Horror: Is it true the US has stopped the SF vaccination programme due to side effects?

[Letsdoit]

I heard that this morning from my homeopath.

She did say she's not yet been able to ascertain whether it 's a fact or a rumour, so I wondered if anyone else has heard it too?

Do hope it is unfounded. I've had my jab already so too late for me but my little girl is due to have it tomorrow so I'm still in time to stop that if need be.

Good luck everyone.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8376534.stm

I think one thing that has been overlooked on this post is that H1N1 is different than seasonal flu. That's not to say it's more deadly and as ChristmasStockings rightly quoted, there are thousands of deaths each year from 'normal' flu but these figures cannot be used as a comparison. Seasonal flu can be a serious problem for anyone of any age but it does mainly affect the elderly and those who are of ill health - that's why they are first to be offered the flu jab each year. The difference with swine flu is that it is affecting different groups (than seasonal flu) with more aggressiveness - i.e children. From what I have read, the elderly have been surprisingly unaffected by H1N1 suggesting that they have some sort of immunity to the strain.

To show a comparison of what age groups seasonal flu effects compared to swine flu see this

I do honestly believe that the majority of the information we read about H1N1 is on many counts scare-mongering but there are things about this strain that have to be taken seriously and one of those has to be the effect it's having on the younger generation. Seasonal flu does not cause the amount of complications in the under 20's that swine flu has been doing so surely this is of concern. Yes (and thank god) the vast majority have been ok if they have caught it but I believe we must keep perspective and keep thinking about those who just might not be ok and it's up to everyone to stop flu spreading - swine or otherwise.

There's no point beating about the bush with facts - nearly 10% of deaths in this country that have been attributed to H1N1 have been pregnant women. That (in my opinion) is a figure that just shouldn't be ignored.

Riven asked: "whats the rate of death in 'normal' flu with no underlying health conditions?"

If by 'normal flu' you mean seasonal flu, since about 95% of deaths were in people over 65y, I would estimate very few.

For comparison, deaths from swine flu are 19% in the over 65s. It's the young that are bearing the brunt of the mortality in this H1N1v 2009 pandemic.

Jacobsdad:
Do you know what is that 10% figure of deaths of pregnant women in actual numbers?

Hi tinalouise - I have just had a look at the most recent figures and the 10% figure is now out of date (based on figures from earlier in the year) apologies. I believe the total is now 6 in 214.

Sorry to keep asking questions Jacobsdad, just so confused!
Does that mean that out of 214 deaths as a result of swine flu - 6 of them have been pregnant women? Is that the UK wide figure?

Hi Tina - Apparently so. Out of the 214 swine flu related deaths in the UK (as a whole) 6 have been pregnant women.

Thank you Jacobsdad... is there an online place I can read about these cases to find out more about if there are other health issues etc.?

p.s.
Will stop asking you questions and leave you in peace ;)

I have just read on the BBC a figure of 6 but it doesn't say whether any had any other underlying health issues - will look some more and if I come up with anything then will let you know.

So kind of you, Jacobsdad. I will look too and if I find anything more will share it right back

It's the same proportion of the population in each case (if you'll grant there aren't significant differences in the numbers in each age range over the last few years):

Seasonal flu (1990-2000)

65y: 94%
45-64: 5%
15-44:

Musukebba:
Thanks for that

Are both the seasonal flu and swine flu cases you show here, diagnosed in the same way?

I did ask elsewhere (as I am new here, sorry) if you wouldn't mind sharing what you do in the medical world - you have a wealth of information!