H1N1 and YOU!!! Get the damn shot!!!

First and foremost of my post is I want to extend my sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the families, friends, and co-workers of Sheriff Mike Thornsbury. YOUR TOUR IS OVER--REST IN PEACE BROTHER!!--WE HAVE YOUR WATCH!!!

I know recently that everyone I know has been weighing the pros and the cons about receiving the H1N1 flu shot and there have even been some nay sayers in local media around me, and a few idiot citizens who actually spitted at the first responders who were able to " jump the line" to receive the first shipments, ( Don't worry Buddy, I always keep sanitizer in my car), but damn it don't these idiot's THINK?? AT ALL!!???
In a pandemic situation who is going to be called on first and foremost in an already crazy situation after the Dr.'s and Nurses's?? THAT IS RIGHT!! The first responder's such as the POLICE, FIREFIGHTER'S, and EMT's!!! By not getting the shot you not only risk losing your life but helping to "kill" folks around you with possible contamination scenario's. Not only the people you first assist, but your families, neighbours, and friends, and ESPECIALLY your co-workers. In an emergency situation like this a small jab in the arm is a very small price to pay to be able to continue to " serve and protect"!!
I myself had some thought's about getting it, UNTIL I put the scenario into a ' divers' way of thinking! Hmm... would I go to a haz-mat call with possible sewage or fuel contaminents in the water and only wear a wet suit for the scenario and not my Viking HD-Pro 1500 fully sealed drysuit with extra taping around the wrist seals?? NO!!! I got the shot!!!

The following is a news article about Mike that I thought may help to make your choice a bit easier. IT'S FLU SEASON FOLKS!!! Stay Healthy, take some extra vitamins, and get the shot!!

Ohio sheriff's captain dies from H1N1 virus
By Steve Bennish
Dayton Daily News


(Photo: Sheriff's office)

Related Resources:

Swine Flu: 21 things law enforcement needs to know
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PREBLE COUNTY, Ohio — A Preble County sheriff's captain has died, an apparent victim of the H1N1 flu virus and pneumonia, Sheriff Mike Simpson announced late Friday night, Nov. 6.

Sheriff's Capt. Michael Thornsberry, 38, a 15-year veteran of the sheriff's office, fell ill Oct. 20 with what was then believed to be pneumonia.

His condition worsened, and on Oct. 25, he was taken to Reid Hospital in Richmond, Ind., by ambulance.

Later than evening, he was taken by air ambulance to Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis.

In the weeks that followed, he was diagnosed with viral and bacterial pneumonia as well as H1N1.

He died in Indianapolis shortly after 5 p.m. Friday, Simpson said. Thornsberry had been in the intensive care unit 13 days, Simpson said.

Simpson said his office was told that physicians believe the pneumonia was a consequence of the virus.

"It's my understanding the viral pneumonia was because of the H1N1 in his system," Simpson said.

Thornsberry is survived by his wife, Michelle, and daughters Faith and Ally Grace.

"He was a very dedicated employee," Simpson said. "I would describe him as a company guy who never went home until the job was done. He was a very good family man."

Since Thornsberry's promotion 18 months earlier, Simpson said, "he had done an excellent job for me since then. It's a big loss."

More information will be released in the coming days, the sheriff said. It's expected that by Sunday funeral arrangements will be announced.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity in the U.S. remained high as reported in FluView during the week of Oct. 25-31. The Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in the Influenza Division at CDC collects and analyzes information on flu activity in the U.S. year-round to produce and publish FluView.

Flu activity continues to be widespread in 48 states, according to the CDC. Flurelated hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase and are very high nationwide compared to what is expected for this time of year, the CDC said.