Flu shot...

[Laiste]

I was curious to know how many of you chose to have a flu shot. I just got mine this morning...I never got one before and every year I get the flu real bad! I have to admit...I feel the affects of the shot already. I feel like I have the begining of a chest cold. I've been told that the symtoms don't get much worse than that.
Hope that's true!:rolleyes:

[Faery-Wings]

I get one every year. I started getting them when I was was teaching three and four year olds. Lovely getting coughed and sneezed and puked on on a regular basis. The shot was my only defense!

Now I am not teaching, but I have two kids and a hubby who get sick a lot. And as all the other moms here will agree, MOMs are *not* allowed to sick. So I get my shot so I can nurse everyone else. *G*

Actually my son gets a flu shot every year since he has a heart defect and my hubby is diabetic and finally got a flu and pneumonia this year, so I hope we will have a helathy year!

Chris

[Adrenaline Junkie]

I've heard several good and a couple bad things about the flu shot.

For the sake of the bad, I heard that if you do get the flu - the shot will fight antibiotics you put into your body. Anyone know if this is true?

[Old Witch]

I have to get them because of asthma and chronic bronchitis. And I still get sick, altho I've been known to get pneumonia, then get the flu...after the shot and all. My luck.....

[mato]

poor me i cant afford them, ah well I am no baby, every time I get the flue it is My job to take care of every other sick person in the house. Few actually no the discusting job it is to clean up some one elses puke while you are so sick that you think that the newly cleaned spot on the floor looks a tempting place to take a nap... Once again I am no baby, I work through the cold flue and anthrax, tylonal (sp?) is for wimps! Nyquil? Nyquil! NYQUIL!!! That's cheating!
I cant afford to get sick so I dont get sick any more, it is a simple system that I have found to work. Not so much mind over matter as it is money over matter.

[Adrenaline Junkie]

Where do you reside mato?

In Ontario, we get em for free. Finally, the gov't pays for something.

[Laiste]

There are a lot of places in New York who offer the flu shot for free as well...I'm sure the same goes for elsewhere in the country. Also, insurance pays for it.

[Faery-Wings]

Yup- I got mine at Shop Rite for $10. My town also sponsors clinics for $15. You can call your town nurse/health clinic and find out if there are running any.

Chris

[Myst]

My mom and dad have to get it, we're talking about getting it too. :)

[Scipeno]

I am required to have it because of my job.
I never get sick from it but know people who do.
The only vaxinations I am wery of is the Gama Goblin and Japanise Ensphilits

[odysseus]

I can get it for free where I work, the first year I had one was also the only year I got bronchitis. I had horrible problems with my lungs. I know many who get it and still get the flu. It doesn't cover all strains. I havn't gotten a shot in 9 years. I've had the flu twice. One cold a year, if I'm not exercising regularly.

[mato]

Originally posted by Adrenaline Junkie
Where do you reside mato?

In Ontario, we get em for free. Finally, the gov't pays for something.

South of the boarder... And I think they abolished public aid or something here so it is purely by pay, unless you will die otherwise, then I think a private bis takes the bill. Once again my method has prevented illness for several years, I must be doing something right!

[DreamSpell333]

Originally posted by Laiste
I was curious to know how many of you chose to have a flu shot. I just got mine this morning...I never got one before and every year I get the flu real bad! I have to admit...I feel the affects of the shot already. I feel like I have the begining of a chest cold. I've been told that the symtoms don't get much worse than that.
Hope that's true!:rolleyes:

I choose not to get the flu shot. I have asthma, and even though I probably should. with asthma i would probably get it even worse.

My co worker got the flu shot and a couple days later, he ear got all red, and then her entire face swelled up. she missed a week of work! she felt fine, but her face looked horrible.

[Old Witch]

Flu shots are nearly free at the Health Dept. They are on a sliding scale according to your income.

[Myst]

I never had the flu until I was 20, and then I had kidney stones and several infections, so I think my immune system was knackered.

[s1ren]

I get them every year because my job provides them for free, right in the office. The couple of years I didn't, I got the flu several times. This year was the first time I got the flu FROM the flu shot, but it was very mild and only lasted a day.


The only vaxinations I am wery of is the Gama Goblin and Japanise Ensphilits

What are these?

-s1ren

[DreamSpell333]

It's different with everyone. Yet I know that it would affect me differently since I have asthma and get colds worse. I had the flu this year and it was pretty bad. I'm not sure wether the flu shot would help me or not, but i'm not sure I would want to take the chance....

[Flar's Freyja]

I was getting them every year until last year, when a week after the shot I had the worst case I had ever had. I had also been taking a lot of antibiotics and was concerned that I might be becoming immune to them, so I suffered through it without anything but Echinachea, Vitamin C and Fenugreek Seed Tea. I was so feverish for a few days that I was delirious. But although I felt worse, I don't think I had it any longer than normal. I chose not to get the shot this year.

