The flu shot?

S

shamnas

Cathlete
Hi all,

Does anyone get the flu shot? If so, is it beneficial?
If not, why not?
I have never gotten it before and am a little skeptical about it, but
have been considering it more with all the talk about Avian flu, etc.

Thanks in advance,
Sham
 
Actually, I make sure my boys get it (they are 6 & 8) but I have never got the flu shot.
I will be going for my physical this year and I think I will get it if my Dr. offers it to me.

Kim


(It is really beneficial to children and older adults or someone who has low immunity to infections)
 
I get the flu shot for my 4 kids. One has asthma and is supposed to get the flu shot. I usually get it for myself. Last year, I didn't because of the shortage and I came down with the flu and was really miserable. It only lasted a few days, though.

The current flu vaccine doesn't offer protection against the Avian flu unfortunately.

Erica
 
I usuaally always get one. Didn't last year because of the shortage. I don't know if it helps or not, but since I haven't suffered any side-affects and since I have not had the flu in a very long time, I think it's worth it.


~Marietta
FITXME
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme
 
I usually get one every year. I couldn't get one last year because of the shortage of vaccine. Well, I DID get the flu.

When we went to the Dr. he told us that your immunity to the flu viruses increases EVERY YEAR that you get the vaccine. It's cumulative. He mentioned that I didn't have the symptoms as bad as I would have if I hadn't been receiving the vaccine every year.

From my experiences I think it works. Even if you do manage to get the flu after having the shot, the vaccine keeps you from feeling the "Oh Man just shoot me now" feelings!

Nadine

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I got the flu shot last year. I hadnt ever got one before last year. I broke out in hives (and down my throat too) and had flu-like symptoms for almost a whole week. I am not allergic to albumin (egg whites) so I dont know what I was allergic too. I will never ever get a flu shot again! I will take a chance that I wont get too sick if I get the flu.
 
I never have gotten a flu shot, though I DO get one for my daughter every year...I haven't gotten a "bad" flu in over 10 years (knock on wood), so don't feel it's necessary...

MJ in MN

MJ in MN
 
I work at a university, and had an aweful flu the first year I was here. Since then, I get flu shots (free from my U.). When I see how many students don't wash their hands after using the bathroom, I really am skeptical about their hygiene, and think they could easily pass on something.
 
I get a flu shot every year (except last year, due to the shortage) and have not had the flu in the 10 years or so that I've been getting vaccinated. My company offers flu shots to all employees for free, and I never pass it up. The flu shot is made with a killed virus, so there's no way it can give you the flu - although you may feel achy and lethargic for a short while after getting the shot (your body is working hard to make antibodies). The worst reaction I've ever had to the shot is a sore arm, and it only lasts for a day or two. The nasal flu vaccine contains a live, but weakened virus, so can have some more flu-like side effects and is only allowed for use in healthy people because of this. The flu is horrible - I'd much rather have a few mild side-effects from a vaccine than have the full-blown flu.
 
I get the shot every year at work. I get a sore arm and feel achy and yucky for about half a day, but that's not nearly as bad as being in bed for a week (which is what happened last time I had the flu, before I started getting the shot).
 
Every year I get the shot, the whole family does. I don't want to get sick and I don't want to be responsible for passing this bug on to someone who is really susceptible. It's such a small thing to do, but so effective.
Sherry
 
That sore arm thing can be really reduced by relaxing the muscle. One year, I had forgotten to wear a sleeveless top (we get our free shots in a public meeting room on campus), and had to hike my shoulder up out of my top. I was REALLY sore after that one!
 
I'm gonna be the odd girl out here and say...

I don't do flu shots...not me, not my kids.

I don't want to start a debate...so I'll leave it at that :)

Jamie
 
I have never had a flu shot, neither has my husband or 2 yr old daughter. I've never seen my husband get the flu in the 7+ years I've known him. My daughter has never had the flu, and I haven't been sick in forever. Either we have very strong immune systems or we are very lucky!!!!

Lori
 
I don't do flu shots and neither does my kids. They've never had the flu either.

Also, 3 of my doctors are against flu shots as well as my grandmother's doctor. Like Jamie said, I don't want to start a debate either.

Lisa
 
Jamie, We are with you on this one. My husband and I don't get it and we don't get it for our children (4 and 2). Sometimes we get the flu and sometimes we don't. We just deal with it as it comes. Melissa
 
I'm with the no flu shot crowd. I'd rather deal with the virus itself and build up the antibodies naturally, then deal with whatever else might be in a flu shot.

But, then again, even when I'm sick, I don't get THAT sick, so I'm never laid up for a week at a time with a flu virus. If I were, I might change my mind.

Now, if a shot for the bird flu comes out, I might get that one because the bird flu is completely different and we have no immunity.
 
I'm skeptical about it. My mom has gotten the flu from the shot, my grandmother died from getting the flu from the shot. I have only gotten the shot once and never got the flu, but I know my body is always changing so I don't want to risk getting the shot, but I know I risk getting the flu then either way. It is the chance I take.

Charlotte~~
 
The first year I got one, I got the flu. If I remember right they only last about 3 months. Plan to get these at least twice or later during flu season. From what I have experienced you take these seriously and check out the flu season. The flu can come on a lot more months than we are expectiong. It is beneficial if you are protected through the whole flu season.
Diane Sue
http://wd.1ww.us
 
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