Do you get your flu shot?

I'm pretty sure the last time I got a flu shot, I was in college (the first time.) I got horribly sick a week later, and haven't gotten one since.

I've been thinking about it a lot this year, though. I would go into Rage Mode if someone told me they didn't want to get immunity shots for their kids, and it finally hit me: "hey, dumbass, you're doing the SAME THING." So, yeah, I'll be getting one this year, for the first time in ages.

 

I have my appointment next week. Our insurance at work covers it 100% and we're on the clock while waiting in line and getting vaccinated, so there's really no reason not to. I opt for the shot instead of the nasal spray because I'd rather not risk the exceedingly small chance of contracting the flu from the live virus version. There's a growing body of evidence that many individuals who received the 2009 Pandemic H1N1 vaccine have developed broad spectrum immunity to all H- and N- strains, and my experience being repeatedly exposed to people with the flu with no ill effects leads me to believe that I am likely one of them, but I'm going to play it safe until the evidence is conclusive or a universal flu vaccine is available (there are a couple that are likely to be available in the next 10 years.)

In the past few years, prevalent strains have evolved resistance to Tamiflu pretty quickly. Even if it helps you, you're still contagious before showing symptoms.

What an appropriate username/post combination.

I keep up on the vaccine schedule as much for you guys as I do for myself. It may not be as vital working at a college as it is for people in healthcare, but I feel it's a major social responsibility to do everything possible to prevent myself from spreading contagious diseases.

It's important to remember that you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. There's a slight risk from the nasal spray, so if you have any concerns you can request the injection. You may experience slight flu-like symptoms due to the immune response, but that's it. If you get the flu after getting a flu shot, it's because of the same reason you're getting the shot: because it's flu season. It takes several weeks for full immunity to develop and you can get sick during the interim.

 

Thanks to everyone supporting the flu shot. I'm finally getting mine this weekend. Remember, it doesn't matter if you "never get sick". The vaccine isn't just for you. It's for everyone around you.

 

Not yet. It's on my list of things to do.

 

Many years ago, when I was company clerk in the Army, we got the first flu shots. Since we (me and my helpers) checked off each soldier as they got the shot, we decided not to get them and each marked the other's shot card. Out of 197 people in the unit, we were the only ones who didn't get sick within two days. I've avoided the shots since.

 

Flu-like symptoms after the shots are not the same as having the flu. They were not sick. Their bodies were responding the way they were meant to and developing antibodies for the antigens in the flu shot. Which then made them immune to those antigens.

 

Got mine today at my OB appointment.

My arm hurts. :-(

 

You may feel a little rundown later on tonight, too. The flu shot this year kind of kicked my butt. I've spoken with a couple of my classmates who reported feeling the same way.

 

It an uphill battle with the anti-fluies. Almost identical to anti- child-vaccine die-hards. Same illogic. The herds will be thinned eventually. Sadly, they'll take down high-risk folks with them.

 

The arm will be much better tomorrow.
A prego mama with the flu is a terrible thing. You were/are smart to take care of you and Baby Squirrel!

 

Glad you gave the head's up. It's been a breeze for so many seasons now, I would have been taken totally by surprise. Thanks.

 

Double-required, work in healthcare and in the Army.

 

Never felt sick. Arm still hurts though. :-(

 

One of the best ways to eliminate the soreness, in my experience, is exercise (specifically shoulder exercise). It sucks to start out with, but after 10 minutes or so the soreness tends to dissipate and it definitely helps reduce the duration of soreness for me.

 

Yes, shrugs and military press machine actually work for this.

 

Aww. Each day, it should lessen. I'll find out next Monday as my allergist just said "yes," to my request today.

My spouse's company, M/otorola Solutions, are being total dickheads about shots this year.
They won't update it on the company website but the shots, which are supposed to be going on NOW are being pushed back to end of bloody November. I can't wait that long and now spouse and son won't either. I figure M/otorola is banking on exactly that as many co-workers have resorted to hauling ass over to health services, finding out "the news" via a human being (as spouse did), and are now making other arrangements to get their flu shots.