topic.

I just want to say to JohnZ ... Thanks for posting! We have missed you.!

[Yoda]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Kate.

It also could be that that they are not concerned SO MUCH for over 65 population. I have read that most older people have met the bug before and probably manufactured immunity.

In Huntsville, Alabama, my friend reported that H1N1 shots were not available to anyone over 49 because generally their risk for contacting that flu is less.

I was most concerned for my grandchildren. One was able to get the shot and the other was not. Younger people have become sicker. I am pleased that John Z posted with "insider" information. I agree that it has not been as bad as we thought it would be. BUT people are still dying from it and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

No swine flu shots for old farts? He's just trying to kill us off.

Yoda

[JohnZ]

Katezbox...I wasn't giving advice. I was simply stating a clinical experience by observation of a local statistic. Like I said, there are exceptions i.e. immune suppression (drug or disease induced) and other medical factors that are clinically significant are obvious consideratons and in those cases physician guidance obviously should be taken very seriously. The fact is that most people do not fall into those high risk categories and my post was in regard to the reasonably healthy population at large. I'm also very careful about the advice I give to to patients and I'm also very aware of the probabilility of misinterpretation....but thanks for the admonishment none-the-less. Sorry about your mom.

Both my wife and I had the Swine Flu. We flew back from the UK a few months ago and I contracted it and a week later my wife got it. We are both generally healthy, (some minor medical problems). In both our cases it followed the exact same pattern. Sick about 5-6 days, temps about 1 1/2 days at 101-102,VERY SORE THROATS, weak with little muscle aches. Took strong antibiotic for the throat and had a general weakness afterwards for about 4 weeks. Had Thermaflu available but did not take it since we felt the antibiotic would take care of the throat and we should just grin and bear it.
It may be different for those that have serious medical problems but in our case it was like a weak general flu.
Just thought I would pass this on as it maps pretty closely to JohnZ's points.