Flu Shot, If You Do That

[mso489]

I once heard from one of the top U.S. national health officials, who had worked on flu and other vaccines, that she'd doesn't have them! So I know there are mixed reviews. Whether through good medicine or good placebo effect, I've had them since I was in school and largely avoided flu. Last winter I had what I interpret as a case of the flu muted by the flu shot; I almost went to the doctor, but finally didn't. I went to my chain drugstore today and they were out of the senior dose, but another store in the same chain wasn't, and had no line, and didn't insist I go to the back room but just did it in the waiting area. The young woman pharmacist was knowledgeable and helpful. Maybe this year I won't have any flu symptoms. All this as a reminder, for those who subscribe to flu shots but haven't had them, it's time.

 

[alaskanpiper]

I never did. Until I got the flu. I have every year since. I haven't got the flu. Anectodal, FWIW. Especially important now with the baby in the house, she can't get hers until 6 months, which thankfully is Nov. 1.

A good reminder for folks! Hopefully this doesn't turn into a Vax vs. Anti-vax thread..........please........

 

[mso489]

Notice I'm not telling folks to get a flu shot, or not. Just reminding them that if they do that, now is the time.

 

[scloyd]

I get a flu shot every year. Why not? Doesn't cost me a anything.

 

[alaskanpiper]

Notice I'm not telling folks to get a flu shot, or not. Just reminding them that if they do that, now is the time.

Totally get it, Tom! It's a good reminder, and a good post. Just hoping to plant the seed early in this one so it can take the course you intended and not turn political.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I like and respect my Doctor who is, in my opinion, very competent as a physician. We discussed this at length. He highly recommends the flue and shingles vaccinations. I asked and he answered that he gets them himself. I started getting the flu shot 2 years ago and have gotten it every year since. Have not gotten the flu. Got the first shingles vaccination a month ago, will get the follow up in a couple of months.

 

[scloyd]

Good point Hoosier. I also got the shingle vaccination.

 

[agnosticpipe]

My wife and I are at that age where the flu can cause more serious problems, so for the last 10 years we've gotten flue shots, and last year we got the first of 2 pneumonia shots. So far it seems to work, and it's cheap insurance!

 

[SpookedPiper]

I like and respect my Doctor who is, in my opinion, very competent as a physician. We discussed this at length. He highly recommends the flue and shingles vaccinations. I asked and he answered that he gets them himself. I started getting the flu shot 2 years ago and have gotten it every year since. Have not gotten the flu. Got the first shingles vaccination a month ago, will get the follow up in a couple of months.

He really has to as he comes into contact with too many people. I was always told to wait until late October as the scientist are able to better isolate a vaccine that will cover most of the flu Virus strains so that you don't get as sick. Ymmv..I got mine today too!!

 

[spartacus]

I'm not against the flu shot. I just don't get them and I haven't gotten the flu.

 

[crawdad]

I work in the lab of a top tier hospital in microbiology. Please everyone, do get your shots especially if you have diabetes.

 

[Spa32]

Never have, never will. I feel it's unnecessary.

 

[mso489]

There's a specific version for people 65 and over, so if that is your age range, be sure to ask for that, for those who look younger than your years. More flu fatalities occur in the age group. On Forums, either flu or flue are good spellings. Flue cured, flu cured...er, prevented.

 

[ray47]

I went to the doctor for my 6 month checkup and the Senior vaccine was not available. My doctor told me to come back in 2 weeks. I was going to but I got a bad case of Bronchitis. I'm waiting for it to go away before I get the flu shot. It's the first time I've been sick in 15 yrs. I'm 72 yrs old and a big believer in getting a flu shot. I also have COPD so the flu may be fatal to me.

 

[Ctbill]

Interesting CDC info: vaccine components for the 2019-2020 flu season were chosen back in March 2019...
General effective period is for 6 months.
I think the “wait until October” suggestion is more for efficacy than formulation. Stay healthy everyone! Pipes smoke and taste better without the flu! ?

 

[olkofri]

Don't get them. Don't intend to. I got very sick with the flu last December. Homoeopathy to the rescue. Still won't get any flu shots.

Later on I watched a video where a doctor explained these shots protect you from only one or two strains, out of many. Actual effective protection is less than 20%. I won't bother.

 

[dcon]

I got mine last week. My wife always refuses. I have gotten it annually for the last decade. I did have the flu once. Supposedly, it was a strain not predicted that year. As Old Ben said, “An ounce of prevention...”

 

[perdurabo]

I get a flu shot every year. Why not? Doesn't cost me a anything.

It cost somebody.

 

[gervais]

I have had it in the past, but haven't for several years now. There is just something about injecting myself with a foreign substance that probably hasn't had long term effects studied that doesn't sit well with me. But that's just my opinion. I could very well be paranoid for nothing ?‍

 

[tnfan]

I’m 72 years old and I get a flu shot every year. I have a compromised immune system due to a somewhat rare bone marrow disorder. I get shots twice a week to assist in keeping my blood counts at a relative safe level. Last thing I need is the flu. Also had the shingle shot.