Flu Shots - you getting them?

In this business, we come into contact with a bunch of people. Just curious if ya'll are getting flu shot(s) this year, including the H1N1. Personally, I'm not. I rarely get sick, but that is just me.

If there were no side effects, then I guess it seems kind of silly not to get a shot or two. But are their side effects? (and I don't exactly like getting shots anyway)

Also, I know there are a lot of people who don't get paid when they're sick, so maybe it is a smart choice? Not sure really. Pay now or (maybe) pay later......

Cheers!

I'm personally going to get both. The swine flu issue has been completely sensationalized, and there's not going to be another 1918 pandemic, but I don't want to take any chances of getting sick around exam time. (Also, I think I've already had the swine flu, but better safe than sorry.)

As for risks, contrary to popular belief there is no risk of getting the flue from the standard shot. There is absolutely no live (if you can call a virus "live") pathogen in that vaccine, because you're just being injected with a cocktail of proteins that the virus expresses in order to elicit an immune response from your body.

However, the nasal mist vaccine is what we call "live-attenuated," which means that there is active pathogen but it has been significantly weakened so you shouldn't get sick from it. With that vaccine, there is always a chance you'll get sick, but most healthy adults with a working immune system will be fine. The plus side of this version is that you build up a stronger immunity against the flu, and increase the chances of the vaccine being effective.

As for the health concerns about vaccines, once again they have been completely sensationalized. The thiomersal/autism controversy is linked largely upon non-scientific anecdotal data and a single study in mice that hasn't been replicated. Also, the standards for diagnosing autism have changed and autism awareness has increased, so that is most likely the reason we've seen the incidence go up.

Completely separate from the flu vaccine, I highly recommend that parents get their children vaccinated. In the last several years we've been seeing resurgences of a number of diseases like measles because larger groups of people are refusing to have their children vaccinated. The threat of these diseases far, far outweighs any (unproven) risks associated with vaccination.

Back on the influenza vaccine, I honestly haven't heard of any risks it poses to adults apart from an allergic reaction. If you're allergic to eggs, you should always check with your physician before you get a vaccine, but I'm pretty sure any clinic is going to ask you that question before they stick you. Honestly, the risk of the flu (even though we're not going to have a ridiculously fatal pandemic) is greater than the risk of getting the vaccine.

I hope that helps answer your questions.

I have already gotten my regular flu vaccine with no side effects and will be getting the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available. I used to have the opinion that I was healthy and didn't need them but have changed my mind in recent years and have gotten the normal vaccine for the last 6 or 7 years. I have not had side effects from any of them nor have I had the flu. My wife has done the same thing with the same effects.

Especially in a business like yours where you are around so many people I would think would be a good preventive measure to take.

I am NOT getting a flu shot ever again, because they contain mercury and aluminum, among many other harmful substances. I would rather get the flu.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... posed.aspx

[Robin Garr]

Mary and I have been getting regular flu shots for the past few years at our doc's office, and we got them routinely early in the season this time. I also got a pneumonia shot, mainly because, to my horror and surprise, I got a mild case of it last winter (never saw THAT coming!) and would not like to do it again.

H1N1 I'm less certain about ... we're old enough to have gotten Jerry Ford's swine flu shots in 1976 (?) and survived the pandemic that wasn't in that season, so presumably we've got some antibodies. We might give the doc a call and see what he says, but I'm guessing (and hoping) that we're covered.

... I hope that helps answer your questions.

Thanks for clarifying the risks of the different flu vaccines (nasal versus a shot).

Also, note that I didn't mention autism in my post. I did mention neurological disorders, which do occur when you have excess aluminum at an early age (fairly well documented, which is why it is regulated in IV's for premies). I'm more concerned about the aluminum now. Though we know mercury has a variety of bad effects.

As a scientist, I'm skeptical by nature. I want to see proof, and studies before I or my kids play guinea pig.

(again, for the record, I think kids should all get their shots. I simply don't completely agree with the AMA schedule. Polio, mumps, measles, and some other less famous things are things you don't want to get! But the flu isn't quite up there in that category for me.)

Cheers!

Paul, I hope that if you plan on practicing either Family medicine or Pediatrics, well, basically any type of clinical medicine where you interact with patients, you will take their wishes in to account. We worked out a plan with our pediatrician when our son was born to focus on the most likely threats to his health based on our location, lifestyle and risk. We decided that immunization to diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella were warranted but that the additional, and in our opinion, overzealous, immunization schedule currently practiced was excessive for our family. Some risks are acceptable and some not. The above mentioned also present the greatest risk to the general public at large which we all have a collective responsibility to.

