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Some East Peoria residents, as well as the rest of the United States, are confused — either H1N1 is a serious situation or it is media hype.
For those who are not victims of the virus, it may seem like something news organizations are feeding on for ratings. While it is true stories about H1N1 are everywhere we look, it does not mean it is being blown out of proportion.
In discussion with a local resident who has H1N1 influenza, it is apparent the virus has left her feeling so sick, she said she thought she was going to die.
Try telling her that H1N1 is media hype. She has been encouraging others to get the vaccination because of what she is experiencing.
Of course, it is an age-old societal trait — if it does not impact us directly, we tend not to care — which is fine. But, this could be one of those times when residents are better safe than sorry.
Tazewell County Health Department community relations manager Sara Sparkman said public clinics are being overrun with residents seeking the vaccinations. As of Tuesday, the health department was awaiting additional shipments of the vaccination. It is obvious, many residents are taking heed of the warnings.
It is important to have an open mind to the issue. Research the virus’ impact. At the same time, take into account the urgency for the vaccination — others may need it more. The Center for Disease Control has defined priority groups. They are: pregnant women; children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old; adults ages 25 to 64 years old with health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma or anyone with lowered immunity; household members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months old; and health-care workers and emergency medical service providers with direct patient contact.
Half of the East Peoria Fire Department has received the immunization so far.
“If you’re in one of the priority groups, definitely get the vaccine,” assistant fire chief Randy Hurd, said.
The health department is scheduled to offer the vaccine to East Peoria Community High School students Nov. 13. Principal Paul Whittington said it is up to parents to provide a permission slip for their child for the vaccine.
Parents need to make educated decisions for their children. They need to research the best options and whether the vaccination is right for their children.
East Peoria paramedic Gary Foley’s comment might sway some parents.
“The problem with this flu is it’s killing the kids. It usually affects the elderly, but they’ve lived through it and are more immune to it, but the kids aren’t,” Foley said.
Do not let someone’s assumption that H1N1 is just hype affect the decisions made in a household. According to one resident with H1N1, she wishes she had gotten the vaccination.
Some East Peoria residents, as well as the rest of the United States, are confused — either H1N1 is a serious situation or it is media hype.
For those who are not victims of the virus, it may seem like something news organizations are feeding on for ratings. While it is true stories about H1N1 are everywhere we look, it does not mean it is being blown out of proportion.
In discussion with a local resident who has H1N1 influenza, it is apparent the virus has left her feeling so sick, she said she thought she was going to die.
Try telling her that H1N1 is media hype. She has been encouraging others to get the vaccination because of what she is experiencing.
Of course, it is an age-old societal trait — if it does not impact us directly, we tend not to care — which is fine. But, this could be one of those times when residents are better safe than sorry.
Tazewell County Health Department community relations manager Sara Sparkman said public clinics are being overrun with residents seeking the vaccinations. As of Tuesday, the health department was awaiting additional shipments of the vaccination. It is obvious, many residents are taking heed of the warnings.
It is important to have an open mind to the issue. Research the virus’ impact. At the same time, take into account the urgency for the vaccination — others may need it more. The Center for Disease Control has defined priority groups. They are: pregnant women; children and young adults 6 months to 24 years old; adults ages 25 to 64 years old with health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma or anyone with lowered immunity; household members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months old; and health-care workers and emergency medical service providers with direct patient contact.
Half of the East Peoria Fire Department has received the immunization so far.
“If you’re in one of the priority groups, definitely get the vaccine,” assistant fire chief Randy Hurd, said.
The health department is scheduled to offer the vaccine to East Peoria Community High School students Nov. 13. Principal Paul Whittington said it is up to parents to provide a permission slip for their child for the vaccine.
Parents need to make educated decisions for their children. They need to research the best options and whether the vaccination is right for their children.
East Peoria paramedic Gary Foley’s comment might sway some parents.
“The problem with this flu is it’s killing the kids. It usually affects the elderly, but they’ve lived through it and are more immune to it, but the kids aren’t,” Foley said.
Do not let someone’s assumption that H1N1 is just hype affect the decisions made in a household. According to one resident with H1N1, she wishes she had gotten the vaccination.
