Physicals...and H1N1 Again

Both boys had their yearly physicals in the past week. Both are "healthy," whatever that means. I confess to being cynical about yearly physicals for the kids. After the uber-specialists DD17 sees, it's hard to believe that listening to a heartbeat or looking in someone's ear is going to give you any information. Yeah, I know, there's more than meets the eye in a physical exam, but can they *really* tell if something is wrong? You have to present with a problem before the real probing begins, and then usually by a specialist.

We were told H1N1 vaccines were still not available, and they would not hold another flu clinic unless they have several hundred doses to distribute. I suspect, however, that they are maintaining a "high risk" list, and perhaps doling out the few vaccines that come in to those children. That's OK. Glad we're not on it, although the doctor did say that DS12 should not get the mist because of his intermittent asthma. So is he "medium risk?"

I asked one of the doctors what they consider high risk, and he said given the shortages, any child with chronic, severe asthma or with cystic fibrosis and on a ventilator.

After Hurricane Katrina, I maintained that we learned we could not depend on our government to take care of us during a major emergency. That's become obvious again with this H1N1 debacle. Stories of wealthy companies and sports teams receiving doses ahead of the general public (i.e., children) abound in the news. Town clinics have long lines of people, many from out of state. There certainly does not appear to be any organization in how these shots are distributed. Very frustrating, especially since we live near what I consider a "medical mecca."

Oh dear, this is becoming the H1N1 Whining Blog.