Other Resources My Cup of Joe » For those who have got the flu shot Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2007-10-30 7:54 AM

User image

Expert
1195
1000100252525
Shelby Twp
Subject: For those who have got the flu shot
Did it work? They keep giving them to us at work, Ive not taken one yet, but Im considering it this year with everyone else.


2007-10-30 8:11 AM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Pro
6838
5000100050010010010025
Tejas
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
Do you ever get the flu? I've never gotten the flu so I chose not to take the shot. My wife never even gets a cold and she got the shot last week. I bet I didn't help you at all...........
2007-10-30 8:15 AM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Master
2287
2000100100252525
Calgary, Alberta
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
I've gotten the flu shot for about the past 8 years.  The year prior to that I got hit with the flu and felt so terrible I thought I'd give the flu shot a try.  Since then I've rarely gotten the flu and if I do get the flu it has not been as severe.
2007-10-30 8:23 AM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Expert
1195
1000100252525
Shelby Twp
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
I was trying to do some research on it.. it doesnt really tell you what types it protects against other than what scientists think will hit this year. Is it a shot for the cold flu, the puking flu, both?
2007-10-30 8:23 AM
in reply to: #1029451

Champion
9430
50002000200010010010010025
No excuses!
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
Every year I get really sick for about two days but thats it. So I have never taken the flu shot. I have heard too many stories of people who have gotten it and then had there sickest yearFrown
2007-10-30 9:40 AM
in reply to: #1029484

User image

Supersonicus Idioticus
2439
200010010010010025
Thunder Bay, ON
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
kellc09 - 2007-10-30 9:23 AM

I was trying to do some research on it.. it doesnt really tell you what types it protects against other than what scientists think will hit this year. Is it a shot for the cold flu, the puking flu, both?


Add to that the fact that these predicted strains might mutate by February into a state unaffected by the flu vaccine.


2007-10-30 9:44 AM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Expert
1195
1000100252525
Shelby Twp
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
So heres my decision.. I ordered vitamins..
2007-10-30 9:45 AM
in reply to: #1029472

User image

Elite
2777
2000500100100252525
In my bunk with new shoes and purple sweats.
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot

CalgaryRunner - 2007-10-30 9:15 AM I've gotten the flu shot for about the past 8 years.  The year prior to that I got hit with the flu and felt so terrible I thought I'd give the flu shot a try.  Since then I've rarely gotten the flu and if I do get the flu it has not been as severe.

Ditto

2007-10-30 9:48 AM
in reply to: #1029585

Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot

So Fresh So Clean - 2007-10-30 10:40 AM
kellc09 - 2007-10-30 9:23 AM I was trying to do some research on it.. it doesnt really tell you what types it protects against other than what scientists think will hit this year. Is it a shot for the cold flu, the puking flu, both?
Add to that the fact that these predicted strains might mutate by February into a state unaffected by the flu vaccine.

 

Yup - it doesn't protect against all strains of the flu. Maybe for older folks who could be adversely affected by being that sick, it might be a good precaution, but for most able-bodied healthy people, I don't really see the point. I've had the flu once - in 8th grade; I was out for a week. I think I'll take my chances. I eat well, get plenty of rest, exercise, etc and I very rarely get sick, and if I do, it's the common cold, which is nothing debilitating.

2007-10-30 10:28 AM
in reply to: #1029592

User image

Master
1420
1000100100100100
Running trails in S. Ontario
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot

kellc09 - 2007-10-30 10:44 AM So heres my decision.. I ordered vitamins..

Probably the best decision, along with a balanced diet and exercise

2007-10-30 10:29 AM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
The risks are very small. If you're allergic to egs or Thimerosol additive, then no. But, a few years ago, everyone in my lab got it except for me. I got the flu twice instead. They never did. I doubt it was conincidence, good sleep or vitamins.

It likely highly depends on environmental facotrs. Work with the public? Children in daycre / school? In close quarters with others? Wash your hands enough? Those routes of exposure and how often they're effective is what will get you: Washing your hands is more effective than other lifestyle choices to avoid it.

