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2005-10-24 2:26 PM

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: Flu shots and colds
I read one time (sorry I can't cite my source right now) that the way your body heats up while running simulates a low-grade fever thereby burning off various germs and helping to fight off colds and flu. After I read that, I got to thinking that I haven't had a really BAD cold or the flu(knock on wood) since I began running regularly several years ago.

The one and only time that I got the flu shot, I got the flu (I know they inject the virus into you, so I figured that's why???) So I don't plan on getting another one.

Anyway, since everyone on this site is a triathlete, I was wondering if any of you planned on getting a flu shot this season? Also have any of you discovered that you have less colds/sickness since you started training?


2005-10-24 2:33 PM
in reply to: #271333

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: Flu shots and colds
I have never had a flu shot. Don't plan on getting one.
2005-10-24 2:46 PM
in reply to: #271333

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Flu shots and colds

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=28903&posts=3

Here are my thoughts on getting a flu shot.  I have always gotten one, and besides coming done with a slight cold afterward haven't had any major side affects from the shot.  But...I am worried to get one this week, since I'll be tapering and have a race in 3 weeks.  See the thread I started about flu shots and training.

I am usually more susceptible to getting a cold when I taper so I think I'll hold off with my flu shot until after my 1/2 IM. 

2005-10-24 4:07 PM
in reply to: #271333

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Master
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Subject: RE: Flu shots and colds
As someone who works in the medical field and is exposed to alot I wouldn't recommend that you get a flu shot unless you have a immune system is compromised or you are either young or old. Then again it won't hurt you either.
2005-10-24 4:09 PM
in reply to: #271471

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Flu shots and colds

smokeater1833 - 2005-10-24 5:07 PM As someone who works in the medical field and is exposed to alot I wouldn't recommend that you get a flu shot unless you have a immune system is compromised or you are either young or old. Then again it won't hurt you either.

I work with kids int eh church nusery, and although they aren't supposed to be there if they have a fever, they still are incubators for germs.  I know that I'll get their drool and snot all over me when it comes timefor cold season.  I think that puts me at a higher risk.  But...I don't want the flu shot to affect the rest of my training or wear me out before the race.  So looks like I'll just delay it.

2005-10-24 4:16 PM
in reply to: #271333

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Flu shots and colds
i've never gotten the flu shot, but it seems that i never fail to get the flu. i'm down and out for about 3 days.  that seems to be the only time of year i get sick.  so i was considering getting one this year.  hopefully they won't shoot me up with that other flu, you know, the bird one.


2005-10-25 1:47 PM
in reply to: #271333

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Flu shots and colds
Bettylou - 2005-10-24 3:26 PM
The one and only time that I got the flu shot, I got the flu (I know they inject the virus into you, so I figured that's why???) So I don't plan on getting another one.


The molecular biologist in me just had to respond to this. I'm not trying to be argumentative, just spread information.

The flu shot is just dead virus coats. There is no live virus. That's why they can give it to immuno-compromised patients. If you got the flu after you got the shot, you either got a different strain of the virus that wasn't in your flu shot or you had already been exposed.

If you are worried about getting the flu after you get a shot, do not take the nasal spray. That is made with live virus. That's why they can't give it to high-risk individuals.

Overall, the flu shot is not such a bad thing. My doc strongly recommends getting them for me because I get really bad asthma any time I get a cold. The flu would be so much worse. I've already gotten my shot this year. I have noticed that I get sick less often since I started training, but I'm not willing to take the risk with the flu shot.
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