It's that time of the year again!

You might not notice it these days, however, because now you can get a flu shot year-round from your local pharmacy. Sure there's a lot of controversial debate about vaccinations for children, but what about the push for adults to get their annual flu shot? My question is to ask my fellow Orgers if they get a flu shot and to find out what their thoughts are about them?

The reason why I ask is because I have gone the last four or five years without getting one and ended up getting a cold, sinus infection, strep throat, respiratory infection like bronchitis, and even respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) because I've worked in the school system. And in years when I have gotten the flu shot - I've been the sickest, even coming down with the flu (a different strain than what was anticipated in the vaccine that particular year) and pneumonia.

Will you be getting a flu shot this year?

Already got mine.

I never used to get them. Then my significant other was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Anytime he has to fight off anything it activates his immune system, which can be bad, so it’s that much more important for him and those around him to be healthy.

Vaccines are as much, if not more, about other people. The flu isn’t all that big of a deal to me, but there are folks who can die from it. Stopping the spread is important.

So now I get the vaccine. I understand it’s a personal choice, but I wish everyone did. It’s not 100% effective, but it does reduce the risk.

Absolutely! I haven't missed it in years.

I get it mostly for my aging father and my mother who was very ill for years before she passed.

I still get colds, but haven't been really sick with flu or other illnesses in a long time.

CarrieMpls said:

Vaccines are as much, if not more, about other people. The flu isn’t all that big of a deal to me, but there are folks who can die from it. Stopping the spread is important.

My 88 year old grandmother lives with me...she's the reason I started getting the shots

unless someone has had an adverse reaction to the vaccine or has been adivsed by a doctor not to have one, it just makes sense to have it

yes for the first time...i'm hardly ever sick but strangly enough this year i got the flu twice

No, never had one, nor has my son...but my parents get it every year.

Nope.

No

lazycrockett said:

Nope.

Yes.

YUP

Nah.

flu shots are nothing but poison .. your immune system will be stronger if you just get sick and get over it ..

Sure but then again, it's required of us Illimunata/Bilderbergers. That's why we never get sick. That, and the special bottled water we drink.

TrevorAyer said:

ThisOne said:

TrevorAyer said:

flu shots are nothing but poison .. your immune system will be stronger if you just get sick and get over it ..

I agree 100% I know many people who get really sick after having them

I agree. People act like it's so bad to get sick, though I think those who are high risk should get it if they really need to.

no

i had 1 last year only because i changed jobs and they were offering them at my new place of employment, they have asked again this year and i have said yes

I got one last year on the advice of my doctor, but I usually don't bother. I don't work anymore so I don't come in contact with folk daily, so my risk is kind of low. For years, even when I was working, I didn't get the shot and didn't get the flu. I can remember the first time I got the flu, and I thought I was going to freakin die. I'd never been so sick, and I can't remember getting that sick again. Maybe after that first bout I became immune. I don't even get colds anymore. I honestly cannot remember the last time I had a cold. I guess I have a pretty strong immune system. I think the best prevention to getting sick is to WASH YOUR HANDS frequently and DON'T HANDLE DOOR KNOBS WITH YOUR BARE HANDS, use a paper towel or tissue to open public doors. I never use my bare hands to open doors used by the general public.

[Edited 9/30/13 10:56am]

No. Normally, I get mildly under the weather from time to time, a sniffle here, a sniffle there and a little bit tired, anything that actually lays me out are aches and pains that have nothing to do with viruses and other germs. And now that so many get shots the odds of me getting the flu has dropped further.


Perhaps when I'm a bit older and my body changes more.

I've gotten one every year for at least 20 years. I have had two bouts with Type A influenza in my life - and that was two too many. Flu is nothing to sneeze at. (Sorry.)

Plus, I just know that if I don't get the vaccine, I'll come down with the flu at the exact moment that I'm going on vacation or getting ready to open in a play. I do not need to get stranded somewhere or try to go onstage with a fever of 103º. (Which is about what my fever runs when I have the flu.)

Nope.

Neither myself nor my kids.

If I get the flu, I am young enough (still!) to allow my body to deal with it and recover.

My parents on the other hand, they get it every year since they're older.

The ONLY reason why I've actually considered it lately for myself if to protect THEM.

PurpleJedi said:

Nope.

Neither myself nor my kids.

If I get the flu, I am young enough (still!) to allow my body to deal with it and recover.

My parents on the other hand, they get it every year since they're older.

The ONLY reason why I've actually considered it lately for myself if to protect THEM.

You are aware that certain strains of influenza (like the 1918-19 pandemic that killed 20 to 40 million worldwide) are more dangerous to younger people...right?

It's true that most influenza strikes the elderly and children. How would you feel if you fought off your own flu, only to give it to your kids?

[Edited 10/1/13 12:20pm]