I heard this morning that only 37% of Americans got a flu vaccine this year - and it's turning out to be a terrible flu season.

So, if you didn't get a flu vaccine, why not? I really don't understand this. You can get them for cheap just about everywhere. And you know what costs more (and hurts more) than a flu shot? Getting the flu!

The last time I had a bout of Type A flu, I made up my mind that I was never going through that again. The fever, the horrible aches, the cough that lasts a month. I just don't have time for that crap. I'd be sure to come down with it the second I got cast in a play or as I was getting ready to go on vacation. No, thank you.

2 teenagers have died in Minnesota in the last few weeks from the flu. It's no joke.

I never used to get one because I've only ever had the flu once or twice in my life. For the most part I rarely get sick and when I do it's usually just a cold.

I have gotten them now the last few years since my bf was diagnosed with MS. Anything that activates his immune system is bad so I need to stay as healthy as possible so I'm not transferring anything to him. I will do everythign in my power to ensure he doesn't get another attack.

Never had a flu shot and never got one for my son either. I don't plan on ever getting one either.

It's not a matter of cost as it is free here (well, covered by medicare).

Neither my son or I have ever had a serious flu and it's not that I don't think we will ever get one, I just think it's better to fight it off on your own. I might think of the flu shot differently if we were in a high risk category for real complications, but we're both healthy.

In the past 20 years I've skipped the shots maybe twice. I see it as preventive health. It's never made me sick, although I feel "low" for about two days after, then fine. Haven't had the flu either.

I used to work in public transit and now use public transit so the potential for catching the flu is certainly there.

For those who think healthy children are immune:

[Edited]

Between 2004 and 2012, 829 U.S. children under 18 died from influenza-associated causes. While many of the deaths occurred among children with underlying health conditions, including neurological disorders, asthma or lung disease, and genetic or chromosomal disorders, 40% occurred among children with no known medical condition, according to lead author Dr. Karen K. Wong of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthy children actually died more quickly, according to the research, with a median of four days from symptoms to death. That's compared to a median of seven days from symptoms to death among children with a pre-existing condition.

"Because influenza-associated deaths can occur rapidly in children, prevention is really the best defense," explained Wong, noting that over a third of deaths occurred in children younger than age 5 -- a group known to be at high risk -- and 11% occurred in children younger than 6 months. That's a group that is too young to be vaccinated.

[EDITED]

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/24/health/flu-fatalities/index.html

Canada has seen a huge spike in flu cases this year. It really pisses me off because it should be less, but there are too many people who don't bother getting the shot. My hubby and I get our flu shot every year. I doesn't mean we won't get the flu, but we will probably get a more mild strain if we get it at all.

Even if you only get mild flu, you could pass it on to someone who has a weaker immune system and they could get very ill or die.

I believe in it whole-heartedly.

CarrieMpls said:

2 teenagers have died in Minnesota in the last few weeks from the flu. It's no joke.

I never used to get one because I've only ever had the flu once or twice in my life. For the most part I rarely get sick and when I do it's usually just a cold.

I have gotten them now the last few years since my bf was diagnosed with MS. Anything that activates his immune system is bad so I need to stay as healthy as possible so I'm not transferring anything to him. I will do everythign in my power to ensure he doesn't get another attack.

I hardly ever get sick, either. I've always been healthy. (Knock wood.) And I'm reasonably certain I could fight off a bout of the flu.

The point is, I don't want to have to do that. The flu is just horribly inconvenient - to say nothing of painful. Plus, as in your case, I have someone in my life who I'd rather not run the risk of infecting. And you just never know whether this year's flu will be the next "Spanish Influenza" (à la 1919), which killed mostly younger, healthy people.

For the last few years, they've been offering flu shots for free where I work. I'm sure the main goal for the company is to minimize productivity losses. But regardless of their reasons, I trot myself over to the vaccine clinic every year to take advantage.

I have had the flu twice in my life, the last time was two years ago and I was in bed for a week! I was miserable! That was enough for me to start getting flu shots

I've had the flu only once, and that was damn near 30 years ago. I thought I was going to freakiin die, I was so sick.

I don't get the shot because it does not prevent one from getting the flu, it only lessens the severity. And the last time I did get the shot, I got sick. I'm no longer working and am not constantly around people; consequently, I will continue to just go on with my normal routine of not handling public door knobs and such. I wash my hands frequently and always carry hand sanitizer and use it liberally.

As a matter of fact, I can't remember the last time I had a common cold. I must be doing something right or God has blessed me with an ironclad immune system.

i gota flu and pneumonia vaccine on fri

Chile, I'm in Bangkok.