[Scarlettvixen]

Sorry guys but you dont become immune to antibiotics!
if you take them too much the germs become resistant to them so they no longer work. Problem with the flu is its generally caused by viruses not bacteria. antibiotics work against bacteria, they have no effect against viruses. Currently western medicine has no effective treatment for viruses once you have caught them, that is where herbal medicine has a major role to play

The flu shot wont protect you against every possible flu virus. the experts look at what caused the flu last year and what viruses were going round on the other side of the world and mix up a vaccination with those strains. If you still get the flu then you got unlucky and got a virus that wasnt put in the vaccine.

I have had the flu shots for the last 3 yrs, and i have found that i still get colds and the flu, however i am not as sick as i used to be.
as an asthmatic i used to end up in hospital or on steroids with them, now i dont need to

blessed be

[TheTheologin]

Never gotten the flu shot.......................never gotten the flu.


I have had bad colds and bronchitus but never the flu

[Old Witch]

Just heard on the news, Thursday, I think, that the flu is really bad in my area right now. At least across the river in Ga. I feel like hiding! I'm taking my herbs religiously (vitamins too!).

[Danustouch]

Many Pharmacies, and stores have flu shot clinics..reasonably priced. Ten dollars, most of the time.

I for one think it's worth the fee, and worth the occasional side effects one might get directly after the shot (for me, usually a slight fever, and muscle pain).

I have athsma, and they reccomend anyone with lung disorders get vaccinated.

One year, about three or four years ago, there was a particularly virulent form of Flu going around, and I got it. I wound up getting the Flu, and Pneumonia at the same time. And wouldn't you know that was the ONE year that I didn't get vaccinated.

I was in bed for a week and a half, and out of work. I was in so much pain when I did return to work, that I couldn't even wear a bra. The pressure of the straps on my skin and muscles were agonizing. I don't think I'd ever want to risk being that sick again.

[Garnet]

My employer offers flu, tetnus, & hepatitis shots for free.
I'm allergic to all of them. *sigh* It just figures.

[Twilight Garden]

I really wish I had this year. I have been horribly sick the past week. That's why I've been on so much this past week. Nothing else to do and I can't sleep because of this cough. NOTHING is helping it. I went to the doctor Friday and the meds aren't working. She gave me tessalon perles and they haven't put a dent in my coughing. I'm going back tomorrow. :rolleyes:

[flar7]

take about 3 weeks to build up your immune system, and if you get the flu and have had the vaccine, you can bet you are having
an easier time of it than without the shot.
They actually chase the flu year round and modify the vaccine,
usually once per year. They target the specific virus, not guess,
otherwise the shot would be useless. Every year the virus
mutates and becomes resistant to the vaccine and thats why you
need a new one every year.
I have been getting a flu shot every year for 36 years...except this
year(I am being stupid and lazy)
Usually, you get local irritation, a little redness, maybe some
swelling(hardly ever), and somtimes a mild fever for 24 hours.
Beats a week of intense and sometimes life threatening discomfort.

[WynnJera]

Being an Elderly care worker in my late 20's I do not mind getting something I do not have to pay for and that will not only protect me and my resisident's HOWEVER once I age to midlife ( menopause ) I shall no longer get it as it is one of the factors in women to getting Shy Draggers (Multiple Systems Atrophy) ~ Jonney Cash just died from it and if anyone watch's ER Cater's Gramma just was given that diagnosis ...

INFO

Multiple system atrophy with autonomic failure, also called Shy-Drager syndrome, is a progressive disorder of the central and autonomic nervous systems. The disorder is characterized by postural hypotension--an excessive drop in blood pressure which causes dizziness or momentary blackouts upon standing or sitting up. There are 3 types of Shy-Drager syndrome: Parkinsonian-type which may include symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as slow movement, stiff muscles, and mild tremors; cerebellar-type which may include problems such as loss of balance and the tendency to fall; and combination-type which may include symptoms of both types 1 and 2. Parkinsonian symptoms and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction such as constipation and sexual impotence in males predominate early in the course of the disease. Constipation may be unrelenting and hard to manage in some patients. Shy-Drager may be difficult to diagnose in the early stages; however, within a year of onset most patients develop postural hypotension. For the majority of patients, blood pressure is unstable--often fluctuating up and down--and causes severe headaches. Other symptoms may also develop, such as generalized weakness, double vision and/or other vision disturbances, impairment of speech, sensory changes, difficulties with breathing and swallowing, irregularities in heart beat, inability to sweat, and diarrhea.

Shy-Drager is often difficult totreat because of the fluctuations in blood pressure. The general treatment course is aimed at controlling symptoms. Anti-Parkinson medication, such as L-dopa, may be helpful but should be used with caution because it can lower blood pressure, causing blackouts. To relieve low blood pressure, dietary increases of salt and fluid may be beneficial. Medications to elevate blood pressure such as corticosteroids may cause side effects and should be carefully monitored by a physician. Alpha-adrenergic medications, metoclopramide, ergotamine derivatives, and indomethacin are useful in many cases. Sleeping in a head-up position at night may reduce headaches and morning dizziness. An artificial feeding tube or breathing tube may be surgically inserted for management of swallowing and breathing difficulties. In rare cases, a pacemaker may be implanted to correct heart irregularities.


Shy-Drager usually ends in death 7 to 10 years after the onset of symptoms. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death, although irregularities in heart beat may be responsible for death in some patients.

