While it possible that becoming infected with H1N1 will only result in mild flu-associated symptoms for a few days, do not under estimate (nor should you panic) the potential complications from viral infections. The complications, while usually rare can be devastating. I have a friend, who a number of years ago had the seasonal flu, he suffered damage to heart tissue, resulting in reduced efficiency in his heart output. The damage put further stressors on his heart to the point he had to receive a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) to compensate for the reduced efficiency. A month or so ago he suffered a stroke, which can be a complication of this device and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. I am sure many of the “older” folks can remember or know friends or family that suffered complications from polo, measles, mumps, chicken pox, etc. No, vaccinations are not without risk, but I suspect if you talked with individuals who suffered complications from these viral infections, most would have been happy to accept the small risk of complications from vaccination rather than the complication of the infection.

Pete