DD's doc says no flu shot.....

[ez]

I posted yesterday that my nurse friend would give dd9 a flu shot(no longer available to the general public) If the pediatrician would write her a script for it. Well, drs office just called and because he hasn't seen dd in 2 years (yippee) and that she doesn't have any chronic conditions he doesn't recommend it. So it will just be lots of handwashing and antibacterial gel. Oh well, I guess the decision is out of my hands. My friend actually could give dd the shot without a script, but she doesn't want to take the responsibility in case she had an adverse reaction and I completely understand. She majorly stressed over giving her own child the shot.

 

[jsmith]

just and FYI-antibacterial gel does more harm than good-it will not prevent the flu because the flu is a virus not a bacteria and what it does do is make bacterial diseases like strep and staff worse because it kills only the weaker germs and and stronger ones reproduce or mutate. Good had washing and being careful about touching your face after contact with others is much more effective. My SIL has a serious autoimmune disease and her DR told the whole family to avoid antibacterial products as they give you a false sense of security.

 

[ez]

alcohol based and doesn't the alcohol kill viruses and everything? I have heard they are switching to this in hospitals now.

 

[CEDmom]

I also heard reports about not over using the antibacterial products because in the end it may do more harm than good. Apparently, plain soap and water is the best thing on a regular basis but the antibacterial stuff is good in a pinch (it's better than not washing hands at all). I carry a small bottle of it in my bag along with a baggie full of baby wipes. If we're out and she's going to eat something I use the gel or a wipe to clean her hands.

As far as the flu shot goes our doctor didn't recommend it for DD, DH or myself. None of us fall into the recommended groups. I was a little nervous about it before and while on vacation in California but I got over that pretty quickly. Our doctor knows us really well and would never give us advice that might compromise our health.

 

[Octoberbride03]

Don't bother with the anitbacterial gel. In reality all you need to do wash your hands often with warm water and regular soap. I can testify that antibacterial soaps an gels can be very rough. I have developed allergies to several, and i mean bad allergies(due to my former job). If not for Curel, I would have bean tearing the skin off my hands.

And here's a secret soap ppl don't want you to know:

GERMS ARE GOOD FOR YOU

Not too many of course. But, being exposed to new germs is how we become immune to many bugs. A scrupulously clean house without a speck of dirt will only make you sicker. And my Doc believes that antibacterial everything is responsible for the big rise of Staph infections over the past few years.

So, follow your everyday, normal hand/self washing routine for your DD and hopefully she'll get through this year without ever catching the flu.

Good luck

 

[ez]

you don't need to worry about my house being scrupulously clean! Oh my goodness, thats a funny thought!!!