I don’t know if I have the flu or not, but I still feel awful. If you qualify, I’d say it is a wise investment that I shouldn’t have put off. Ironically, since I have a fever I shouldn’t get a flu shot. *sniff*
Here is a flu shot finder, or contact your insurance carrier.
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I always tell people to get flu shots. People who don’t get their shots usually have kind of lame excuses, like “it costs $40” or “it doesn’t cover all of the viruses anyway.”
The way I see it is this, when you have the flu, you’d happily pay $40 for a 1/3 chance that your symptom miraculously evaporate and you feel better.
If you are prone to chest colds, or you get the crud every year and can’t shake it, or if you work at a school or university or other group, then you should get a flu shot. You are part of the “risk population.” If you have a kid in school, have them vaccinated too.
I am way less sick each winter than I used to be, simply because my nurse practitioner once said, “Don, you are one of the people who should get a flu shot. You have asthma, you get bronchitis frequently, and you work at a university.” I had multiple marks against me, but just thought of myself as healthy.
When my daughter got the flu twice back to back she ran a high fever for over a week. She’s been vaccinated every year since, with the nasal mist. Actually, she hasn’t had it yet this year because her date is just after Thanksgiving, and ironically I think she just had the flu. And, yes, it meant a $70 doctor’s visit. Get your kids vaccinated and the whole family will feel better.
I mentioned it once at school. They recommend all of the routine vaccinations, including chicken pox, these days. I said to the principal once, “You should recommend flu vaccinations for the kids.” I mentioned the nasal mist, so they don’t even have to get shots. She hedged, “I don’t know. I don’t know if we really want to ask parents to do that.”
Lame, lame, lame. And not as bright as I had given her credit for. That winter the school closed for several days because of influenza.
Got my flu shot last week. I too have asthma and bronchial issues so I’ve been getting flu shots religiously since 2001. The only year where I contracted the flu notwithstanding the shot was last year, when the powers that be got the strains wrong in the formulation. IMHO, an 85% success rate is pretty darn good! It’s definitely worth it.
The best remedy for the flu is Ocillococinum. You can find it at any pharmacy including Wal-Mart. My wife got the flu last year. This homeopathic remedy had her feeling good enough to get around one day later and was good to go to work the next day.
As any medication flu shot is not for everyone as pharmacy company wants you to believe. Johnatan, you are usually critical to something “Hey, everybody go here!”. IMHO vaccines are same way as starbucks.
No, no, no, no.
Don’t do it. Do some serious research, then you’ll understand why.
Besides the usual shots you get as a child living in America, I grew up not going to the doctor all that often for minor colds or other things. I kinda “toughed it out” if you will. I think I’ve only gotten really sick (fever, felt tired) one or two times over the past 10 years (knock on wood), and even then I didn’t go to the doctor (I was studying pre-med so I felt I knew what the doctor would tell me anyways).
I’m in the camp of living through it and getting over it (but again, I’m the type to just tough things out).
Isn’t the flu shot for the influenza, the one that can kill you? I think people think its to prevent the common cold, but that is not the case is it?
I agree with Stephen. Flu shots aren’t really necessary.
I’m another one of those at risk people what with my chronic bronchitis (and other medical problems). Still, I resisted getting the flu shot for years and toughed it out when I did get sick. Two years ago I was hit so hard that my cough didn’t disappear for more than six months and I had difficulty breathing for the duration. Last year, when the topic of a flu shot came up I finally gave in and that was the first year in decades that I didn’t catch the flu. I’m all for getting the vaccination….and I already got mine this year. On the other hand, my brother got a flu shot last year and spent the winter feeling miserable.
http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/Fluvaccine_eggallergy.htm
If you have an egg allergy, read this.
@Patrick: I don’t think too many people think flu = cold. But they do have some similar symptoms. You’re right in that it can kill you. But any disease can kill you if your immune system is weak enough.
I did a quick google of the difference between cold and flu and got this website:
http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=577
I think it explains the differences pretty well.
Already had mine. I work with children, and caught a very nasty flu three years ago. Left me with some mild asthma. Since I am working with children, I would rather not let them make me sick again. They have little defenses themselves against that, so it’s silly not to look after myself. I consider it NT$550 well spent. It did leave me tired, though.
Kenneth
My work is offering them free this year but I ended up turning it down. I rarely ever get the flu (ok being a healthy 24 year old doesn’t hurt). My mother who works at a hospital doesn’t get them anymore as she said she gets the flu worse the years she does take it. I guess the decision to get one or not depends rather heavily on the individual involved.
Its truly amazing how the lobbyists at the drug companies have manged to convice the government that everybody needs a flu shot every year. In 10 years, I wonder if they will be telling us we all need a daily vaccination for rabies or something.