I regards to the flu shot: You would hope that whomever administers them asks you the questions and advises you when getting the flu shot is contraindicated. The year after I had Guillain-Barre Syndrome I lined up at my fire station for my annual flu shot. AFTER they had injected me they rapidly ran through the "do not take a flu shot if you have the following..." list. I stopped her when I heard Guillain-Barre mentioned GB. "You had GB?" she asked. "Yes" I said. "Please sign this release" she said. "No" I said. Needless to say it was a nervous 6 months for me.

We worked out a plan with our pediatrician when our son was born to focus on the most likely threats to his health based on our location, lifestyle and risk. We decided that immunization to diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella were warranted but that the additional, and in our opinion, overzealous, immunization schedule currently practiced was excessive for our family. Some risks are acceptable and some not. The above mentioned also present the greatest risk to the general public at large which we all have a collective responsibility to.

Very well put, Ed. We are in the same situation. I believe in vaccinations, yet, I think it is insane to put 6 different vaccines into a ~12lb baby at their 2 month check up!! We get them, but we spread them out. My family does not usually get the flu, nor do we get the flu shot. I asked our ped about the H1N1 vaccine and he said that the cases they have seen (a lot) are VERY mild and equal to the regular flu. Of course, I think there are groups that should get the H1N1 vaccine (mainly ppl with an underlying health risk), but I think the media (and drug companies!) have blown this pandemic out of porportion.

Jess

Already have my seasonal flu shot. I'm undecided about the Swine shot, but I'm not in a high risk group and will probably forgo it unless there is enough vaccine for all.
BP

I gotten a flu shot almost every year since as far back as I can remember and never had a problem, but last year it made me sick for a few days. I was on the fence whether or not I'd get it this year but my dad prepaid for me to get a shot at the UofL drive-thru on Thursday, so I got one... needles to say I've felt under the weather since Friday and actually have a low grade fever today. Never again for me.

I gotten a flu shot almost every year since as far back as I can remember and never had a problem, but last year it made me sick for a few days. I was on the fence whether or not I'd get it this year but my dad prepaid for me to get a shot at the UofL drive-thru on Thursday, so I got one... needles to say I've felt under the weather since Friday and actually have a low grade fever today. Never again for me.

Did you get the nasal live vaccine? If not then it wasn't the shot that made you sick. There is no live virus in the "shot" so the fact that you got sick was just an unfortunate coincidence.

I gotten a flu shot almost every year since as far back as I can remember and never had a problem, but last year it made me sick for a few days. I was on the fence whether or not I'd get it this year but my dad prepaid for me to get a shot at the UofL drive-thru on Thursday, so I got one... needles to say I've felt under the weather since Friday and actually have a low grade fever today. Never again for me.

That's what I'm talking about. No flu shots for me. I know it is only anecdotal evidence, but I guess I'll roll the dice again (like every other year of my life).

I gotten a flu shot almost every year since as far back as I can remember and never had a problem, but last year it made me sick for a few days. I was on the fence whether or not I'd get it this year but my dad prepaid for me to get a shot at the UofL drive-thru on Thursday, so I got one... needles to say I've felt under the weather since Friday and actually have a low grade fever today. Never again for me.

Did you get the nasal live vaccine? If not then it wasn't the shot that made you sick. There is no live virus in the "shot" so the fact that you got sick was just an unfortunate coincidence.

But he said two years in a row. A little fishy.....really no chance of the shot making you sick ? (he did say shot in the post). I do understand that if there is no live virus it shouldn't be capable of making you sick. But other possible side effects perhaps?????

OK...just checked the cdc, they say:"The flu shot: The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that could occur are:

* Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
* Fever (low grade)
* Aches

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions."

No thanks....

I did get the flu shot this year. I will also be getting the swine flu vaccine when it comes available.
I am subbing a ton in the public schools, so I think it's necessary.

I did not get the flu shot last year. I ended up coming down TWICE with it, once with strain A and once with Strain B.

I am NOT getting a flu shot ever again, because they contain mercury and aluminum, among many other harmful substances. I would rather get the flu.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/artic ... posed.aspx

I'm with you. The only flu shot I ever received was swine flu 76. It gave me flu-like symptoms for 3 -4 days. I'm in the risk zone, over 50, but have excellent health and can't tell you the last time I had more than a common cold.