Kids and the swine flu

OK, I’m just going to say it. I’m freaking out about the swine flu.

I know, I know — that makes me paranoid and way too easily swayed by media hype, but it’s hard not to be affected by the constant barrage of reports about the quick spread of the virus and it’s potentially fatal effects on children. Since April, 76 children younger than 18 have died following H1N1 infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That’s compared to between 46 and 88 deaths from the seasonal flu in an entire year.

And then there’s all the articles questioning the safety of the H1N1 vaccine. Some doctors say everyone should get it. Other doctors say they wouldn’t have their own families get the shot because of potential side effects and questionable effectiveness. So what’s a mom to do when she’s responsible for making the choice for her young children?

My husband keeps telling me to just keep living my life and not live in fear. He says to trust the professionals and get the shot.

So, I’m trying to live my life without fear. I’ll wait for the vaccine to come out, and in the meantime, I’ll keep my daughter out of nursery at church or close-quartered playgroups, and stand ready with a squirt of hand sanitizer. Neurotic? Maybe. But it’s a small price to pay to not be a statistic.

What do you think — will you have your children vaccinated against H1N1? Why or why not? Are you worried about the virus, and if so, what measures are you taking to protect your family?