Flu shot this year

I am unsure about my flu shot. Are you getting one or have you had one already?

 

I will get one. I'm going to get the shingles one, too since I'm about a senior citizen now.

 

Yes. Just like I have for many years.

 

I am so hesitant this year. I don't know why.

 

Have you had them before?

 

I have had a flu shot for the last 4 years. It's free.

 

Why the hesitation this year? Have you heard something disconcerting about the serum or did someone you know have a bad reaction?

 

Let your body do the work.

 

I've done that too many times wombat. When my immune system couldn't fight it off, the virus was vicious.

 

Last year the H1N1 addition freaked me out and I waited till the end of November to get my flu shot. This year several of my co-workers complained of sore arms, two got sick after the shot (cold, body aches, low grade fever).

I think it's a mental block. I am not too keen on vaccinations on the whole but the last time I got the flu (about 8 years ago) it just about did me in!

 

Oh yes....if your immune system is compromised, that's a different story. But if you can fight the bugger off, you are much the better for it, down the track.

 

I'm a natural sort of animal.

 

Hmmm, I wonder if that is why for the first time with flu shots, last year my arm hurt like hell for about a day and I felt a general malaise. It was short-lived and worth not being ravaged by a full-blown flu virus. I'm no wuss but I'll take the discomfort of the shot over what the flu does to me. My SIL is successful with drinking 3 cups of green tea a day boosted with antioxidants and big doses of vitamin C and seriously regimented healthy eating for keeping the flu at bay, and she deals with the public every day, but I'm not good with regimented stuff like that. I try to make healthy choices but not enough to beat that virus and I'd rather just take the shot.

 

And cute as a bug.

Yes, I agree, natural is the best way to go, but I don't have the time or frame of mind for that kind of diligence.

 

Last year the H1N1 thing was added for the first time. It made lots of arms sore and caused a general sense of malaise. I was fine though.

 

Will it be the same this year, with the H1N1?

 

Yeah the on-site nurse (even the one at my university) said it is the same as last year. I don't know if it is to fight off a new strain of the influenza virus but they contain the H1N1 also...just like last year.

 

[thank you ma'am]

 

I had mine about 3 weeks ago. Then had a CBC drawn less than 24 hours later and they found definite lymphopenia -- which returned to normal a week later and has been normal since. I also did have some flulike symptoms starting a few days later, both last year and this. I figure it must be the H1N1 component. But a minor reaction is MUCH better than getting the flu.

 

I had my flu shot early this year, along with the whooping cough vax. Haven't had so much as a sniffle.