Flu Shots...Yay or Nay???

[AquaScaper]

I haven't received a flu shot ever, the nature of my job suggests that I should have one so that I don't catch and potentially pass on flu bugs to my co-workers and clients. Ironically enough it has been admitted by the people who endorse the flu shot that it may not be completely effective in preventing the flu because they aren't always able to predict which flu is going to be here when they make up the flu cocktail for everyone to enjoy or have a nasty reaction from. Another interesting thing is that it is only 30-40% effective when administered to the elderly or immuno compromised.

I've gotten vaccines for all kinds of things throughout my life and while I never enjoyed the ordeal much or the after effects that lingered sometimes for days, but this flu shot idea seriously makes the hair rise on the back of my neck. Almost everyone around me who has had the shot has gotten sick from it and one person even had local swelling that lasted 2 months!
I tend to ask myself how safe and necessary is this shot? I get the flu at least once a year and yes I suffer a little, but isn't it better for my body to suffer a little and fight it off on it's own? Isn't it the general idea that in order for our bodies to maintain healthy immunity they need to be kept in shape with these little colds and flu bugs that we often receive?
I can't shake the idea that if we had a shot for every virus they could think of and never had to experience anything full blown then our bodies would be useless to the onslaught of something major.....we haven't had a plague in how long?

We had an inservice on this flu shot thing a few days ago at my work and it really made me wonder how other people feel about it....

[Soggybottom]

I watched an Australian documentary about vaccinations recently that pretty much has me convinced that they do more harm than good. (vid from 1998)

Its lumped in with the conspiracy type stuff at google video, but it is well put together with a lot of comment from non-loony, credentialed people. Bit long though... (90 mins)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8610554679207090010&q=Vaccination

Some main points:
- No shortage of outbreaks in supposedly immunized populations
- Nasty preservatives including mercury and other components that actually kill people via adverse reactions
- Many "childhood" diseases play an important part in building immune system and general health
- Demonstrates that reduced disease in modern developed contries attributable to better hygiene, not shots

[Melody]

I've had it, no ill effects and I don't know anyone who has had ill effects.... except for Aquascaper now....lol. I didn't get the flu that year and I still can have my Son sick and not get what he has. I don't know if its connected or not but I clean up his vomit so its usually a given...lol. :witch:

Truthfully, I know very little about them so I won't comment there. Overall I think vaccinations have decreased childhood illnesses dramatically so they're a good thing. They certainly have protected many unborn children via shots their Moms had for measles. For common viruses, I just don't know. Its something I should look into deeper from the sounds of things. Thanks for making us more aware :thumbup: .

[AquaScaper]

I've had it, no ill effects and I don't know anyone who has had ill effects.... except for Aquascaper now....lol. I didn't get the flu that year and I still can have my Son sick and not get what he has. I don't know if its connected or not but I clean up his vomit so its usually a given...lol. :witch:

Truthfully, I know very little about them so I won't comment there. Overall I think vaccinations have decreased childhood illnesses dramatically so they're a good thing. They certainly have protected many unborn children via shots their Moms had for measles. For common viruses, I just don't know. Its something I should look into deeper from the sounds of things. Thanks for making us more aware :thumbup: .

Flu Virus Description
Influenza (flu)


Influenza (flu) is a viral upper respiratory illness that comes on suddenly, causing a person to feel very sick with symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a dry cough or sore, dry throat. Home treatment to reduce discomfort is usually all that is needed.
In some cases, the flu can lead to complications, such as bacterial pneumonia. People who are at high risk for complications include young children up to 2 years of age, adults age 65 and older, and all those who have certain health conditions, such as chronic heart or lung problems or immune system disorders.
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/sti150769.asp?navbar=hw122014

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The Flu shot won't protect you against Gastrointestinal bugs which is what symptoms of vomiting are related too. The flu is almost always confused with other sickies and people often think that if they have the runs and they are puking their life away, it must be the flu. Unfortunately though a strong enough bout of the flu can and often will promote other viruses to gain easy access and as a result cause GI tract problems and ickies such as Pneumonia which allow for secondary bacterial infections to take hold and often these are what lead to death, not the flu itself. You being able to clean up vomit without getting it just means you're lucky and your immune system must be good, it doesn't really have anything to do with the vaccine which is only geared towards the flu itself or your immunity to the flu.
At least that's the way the speaker explained it to us during the inservice as many people who attended began to explain how they vomit and get the runs whenever they have the flu so it ends up being commonly linked together.

