Did you get a flu shot? Has it worked?

[leftyladyfrommo]

Flu is hitting pretty hard here in KC now. I have heard that the shots didn't do much good against this strain of flu.

Anybody know more about this?

[HereSince1628]

1. How could anyone know without an antibody test?

Absence of a flu illness is consistent with but actually not evidence of effectiveness.

[slackmaster]

2. I got one on October 17. Almost everyone at my workplace has been out with the flu.

But not I.

Of course that doesn't prove that the shot protected me, but it certainly didn't do me any harm.

[sadbear]

3. So far, so good.

[hlthe2b]

4. At worse it is at least 60% effective, but getting it prior to exposure to flu is the key..

I get mine as early in the season (Sept or October) as it becomes available. I haven't had influenza in years.

Waiting until flu is circulating widely means you may not have time to develop immunity before becoming exposed. But, it would still be advisable. Washing your hands frequently (and especially before touching eyes, nose, mouth or food) is important as well.

[slackmaster]

6. This is very good advice. Get it as soon as it's available.

If you can tolerate the shot. Many people cannot.

[kelliekat44]

49. Keep clean hands as much as possible and brush teeth at least twice a day and before be using

weak solution of baking soda and peroxide. Not a medical doctor but this has worked for my family for over 10 years through flu seasons. Oh, yeah...stay away from fast food places and restaurants as much as possible.

[DonRedwood]

109. I've been washing dishes right when I get home

I figure that will kill all the bugs and my hands don't get soaped up and dried out twice.

[laundry_queen]

67. 10-14 days is the general time frame

for developing immunity.

HOWEVER....

Because I was high risk and landed in the hospital before with 'regular' flu, when the H1N1 scare happened, I went and got a shot the first day it was available to high risk people in my province. Less than 2 days later my dd came down with H1N1. I *know* it was H1N1 because the school sent home a letter that weekend that said there had been multiple CONFIRMED cases in her school and that it was spreading fast and several kids were under observation at the local hospital. My dd was fine at 10 am and by 12 pm, 2 hours later, she had a fever of 104.5. I called our provincial health line who told me it sounded exactly like H1N1, and was told not to bring her in, unless she was gasping for air. So we stayed at home, I quarantined her from the rest of my kids and I was her caregiver. We had problems keeping her fever down, but the health line insisted we not go in to the hospital. We rode it out at home, and it was pretty scary. That was by far the sickest my dd had ever been, she was out of school for more than a week and took a month more to stop coughing. ANYHOW (sorry, rambling) I never got it. I was the only one in the room with her 24/7 and I didn't get sick. Despite only getting my shot 2 days prior. I have no doubt the immunization played a role in keeping me from getting sick. So, some immunity probably happens before the 10-14 day window is over.

[WilliamPitt]

5. My wife got a flu shot in November. I did not.

She spent this whole week with the flu.

I am healthy as a horse. No flu.

Extract no data from this other than the fact that I had a lot of fun giving my CVS pharmacist shit about it.

[arthritisR_US]

16. My Mum got the shot in Oct and she went into the

hospital Jan 1 with the flu. Her lungs and heart are now not working very well, when I visit her she can hardly speak because she can't catch her breath. Her kidney's are now functioning at less than 25% between the two. She had a blood vessel that burst between her stomach and the skin. If her heart stops or her lungs give out she doesn't wish tubes or heroic measures. Feels like a walking nightmare right now.

[WilliamPitt]

19. I'm so sorry

[arthritisR_US]

24. Thank you Will, I keep having these stupid fits

of tears ever since the Dr rang me at work yesterday to go to the hospital for a family meeting. I just want to kick myself.

[WilliamPitt]

27. Hang in there.

[hlthe2b]

31. All my best wishes to you, arthritisR_US....

I'm so sorry for what you are dealing with (and have been there myself with both parents)....

