Let’s face it, nobody likes getting injections or having blood taken. It’s just one of those necessary evils, and for some, more evil than for others. When I first developed KidKupz, I encountered a few moms who told me that their kids were able to take liquid medications without too much trouble, but even those moms knew that KidKupz could really seal the deal. When it comes to shots and needles, I think it’s safe to say that even kids and adults who handle it well could benefit from a tip on how to ease the pain.

I recently read about something referred to as the “cough trick.”  The theory is that if patients cough once just before and then once during a shot, the pain or discomfort will be reduced. I know, I know, you’re wondering where in the heck this blog post was during the height of the H1N1 virus. Read more and see if this can work for you or your child. Who knows, maybe even just the power of suggestion will do the trick.

It seems that lately, not an hour can go by without a mention of the H1N1 virus…whether it be on TV, in the papers, or just in our everyday conversations. When is the vaccine going to be available? Should we have our children vaccinated and if so, should it be the shot or the nasal mist? I feel like sometimes it’s so easy to just get caught up in whatever is the latest “mom chat” or the latest doctor interview on the morning news shows.

I happened to call our pediatrician’s office this morning to confirm an appointment for my son’s regular check-up and the recording on their phone menu announced that they had just received the nasal mist form of the H1N1 vaccine and that parents needed to call to schedule an appointment if their child falls under the guidelines for the nasal mist.  I know that their supplies are limited and so I figured I would jump on it right away, but then all of a sudden I realized I wasn’t absolutely certain that I wanted my children to be vaccinated. I began hearing the voices of the skeptics I’ve seen interviewed in the last month insisting that this is all too new and untested and therefore not proven to be safe. That got me to thinking, where do these new vaccines actually come from anyway and what exactly is in them. I did a bit of checking around and I came across this graphic that I found very helpful.

Truth be told, I have been anxiously awaiting the availability of the vaccine and not asking too many questions.  Now that it is actually an option for my children, I’m having to really think it through in a whole new light and being armed with information is the first step.