I do agree though that without some of the vaccines that are available there would surely be more deaths and problems than there are today. In some third world countries where some of these vaccines aren't readily available, sickness remains the #1 killer and will continue to do so until things change. We have been fortunate enough to have these vaccines available to us and have become immune to the many things which may have once killed us. We also have resources to keep our bodies healthy and strong to fight off things which they can't vaccinate us for, this likely was very much a factor in ensuring our immunity and survival to begin with.:)

If I've missed or mis-interpreted anything, please do correct me. :)

[CACAdmin]

At work they are always pushing us to get flu shots. Like AquaScaper I've never had a flu shot (nor do I intend to). I am exposed to all sorts of germs at work and rarely ever get sick. (I've only missed work because of the flu once in the past 10 years.) The most that usually happens is I get a couple of mild symptoms for a day (or two) and that's it. I figure the exposure to all those germs helps build my immunity. :SharkSharkShark!:

However, I'm undecided as to the benifits of the usage of flu shots. :confused: They might be helpful in the case of folks with weakend or compromised immune systems.

[Melody]

Ah, so I should be calling in with 'Gastrointestinal bugs' rather than the flu. Got it. Good info! Although I knew that the Flu could often have cold-like symptoms, I didn't know that worshipping the porcelaine wasn't technically the flu.

Edit: I think employers could better address the issue by looking at their sick policies. When I was with Microsoft, you had 8 days in ANY one year period. Well, most flu bugs now hang on for much longer, not to mention that those of us with children also have to stay home to tend to them. So we're forced to go back to work while still ill, or work longer into the illness until we just can't, thus passing along to co-workers. I think they would be better served to require proof of illness and extend the days. One person absent is better than 10 people absent. I loathe going to the doctor to get notes when I have the flu - seems so stupid to go there just so someone can tell me what I already know, but employers need some sort of control and I understand that. With us, it didn't matter what you presented them with, after 8 days, buh bye job. I learned to appreciate Unions then, but that's another story.

[Soggybottom]

In some third world countries where some of these vaccines aren't readily available, sickness remains the #1 killer and will continue to do so until things change.

I would argue that hygiene and nutrition play a much bigger role than vaccines, but I've said my bit and I'll shut up now...

[AquaScaper]

I would argue that hygiene and nutrition play a much bigger role than vaccines, but I've said my bit and I'll shut up now...

Oh definitely:) that really goes without saying

No need to shut up SB, this is what great debates are all about! :yes:


I appreciate your input :D

[Soggybottom]

Just trying to stay on the right side of that line between those who investigate what others would apparently call conspiracies, and the "nuts" who rave on and on, loudspeaker in hand :)

[blainep]

I have no idea if the flu shot is actually good or bad for you. I have never had one but my wife gets one every year. I do know for sure if you haven't had a flu virus for a few years, when you do get it, it wil knock you down hard.

A friend of mine is a flu shot fan, he skipped a year, got the flu, said it nearly killed him. I wasn't sure if that was just his way of bragging or complaining.

Last year I got mine, I hadn't caught the flu in about 5 or 6 years. Last year, I got it . I really got it, I can honestly say that in all the years I can remember, I have never been that sick before. I was sick for weeks, my wife was freaked right out, she'd never seen me that sick.

I'm no doctor or researcher, but it seems from what I've seen, If you are a flu shot fan, keep getting them. If you go a few years without the flu, the next one is going to be a bad one.

[Candice]

Last time I got a flu shot, it felt as though my arm was broken at the inject site and I was sooo sick for about 3 days.

No thank you.

p.s. I don't mind needles and donate blood, so it's not a needle thing.

[Pamelajo]

I don't have a much of a choice. I work in a nursing home and if we don't get a flu shot we can't work if someone gets the flu. Could be off work for weeks without pay. Can't afford that.
I have noticed though that since getting the flu shot I do not get Sinus infections.
Everytime I got a cold it always turned into a Sinus infection. Been a couple years since I had one. Not sure if it is just a coincidence or not. Knocking on wood.

[Melody]

Interesting! You should ask your doctor about it, just out of curiosity.

[hp10BII]

I have a doctor that does not believe in flu shots unless you are in the high risk category ie. elderly, heart conditions where contracting the flu could kill you.

If you are not in the high risk category, he prefers that you just tough it out...the main reason being that there is a slight chance of paralysis with the flu shot. Even with the slightest of chances, he prefers not to administer the flu shot.

[Melody]

Sounds like a well-informed & responsible physician :) .

[bettakim]

I had the flu shot when they first came out. My doctor insisted/pushed it was the best thing for me to do as I have asthma. I got so sick afterwards and it was the sickest I've ever been with "flu like symptoms" as the ER doctor called it. I've never had the shot since and I haven't had the flu since until this year. Get the occassional cold but nothing that kept me from work and my husband goes into alot of flu/cold bug infested customer homes.
As for this year, both hubby and I have had the new flu virus that was going around in October here. He was alot sicker then me and what we found was no one cold/flu med would work. Each medication worked for about 24 hours and then we had to switch to something else. It took from start to finish almost 3 weeks to run it's course. We also dealt with it differently. Where hubby just took the flu meds, I increased my vit. C intake, realized it was time to get back on the echinacea, and drank lots of speciallized herbal tea to help with my asthma.
I won't get the flu shot again, not from the bad experience but from learning more about it and shots in general. The key is to stay in good general health, nutrition and support your immune system all the time, not just when your sick. And it is true that the flu shot is not a guarantee that you won't get it, just suppose to better the odds that you won't get the ones that are in the cocktail. I prefer to take my chances, fight it off and build up a natural immunity to all the little nasties that I get from the virus rather than have my body rely on the immunity from a needle. My personal belief is that we over vaccinate ourselves and our pets, and we also over clean our homes - all those anti-bacterial cleaning products and we are setting ourselves for the worst. I grew up hearing "so what it's just dirt/mud, do her good to get dirty and eat some, builds up her immunity". Now parents freak and run for the anti-bacterial cloths/gel to clean the kid that touches that mud puddle.

