My Sinuses Have 'Tude

[wlotus]

My sinuses and I are NOT on speaking terms, right now. Since Sunday afternoon, they have been raging at me. They aren't responding to Claritin-D or to herbal supplements, either. Ick.

Other than that, all is well. :-)

Speaking of my health, I was telling a friend earlier this morning that I am wary of taking the H1N1 vaccine, even though I am working around a lot of kids and our employers recommended we get vaccinated. I have heard conflicting information about whether the "swine flu" is as bad as the media would have us believe. Some say it's an epidemic, while some say it's no more wide-spread or deadly than other strains of the flu. I'm very concerned about over-medicating, so if the vaccine is not an absolute necessity, I don't want to get it.

The other problem is that over the past two years, I have almost completely lost faith in the media and the government, so anything either of them says we REALLY REALLY need to do raises huge red flags for me. I have a call in to my doctor to ask his opinion.

Maybe I'll ask about something for this stubborn head congestion, too.

ETA: I've read the CDC's webs pages on the H1N1 virus, and I am at no greater risk for "swine flu" than for regular influenza. I rarely get influenza, and when I do, I recover quickly. Unless my doctor strongly advises otherwise, I won't get the vaccine, just like I have never gotten the regular flu vaccine; for me, getting vaccinated would be unnecessary medication.

ETA (7:06PM): My doctor says that since I am not part of the high-risk population and am healthy, I can choose to have the vaccine or not. For now, I choose not.

Comments

[faerie-spark.livejournal.com]

Ugh, sounds like you feel nasty. Have you ever tried a neti Pot? I hear they're wonderful for clearing the sinuses. The only reason I haven't tried one is that my nose isn't positioned the same way as other people's, and I'm fearful of water not being able to drain out.

I share your hesitancy to get the h1n1 vaccine. I haven't been vaccinated for "regular" flu in 12 years or more, ever since the shot gave me the worst winter season for sickness I'd ever had. well, I don't know for sure that it was the shot, but it's very convenient to blame something I don't trust anyway.

Hope you feel better soon.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

A neti pot: THAT'S the other thing I meant to look for at the local organic store! I guess I'll have to go back out into the bright sunshine, walk through the fresh air around the corner, and see if they have any. Oh, the trials of life. :-)

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

...people don't die from the flu vaccine, do they...? My friend in California is going to have her two boys vaccinated, the eldest is 4 or 5, and the youngest is 9 months.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I seriously doubt the flu vaccine normally causes death.

[faerie-spark.livejournal.com]

No, I have never heard of anyone dying. All of the objections I've heard to the regular flu shot have been anecdotal.

[balmofgilead.livejournal.com]

Neti pots are great! I have a plastic one (Sinucleanse brand) that I got at Walgreen's, and I think plastic might be easier than the glass/ceramic ones that some more wholesome places sell.

[acoustics1220.livejournal.com]

How's the violin? Have you messaged me and I haven't responded? Life is a little overwhelming over here, enjoyable, but a lot. :D Hope it's going strong!

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I have been so busy (and tired) since I started work, that I haven't practiced in over a week! But I intend to practice today, as part of thoroughly enjoying my day off. I have Friday off, too, so that'll be another opportunity. And I think the schools are closed on Monday, which means another day off... :-)

I think I sent you a message awhile back. I'll check.

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Want a medicine cookie? I hope you feel better soon.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

What's a medicine cookie?

Some peppermint tea seems to be helping, thank goodness. :-)

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

A medicine cookie is any cookie that makes you feel better. It can be a sugar cookie or a chocolate chip cookie! yum-yum.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I've had some crackers and hummus...and yogurt! Those are some of my comfort foods...though peanut butter cookies sound good...

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

*hands over peanut butter cookie*

[llahearn.livejournal.com]

Do get thyself a neti pot. Amazing the difference it can make! I recommend that you lay back a bit with a heating pad or water bottle on your face, then use the neti pot.