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Flu shot or no flu shot?

By October 10, 2009 - 6:19pm
 
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I am not sure whether or not to get a flu shot this year. What do you think? Are you going to get one? Why or why not?

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Already got one...every yr and haven't had the flu since '72. Looks like I am a poet!

October 12, 2009 - 10:39am

Joanna,

I am on the fence as well. I am not in a high-risk group, so I'm not sure. If I were pregnant I would, absolutely; and if I had small children, I would have make sure they got it, simply because of the risk. But I tend (knock on wood) to not get the flu. Rather, I tend toward winter colds. They are miserable in themselves, but not like the flu. My husband does tend to get the flu, so he will probably get the shots.

I am considering it more this year, however, because my sister, who NEVER gets sick, is just now getting over a nasty flu. We don't know for sure if it was seasonal or swine flu. But she is an RN who is around sick people all the time; she also has three small children who are always bringing a variety of sicknesses home with them. And she never seems to catch any of them. So the fact that she caught this one, and spent an entire week bedridden, certainly gives me food for thought.

What are your reasonings, Joanna?

October 12, 2009 - 9:22am

Good question!

I am going to get one, as it is highly recommended for high-risk individuals (I am pregnant) to get a flu shot.

However..I read that you can ask for the shot without the preservative (thimerosal, mercury-derivative). I want to learn more about this...any ideas?

Also...is there another location on the body where you can get a flu shot? I had a terrible experience last year (as I read many other people did, too) that left my arm in pain for 5 months. I would rather my gluteus maximus be in pain this time! ;-)

I know there is such controversy about vaccines, but I just keep coming to the same conclusion: vaccines DO work, as many infectious diseases are almost eradicated in the U.S. (think polio). The one year we had a flu shot shortage; there was a dramatic spike in the number of flu cases, days lost from work and school. We know all the reasons not to get a shot, but thought I'd share a reminder about some of the positives. IF ONLY a NEW VACCINE without all of the preservatives would be developed...is it more based on popular demand or cost that there is not an "organic vaccine"?? Would that make them safer?

October 11, 2009 - 7:53am
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