With some of the problems I've been hearing about the vaccine, maybe this isn't a bad thing.

It is actually a sort of multipurpose post.  I especially liked this line:

Those voices are quiet now, it's only a problem if the right does it. If they can't hold people accountable regardless of political affiliation, they can't ever expect change, no matter how many times it's shouted during campaigns.

I decided against the H1N1 vac for my kids (available at our county fairgrounds today) because of the mercury....I know, I know...we get mercury in our environment all the time....I can't do anything about mercury in water, air, food, etc....but I can keep it from being directly injected into my child.

The mist isn't available yet so by the time it is...like you said....too late.

My problem will likely come when the school insists on the vac, and I won't sign a consent form for it....

That's a shame that this happens in America. I hope your children will be safe Tova.

Remember the outcry the last time there was a shortage of flu vaccine? The press reacted like Bush personally canceled the shipments. Now, you can almost hear the crickets chirping.

Well, since the groups most heavily affected are the children, pregnant females, the sick and elderly we shouldn't be too unhappy...right? They only represent the future and all we've learned from experience.

"The sins of the fathers are revisited on the children."

Thus, the anti-intellectual, anti-science and reactionary policies of the Bush years return to haunt us... and will continue to do so until the preoccupation with religiosity and irrational fear mongering (response #1) end.

Also, it should be noted that H1N1 grows very poorly in eggs, and that is another reason for the delay in vaccine production and delivery.

This is really sad - not that 'the children, pregnant females, the sick and elderly' are the most effected (see below), but that you are so dishonest.

First, anyone who was not here in 1976, the last time a variant of this virus caused an outbreak, has no native immunity - they've never seen this virus before.  Those of us who were around in 1976 were exposed to some degree, whether we were ill at the time or not, and have some degree of immunity.

Second, those in that group include the elderly, contrary to your allegation, which explains why H1N1 has been pretty much a non-event for the elderly, and one of the reasons anyone over the age of 49 is not eligible to receive the vaccine.

That you would blame Bush and his policies is jut assinine.  And it shows you failed to comprehend the article's point.

You're free to have the vaccine if you like. I didn't suggest people that want it not take it. Your attempt at melodrama could also be construed as "fear mongering" (I.E. Get the vaccine or else). This is the wrong place to be if "opinions" scare you. I realize personal choice is in this matter is difficult for some, but look at the bright side. If I die from swine flu, that's one less person to strain this government health care being shoved down the peoples throats. Sounds like a win/win for the liberals among us.

My youngest is sick right now.  Running a fever (between 99-102), runny/stuffy nose, no appetite, but the worst part is the cough...it is croupy..that loud barking sound (on the exhale and cough)....so I have to wonder, at 6 is this croup?  Or is it flu caused croup?  Does the difference really matter?

The primary reason I'd like to know is because if its swine flu, I'd like to check that off the list of national emergency illnesses he's had and survived.

Oh well.  He is home watching movies (Spiderwick Chronicles) and breathing like a chain smoker...

I honestly don't understand why people and the media treated this new strain of flu as if it were the newest deadliest form of biological warfare desease that somehow escaped a lab and is threatening the world (Outbreak, anyone?). Why the hysteria? Regular Flu kills thousands of people every year, it isn't something new that just sprung up. I am not a medical professional though, so my perception could be skewered. Hope your boy gets well soon.

Tova - Getchyer little critter to the pediatrician.  At least call.  Odds are he's (& will be) fine, but no need to take chances.

Utemia - You are mostly on the mark.  The difference with H1N1 is that younger folks have no immunity, having never seen this or a similar viral strain.  It is hitting the young, especially pregrant women, very hard and many more are dying than would be the case from garden-variety seasonal flu strains.  True, it's been overblown by the media and the government and it's not on the order of the black plague, but it might as well be to those affected.

Thanks D...I called, and they said so many kids have swine flu now they aren't testing anymore unless there are complications with it....

He's feeling much better today...no fever.  That means he only had a fever for 2 1/2 days...not too bad...the cough and stuffy stuff is sticking around....and his appetite is still poor, but I think he's on the mend....