Flu shot??? To recieve or not to recieve??? [Archive] - HP Deals, Computer Coupons And Bargains

Mommypooh

11-09-2005, 10:16 AM

Will you be getting the Flu Shot this year or any other year for that matter??? Where do you stand on the controversy. I have been to a lot of other forums and I am one of the few that vacinates my kids and myself as well. I want hear your opinion. Please keep it civil this is opinion only.

esme

11-09-2005, 10:28 AM

I received mine last week, my boss has a dr/nurse come to our office, shoot us, feeds us and that should keep less employees out of work because of the flu ....or so he thinks :)

before I had my daughter I would catch either the flu/cold at least once a month ....lately not so much, maybe 2-3 times in a year. not sure if it's the shot or not that's helping .....but i still take it every year.

Cubsfan

11-09-2005, 10:28 AM

Already got mine. Where is the controversy? I didn't know there was one

MikeD

11-09-2005, 10:29 AM

Shouldn't you get it prior to December, or thereabouts?

I know it's effective even if you get it later than that, but I think most doctors advise that you get it in October or November.

BTW, we've all had ours (me, wife, kids). :thumb:

esme

11-09-2005, 10:32 AM

BTW, we've all had ours (me, wife, kids). :thumb:

i haven't given my daughter one yet .....someone was commenting about mercury in certain shots ....anyone care to enlighten me?

:sick:

MikeD

11-09-2005, 10:33 AM

i haven't given my daughter one yet .....someone was commenting about mercury in certain shots ....anyone care to enlighten me?

:sick:

I'm not sure about those less than one year old. I can't recall if we had ours get shots that early. :shrug:

dbax791

11-09-2005, 10:50 AM

Yes, I always get it.

I used to always get the flu on New Years Eve, year after year.

Then I started getting flu shots, and went 4-5 years without the flu.

Last year, when they ran out, I did not get one and had 2 bad cases of the flu and even lost 8 lbs in one week.

Just got mine a couple of weeks ago.

zenbooty

11-09-2005, 11:00 AM

Never had a flu shot in my life. I never even knew they were common except for older folks, until the past few years.

Butch

11-09-2005, 11:18 AM

I used to get one when I was in grade school, I think . . . but I can't remember the last time I got one. I haven't been really sick in years . . . in fact, I've never missed a day of work due to sickness (5 years running).

I'd rather avoid any sort of medication/shots until I really need it.

Here's to hoping the healthy streek continues :cheers:

zippyjuan

11-09-2005, 11:43 AM

Never had one. First, I rarely get sick (perhaps no kids to share the germs everyone else gets) and secondly it is based on last year's virus. It is usually a slightly different version every year so I believe a shot would only offer minimal protection at best.

avlena

11-09-2005, 12:02 PM

the 2 times i got the flu shot, I got sick shortly after, and didn't seem to have a particularly healthy winter either. So, i choose to avoid flu shots.

Mommypooh

11-09-2005, 12:14 PM

A lot of the folks on my other sites that I visit are against the idea of any shots period, so I guess it is not a far strech to think they would be against the flu shot. A lot of them are citing that there is mercury and aluminum in the vacines and such. I am not as crunchy as most of them are.

both of my kids recieved theirs this morning, and cammie will get the other half of his next month. I have nothing against the shot myself. I will say the first year I got it I was really sick but that year was the first that I worked in reatail with money, so hard to say weather it was the shot or the money I was handling. I have gotten almost every year since and I am not sick very often anymore. Again that could be due to I am now a Stay at home mom and I don't go anywhere, so I am not exposed to everything like I used to be. I will continue to get it until I don't feel the need to any more.

but also right now with me being one of the primary care takers of my Grandma I think me and the kids should get the shot as well to keep from taking germs over and getting her sick.

InfiniteNothing

11-09-2005, 12:16 PM

They must have forgotten to deactivate your strains. ;). I'm thinking about getting my first one.

Mommypooh

11-09-2005, 12:20 PM

the shot is an inactive strain but for those of you who do the nasal spray it is a live virus and you are advaced to stay away from the sick and elderly and hospitals because you can spread it for up to 21 days after it is administered.

Merlin

11-09-2005, 12:21 PM

I have not gotten a flu shot in many years. In general I am very healthy/hardy and very rarly get sick. Sometimes the sniffles but usually not too much more than that. So I pass. Moreover, I have no disease ridden children so I am much less at risk.

cheapie

11-09-2005, 12:27 PM

Again that could be due to I am now a Stay at home mom and I don't go anywhere, so I am not exposed to everything like I used to be. I will continue to get it until I don't feel the need to any more.

do you go to the grocery store? that's all the exposure you need to come down w/something.

and nope. we don't get them.

Freelance Superhero

11-09-2005, 12:41 PM

i've never gotten one either. but then again, i don't really take much medicine for anything...

Grafalgar

11-09-2005, 12:44 PM

As far as I remember I've never had the flu (nor has my sister), and cannot remember the last time I had a flu shot (possibly in elementary school or earlier).