I'm a big believer in flu shots. The risk of problems is very small and the benefit is large compared to getting the flu. Fevers / chills / nausea / headache / muscle ache for 2-3 days is no fun


2007-10-30 11:24 AM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Champion
5868
50005001001001002525
Urbandale, IA
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
Here are my thoughts. I have taken the flu shot for about 7 years since I used to be a diabetic and the flu would just about kill me. We are talking dehydration, hospital admittance, uncontrolled fluid expulsion, etc.. Now I take the flu shot because I am a transplant recipient and I have a naturally low immune system due to the anti-rejection drugs that I take. I rarely get the flu after taking the shot, especially compared to when I didn't take it before.
That being said, my wife never takes the flu shot (she is terrified of needles) and hardly ever gets the flu. This year, I made her get it after hearing that even if she doesn't show symptoms of the flu, she could still bring it home and pass it along to someone else - like me.
Basically, in my view, if you don't have a history of the flu, and you don't have a reason to be extremely sensitive to the flu due to a medical concern, and you just can't stomach about 120 seconds of pain (what are you doing on this site, then?), you probably don't need it. However, if you spend time with someone who is diabetic, or of advanced age, or young children, or in an enclosed space with a good amount of people (think Flight Attendant or Teacher) you should probably bite the bullet and take the shot. It isn't going to hurt you.

Edited by jdwright56 2007-10-30 11:26 AM
2007-10-30 11:25 AM
in reply to: #1029685

User image

Master
1662
10005001002525
Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
pitt83 - 2007-10-30 8:29 AM

The risks are very small. If you're allergic to egs or Thimerosol additive, then no. But, a few years ago, everyone in my lab got it except for me. I got the flu twice instead. They never did. I doubt it was conincidence, good sleep or vitamins.

It likely highly depends on environmental facotrs. Work with the public? Children in daycre / school? In close quarters with others? Wash your hands enough? Those routes of exposure and how often they're effective is what will get you: Washing your hands is more effective than other lifestyle choices to avoid it.

I'm a big believer in flu shots. The risk of problems is very small and the benefit is large compared to getting the flu. Fevers / chills / nausea / headache / muscle ache for 2-3 days is no fun


2x

What's the problem with getting one? Just think how the flu would ruin your training for weeks!!! That's huge compared to the small inconvenience of getting the shot. I've never had the flu either but work in an environment where I could easily catch it. So, I've been getting the shot for years now with no adverse effects. And it's free.
2007-10-30 11:30 AM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot

I plan on getting the flu shot because I'm in two fairly high-risk categories.  1) I have asthma (not just exercise induced) 2) I work in a hospital

I've gotten one the past 5 years or so.  I usually feel a little sore for the next 2 or 3 days, but that's about it.  Haven't gotten the flu any year I got the shot. 

2007-10-30 12:38 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
When they offered them at work, I got them 4-5 years running and don't think I missed work due to the flu.  Couple years ago, they were running short on vaccines, so I skipped it.  The last 3 years, I've been much more active and I think that really helps as much as a vaccine. 
2007-10-30 1:17 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Expert
1195
1000100252525
Shelby Twp
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
well a little more research.. basically giving you a dead version of the flu to let your body build the immunity, on its own, seems alot different then the drugs used to fight a flu where it breaks down your immune system and kills good/bad bacteria. Doesnt seem as bad as I thought


2007-10-30 1:45 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Champion
6993
50001000500100100100100252525
Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
I just got it. OMG it hurt it hurts. I think I need to go home early today because I got the flu.
2007-10-30 1:45 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Champion
6993
50001000500100100100100252525
Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
I just got it. OMG it hurt it hurts. I think I need to go home early today because I got the flu.
2007-10-30 1:47 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Pro
4189
20002000100252525
Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
I'm scheduled to get one next week. I never got one back home because my insurance wouldn't cover it.
2007-10-30 3:54 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Champion
8936
50002000100050010010010010025
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot

The flu kills people.  If you've "had it" and been up and around, then you really haven't had it.  Those who've had it tend to get their yearly vaccinations.  No, they're not perfect and will miss strains at times, but it's certainly better than nothing.