The only thing I get here is food poisoning and occasionally something like the drip which can be cured with a shot, lawd.

Never had the flu, have never had a flu shot. They offered them free at my job, and now it seems that a few of the people who actually got the shot, got the flu. In fact just from casual observation, over the years that always seems to be the case after working in a few different locations. Plus I tend to have adverse affects from time to time from various meds and vaccines, so since it seems like a crap shoot anyway, why get a shot for something I don't seem to be prone to get at this point in my life, just because I'm told to.

I had to do some bloodwork this morning so I wanted to wait until after that to get my flu shot.

I'm getting it in two hours from now.

I did not get a flu vaccine because I rather just eat alot of fruits, eat healthy foods, wash my hands many times a day, stay away from any sick co-workers/family/ friends, etc. So far, I did not get the flu. Strong immune system.

People that say "I've never had the flu so I'm not going to get a flu shot" sound like people that would also say "I've never had an automobile accident so I'm never going to wear my seatbelt".

The thing is, today's flu isn't like the flu of our childhood. The flu gets worse and worse every year. Now, it can kill you. It DOES kill children (are you listening?). Dozens of kids have died from it in the last month. I'm sure most of those kids were "healthy" kids before they got the flu that killed them.

And as others have said, if it doesn't kill you it will knock you on your can for weeks or more.

It's mind-boggling to me that anyone would risk that when the vaccine is plentiful and cheap or even free.

Oh well.

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated?

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.

• Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and

• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

• People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

morningsong said:

Never had the flu, have never had a flu shot. They offered them free at my job, and now it seems that a few of the people who actually got the shot, got the flu. In fact just from casual observation, over the years that always seems to be the case after working in a few different locations. Plus I tend to have adverse affects from time to time from various meds and vaccines, so since it seems like a crap shoot anyway, why get a shot for something I don't seem to be prone to get at this point in my life, just because I'm told to.

You can't get the flu from the flu vaccine - except in rare cases with the nasal mist kind, which is made from a live virus. Flu shots do not use a live virus - so cannot cause the flu.

People who get the flu shortly after getting the vaccine were either exposed to the flu before they got the shot or in the time it takes for immunity to develop after you get the shot.

Who Should Get Vaccinated This Season?

Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:

• People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:

  • People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

  • Pregnant women.

  • People 65 years and older

• People who live with or care for others who are high risk of developing serious complications. This includes:

  • household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

A detailed list is available at Who Should Get Vaccinated... Influenza. A complete list of health and age factors that are known to increase a person’s risk of developing serious complications from flu is available at People Who Are at High Ri...plications.

www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

[Edited 1/9/13 9:42am]

Dalia11 said:

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated?

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.

• Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and

• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

• People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

Yeah, I know all that. But 63% of Americans do not fall into those categories.

[Edited 1/9/13 9:32am]

I posted "why" people should and "who" should not. The info is interesting. I like to inform, what can I say.

RodeoSchro said:

People that say "I've never had the flu so I'm not going to get a flu shot" sound like people that would also say "I've never had an automobile accident so I'm never going to wear my seatbelt".

The thing is, today's flu isn't like the flu of our childhood. The flu gets worse and worse every year. Now, it can kill you. It DOES kill children (are you listening?). Dozens of kids have died from it in the last month. I'm sure most of those kids were "healthy" kids before they got the flu that killed them.

And as others have said, if it doesn't kill you it will knock you on your can for weeks or more.

It's mind-boggling to me that anyone would risk that when the vaccine is plentiful and cheap or even free.

Oh well.

And to add to that, the most important reason to get the flu shot is to limit exposure not just to kids but elderly people as well.

If it was just about me, I wouldn't care. I'm a middle-aged, healthy guy and the flu likely wouldn't pose too much of a threat, other than a few days of being bed-ridden. It's those kids and elderly people who we are threatening with that inaction.

I think it's good manners, proper social etiquette to get the shot. Not getting one reeks a little bit of jerkiness to me.

[Edited 1/9/13 9:42am]

Genesia said:

morningsong said:

Never had the flu, have never had a flu shot. They offered them free at my job, and now it seems that a few of the people who actually got the shot, got the flu. In fact just from casual observation, over the years that always seems to be the case after working in a few different locations. Plus I tend to have adverse affects from time to time from various meds and vaccines, so since it seems like a crap shoot anyway, why get a shot for something I don't seem to be prone to get at this point in my life, just because I'm told to.

You can't get the flu from the flu vaccine - except in rare cases with the nasal mist kind, which is made from a live virus. Flu shots do not use a live virus - so cannot cause the flu.

