Its always a bit of a dilemma when writing an entry that doesn’t really touch on autism at all. But I have become convinced that the population beyond the autistic and autism community need to know that most of us within these communities do not support the know nothing anti-science, anti-medicine and most of all, anti-vaccine community that has a vocal minority place within our communities and that as such we owe it to our societies to vocally counter these idiots such as those at Age of Autism who spread lies and promote an age of ignorance.
I’ve heard it said by writers and readers of blogs like Age of Autism and sites like JABS that H1N1 is ‘no big deal’ and that the H1N1 vaccine is a dangerous and untested shot. Both of these things are untrue.
My partners youngest daughter (not autistic, although her eldest is) recently received an invitation to participate in the H1N1 vaccine testing which would involve three visits to the local hospital over a four week period. And over the 4 week period they would take two blood draws. This is for an ongoing safety and efficacy testing.
Swine flu is a big deal. In the UK there have been over 150 deaths since June 2009. Thats about 1 death per day.
In the US, the latest FluView weekly roundup notes 18 flu related child deaths of which 15 were due to H1N1. Fifteen in 7 days.
Next time someone says H1N1 is a ‘nothing’ issue, point them to these stats, behind which lie the dead bodies of real people.
Left Brain Right Brain 
Not responding to anyone in particular, but here’s a concise explanation to use with folks saying that “the CDC can’t know how deadly it really is since they don’t know how many folks really get it!”
* H1N1 flu has been confirmed to have killed a certain number of people.
* This number is somewhat greater than the number that died of influenza last year.
* If we assume that H1N1 is just as contagious as last year’s influenza, then H1N1 is deadlier.
* Conversely, if we assume H1N1 is just as deadly as last year’s influenza, then it must be much more contagious since more people must be getting it.
* Either way, there is cause for concern, and if it turns out to be no deadlier, then that must mean it is much more contagious, and vaccination actually becomes more important as a means of containing the virus. Unfortunately, the current stock of vaccine is inadequate to this end, but it is wise to vaccinate care providers so they do not pass it on to those especially vulnerable.
“As for the H1N1 (“Swine”) influenza vaccine – that is a single strain vaccine that you won’t get odds on in Vegas – the “fix” is in because it is directed at a single strain of the virus.”
Since that horse got stuck in the gate, it definitely will not win or place and it would be a miracle if it “shows” when it comes to the herd.
“Chuck comments:
The point of an analogy is to make the writer’s point more clear, not less.
The efficacy of the H1N1 vaccine is not affected by its availability. Just imagine how much more vaccine might be available if more companies were willing to make influenza vaccines.
Then ask yourself why they don’t.
Prometheus
“The efficacy of the H1N1 vaccine is not affected by its availability.”
That is a non-issue since it applies to all influenza seasons.
“Just imagine how much more vaccine might be available if more companies were willing to make influenza vaccines.”
Since a majority of the population does not use the vaccine on a recurring basis, why waste time with “Science” fiction?
Chuck, it’s not clear to me if you are trying to make a point. Perhaps you could try to be less bitingly sarcastic and say what you mean in plain language?
On the other hand, if you don’t have a point to make, please disregard the message.
Prometheus
I got H1N1 during the end of October, 2009.
I live in southern California. I had just turned 18. My sister 20, and brother 11, also had it at the same time. However they healed and I checked into the hospital November 7th, 2009.
That same day my family found out I had also phenomena, and Acute Respiratory Disorder caused from the H1N1.
I had never had asthma, and had always been fairly healthy. But my body started overproducing hormones, having air in between my heart and my lungs, which that same day they needed to sedate me using propofol. The doctors had no way to cure me, it was up to my body completely. I had a roller coaster ride of bad hours and good hours. I transferred to a better hospital January 3rd, 2010.
I stayed on a ventilator that controlled my oxygen level. Next thing I knew, I had woken up and withdrawing from all the medication. In March I was off the ventilator, then later I got the trach out of my throat, and was able to speak again. After 3 weeks in rehab, I got to go home March 8th. I am still trying to retrain my bladder and strengthen my muscles.
Luckily, I’m young and my Doctor says I will make a full recovery in approximately a year.
I just can’t wait until I can get up from off of the floor without help. =]
H1N1 is a big deal, and you should take necessary precautions.