Search Results for: H1N1

Is H1N1 Still a Threat?

Just more than a year ago, we were scrambling to make sure that our kids were vaccinated against the H1N1 flu. We heard about children and pregnant women dying from this illness and how it stuck many young people. Long lines for scarce shots had people in a panic. But is H1N1 still a threat? Well, yes and no. Fortunately, the pandemic was much less severe than was predicted. Many people are placing blame for panic on the World Health Organization (WHO) and claiming that it was all an unnecessary scare. Many countries have stockpiles of unused H1N1 vaccines that … Continue reading →

H1N1 and New Families – Part II

Yesterday I talked about how the H1N1 virus has impacted families in the mother/baby ward. As it turns out, I learned today, more and more hospitals are banning children and teens from hospitals unless they are patients. I went to go visit a friend who recently had a baby today, and I discovered that I couldn’t even leave my son with a friend in the cafeteria area of the hospital. They were not letting any children in the hospital anywhere. They even had a sign right by the front door. Fortunately I had called ahead and was able to leave … Continue reading →

How H1N1 Affects New Families

The H1N1 virus is affecting families in new ways as great efforts are made to stop the spread of the virus. Here in the city where I live, no siblings under the age of twelve are allowed to visit new babies and their moms in the mother/baby ward of the hospital. That means a mother may not see her children for the duration of her hospital stay. For many moms welcoming a new baby to a family with young children, this new development is heartbreaking. This means if a woman is staying in the mother/baby ward for four days (the … Continue reading →

Are You In Line for the H1N1 Vaccine?

I’ll be the first one to admit I was initially skeptical of the severity of the H1N1 virus when it first hit the media this past summer. When the controversy over the vaccine surfaced, I leaned towards not getting it, but now that we know a lot more about the virus and the effects it has had on our country, I am much more likely to get the vaccine if I can even get on the list. Because I am over 25 and my son is older than 6 months, I just missed the requirements for being in the high … Continue reading →

Mother Writes Lovely Blog About her Preemie

Every once in a while, it is nice to read a lovely blog that a mother has written about her child. There is a blog called Micro-Preemie to Miracle that mom Sarah Bollinger started about her son, Everett, who was born at 15 weeks premature. He’s come a long way! I always find stories about preemies to be very interesting. There is something fascinating about the story of a teeny, tiny, baby that struggles to grow and thrive. Often, their stories are uplifting and inspiring. It is nice to read something positive! Last December, I wrote about a preemie named … Continue reading →

Time to Get Your Flu Shot

I am a big believer in flu shots. Every year, I sign myself, my kids and my husband up for this important inoculation. While last year was one of the mildest flu seasons on record, don’t expect the same for this year. Two new flu strains have emerged, and fortunately, this year’s vaccine is ready to get you protected. While a flu shot is now recommended for almost everyone over the age of six months, studies show that many people are still reluctant to get their. In fact only about 52 percent of children and just 39 percent of adults … Continue reading →

Be Prepared for a Flu Pandemic

The 2009 appearance of H1N1, or Swine Flu, reminded us all of the real possibility of a devastating flu pandemic in our lifetimes. Because of this, it is good to be prepared. Knowing what to do in advance as well as how to prepare can minimize or eliminate the personal risk of a flu pandemic to you and your family. Here is what you need to know in order to be prepared. A flu pandemic is one that occurs worldwide. It could be made up of any kind of flu, from seasonal flu to bird flu to H1N1 to another … Continue reading →

More Places To Get a Flu Shot This Year

Earlier this week, I blogged about a bunch of places that you could go to if you were interested in getting a flu shot this year. If you have health insurance, then you can get a flu shot for free. You simply need to find a clinic, or pharmacy, that is willing to distribute it. One of the wonderful things about having health insurance are the “freebies”. You can get everything that has been officially designated as “preventative care” for free, without having to pay for a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance payment. This is part of the Affordable Care Act, … Continue reading →

Where to Get a Flu Shot This Year

Have you gotten your flu shot yet this year? The CDC has announced that there is a brand new strain of swine flu going around. If you have health insurance, then it will cover the cost of a flu shot. If you don’t have health insurance, there are still some options. If you go to HealthCare.gov, you can find a list of preventative services that your health insurance is required to cover the cost of, without charging you for a co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance. The immunization for Influenza (more commonly called “the flu”) is among the things that will be … Continue reading →

Sick Days

As a single mother calling in sick just isn’t an option. Well you could try, but I have a sneaking suspicion your kids wouldn’t buy it! Whether you are sick or not you still have to be a mother. Somebody has to care for your children and you no longer have the luxury of having someone else there to pick up the slack when you are feeling a bit under the weather. Being a mom takes a lot out of you period, but when you are sick on top of it, even the smallest of tasks drain you. Inevitably, we … Continue reading →