Truth is, most people who think they have the flu when in reality they have a cold. For most people, the vaccine offers nothing more than the placebo effect. And we really have NO idea what the long-term negative side effects might be.
No to the flu shot.
My fiance went and got one last week in case he gets sick when we go on vacation next month, and I said no to him. Guess who’s sick now? Him!
Agree that the flu shot is not for everybody. I have never had it, and baring a precipitous decline in my health that would make me much more vulnerable to the flu, I don’t plan on getting one. The flu vaccine doesn’t protect you from every strain of the flu–it’s guess work. Epidemiologists have to basically guess what strains are going to thrive in a particular year and hope they’re right. The Flu vaccine IS a good idea for people who habitually get the flu, the elderly, those with chronic lung conditions, etc.
Patrick–flu vaccine can kill? are you thinking of the anthrax vaccine? You’re right that “the common cold” is not the same as influenze (aka “flu”) but tens of thousands of people do die of the flu every year in the US–hundreds worldwide.
I am also, on the other hand, not terribly surprised to see an upwelling of anti-vaccine paranoia in the comments here–the anti-vaccine crew seems to be highly represented on internet message boards everywhere (ran into a big discussion once on a law blog!)
My bottom line for the vaccine naysayers — for instance John who said “we really have NO idea what the long-term negative side effects might be.” We’ve been using flu vaccines for about 70 years, and vaccination procedures for almost 2 centuries…do we REALLY have “NO idea” what the longterm effects are? And then others like Stephen Waits are even less specific saying “Don’t do it. Do some serious research, then you’ll understand why.” Well, have you done some serious research Stephen–please share? Others like Diana rely solely on anecdotal evidence (true of most of the anti-vaccine movement I think) angle…do you even know if your fiance has the flu? The flu vaccine is not a panacea!
It’s nice to see that I’m not alone in thinking the flu shot is unnecessary. I used to get it when I was a teenager, but that didn’t stop me from getting the flu one year. I’m not a doctor, but it doesn’t seem logical that getting a vaccine for one virus would prevent me from getting another virus when every virus is different. I would rather just wash my hands, get lots of sleep, eat healthy, and try to avoid sick people. It doesn’t always work, but I don’t see any evidence that the shot works at all.
# Patrick Says:
October 27th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Isn’t the flu shot for the influenza, the one that can kill you? I think people think its to prevent the common cold, but that is not the case is it?
Absolutely. Most people mix up “the flu” and other infections all the time. You are absolutely covered with infectious particles, any one of which may infect you at any time and get you sick. The trouble is that this is ACTUALLY GOOD FOR YOU.
Notice that most of the worldwide pandemics start in civilized nations with better sanitation. We scrub our kids down so much that their immune systems aren’t ready to handle serious infections. Preventing disease is ironically the best way to ensure you get one.
I work with dozens of Biohazard II microbes at work, and I haven’t been sick for a good long while. The secret is that i get regular, subclinical doses of bacteria all the time, keeping my immune system constantly mobilized on Defcon III. That is the only benefit a flu shot provides: it will jump-start a LVL2 immune response and mobilize B and T cell mediated defense. The trouble is, while your body allocates resources to this concentrated intruder, you may find yourself susceptible to an opportunistic infection by some other interloper that can only attack you because you’re fighting something else.
That’s why it seems like flu shots make people sick. They allow something else to take hold. It’s good for you to get sick periodically. That way you know your immune system is still working.
I got my first flu shot ever (I think) yesterday at Target for $29.
Still hoping for the Scrooge McDuck post.
-Billy
I thought flu shots were for either the very young or the very old, or people that work closely with either of those two groups. For healthy adults, it seems to be a bit unnecessary (just my opinion).
Sorry to hear you’re not feeling well. I haven’t gotten the flu in several years, but when I get sick I take Vit. C, echinacea (stimulates immune system), goldenseal (natural antibiotic), and zinc lozenges.
Get well soon! I suspect those people who are poo-pooing the vaccine have only had colds, and not the flu. The flu is AWFUL. I’d gladly pay $40 for a 1-in-3 shot of not getting it each year. And I am needle-phobic! The only thing I can recommend is get lots of sleep… if you can. All that other crud doesn’t work.
The flu is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations 36,000 deaths every year. This is not the run-of-the-mill cold virus, it is a HORRIBLE illness and unless you get yourself to your health care provider quickly, there is nothing that can be done except to slug it out. In our company, there have been two previously healthy kids who’ve died from the flu in the last three years (this is a large pediatric practice with six offices).
I’ve worked in pediatrics for 18 years and I can honestly say that some vaccines are more important than others–I myself have not given my children all vaccines that are available and recommended to them. But I assure you once we get our annual flu vaccine supply in, every doctor and nurse has their family in the front of the line to get the shot (or nasal spray), including mine.
