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Flu vaccine decreases the severity of the illness and/or makes it harder to catch the more prevalent strains, but does not PREVENT it, as we can't effectively vaccinate against a virus that changes yearly. The best protection in addition to vaccination is HANDWASHING!!!!!
In case you missed groove's link: CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Q & A: Flu Shot
Am seeing a lot of influenza, and upper respiratory illness, and 24-hr "bugs" - I think it is because we've had such a mild winter here in the south.
Flu vaccine decreases the severity of the illness and/or makes it harder to catch the more prevalent strains, but does not PREVENT it, as we can't effectively vaccinate against a virus that changes yearly. The best protection in addition to vaccination is HANDWASHING!!!!!
In case you missed groove's link: CDC - Influenza (Flu) | Q & A: Flu Shot
Am seeing a lot of influenza, and upper respiratory illness, and 24-hr "bugs" - I think it is because we've had such a mild winter here in the south.
And no rain until recently and viruses love dry air.
First, there are many strains of the flu and the flu shot is only preventative against only ONE type. Also, occassionally, they are using weakened strains of the flu as the vaccine and there is a tiny percentage of it causing you to get sick. On the flip side, one should not freak out over the stupid media buzz "THE FLU SHOT KILLS YOU! OMGOMGOMGOMGOGMG"....its pretty stupid that they sensationalize things like that because quite frankly, anything could kill you---like walking. Or breathing. Or living.
Actually it's preventative against several types, generally the most common strains from the season before. So you may get boosted immunity to some flu strains going around, but if the particular one you come into contact with wasn't part of the cocktail you received...well, you can come down with it.
As far as getting sick from the vaccine itself, sure. Some people get sick, most don't.
I do feel sluggish for a day or two after the vaccine. My fiance has a bad reaction to everything and is allergic to a bunch of differenet meds, therefore she has never taken her chances with the flu shot. If it's rare, no matter how minor the risk, it will happen to her.
I had a liver transplant 22 years ago. I take an anti-rejection medication daily which lowers my immune system. I try to get a flu shot every year. I think that it is all in a person's mind when they tell me that getting a flu shot gives them the flu. I have never gotten the flu from a flu shot and if anyone should get the flu from the shot, it would be me. Yes...it can make u feel a bit off for a day or two afterwards. Your body is busy producing antibodies, DUH.
BTW. I got a flu shot three weeks ago....and I have lived to tell about it.
I heard on the radio today that half of the flu shots this year didn't contain at least one of the strains going around. WASH YOUR HANDS AND DO NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES, NOSE, OR MOUTH. ALSO, PLEASE COUGH/SNEEZE INTO YOUR SLEEVE NOT YOUR HANDS OR INTO THE AIR!
The only time I got a flu shot, I got the flu right after (2 or 3 days later). I've never had the flu since. No one in my family gets a flu shot and we've never gotten the flu, at least that I can tell. Knock wood!
My husband was a quadriplegic and last year when he got the flu shot he had a massive seizure, and we headed home from California, this year while in the hospital , the night before he was coming home , he was given another flu shot for this year , it was Valentines Day morning around 5:30 he was rushed to the ER and passed away . The cause of death is still pending , but both times he has reactions , and I will never know if it were realted but now my sweet Valentine isn't with me any more.............
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