Our experience with H1N1 flumist

[pedinurse05]

Hello everyone,

Considering the flu is in full swing, I decided it would be best to have my daughters 17 and 8 vaccinated. Both my kids were healthy and well. My youngest actually is home schooled and had not been in contact with anyone sick. On Monday they received the H1N1 flumist and seasonal flu injections. On Tuesday my 8 year had a fever of 102--even with tylenol and ibuprofen rotated. She then started with a sore throat. I called her pediatrician on thursday as the fever and sore throat continued. The doctor started her on tamiflu because she felt very suspicious of the proximity of the vaccine and symptoms. Today she has developed a worsening cough and wheezing. I called the pediatrician back who decided to also start an antibiotic due to all the secondary bacterial infections associated with this flu. Tonight she is vomiting and has such a rattle in her chest. The doctor called to check on us and ordered a chest xray in the morning. I understand that these are side effects listed on the vaccine information sheet....but it appears she got more than just the "mild" effect--we have the actual flu. The doctor also took nasal swabs to test for H1N1 and sent in a vaccine adverse reaction report form. I am an RN and typically pro-vaccination HOWEVER if I could go and take back time I would have NEVER given this to my daughters. My oldest has been fine so far. There is so much information floating around that it is difficult as a parent to chose what is best for our children. The media hype doesn't help either--if anything it scares people beyond what is necessary in my opinion. I just wanted to share my experience with this vaccine...and my concern for nurses who take the live flumist and work around patients. This live mist CAN cause active disease. Be careful everyone!

[tiffanyleigh0212]

I'll be praying for ya'll! Keep us updated on what happens.

[pedinurse05]

I'll be praying for ya'll! Keep us updated on what happens.

Thank You....prayers are definitely needed and highly appreciated. I am overwrought with guilt for deciding to give this to her.

[OC_An Khe]

There is a difference between the injectable vaccine and the mist. People should be aware of the differences before they decide which one to take/ have their family take.

Hope your little one gets well soon and thanks for sharing.

[FlyingScot, RN]

Thank You....prayers are definitely needed and highly appreciated. I am overwrought with guilt for deciding to give this to her.

Prayers from here too but a thought as well. There is a very good possibility that your little one was all ready infected and the timing was just coincidental. Unless she lives in a bubble she could have been exposed at any time and any place. Regardless, you did what you thought was the right thing to do...stop beating yourself up. It just takes away the energy you need to care for your daughter and both of you will come out worse for it in the end. Keep us posted.

[pedinurse05]

Prayers from here too but a thought as well. There is a very good possibility that your little one was all ready infected and the timing was just coincidental. Unless she lives in a bubble she could have been exposed at any time and any place. Regardless, you did what you thought was the right thing to do...stop beating yourself up. It just takes away the energy you need to care for your daughter and both of you will come out worse for it in the end. Keep us posted.

Anything is possible....however we haven't been around anyone else for the past few weeks. None of us were sick. The doctor believes as I do that this was from the live H1N1 flumist. Thank you for your kind words and prayers :)