Best of luck to those of you who refuse the vaccine when offered. IMHO, that’s just nuts. Thinking that you’re somehow *special* and can’t get because of how incredibly healthy you are is nuts too.
My 2 cents!
What’s wrong with the flu shot? It’s a myth that the flu shot can cause the flu. I’ve read about 80% effectiveness? It takes 2 weeks to develop antibodies though, so get it as early as you can.
I agree, the flu is awful, and can put you out for weeks. After my first flu, I used to get a flu shot every year in college, and watch while everyone fell like flies during finals (a time of no sleep, bad eating, no exercise, and huddling together in libraries).
Aaron – It concerns me that your mother would not get the flu vaccine when working in a hospital. For healthcare workers, it’s not about protecting themselves as much as protecting those they care for. Read up on the “herd effect”
As for the flu vaccine, it’s required by my employer and I get it for free every year, and here’s some information on it from the CDC:
—————————
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
A new recommendation this year is that pregnant woman are now recommended to get a flu shot, so make sure to protect yourself if you are pregnant.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. The “flu shot” – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people six months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
Did we mention that the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu vaccination every year? Please get your flu shot!
i’m not saying the vaccine causes death but influenza itself. I thought the vaccines were to vaccinate against this deadly strain. I also seem to think people get this shot thinking it is going to save them from the common cold. Just what I’ve heard over the years. I’m no doctor.
“Its truly amazing how the lobbyists at the drug companies have manged to convice the government that everybody needs a flu shot every year.”
Whatever. The profit margins on flu vaccinations are extremely thin, to the point that it is difficult finding providers (hence the shortages some years). Something tells me the drug lobbyists are not the core promoters of vaccinations.
I rather have Flu than Alzheimer’s.
Very, very controversial call Jonathan. I’m personally on board with John about evil industry lobbying.
There is National Vaccine Information Center page on flu vaccine http://www.909shot.com/Diseases/influenzafacts.htm
Mind though that all those “government” agencies committees and centers get (at least partially) their funding from that same pharmaceutical industry they are regulating. Nevertheless, even they are saying that vaccines in general and flu vaccine in particular are not for everybody.
I never got a flu shot and never will. I don’t like shots period.
Besides, I think it’s one of those American fads that plays to the tune of the pharma companies.
Human kind managed without a flu shot until now. I think we can manage without one in the future.
There is so much misinformation out there it’s crazy. I just read junk by some “Dr. Bob” who isn’t even an MD, but a chiropractor.
Flu and Alzheimer’s – See here for rebuttal: More myth’s about Alzheimers.
The NVIC has their own agenda and is only one side of the argument.
Why, I wonder, does my insurance company give them out for free? Probably because they actually prevent illness and help keep their costs down.
Please do your research (like the CDC link provided), but actually do it and not just read what anyone puts on some website. Ask your *doctor*, eh?
Don’t you know that all vaccinations are a Socialist world-government scheme to turn us all into zombies who will vote for Obama?
Enjoy your flu the way God intended!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stCHQJfwVgk
About flu shots
My oh my, vaccinations are Socialist? Who says this site isn’t informative.
I just got my shot this morning. I don’t get the flu often (YES, I know when it’s just a cold), but when I did in college, I actually missed my entire week of exams. Do you know how much that hurts when there are no excuses accepted? I have a busy work schedule and I can’t risk being out for even a few days.
Paranoids can call it what they want, but even if pharmacies are just trying to make money on it, I can risk $15 for a shot and the high chance of not getting the flu, than getting the flu and risk more money recovering (i.e. doctors and not getting paid!).
As many have already mentioned, the flu shot DOES NOT protect you against other viruses! I don’t know how else anyone can explain it. It HELPS prevent influenza, NOT stop it or stop colds!
And yes, many people in the old old days dealt with flu. It’s called death.
Vaccines can prevent “plague” like effects for contagious viruses…
Don Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Don’t you know that all vaccinations are a Socialist world-government scheme to turn us all into zombies who will vote for Obama?
Enjoy your flu the way God intended!
********************************************************
Wow, very amazing…if that’s true, what kind of vaccinations did people get to vote for Bush Jr?
I have found an excellent way to avoid the flu. I get regular chiropractic adjustments. Since I started doing that, I have not had any serious cold or flu. I’ll occasionally feel tired or get a mild cough or fever, but it’s not severe, and it doesn’t last more than a day or two. That’s a *far* better success rate than the flu vaccine.
When you do your research, you’ll find that the flu shot doesn’t work. It was pushed into the older population in an effort to reduce flu mortality in the elderly. It didn’t work.
Then, they said that they just have to get more people to do it. Again, long-term studies show that it doesn’t work.
Now, they’re saying that it must be that the kids are giving it to the elderly, so we’ll just get all them vaccinated, too. That’s not working, either (although the long-term studies are still underway).
