Flu Shot

[flechero]

There are more than one shot...  the H1N1 shot isn't out publicly yet but the regular flu shots are.

I had the flu once...  worst 7 days of my life.  

So yes, I already got the regular shot last week.  And I'll get the H1N1 shot when it's here next month.  (since we have a baby in the house, it's a no-brainer)

[FishingBuds]

From someone who's wife gives the flu shot, it is impossible to get the flu from the shot. The shot is a dead virus and will NOT make you sick. As far as I know, the only vaccine that contains the live virus is the Flu Mist (nasal one). The antibodies that your body develops also do not become effective for 2 weeks after the shot, so you can get the flu strain that you were vaccinated for in that time frame. It's not instant.

That being said there are thousands of versions of the flu. The flu shot is scientists best guess of what the prevalent strains of the flu will be for the next year.

I have gotten the flu shot in the past few years, not really because I want to go out of my way to get it, but because my wife has given it to me at home. Convenient.

For those that "get the flu" right after the shot, you are likely having a reaction to the vaccine and are not getting the flu.

I heard that this morning, that a person can have a reaction from the shot and usually thats the out come but, in rare cases a person with a severe reaction could die from it and they have a no guarantee on it.

[J Francho]

I'm getting both.  If I were to get the flu, it could be very serious.

[roadwarrior]

I had the flu once... worst 7 days of my life.

That was me too, in 1972. I NEVER want to go through that again.

:-X

[SirSnookalot]

I unequivocally agree with Road Warrior, but I'm not surprised by the poll.  Many of the negative responses have come from young people and the young much of the time feel they are immortal.  For you literary folks " youth is wasted on the young".............GBS

I remember some of the reaction to the swine flu on this very forum not long ago dismissed as hype from the government and media, it's real and it's serious business.  

[tyrius.]

I heard that this morning, that a person can have a reaction from the shot and usually thats the out come but, in rare cases a person with a severe reaction could die from it and they have a no guarantee on it.

And in rare cases people die from a severe reaction to aspirin.  

People also die from the flu in rare cases.

So, you're taking a chance either way, but that's life.

[-HAWK-]

Yes, I will be getting both flu shots.

[ilovefooffur]

I have never had a flu shot and don't intend to get one now.  

[Root beer]

Tyrius is pretty much dead on.

I got flu shot cheap at my college, and the paper they gave me with information about flu, is sort of same thing tyrius said. The latest vaccine you receive is what scientist predict to be next strain to hit, it doesn't guarantee you protection from flu, but it keeps the strain from making you sicker and helps you get over the illness faster.

With that being said, I already receive a flu shot, and last few years I do not recalled getting the flu. Only sickness I get is sinus infection or cold. But i haven't be diagnosed with a flu in quite some time.

[Big Phish]

Don't need one, I have a perfect immune system.

[Skunked in DR]

I never used to get sick, so never got one.  When my daughter turned one and started daycare my doctor recommended it for all of us.  I didn't that first year and have never been so sick in my life.  Little children carry the plague!!!

I have gotten it the last two years and have escaped relatively unscathed.  I'm now convinced that they work.  If my doctor recommends the H1N1 shot, I will be getting that too.

[adclem]

Last time I got a flu shot I was sick with the flu for 3 weeks, never GAIN for me!!

Later,

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Working at a hospital, they encourage us to take it, it's free, and I've never gotten sick from it so why not.  It's crazy, the numbers of people coming through ER with Flu-like symptoms, they are requiring that patients wear a surgical mask if they are suspected.

[Steven Ladner]

Already got one a couple of weeks ago and will continue to get them each year. Here's why:

I decided to start getting flu shots a LONG time ago and had never had the flu. Last year, I thought I would skip the shot, well I ended up missing a week of work because of the flu. So that's why I get them.

Also, I have heard of many people who's bodies have not reacted well with the shot. Instead of their immune system being able to fight off the sample of flu virus that the shot contains, they immediately get the flu after the shot. It's just a risk if you haven't gotten the shot yet. Just like not knowing if your allergic to a bee sting until your stung.

I'm no doctor, but load up on vitamin C for the entire week before you get the shot and maybe you'll be able to handle it.

[Hookem]

Seasonal, yes.

H1N1, no.

[tyrius.]

Also, I have heard of many people who's bodies have not reacted well with the shot. Instead of their immune system being able to fight off the sample of flu virus that the shot contains, they immediately get the flu after the shot. It's just a risk if you haven't gotten the shot yet. Just like not knowing if your allergic to a bee sting until your stung.

Repeat: You CAN NOT get the flu from the flu vaccine.  The flu viruses in the vaccine are dead and can not infect someone with the flu.

[pa mountain man]

Never had one until last year, I had a bad reaction, passed out and split my head open on a rock...an ambulance ride and 22 staples later, I decided no more of that!  I've never had the flu, but figured since I had a little one, I should try to keep myself healthy.

[.dsaavedra.]

getting a vaccine via nasal spray from my school for free. seasonal and h1n1

[Sharkbite]

Two. One that covers most strains and one for the new swine flu.

I'm really surprised by the response to this thread. I would have

thought something like 9 in 10 would say "yes".

:-/

Yea X 2 most on here probibly drink,smoke and chew tobacco but are afraid of a shot lol >

[R520dvx]

I answered no only because I didn't see an option for "hell no"

[bassdocktor]

Its funny you guys put this up here because I was going to post a reminder about getting your shot until I remembered more or less being attacked for it last year.

But Tyrius is right. You WON'T be getting the flu from the vaccine. It is also not a reaction to the vaccine that causes you to become sick. If you get sick right after the flu shot it's because you were already getting sick and you body diverted some energy to make the proper response to the vaccine.

Also, you don't just get the flu shot for you, you get it for those you are around. Just because you don't have any flu symptoms doesn't mean you aren't spreading it. That's one of the biggest reasons they offer them to hospital employees.

And for those that have severe reactions after that's why the person giving you the shot should ask you to stick around. Yes in rare instances some people can have an anaphylactic reaction. That's also why they will have an epinephrine pen available.

Like a few people have said, if you really had the flu you'd get one.

[South FLA]

I had the Swine Flu! Got it after the first Dolphin preseason football game, wiped me out, needless to say I won't be getting the vaccine. My wife will though since she works in an outpatient clinic and is exposed to many sick people!

[tyrius.]

Never had one until last year, I had a bad reaction, passed out and split my head open on a rock...an ambulance ride and 22 staples later, I decided no more of that! I've never had the flu, but figured since I had a little one, I should try to keep myself healthy.

Are you allergic to anything?

[Red]

I don't get them because I very, very rarely get sick.  I don't think I have even ever had the flu.  I figure give my shot to a kid or older person who actually needs it.

[pa mountain man]

Never had one until last year, I had a bad reaction, passed out and split my head open on a rock...an ambulance ride and 22 staples later, I decided no more of that! I've never had the flu, but figured since I had a little one, I should try to keep myself healthy.

Are you allergic to anything?

Ultram,contrast dye, simple green, cats, and watermelon.