Are you going to get the flu shot?

1. 78

   thefedorowsposted 9 years ago

   Are you going to get the flu shot?
   
   Each fall pharmacies advertise to "get your flu shot."  Is this something you do?  Why or why not?

   replyreport
2. 0

   Daniella Lopezposted 9 years ago

   I've never gotten a flu shot. I also worked as a pharmacy technician for several year and still refused to get a flu shot. The flu shot is only equipped with last season's strain. It does absolutely nothing against any new strains of the virus. Your best defense against influenza is to build up your immune system and live a healthy lifestyle.

   replyreport
   1. 39

      ChristinSposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I completely agree never had one and likely never will.

      replyreport
   2. 58

      Holisticbrainrehaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with Dainella Lopez

      replyreport
   3. 78

      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for sharing your perspective as a pharmacy technician, Daniella.  Whether or not we do get the shot, I agree with your advice for building up our immune systems, and living a healthy lifestyle that includes washing hands, and being active.

      replyreport
3. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   No, I never do and thus far I have never gotten the flu either.

   replyreport
   1. 78

      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your comment!

      replyreport
4. 79

   jlparkposted 9 years ago

   I did this year (we are coming into our summer/spring here in NZ now).
   As well as the Boostrix vaccination (Diptheria, Whooping Cough, and Tetanus).
   
   I was 7-8mths pregnant when it came out and at a higher risk for complications if I got it whilst pregnant...and we had a Whooping Cough epidemic (over the space of 2 years), so we wanted to protect our unborn baby for the first 6 weeks (with maternal immunity passed in the womb) until she could get her own shots.
   
   I'm a health care professional who used to vaccinate children and adults as part of my job. So I understand the risks and benefits of the shots, and could make an informed choice on it. I wanted to protect my unborn baby mostly, as I don't always get the shot depending on my general health at the time I'm making the decision.
   
   I've been sick once this year - and it was only a cold.

   replyreport
   1. 78

      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It sounds like being pregnant changed your perspective on the vaccination.  Thank you for your comment!

      replyreport
5. 70

   Aime Fposted 9 years ago

   As someone who is generally very pro-vaccine... no, I do not get the flu shot for either myself or my child. If either of us were at a higher risk for complications then I would. But as it stands, it's just not quite worth it in my opinion.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      jlparkposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I can understand that...I'm thinking I only got it this year due to being pregnant - I didn't want anything to risk myself or my baby...and I'll probably get it next yr, just to give her another yr where I don't bring it home!

      replyreport
6. 85

   Jlbowdenposted 9 years ago

   Yes - I get a flu shot every year as a measure of precaution. Reason being is because i work in a profession that brings me in close contact with physician's offices and their patients. And in this kind of setting, including that of even the family setting. 
   
   - It's always a good idea to protect yourself from others, who are symptomatic of the flu already.  Increasing the chances of you and your family from contracting the current seasonal flu that is now circulating. I always say - better safe than sorry!

   replyreport
7. 61

   Chiriac Aliceposted 9 years ago

   I'm very undecided of what to do! The only thing I think is: I do not take the flu almost never ..

   replyreport
   1. 78

      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Chiriac, we are undecided as well!

      replyreport
8. 40

   radhapriestessposted 9 years ago

   No. I am sensitive to mercury and other toxic elements in those shots. I have only gotten flu 3 times in my life. For the last 15 years I have never had it. I use this in winter: Tulsie tea, Ginger tea and echinacea tea. I also use Vitamin D. Washing hands is important, also. There are natural remedies you can use even if you get the flu which are all those listed above. Indian groceries also have herbs you can boil down when you have the flu. Homeopathic remedies are also available at food coops, natural foods store.

   replyreport
   1. 78

      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You are blessed to have only gotten the flu 3 times, rahapriestess!  Your natural remedies seem to be effective for you!  Thank you for your tips and comment!

      replyreport
9. 80

   cactusbytheseaposted 9 years ago

   I used to skip the vaccine, but with several new infants in my extended family, I decided to get it this season.  NPR did an excellent piece just recently to debunk 32 common myths about the flu vaccine.  It's well worth the read:
   
   http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/10 … ed-to-fear

   replyreport
   1. 78

      thefedorowsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for the link to the NPR article.  I did read it and found it a good overview with links to dig deeper into the specific myths.  A great place to start!

      replyreport