In addition, flu shots contain all sorts of *very* toxic things. Mercury/thimerisol (although there are now some without it), formaldehyde, and other very bad stuff.
When you take the very serious risks that come with getting vaccinations, you would expect a high likelihood of getting the benefit of immunity. Sadly, for just about all of the common vaccines, the evidence does not support that position. The odds of serious adverse effects are relatively high, compared to the limited chance of achieving a benefit.
I’m an MD, but by no means a “influenza expert”.
The “flu shot” is suppose to prevent influenza, not the common cold. A lot of “colds” are caused by other viruses, not necessarily the influenza virus. Unlike the sniffles and congestion of a common cold, influenza is deadly; it killed 50-100 MILLION people in the 1918 pandemic.
On the minus side, the shot hurts and you can get a mild cold symptoms. You may get the vaccine, but still get the flu. Like everything in life, nothing is 100% guaranteed.
The data between flue shows and Alzheimer’s disease is a little sketchy– could flu shots cause Alzheimer’s disease? Possibly. Data has shown a recent increase in Alzheimer’s disease, but is this because of flu shots, or because we’re getting better at diagnosing the disease, because we’re living longer, or because of something else in our environment, such as cell phones or a hole in the ozone? Correlation does not mean causation.
Deal with the data as you want; if you chose or do not choose a flu shot, more power to you. I recommended it to everyone in my family and my high risk patients (old, diabetic, young, or people with exposures). In the end, however, the best way to prevent the flu is good hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough.
The reason people can get away without vaccinations is because the vast majority of the population still gets vaccinated, thus preventing outbreaks. If we saw a major movement away from vaccination, we’d see the return of massive pandemics.
In response to “fivecentnickel.com,” I wanted to add this:
It is NOT proven that vaccines have reduced the incidence of the diseases for which they are given, or that they can prevent outbreaks/pandemics. The scientific research is divided, and the debate continues.
I have seen a good deal of evidence, with all the scientific studies referenced, to suggest that the incidence of various diseases like measles, mumps, etc. were already dropping prior to vaccination programs, and that the rate of decline did not change after the programs were put in place.
What’s more, for some vaccines, the “outbreaks” happen to vaccinated patients, or even come from the vaccines themselves.
Finally, there is evidence demonstrating that adverse vaccine reactions are hugely underreported, further muddying the waters, since the statistics on the frequency and severity of adverse reactions is now called into question.
Check out the debate for yourself. Look beyond what your doctor tells you — his information comes, essentially, from the drug companies who have profited wildly from the massive increase in the number of vaccines and the repeated doses now recommended for all ages. Keep in mind that when the FDA has approved all these new vaccines, members of the expert panel that approved them benefited directly financially from the resulting increase in drug company sales.
I am a healthy 24 years old and I will be getting my flu shot first time this year.
Why do I even bother as a healthy 24 years old?
Because I am socially responsible.
As another one online commenter had “elegantly” puts it:
“The flu will likely not kill you even if you get it. However, if you get it and you give it two people and they give it to people, and they give it two people, and they give it two people…well you can bet your ass eventually one of those people will be an elderly or immuno-suppressed person who it could very well kill.”
Frankly, I think a lot of fears by anti-vaccine folks are overblown. Everything have cost and benefit, including vaccination. What if the cost of preventing childhood illnesses or other diseases is injecting yourself with mercury/thimerisol or whatever? In this case the benefits of preventing a particular disease clearly outweight vague and rare risk of adverse effects. Plus the concentration of toxic compounds, if presented, injected through vaccine would probably be so small as be insignificant.
How many big pharma stocks tank because they have to pull drugs from the market that are found to be unsafe after years of use? I trust no one, especially FDA, big pharma, government, rating agencies, media, analysts, “experts”, biased studies, etc. No one.
My daughter just had her flu shot and got sick. She had a procedure at her local hospital later and asked if they take flu shots in this major department–they don’t according to the nurse assigned to her.
I met an ER doctor 15 years ago that had never had one. Go figure.
Now I’m torn. Probably won’t have one this year.
I am 51 years old, live in Ontario Canada, and by this time each year (mid-February) have spent no less than one week, and at times up to three weeks in bed with the flu. Last year, it took five weeks to get back to full strength. Can’t think, can’t work, can’t function. Every single year that I can remember since childhood, this has been the case. Only solution has been to stay in bed.
Had a (free) flu shot this past October. Have not yet lost a day to illness. My wife and daughter have both been sick with the flu for the past two weeks. Being one who gets sick at the mention of the word ‘flu’, I’ve never felt better (touch wood…).
Now, I work with statistical analysis every day, so I know the risk of drawing conclusions from a sample of one. This said, if I make it to the Spring unscathed this year, I’m a convert for good.
Here’s hoping.