Questions About the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine

Dr. Morris understands there is much concern about the swine flu. This particular type of influenza is a new variety. Because Dr. Morris doesn’t have experience or research on this type of the flu, he is relying on the opinion of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whose experts have been sudying this infection since its outbreak this spring. The following information is from the CDC and addresses many of the questions about the H1N1 vaccine. Like the seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine is being recommended for women who are, or will be pregnant during the influenza season (October-March). The H1N1 vaccine is expected to become more available in the next few weeks. The seasonal influenza vaccine should already be available.

Researchers have recently found that professional cyclists should consider the risks involved with the combination of cycling and infertility. In theory, riding a bicycle or motorcycle could cause abnormalities in either sperm concentration, sperm motility or sperm appearance or morphology.

In a recent study, 15 male triathletes around the age of 33 were asked not to have sex for 3 days prior to giving a sperm sample. Semen samples were assessed for morphology by using the Kruger Method. This is also known as strict morphology. In this method for looking at sperm, fertile men typically will have more than 14% of their sperm look “normal”. Some studies have identified fertility problems when men have only between 4 and 14% normal appearing sperm. There is agreement that a normal morphology rate of less than 4% is strongly associated with a decrease in male fertility.