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My wife and I had a argument about this last night. Last year I got the flu shot for the first time, and for the first time in a long time, got a very serious case of the flu. So, like a good citizen, she thinks I should get the flu shot again. Ain't happenin.
Amen. I used to refuse the free flu shot offered by my company every year -- until I got the flu one year right before Christmas. I truly thought I was going to die -- in fact, during the worst of it, I prayed for death.
As you said, it's not just muscle aches -- it's the worst imaginable aches, as though a herd of elephants is sitting on every muscle in your body. And the vomiting: OMG, it comes from as deep down as possible -- not just your stomach but your intestines (at least it felt that way). And the fever: 104-105, which make you feel as though you're freezing to death, regardless of how many blankets you use.
OK, you persuaded me! I haven't had the flu for a long time, but you reminded me of just how awful it was back then. It was so bad that I was nearly hospitalized. After reading your post, I decided that I had better get a flu shot this week. I used to get them every year when I was still working (after the year when I got the flu). So, I know that I never have a bad reaction to flu shots. I don't ever want to go through the flu again.
My wife and I had a argument about this last night. Last year I got the flu shot for the first time, and for the first time in a long time, got a very serious case of the flu. So, like a good citizen, she thinks I should get the flu shot again. Ain't happenin.
I know its common in some circles to claim you can get the flu from taking a flu shot, but its just not true. Flu vaccine is made from "live attenuated virus" which is a way of saying that the virus in the flu vaccine is not capable of reproducing and making you ill. Take a look at this from the CDC website. Under the section "risks of getting a flu shot" it explains why the flu vaccine cannot cause flu.
Occasionally, people who take flu vaccine do develop some very mild flu like symptoms. This is because when you receive a flu shot, your body's antibodies recognize that a foreign virus has entered your body. This can cause a very mild temperature increase for a short time, runny nose, etc.
If you did develop a serious case of the flu than the reason you did is because: (1) You were getting sick before you took the shot; and (2) The vaccine didn't have enough time to build up your antibodies.
This is a reason for getting your flu shot early in the year as opposed to later on.
Last edited by markg91359; 09-19-2014 at 12:14 PM..
The influenza outbreak in 1918 killed three to five percent of the world's population—making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in human history. It can be more than a bad cold.
I have a friend that die from the flu shot. I do not let my Doctor to get me any shots.
I am sorry about your friend's death. I've gone through this, and it just breaks your heart.
I wonder if you could give more specifics? How long ago did this happen? What did your friend's death certificate say? I am wondering because I have never known of this happening, and your statement makes me curious.
I know its common in some circles to claim you can get the flu from taking a flu shot, but its just not true. Flu vaccine is made from "live attenuated virus" which is a way of saying that the virus in the flu vaccine is not capable of reproducing and making you ill. Take a look at this from the CDC website. Under the section "risks of getting a flu shot" it explains why the flu vaccine cannot cause flu.
Occasionally, people who take flu vaccine do develop some very mild flu like symptoms. This is because when you receive a flu shot, your body's antibodies recognize that a foreign virus has entered your body. This can cause a very mild temperature increase for a short time, runny nose, etc.
If you did develop a serious case of the flu than the reason you did is because: (1) You were getting sick before you took the shot; and (2) The vaccine didn't have enough time to build up your antibodies.
This is a reason for getting your flu shot early in the year as opposed to later on.
As older adults we need our flue shots. Getting one early is the best way to avoid getting the flu because it takes two weeks or so to fully build up immunity.
After reading all of this, maybe I'll start getting them again. Thing is, no one I know has had the flu whether they got a flu shot of not. But, yes, after reading all this, my mind is changed.
I did get the Shingles shot when it first came out. I got it even though I had to pay about $200 as it was not yet covered by Medicare. That's because I've know relatives who have suffered really badly from Shingles and it scares me to death. It's not 100% effective but anything that can decrease the chances and/or maybe the degree of suffering has to be a good thing.
Incidentally, I just got my yearly dual birthdays email from an old friend and he said he caught Shingles this past year and lost part of his hearing due to it. So there's another good reason for getting that shot. I can't believe it. The Shingles shot is free now and not to protect yourself from such a devastating disease is kinda silly.
With the enterovirus outbreak doctors are recommending a flu shot now for everyone
Who can get one to help protect children.
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