Whether or not you've gotten the flu before has little bearing on whether you'll get it in the future.  It's like the people playing roulette who think that if it comes up red 12 times in a row, it just has to come up black next.  No, still roughly 50/50.

I won't convince the hardcore anti-vaccine folks, nor will I try.

2007-10-30 3:59 PM
in reply to: #1030322

User image

Champion
6993
50001000500100100100100252525
Chicago, Illinois
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
the receptionist was like do not get it. It has mercury and I am like you probably get more from the fish you eat.


2007-10-30 4:22 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Expert
864
5001001001002525
Lake in the Hills
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot

http://www.medicinenet.com/influenza/article.htm

Read up on it...vitamins, diet and exercise does not always help.  I think that is a foolish way to go about disease.  Sure it helps if you are healthy...but you are not superman/women.

It is a virus and they inject dead  or inactivated virus creating an immunity.  This immunity does have an effect even if the virus has mutated.

Read up on pandemics caused by the flu. a couple of minutes helps a lot of people not to get the virus.



Edited by AddysDaddy 2007-10-30 4:22 PM
2007-10-30 7:09 PM
in reply to: #1029451

User image

Pro
4339
2000200010010010025
Husker Nation
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
In case you were on the fence about the flu shot, here's what happened with my first experience with it on Saturday [I wrote this Sunday so "yesterday" is Saturday]:

The nurse said "You'll feel a little " so I knew what to expect, then I felt her injecting whatever it was into me. That's such a weird, abnormal feeling. I'm not on good terms with needles as it is [my last non-dental encounter with them was when I was getting tested for mono 5 years ago. They stuck me 5 different times and couldn't get blood from any of them so I left] and yesterday didn't do much in the way of helping. She put the band-aid on me and sent me on my way. Brynn asked if I wanted to do any of the other tests and I was feeling a little uneasy in my tummy so I said, "Nah, let's just get out of here."

When we got outside I started to feel lightheaded and off-balance [I guess that's called "dizzy"]. I opened her car door so she could get in and everything was REALLY bright, the reflections off the cars from the sun were extremely intense. I walked around the car and got into my seat and decided I would just put my head on the head rest and try to relax for a minute. Well, I guess I did relax for a minute. Brynn said my eyes rolled back into my head and I just went limp. I shuddered or convulsed one time and the keys fell out of my hand and that was when she knew it was serious. While she was off getting the doctors I was in la-la land and here's what I dreamt:

I was driving a car in traffic. For some reason I was unable to stop and I was about to rear-end somebody. I was trying to find the brake pedal and at the same time was trying to get my hands on the steering wheel so I could try and at least swerve out of the way. I couldn't seem to grip the steering wheel - I just kept hitting it with my forearms. I have a feeling that in real life I was doing these motions with my hands and feet and if anyone had been witness to it they could have very easily thought I was having a seizure. Anyway, it came to a head and I snapped out of my dream and was back in the real world.

Everything was really bright still and started to darken up from the outside in. We were parked at her work but not where I'm used to parking so I had NO idea where I was. I could see a hill on one side and a building on the other and there were some cars around me so I wasn't sure if I HAD gotten in the wreck - I mean, both car doors were open which could happen in a collision, right? And where the heck is Brynn? Oh, there she is, outside the passenger side door. She looks horrified though, like she doesn't want to come near me. Is there something on my face? Something's wrong. I look to my left and there's the nurse who gave me the shot originally. I know you. "What happened?" I ask. They're trying to explain to me but for some reason my hearing is underwater. In a similar fashion as it was with my vision my hearing starts to come back. They really want to take me inside. Why's it so hot? Wasn't it cold out today?

They took me inside and had me sit down with my feet up and after I told them I was going to throw up they had me go lie down on one of those padded physician's tables with my kees up. I felt a million times better after that. The total time from when I sat down in the car to when they were pulling me out of it is estimated at 30 seconds to 1 minute. Crazy huh?

