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[blowfish]

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[bjplaster]

I happened to get one today and am feeling fine.

[JayC]

I got one yearly for almost 10 years. I missed because of the major shortage several years ago....and have not had one since.

I have NOT gotten the *FLU* during either period.

For 7 of the 10 years, I had an upper respiratory/sinus type problems that would not quit.... The year I missed the flu shot was the first time the depth/duration of that issue significantly decreased.

So, for me, no shot.

I had my first shot as I was in constant contact with a friend with lymphoma. SHE could not afford to catch the flu, so all of us around her got our shots. If I could take the shot without the protracted viral bronchitis that gets activated in me, then I would still be getting the shots....for everyone else's sake. (My viral exposure was years before I ever got the first flu shot; we think it is more that getting the shot activates my immune in a way that drains it too much to keep the viral under control....)(Of course stress, and 30+ years of untreated SDB and insomnias are a further drain!!)


I had flu 2 times that I can remember when I was younger.... I can manage a week or 2 flu far better than a several month viral bronchitis that goes bacterial and needs major antibiotics to finally clear it. And, I take every precaution to limit germ sharing during the flu months especially.

Plan your shot when you can have a few lighter duty days. The shot gives your immune system a job to do. So, feeling off/sick/under the weather after a vaccination is not an unexpected thing.....

All the best with this....
J

[sleepyred]

I have gotten a flu shot for the past 14 years. After being pregnant, catching the flu, trying to take care of my hubby who had it with a 103 fever and a 3 year old (both had 103 fevers for 7 days)........I have not missed a shot yet. I work in a school with over 1,200 kids.......

I have never felt bad after a flu shot. Only soreness in the arm. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Catnapper]

I have been having the flu shot for years, I can't remember how many, but more than 12 at least. I have never felt sick from the shot, and have never gotten the flu. For the last 10 years I worked at a University and was in constant contact with students, so I had plenty of exposure. The only problem I ever had was a slight tenderness at the site of the shot, and that was only for a day or less.

In another thread I reported that since starting CPAP therapy over 2 years ago, I haven't had a sinus infection. I used to have lots of them.

CPAP helps lots of health issues!

[roster]

Twice while in college I had very bad cases of flu. So for the last 36 years I have taken the shot every year. Some years when I was doing a lot of overseas travel, I took two shots, one in October and one in January.

My wife would never take the shot and did not want the kids to take it either. One year all three of them had the flu at the same time and were deathly ill for five days. Now wife and kids are sure to take the shot every year.

BTW, the shot is dead flu virus which your body responds to by producing large amounts of antibodies specific to the virus in the shot. If later you are exposed to the flu, your body uses the antibodies to destroy the virus.

The shot is not 100% effective. When you take the shot, the antibodies build to a peak in your body over about a 15-day period and then gradually decline over about 90 days. So if the flu is raging in your community and you get a shot, you may catch the flu before the shot has its effect. Even after the antibodies are built up, you can still be susceptible to the flu. I think some years I had the flu but it was a mild case and only lasted two days.

People will tell you the shot gave them the flu. This is not correct because the virus in the shot is dead flu cells. However, you may feel arm soreness and heat on the arm and generally poor for a day or two after taking the shot. These cases are the exception and are the body's response to the intrusion. It actually shows that the body is building up the antibodies.

If you take the shot you are not only helping yourself, you are helping others by helping to stop the spread of the flu. So even if you don't want the shot for yourself, think about helping an elderly person or someone with a compromised immune system avoid the deadly flu.

If you google, you can find the statistics on the number of deaths annually due to complications from flu. It is serious business.

[Shez]

Yes it is serious stuff and u should always investigate before you vacinate... good idea to check your family history for reactions to any immunizations as well. remembering of course that the vacine is based on the previous virus and not all shots use dead virus cells, this is where you should be investigating, yes the flu can be serious but so can side effects from immunizations, I believe in freedom of choice. If the flu shot works completely on everyone who takes it and research has shown that most elderly people do, then how does you not being immunised put them at risk if they have had their shot and should be immunised?? this is your choice and you should take it very seriously, make an informed decision and best of luck with what ever you choose

[roster]

....... remembering of course that the vacine is based on the previous virus and not all shots use dead virus cells, ...........

Not sure about Australia but neither of these points is correct for U.S.
1. The "shot" is 100% dead virus. There is a mist version that uses live virus but it is not available for people over 50.
2. The vaccine is not based on the previous virus. It is based on a forecast of which viruses will be active in the current season.

[Guest]

I got mine. I'd rather get a poke in the arm then spend a day vomiting.

Bev

[Wulfman]

I am thinking of getting a flu shot this year but just don't know. I have heard so many people say they got sick from the shot or they got sick anyway.

I've never had a shot and haven't had the flu for three years and it only lasted a few days. (and EVERYBODY around here had it)
I've heard the same thing.....people getting sick after they've had the shot.
Sort of depends on what your exposure is......both from others and to others.

I figure that's why I have "sick leave" (and I have LOTS of it left, since I hardly ever take any).

Your call.

Den (still believing that what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger)

[qbanjanos]

There is always a chance of getting infected anyway, but do the math of the cost and pain you have to go through if you get sick. If the shot works, then it was worth the money and time. I have been taking the flu shot for over 10 years and I am very happy with it. So go and take your chance!

[blowfish]

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[Babette]

I routinely get a flu shot. I have had NO side effects ever from the shot.

I get the flu as much as I did when I didn't get the shot.

But I tell myself it's cheap insurance. My stepfather has compromised immunity, and I can't be giving him illness, so I do it.

I work in a school district in a very low income area - I'm constantly in contact with families who cannot afford to look after themselves adequately.

I think it's a good thing to do. It doesn't make me immune to everything. But maybe it keeps me healthier than I would be without it.

Cheers,
B.

[Paul56]

Yes, I get the flu shot.

Good idea? We all have to decide for ourselves.

I have never had a reaction to a flu shot.

In the years I have been getting a flu shot I have never caught the flu, but I have certainly caught the odd cold or two.

I don't live with my mother; however she is 81 and also gets the flu shot every year. She is in amazing shape but I would rather avoid a situation where I could pass the flu on to her. So far we seem to keep the flu out of the family with us both getting the shot.

[roster]

I like a policy of one of our large banks. They pay for flu shots for all employees. The employee decides whether to take the shot. If he decides against it and gets sick during the flu season, then any time he misses is unpaid.

Of course I don't guess decisions by bank managers are anything to trust.