MN Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to see improved preparedness

As we all know there is a shortage of both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccines. We've all heard the reason for this has been blamed on the way the vaccines are made, in chicken's eggs. Apparently the virus' did not grow well this year and therefore caused fewer vaccines to be developed in a timely manner. This has caused many to ask the question, why do we still grow these viruses in chicken's eggs? The obvious answer is "that's how we've always done it" but why do we still do it? Surely in this day and age of advanced medicine we have better ways to grow these viruses and develop them into vaccines. These are the questions our Minnesota Senator, Amy Klobuchar, hopes to get answered. Ms Klobuchar is holding discussions with public health experts to try to find answers to these questions. She's also believes there must be better ways for the state of Minnesota to distribute the vaccines and prepare for health emergencies in the future. I say bravo, Ms Klobuchar! Please contact Ms Klobuchar's office to voice your support for her efforts.

Thank you!

New Widgets added

I've added a couple new widgets to my blog. If you'll scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll see a map of the United States. This map, called FluView, shows the current flu activity in each of the states including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Further down you will find a widget that provides H1N1 tips, Facts and News. Click on the desired "tab" to read the updated text for each option.

Want one of these widgets for your site? CDC Widgets has these and many more!

Google has done it again!

Leave it to Google to come up with a Seasonal/H1N1 Flu vaccine finder. Of course there still aren't any H1N1 vaccines available to my son or I but this is a victory for everyone else in the country who is looking for both of the vaccines.

I wish I woulda bought stock in Google a long time ago. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20.

Asthma & the Swine Flu threat...

Compared with the general population who do not have Asthma, people with Asthma who contract the H1N1 (aka Swine Flu) virus are more likely to develop serious illnesses such as pneumonia and could even die as a result. People who have risk factors, such as Asthma, are encouraged to get both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine to reduce their risks for complications.

If you or someone you love develops flu symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, work best when begun within 48 hours of the first onset of symptoms. Monitor your breathing closely. If you have a peak flow meter, use it frequently and chart your "peak expiratory flow," or "PEF" numbers. This information could be helpful in treating your symptoms if they should worsen. See WebMD for information on using Peak Flow Meters. They should be available at your local pharmacy.

Over the counter medications such as Mucinex, in addition to Tamiflu, can help your body fight the effects of the flu. Mucinex works by loosening mucus in your body and allowing it to be removed more easily through coughing or blowing your nose. Coughing is a good thing when you have the flu. It's your body's way of getting the virus, and the mucus your body produces to fight the virus, out so you can recover more quickly. Anti-coughing remedies should not be used during the day because a productive cough is exactly what the body needs. Follow manufacturer dosing instructions.

Protect yourself and others by taking these steps if you become ill:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.


• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub*.


• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.


• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

References for the above information were obtained from the CDCs Asthma and 2009 H1N1 Flu page as well as from my own experience.