So there is my input on the thread ......

[Dellit Tandannon]

i have never gotten a flu shot.
i enjoy having a killer immune system :)

[Garnet]

Thanks for the info, WynnJera. Yeeks.

[WynnJera]

Garnet you are welcome ~ I work with the eldergy and have for more than 1/2 of my life so I have pretty much seem it all ~ so I am very careful in my life not to fall into similar traps so to speak ~ that is the very reason I do not take antibiotic's ~ I do not wanna get VRE ~ Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus ...

Scarlettvixen already put it here to a point ~
Sorry guys but you dont become immune to antibiotics!

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus is a mutant strain of Enterococcus that originally developed in individuals who were exposed to the antibiotic. It was first identified in Europe in 1986, and in the U.S. in 1988.

VRE is dangerous because it cannot be controlled with antibiotics, and it causes life-threatening infections in people with compromised immune systems - the very young, the very old, and the very ill.

It is especially dangerous because it can easily transmit the resistance genes to other, more dangerous bacteria, such as staph and strep. Two cases of vancomycin-resistant staph have been identified in the U.S. in the last two months. These could cause serious infections even in otherwise healthy people.

How can it affect me?
Although VRE generally doesn't affect healthy people, anyone who comes in contact with the bacteria can become a carrier. Once you become a carrier, you can easily spread the bacteria to friends and family. In addition, if you become a chronic carrier of VRE, you could easily become infected when you are older or in declining health.

The spread of VRE isn't thoroughly documented or understood, but estimates from Europe are that 3.5% to 5% of the population may be carriers of VRE. VRE first appeared in the U.S. on the East Coast and spread to the West Coast. It is likely that carrier rates in those areas will take a couple of years to catch up to the European carrier rates.

It's particular important to avoid becoming a carrier if you share a home with those at risk - the very young, the very old or the very ill.

How can I be exposed to it?

You can be exposed to VRE by coming in contact with a contaminated object or person, or by eating contaminated food.

VRE has been cultured from hospital equipment, doorknobs, and bedrails. It has also been cultured on the hands of hospital personnel. Anyone who frequents hospitals should be considered at risk for carrying VRE.

Of course, you can be exposed to VRE by a single visit to the hospital, but people who work in hospitals (even administrative personnel) are at much higher risk for being exposed and becoming a carrier.

So I not only do not want to become a carrier nor do I want to become a resident for VRE ~ So I like the flu shot I will take it until I am at rish for Shy Dreggers ~ I will only take Antibiotic's if I am on my last legs and can not take it anymore ~ I am lucky and I have great DR who knows my stance on Health so he tends not to puch things on me to much ~ I guess it really come down to being informed about your choices and what those choices will lead to ~ BB ~ WynnJera ~

[Illuminatus]

I never get the flu, so I never get flu shots!

If I'm vomiting it's because I drank too much or got food poisoned (these are far more common occurances!)

[shnen]

My Dr. says that only people with compromised immune systems should get the flu shot... which would be elderly, persons with AIDS, Cancer, etc.

I agree with her, even though I just got over a kick ass flu, there are no guarantees you won't get it anyway. Besides, our bodies are built to deal with the flu every now and then.

Just my thoughts...

[GreenDawn]

I got mine for the first time this year, and for the first time I didn't catch a cold (so far;) )

I plan on getting it from now on. Only do it if you are totally not sick at all. You can still catch the flu virus if your immune system is down at all:eek:

Just my 2 cents. Hope it helped!

[Illuminatus]

I didn't get one, and I have not been sick since the Summer.

[Oridian]

WynnJera, Scarletvixxen, and Flar have all brought out good points on the flu vaccines.

Points like that the vaccine given is ussually the vaccine for the flu strain that is most common at the time or projected to be.

This doesn't insure resistance to other strains.

My own opinion on flu shots is that the best defense is eating well, getting plenty of vitamens and minerals, and exercising regularly to keep the bodies function at its best.

No drug, medicine, or shot can outdo the body's miracles of healing and health.

Not saying that medicines don't have thier place, just that they shouldn't be the forefront of the search for health.

[shnen]

All that... and I'm NOT getting any more needles... I get enough the way it is! Not just that, but what are you injecting into me???

I just don't like the whole idea of it.. gives me the willies!
:blushake: :ack:

[Phoenix Blue]

**Smiles** My flu shot is annual and mandatory (that's military life for ya). I take it on a Friday and sleep off the mild effects of the shot over the weekend. . . and it works well, I haven't had a flu or even a cold since I've been in the service.

[Chibi-Fallon]

Did you all learn nothing from Homer Simpson! ;) Do you wanna be dragged onto that island because you know to much?
I don't like getting any more shots then I have to. I don't get sick much anyway. So no flu shot for Chibi.

[Dellit Tandannon]

we're talking about reality. the flu shot, although its not good for some people, is a great thing.

[Chibi-Fallon]

F reality. :razz: Let me have my fun.

[Laiste]

Originally posted by Chibi-Fallon
F reality. :razz: Let me have my fun.

Ahhh the height of maturity!!:rolleyes:

Save your razz and fun for just silly! Thanks:)