[Melody]

I agree completely on the cleaning - my house shows it too...lol. If you wash your hands with soap and water as hot as you can stand it, and do it long enough (most people only take a couple of seconds to wash their hands) the bacteria will be gone. You shouldn't try to kill it - that creates superbugs, what you want to do is wash it down the drain. I am a big fan of bleach though, I must admit.

I have learned a lot from this thread :) , thanks!

[Soggybottom]

I with ya all the way bettakim :)

[Melody]

I got the flu shot through my employer this year. I have worked at home for years and haven't been exposed to all of the bugs so I figured it would be a good idea. I also didn't want to be taking a whole bunch of sick time, especially in my first year with the company. The company paid for it and the nurse came to our office.

I had absolutely no problems, not even the little bit of aching possible after your first shot. The shot site wasn't even sore.

This isn't to argue a point of course, I acknowledge and respect all arguements against it, but I thought a shared experience might be beneficial to those deciding.

[Slipstream]

U should have , No, dont need them as an option.. Cause i just dont get sick, havent been sick for like 5 years. Other than the common cold once or twice.

[WaterPond]

I used to get it when i was in elementary school. All those "myths" about it making you sick are definately true although drug compnaies argue otherwise. It makes me get violent fevers and chills. But of course having that for a couple days isnt as bad as having that plus nausea. But i don't get it because i can't afford to miss school and work, and the flu is easily preventable with a good diet and some vitamins and supplements.

[KnaveTO]

In Ontario the shot is covered by OHIP. People need to rmemeber that they come into contact with any of the danger groups (infants, elderly, immune suppressed, etc) on a daily basis. Even though your body can fight off the infection those of us in the above category can't and it can kill us... yes KILL. So by not getting the shot you are not only putting yourself at risk of getting a virus that will incapacatate you for a couple of day but you are putting at risk of loosing their lives those in the category above. Please remember this when you decide against getting your flu shot.

[CACAdmin]

Well, it's that time of year again when the question arises as to whether or not to get a flu shot. As usual I will not be getting one but a great many will.

Until now, I for one wasn't aware there could be any serious side effects (possibly because I've never had one nor have discussed it with my doctor). However, in checking the Health Canada website under Influenza (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/flu-grippe-eng.php#the) I discovered the following:


Under Minimizing Your Risk (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/flu-grippe-eng.php#mi): "
Certain groups should not be vaccinated. These include children under six months of age and people who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or a previous dose of the vaccine."

Under The Health Effects of Flu Shots (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/flu-grippe-eng.php#the)

It lists these possible side effects:

soreness at the injection site
fever, fatigue and muscle aches
oculo-respiratory syndrome (cold like symptoms)
Guillain-Barré syndrome (rare)Full article from Health Canada on Influenza here (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/flu-grippe-eng.php#the)

I am not trying to advise anyone about getting a flu shot. It's an individual choice best made in consultation with your doctor. However, I just think it's important that we all need to be aware of the pros and cons to discuss when making that decision.

[Pamelajo]

Don't have a choice really either get the flu shot or if there is an outbreak in the home I would be off work til it is over with no pay. 128 residents could take awhile, for it to end. I would get them anyway.

[OldMan]

My doctor recommended it to me recently so I went ahead with it. I had no side effects that I can detect but that doesn't mean much because I generally do not react to anything that is making the rounds. I can't say that my immune system is especially good but I seldom seem to get sick. I have heard lots of stories from the people that I work with about adverse responses but just have no experience with such reactions. Sometimes I wonder if a lot of the "illness" that we see around us are more mental or emotional than physical in origin.

[Pamelajo]

For people with weak immune systems & illnesses the side effects from the shot are minor in comparison to what can happen when they get the flu. For these people it could mean life or death. From the info we have received it is not the flu that will get you it is all the problems it can turn into, like pneumonia.

[Melody]

I'm booked for next Friday as the nurse visits the office again. I sailed through several bugs that my Son brought home last year without catching them, and suspect that a few others were milder cases because of the shot. I'd get a 'touch of something' but it didn't get worse, then went away.

[Gobies et al]

I'm one that faithfully gets the flu shot every year. It is required where I work, but the real reason, is that I am one of those that the flu could kill. I have had mild flu twice in the last 15 years, but the effects on my heart and lungs is severe. Yes, the flu does kill, and you don't have to be elderly!