From what I've been told, the flu knocks you off feet and into bed with much misery to follow (fevers, headaches, etc?). Since I get no more than a few days worth of sniffles perhaps once a year, I opt out of the flu shot :)

.. though I did seem to come down with a horribly sore throat last night, with no other symptoms (no headache, fever, fatigue, etc).:sweat:

Houdini

11-09-2005, 01:28 PM

From what I've been told, the flu knocks you off feet and into bed with much misery to follow (fevers, headaches, etc?). Since I get no more than a few days worth of sniffles perhaps once a year, I opt out of the flu shot :)

Yeah, the flu can be rough. Some people feel kinda crappy for a day or so after the shot, but I usually encourage people to get them. Just got mine yesterday.

DarkFury

11-09-2005, 01:35 PM

I got mine this morning...

Getting it at work = free

Going to the doctor to get it = $15 copayment. Free is GOOD!!! :D

zippyjuan

11-09-2005, 01:44 PM

do you go to the grocery store? that's all the exposure you need to come down w/something.

and nope. we don't get them.
I work in a grocery store and get sick maybe once a year or two.

Sweetpear

11-09-2005, 02:14 PM

I got my flu shot for the first time this year. I usually dont get sick, maybe once a year if that... but my mom was going and i figured why not? at least i know i am protected again 3 different viruses ( upper repertory) the shot i got doesnt protect me from the stomach flu, but when i do get sick, its usually a bad cough anyway... plus the shot was free :woohoo:

BigJon

11-09-2005, 02:23 PM

Flu shot = the devil

scratch that...

any shot = the devil

no pokey pokey my skin

Mommypooh

11-09-2005, 02:35 PM

Flu shot = the devil

scratch that...

any shot = the devil

no pokey pokey my skin

that is what you think you are going for a physical soon if I have to drug you and drag you then sit on you.

Grimm

11-09-2005, 03:44 PM

Already got mine. Where is the controversy? I didn't know there was one
Some people become symptomatic after receiving the shot. Their bodies react to the dead virus and get fever, aches, and chills, just like they were really sick. It usualy passes after a few days.
That combined with people who caught the flu before receiving the shot and developing symptoms after the shot caused people to believe the shot could actualy give the flu.

I am one of the people who become symptomatic. It sucks and I dread getting the shot. But as my roommate suffers ill health and is at risk I will probably get it.

molecularfire

11-09-2005, 07:46 PM

Just got mine yesterday also.

I am a big believer in the flu shot. It actually protects you against 3 strains of the flu (last year's strain and the two strains that they think are going to cause the most trouble this year) and is an inactive vaccine so there isn't a risk of developing the actual flu. Some people do get a reaction to the vaccine but that's just because their body is going nuts beating a dead virus or they have a reaction to the vaccine (ex: people who are allergic to eggs).
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/sideeffectsinact.htm

The stuff about mercury and aluminum is bull. You get more mercury eating a piece of fish than you will get from the vaccine and it's not nearly enough to cause problems (<1 microgram of thimerisol per dose).

As for children, the AAP (american academy of pediatrics) guidelines recommend vaccinating children over 6 months old for the flu vaccine.

Cubsfan

11-09-2005, 07:52 PM

Some people become symptomatic after receiving the shot. Their bodies react to the dead virus and get fever, aches, and chills, just like they were really sick. It usualy passes after a few days.
That combined with people who caught the flu before receiving the shot and developing symptoms after the shot caused people to believe the shot could actualy give the flu.

I am one of the people who become symptomatic. It sucks and I dread getting the shot. But as my roommate suffers ill health and is at risk I will probably get it.
Interesting. So it's not really controversial, it's just got some possible side effects. I REALLY hate getting the flu, so even if there's only a 10% chance that it stops the flu, it's worth it to me! :)

Mommypooh

11-09-2005, 08:29 PM

http://www.mercola.com/2003/dec/17/flu_vaccine.htm

here is a link I get refered to a lot to read about the contraversy of the flu shot. I just sit and roll my eyes. But please don't think I buy this, I am all for the shot, so don't shoot the messanger.

Gothic Girl

11-09-2005, 08:33 PM

I haven't gotten the flu in about 10 years. Funnily enough, that was also the last time I got a flu shot.

AlpineJay

11-09-2005, 09:56 PM

it's free through my school every year. seeing as this is possibly my last year in school (at least here), why not.

nickel

11-10-2005, 05:43 AM

i dont know... :sad: i hate needles...:cry: :cry: :cry:
what's a little pin prick? toughen up boy. :P

Jeffbx

11-10-2005, 06:00 AM

They bring in a nurse & give them out right at my office, so I'll get one. If it weren't that free & convenient, I probably never would.

oblongmelon

11-10-2005, 07:17 AM

I never used to get the shot and never got the flu...but then some bright spark at the hospital made it mandatory for anyone who worked with babies, mothers, pregnant women, and geriatrics HAD to get the shot..they provided it free. Then the unthinkable happened. 11 of us all came down with unbearable symptoms at the same time and could not work..BIG BOO BOO on the hospital's part..our specialty units were put in a critical position of having to have float people come in who didn't know the departments...The next few years, they made the shots "optional" but recommended..some got them and some didn't..I took a second attempt and got sick as a dog..I think I got the shots for 4 years before I finally caved and said no more.
In some wierd thought process of mine, I just think that if you get the flu naturally, you develop more natural antibodies and will be less apt to get really sick the next time you get a cold.. :shrug:

Kevster

11-10-2005, 04:21 PM

They give them free at my work, so I'm getting one next Wednesday. I get one every year since I'm not paying for it. I haven't had the flu in years. The last time I had it was because if roared through my office like a freight train thanks to someone getting it from their 5-year old who picked it up from kindergarten. Of course they tried to tough it out and happened to spread it around the entire office for days. After that, my boss set a policy that if you're sick, STAY HOME. There is no use trying to tough it out and wiping out the office with it.

I don't mind needles and I'm not queezy at the sight of blood - I've seen plenty of my own to be well over that.

Freelance Superhero

11-10-2005, 05:29 PM

i've never gotten one either. but then again, i don't really take much medicine for anything...
ok, who jinxed me? i got sick last night... :sick:

DarkFury

11-10-2005, 07:28 PM

ok, who jinxed me? i got sick last night... :sick:
psychosomatic mabye? :heh:

Grimm

11-10-2005, 07:51 PM

ok, who jinxed me? i got sick last night... :sick:
It was me. :wavey:

Hey, I'm supposed to be evil. I gotta do stuff like that. :D

Markel

11-10-2005, 08:28 PM

ok, who jinxed me? i got sick last night... :sick:
Hmmm. (http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93752)

Freelance Superhero

11-10-2005, 11:29 PM

It was me. :wavey:

Hey, I'm supposed to be evil. I gotta do stuff like that. :Di knew it! can't trust you or revil...

WhiskeyPapa

11-11-2005, 11:34 AM

Jcranmer

11-11-2005, 01:08 PM

I have always been very much against the flu shots. To me it seemed like most people who got them, still ended up with the flu. Having said that though, I actually got one this year for the first time in my life. I guess my current poor health finally made me decide to do it. Or it could be the fact that my doctor has been bugging me for years to get it. :)

At least I am not one that gets the flu like side effects with it.

ooBaKeep

11-11-2005, 01:25 PM

I've never gotten a flu shot. I think I should. I've already had 2 students go home with the flu. This one is sneaky, you feel fine one minute... hurling the next. :sick:

Houdini

11-12-2005, 07:14 AM

It used to be that the flu shot was only for the elderly or those who's life would be threatened by the flu. Now it's for everyone. Why? More money for everyone on the supply side.

I doubt it. Evidence shows that it works, and it is quickly approaching standard of care. It actually can SAVE money in work hours/sick/hospital time if people don't get the flu. Even younger people have died from past recent flu strains. As MF pointed out, there is really no real risk, and one has everything to gain. I always encourage people to get the shot.

Kevster

11-12-2005, 12:44 PM

I doubt it. Evidence shows that it works, and it is quickly approaching standard of care. It actually can SAVE money in work hours/sick/hospital time if people don't get the flu. Even younger people have died from past recent flu strains. As MF pointed out, there is really no real risk, and one has everything to gain. I always encourage people to get the shot.

I mainly get one not just for myself, but because I am around many older and elderly people, including my neighbor who is undergoing chemo right now for breast cancer. If I get the flu somehow, I sure as hell don't want to give it to them. I have actually put off visits to my parents before because I wasn't feeling well because of a stupid cold or something and didn't want to possibly give anything to my Dad, who has chronic bronchitis thanks to decades of smoking and asbestos exposure (from resilient floor tile).

molecularfire

11-12-2005, 11:30 PM

It used to be that the flu shot was only for the elderly or those who's life would be threatened by the flu. Now it's for everyone. Why? More money for everyone on the supply side.

No flu shots for me or our family. Maybe when I'm old, I'll consider it.
Actually the reason why we keep having problems with flu shot supplies is that you don't make money with flu shots. Companies don't want to make the vaccine because it is not lucrative. It's expensive to make, and you can't sell it for much. The reasons why it is now more widely accepted is because data from other countries (where primary care is taken more seriously than it is in the U.S.) shows that good vaccination programs lead to much fewer sick days, fewer deaths, and an overall longer life expectancy. One of the primary reasons why the U.S. is ranked 17th or so in life expectancy while spending about twice as much of our %GDP as the other countries whose populace has longer life expectancies is because we don't focus on primary care. We are great at throwing tons of money into medications and procedures that treat the sick, but we don't do much in the way of keeping healthy people healthy despite the fact that there is tons of data from almost every other industrialized country that that is what really makes the difference in the long run.

Paymaster

11-14-2005, 12:38 PM

I was going to get one, but Kaiser has already "run out" of flu vaccines this year in my area. They canceled all of their local flu clinics on the day I was scheduled to go to one. I suppose I could start calling around and chasing the supply, but what a PITA. I'll roll the dice instead.

riskykougra

11-19-2005, 09:23 AM