Edit: "You'll feel a little "poke" " - heh, didn't know that was going to get filtered

Edited by Bripod 2007-10-30 7:10 PM
2007-10-31 1:19 AM
in reply to: #1030583

User image

Coach
9167
5000200020001002525
Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
Bripod - 2007-10-30 6:09 PM

In case you were on the fence about the flu shot, here's what happened with my first experience with it on Saturday [I wrote this Sunday so "yesterday" is Saturday]:

The nurse said "You'll feel a little " so I knew what to expect, then I felt her injecting whatever it was into me. That's such a weird, abnormal feeling. I'm not on good terms with needles as it is [my last non-dental encounter with them was when I was getting tested for mono 5 years ago. They stuck me 5 different times and couldn't get blood from any of them so I left] and yesterday didn't do much in the way of helping. She put the band-aid on me and sent me on my way. Brynn asked if I wanted to do any of the other tests and I was feeling a little uneasy in my tummy so I said, "Nah, let's just get out of here."

When we got outside I started to feel lightheaded and off-balance [I guess that's called "dizzy"]. I opened her car door so she could get in and everything was REALLY bright, the reflections off the cars from the sun were extremely intense. I walked around the car and got into my seat and decided I would just put my head on the head rest and try to relax for a minute. Well, I guess I did relax for a minute. Brynn said my eyes rolled back into my head and I just went limp. I shuddered or convulsed one time and the keys fell out of my hand and that was when she knew it was serious. While she was off getting the doctors I was in la-la land and here's what I dreamt:

I was driving a car in traffic. For some reason I was unable to stop and I was about to rear-end somebody. I was trying to find the brake pedal and at the same time was trying to get my hands on the steering wheel so I could try and at least swerve out of the way. I couldn't seem to grip the steering wheel - I just kept hitting it with my forearms. I have a feeling that in real life I was doing these motions with my hands and feet and if anyone had been witness to it they could have very easily thought I was having a seizure. Anyway, it came to a head and I snapped out of my dream and was back in the real world.

Everything was really bright still and started to darken up from the outside in. We were parked at her work but not where I'm used to parking so I had NO idea where I was. I could see a hill on one side and a building on the other and there were some cars around me so I wasn't sure if I HAD gotten in the wreck - I mean, both car doors were open which could happen in a collision, right? And where the heck is Brynn? Oh, there she is, outside the passenger side door. She looks horrified though, like she doesn't want to come near me. Is there something on my face? Something's wrong. I look to my left and there's the nurse who gave me the shot originally. I know you. "What happened?" I ask. They're trying to explain to me but for some reason my hearing is underwater. In a similar fashion as it was with my vision my hearing starts to come back. They really want to take me inside. Why's it so hot? Wasn't it cold out today?

They took me inside and had me sit down with my feet up and after I told them I was going to throw up they had me go lie down on one of those padded physician's tables with my kees up. I felt a million times better after that. The total time from when I sat down in the car to when they were pulling me out of it is estimated at 30 seconds to 1 minute. Crazy huh?

Edit: "You'll feel a little "poke" " - heh, didn't know that was going to get filtered


It sounds like you had a vaso-vagal reaction to getting the shot. That can happen due to pain, fear, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehdyration, etc. It likely had nothing to do with what was in the syringe, and mostly to do with your previous experience with needles which you already had described as being a serious issue.
2007-10-31 1:21 AM
in reply to: #1029484

User image

Coach
9167
5000200020001002525
Stairway to Seven
Subject: RE: For those who have got the flu shot
kellc09 - 2007-10-30 7:23 AM

I was trying to do some research on it.. it doesnt really tell you what types it protects against other than what scientists think will hit this year. Is it a shot for the cold flu, the puking flu, both?


Neither. It's a vaccination against a specific virus called the "Influenza" virus, which comes with a variety of different protein coats. Think of it as mix and match custom paint jobs on your new carbon fiber bikes. You can order any of two colors and in stripes, polka dots or swirlys. So if Red =R, Blue=B, and polka dots =1, swirlies =2, stripes =3, your custom paint job might be R1B3, while someone else's custom paint job is R3B1.

The influenza vaccine protects against the most popular paint jobs.

EDIT: Ditto what Derek said.

Edited by AdventureBear 2007-10-31 1:22 AM
New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » For those who have got the flu shot Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2