Flu Shots: Yay, Nay or Maybe...

[Lexy]

Originally Posted by FitBoop

I had the flu twice and ended up both times in the ER on IV. Since then, I have gotten the flu shot every year and have not gotten the flu. I am very leery of shots, meds, etc., but after having the flu, I decided I would rather take the shot. The flu involves high fever, nausea and dehydration, and can last for days. The flu is dangerous. After experiencing the flu, it is so awful that you want to do anything to avoid it. You can get the flu in many ways. I caught it from someone after being in the same room with her for a couple of minutes. I didn't touch anything, so it came through the air.

Same here. Mine was respiratory though. IV for fluids and nebulizer. Don't want to do that again. Ever.

[Lexy]

Originally Posted by dianestjohn

This is from the CDC website:

Thanks for the info. I get my info from my doctor because I think it's more accurate. To each his own.

[Carol K]

If my doctor disagreed with the CDC, I would definitely ask him why.

[Lexy]

Too funny. There are tons of strains of flu or flu-like viruses. That's why.

[Sue B]

Originally Posted by Carol K

If my doctor disagreed with the CDC, I would definitely ask him why.

I don't think it's that her doctor necessarily disagrees with the CDC; more like, a medical professional who has your unique medical records and has personally examined you, versus a website with very general info.

[adawn]

Originally Posted by Sue B

My daughters are very pro-vaccine I remember taking them to the pediatrician for back-to-back checkups, when they were 5 and 3. My older DD needed a booster shot, and after she was done, her little sister jumped into the chair, stuck out her arm and said "Me too! Me too!" She was actually disappointed she didn't get a shot!

They were also the ones who reminded me when it was time to get the HPV series.

This (especially the reminder about the HPV series) made me .

[SharonNYC]

Originally Posted by Jennifer R

Lots of falsehoods and misinformation in that article.

Yes, doesn't read like it's reliably sourced!

[tiletha444]

Originally Posted by dianestjohn

I just want to point out that not everyone who gets the flu has that experience - most people who get the flu recover at home after a few days without complications. So sometimes those who say they have had the flu have actually had it but they have just not experienced severe symptoms or complications. WebMD says that 5% - 20% of Americans will get the flu each year so I think it hits some people harder than others.

Interesting thread. Each body is different. It's obvious from the various posts that everyone reacts differently or has more severe symptoms than others.

My husband got the flu last year (no flu shot). He went to the doctor, was tested, and it came back positive for the flu. He recovered at home after about three days.

I appreciate the respect that is throughout this thread.

[nevertoolate]

Originally Posted by tiletha444

Interesting thread. Each body is different. It's obvious from the various posts that everyone reacts differently or has more severe symptoms than others...

Yes, that is so true. We all do react differently. The trouble is, you can't know for sure how mildly or severely you're going to react if you do get the flu. That's where the flu shot can help. It can help prevent me from getting the flu or minimize the symptoms if I do get it. And if I don't get it, I can't spread it to someone else -- someone who might be even more vulnerable to severe symptoms than I am.

Since I know how nasty it can be, it's the flu shot for me.

Ann

[Jennifer P.]

I don't think I've ever had the flu, & I didn't even think about getting a flu shot. These days I get the flu shot to protect my elderly mother who has a ton of health problems & doesn't need getting the flu from me to add to them. I will probably continue getting the flu shot if she leaves this earth before me.