Every year about this time, I struggle with whether or not to get a flu shot. I’ve heard and read all the pros and cons. I don’t like one thing about getting the shot . . who knows if it’s actually going to affect the strain of flu we have this year, putting more “stuff” into my body . . everything in my head say NO! But then I remember that one year I had the flu and thought I was going to die. I’m now 25 years older and honestly, as sick as I was that year, I truly might die if I got that sick at this point in my life. If nothing else, all the moaning and complaining and not cooking . . Vince might help with that process. 🙂
Honestly, everything within me is saying “Don’t!” but 99% of that could be because (1) I have to go to town to do it and (2) My extreme dislike of needles.
So, today . . I grit my teeth, go to town and get a flu shot.
I had to laugh at myself, and it was probably one of those times when you laugh instead of cry . . but last night I convinced myself I was sick . . headache, feeling nauseous . . just overall feeling bad; so much so that I went to bed at 9:00 p.m., which NEVER happens to me. As I was in bed thinking I really should not get a flu shot because I’m already sick . . I remembered that I did this same thing last year. I honestly make myself sick thinking about getting the flu shot which is supposed to keep me from getting sick.
This morning I woke up . . definitely not sick. I will get the flu shot. I will do it feeling like I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t.
karenfae says
I’m not saying you should or shouldn’t but if you did get it and came into contact with people you love (or don’t even know) they could get extremely sick especially if they are very young, very old, or have immune problems. Most of the time the shot is effective – I know you stick to yourself a lot out on the farm but it is something to consider – you pick up the germs yourself just from touching a package that the mail person or delivery person sneezed or coughed on.
Kathy C says
The injectable flu vaccine is a killed virus and cannot transmit the flu to anyone. The intranasal vaccine was an attenuated virus but is NO LONGER USED.
Judy Laquidara says
I don’t worry about getting the flu from the vaccine. I think more of the very rare and more complicated issues that can come from any vaccine. I am on the side that says the benefits outweigh the risks of vaccines but I still don’t like getting them.
Judy Laquidara says
You’re right. I got it and it’s done so . . no more worrying about whether to get it or no. I’ll see Addie at least once and maybe twice during flu season and since she’s in day care, there’s no telling what she’ll bring home.
Cathi Harry says
I’ve gotten the flu shot every year since they staered. Even got a Swine flu vaccine in about 1979 or 1980.
Sherrill Pecere says
You are so funny! I get the shot every year just in order to (hopefully) NOT get sick and here you are making yourself sick over a shot. I REALLY hope you don’t get the flu this year. If so, you’re SO gonna be second guessing and getting sick over it next year!
NANCY says
I usually get the flu shot. They are given out at our work so I don’t even have to go to the doctors to get it. But this year my husband had a doctors appointment and since I was in the outer office she decided I needed to have the pneumonia vaccine. That is what happen when older they want to give you even more shots. Anyway because I have had pneumonia a few times I was convinced to get it. Then I preceded to have a reaction. Not fun.
Joan from Alaska says
I’m right there with you, Judy! I avoid the flu shot every year due to my needle phobia. I used to get the flu mist vaccine, but now I’m too old for them to give it to me, so I pass. I do make sure my husband gets his shot, so at least one of us is protected. I have a friend who tries to tell me my needle phobia is ridiculous and I need to get over it so I can get my shot, too. Of course, I never point out to her just how ridiculous her spider phobia is!
Linda in NE says
It’s a choice everyone makes for themselves. What bugs me is that the older you get the more pills and shots the medical community pushes you to take. I’ve never had the flu shot and don’t plan to get one this year either. Last year I found a supplement called Allibiotic (all natural, available on Amazon) and took one every day. If I thought I might have been exposed to something I took two for a few days. I never even got a cold all late Fall, Winter and Spring and I always got a cold in the fall. I’m doing the same this year.
Mary says
I know the flu shot does not cause the flu and I never had a flu shot until about 5 years ago. I was convinced that year that I needed the flu shot. I got flu. And yes I went to the doctor, had a positive flu test, etc. This happened the next two years. The fourth year, I did not get a flu shot and did not get flu. I am thinking that maybe, since I have a compromised system, the shot may have left me susceptible to flu, or anything else that was floating around. I know that sounds crazy but three years of flu and feeling so sick and missing a week of work each time, just seems like a flu shot isn’t the best idea for me.
cassews says
Every single time I get a flu shot I get sick from the flu .. So needless to say ….I’ll pass unless my doc says I have to have it due to my husband and his coronary heart disease. But so far I have been lucky !
Diannesmith04@gmail.com says
Well, you know I don’t get the shot. My reasons are due to a family member having a life altering experience due to it. Plus, my doctor says no. Yep, I had the flu for the first time in years this past Feb. it’s a personal decision for each individual…
Angie says
I get the flu shot every year. No side effects. I think you can mentally start thinking that how you are feeling at any given moment after you get the flu shot, that it’s the flu shot that is making you feel this or that way—when really it’s probably anxiety. One time, and only that time I missed getting the flu shot, and got the flu, and like you said Judy, I wanted to just die, I was so sick. I have not had the flu since that one time. Knock on wood—Hope to never have it again.