People who get the flu shortly after getting the vaccine were either exposed to the flu before they got the shot or in the time it takes for immunity to develop after you get the shot.

I never said or even thought that people get the flu from the shot, I meant they get it inspite of the shot. And it's not right after getting the flu shot they exhibit some minor symptoms, there just always seems to be a few that get the shot and still get the flu during flu season. I've still never have gotten the flu and over the past decade my colds have been few and haven't been that servere either so I'll wait and depend more on taking better care of myself.

I wonder if it's like what has happened with antibiotics, now that so many people seem to overdose on the stuff, bacteria evolved stronger, so the cycle continues.

I heard and was told by several people that they did get the flu shot and they still got sick or did not get better. Interesante!

i had a flu shot which resulted in the very worst illness i have ever had. temp of 104 for four days straight and high temps for over a week. this was directly connected to the flu shot.

the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations is hotly debated. in ordert to provide a vaccination 'against' the flu, we are deliberately infected with a strain of the flu which has been 'neutralized'.

not everyone agrees that this is a safe and effective way of battling the flu. i agree with the skeptics after my experience.

morningsong said:

Genesia said:

You can't get the flu from the flu vaccine - except in rare cases with the nasal mist kind, which is made from a live virus. Flu shots do not use a live virus - so cannot cause the flu.

People who get the flu shortly after getting the vaccine were either exposed to the flu before they got the shot or in the time it takes for immunity to develop after you get the shot.

I never said or even thought that people get the flu from the shot, I meant they get it inspite of the shot. And it's not right after getting the flu shot they exhibit some minor symptoms, there just always seems to be a few that get the shot and still get the flu during flu season. I've still never have gotten the flu and over the past decade my colds have been few and haven't been that servere either so I'll wait and depend more on taking better care of myself.

I wonder if it's like what has happened with antibiotics, now that so many people seem to overdose on the stuff, bacteria evolved stronger, so the cycle continues.

When they make the year's flu vaccine, scientists make their best guess as to which strains of flu might be most prevalent in the coming season and include those in the vaccine. In rare cases, they guess wrong - in which case, they usually say there's a strain not included in the year's vaccine.

This is why, when H1N1 was a big deal, there was a year when you needed two vaccines to be covered.

I have to get the flu vaccine because of my job.

It is debateable as to how effective they are. Each year breeds a new strain of influenza virus. That new strain is not in the vaccine, so one can still get sick.

The #1 means of cold and flu prevention is HANDWASHING.

Use a tissue and hand sanitizer when you cough or sneeze.

If you get sick, stay home until you are fever free for at least 1 day.

XxAxX said:

i had a flu shot which resulted in the very worst illness i have ever had. temp of 104 for four days straight and high temps for over a week. this was directly connected to the flu shot.

the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations is hotly debated. in ordert to provide a vaccination 'against' the flu, we are deliberately infected with a strain of the flu which has been 'neutralized'.

not everyone agrees that this is a safe and effective way of battling the flu. i agree with the skeptics after my experience.

Correlation is not causation.

i had a flu jab one year & still managed to go down with the lergy, so i've not bothered since. after saying that everyone i work with is dropping with the flu this year, staffing is dire. i know that i'm brewing, i feel all heavy on my chest & popping out in zits. i hate the flu!

excited said:

i had a flu jab one year & still managed to go down with the lergy, so i've not bothered since. after saying that everyone i work with is dropping with the flu this year, staffing is dire. i know that i'm brewing, i feel all heavy on my chest & popping out in zits. i hate the flu!

Pimples are not a flu symptom.

damosuzuki said:

RodeoSchro said:

People that say "I've never had the flu so I'm not going to get a flu shot" sound like people that would also say "I've never had an automobile accident so I'm never going to wear my seatbelt".

The thing is, today's flu isn't like the flu of our childhood. The flu gets worse and worse every year. Now, it can kill you. It DOES kill children (are you listening?). Dozens of kids have died from it in the last month. I'm sure most of those kids were "healthy" kids before they got the flu that killed them.

And as others have said, if it doesn't kill you it will knock you on your can for weeks or more.

It's mind-boggling to me that anyone would risk that when the vaccine is plentiful and cheap or even free.

Oh well.

And to add to that, the most important reason to get the flu shot is to limit exposure not just to kids but elderly people as well.

If it was just about me, I wouldn't care. I'm a middle-aged, healthy guy and the flu likely wouldn't pose too much of a threat, other than a few days of being bed-ridden. It's those kids and elderly people who we are threatening with that inaction.

I think it's good manners, proper social etiquette to get the shot. Not getting one reeks a little bit of jerkiness to me.

[Edited 1/9/13 9:42am]

Excellent point.