[arthritisR_US]

57. Thank you, I can't imagine going through this twice.

You are a dear

[Marrah_G]

41. I'm so sorry

[arthritisR_US]

59. Thank you, what doesn't break you makes you

stronger

[GreenPartyVoter]

50. I am so very, very sorry. *hugs*

[arthritisR_US]

60. You are a sweetie, thank you.

[GreenPartyVoter]

69. It is hard to see our parents suffer. I never realized how hard until I watched mine. :(

[arthritisR_US]

86. She is getting to the point where she wants

treatment stopped and just to be made comfortable. Every breath is such a fight for her.

I am grateful to be spending time with her and she knows how much we love her.

Selfishly, I want her here forever but her suffering says walk with her in peace. My head is mush, I hope you can understand my thoughts.

[uppityperson]

94. :(

[GreenPartyVoter]

99. I totally understood everything you said. *hugs*

[arthritisR_US]

100. Every kind thought you all have posted to me

have brought me to tears for the compassion and understanding shown to me. They have also made me stronger because they take me out of the narcissistic cocoon of feeling isolated and alone to knowing I am not. Thank you gentle souls

[GreenPartyVoter]

107. I lost both parents and my mother in law before I reached 40 years old, so I understand

the journey you are on. It's heartbreaking to know that you are going through it, and I will do any little thing I can do to support you. (As will many, many other kind and compassionate DUers. We are a very empathetic bunch.)

[arthritisR_US]

110. I have always known what a dear group DUers are

but now I am experiencing it first hand.

To know that you have gone through this that many times, I am astounded by the pain you have endured. You can do it, so too can I.

"Any little little thing I can do" ...you already are and I thank you.

[GreenPartyVoter]

115. It isn't easy and you will hate it, but you can get through it. Keep us posted. :^)

[vankuria]

62. Very sorry

My heart goes out to you arthritisR, I've been there with both my parents. Hope your Mom can recover, with everything going on she sounds like a pretty tough lady.

Sending hugs and healing thoughts your way.

[arthritisR_US]

87. Thank you luv, you guys give me strength, hope

and gratitude.

[Yo_Mama]

73. I'm so sorry for what you are going through

Know that you have our thoughts, hopes and prayers. It is a very worrisome vigil.

[arthritisR_US]

89. Thank you mate. I just can't stand her suffering.

[Cali_Democrat]

91. That's very unfortunate

I hope your mom pulls through

[arthritisR_US]

93. Thanks luv. I do too but sure not looking promising

[Digit]

125. I am sorry to hear this

My prayers are with you and your family.

[arthritisR_US]

131. Thank you, I wish I could express just how much

people's words and thoughts mean to me. Words, simple things but they can cut like a knife or lift us up... the latter has been my experience as if late.

[onecent]

135. Oh my dear....I am sooo sorry to hear something this sad.

I will send lots of blessings and pray she gets well.

[arthritisR_US]

137. Thank you luv, it truly means so much to me.

[Hekate]

142. Gentle thoughts go with you

[arthritisR_US]

158. Thank you luv. My one brother has come in from

out of province and my other is due to arrive at 6AM. It is just after midnight and the drugs have stopped her pain and she is finally resting. The Dr's have stopped all intervening treatment as they were too taxing to her organ systems. They are now just working to keep her comfortable and to pass with dignity and in peace.

Earlier this afternoon we spoke of our love, and holding her hand in both of mine and kissing her fingers she said it was such a warm joy from her baby girl that made it all worth while.

I've done so much crying and now I'm just numb. We are all staying at the hospital in her room, they moved us into a private room which we are so grateful for.

Thank you for letting me blather, I've been finding it helpful at these quiet times to express even the simplest things. It's like it relieves, momentarily, that horrible, pervasive ache.

[hopemountain]

149. so sorry.

this is a terrible thing to be going through with your family.

[arthritisR_US]

159. Thank you. It sure not how we expected to start the

year.

[SummerSnow]

17. I never got a flu shot. last time i had the flu i was 8 years old im 48 now

[Hekate]

143. That used to be me -- dang, I miss those days!

I'm 65 now and the old immune system is not what it used to be. I've been a fan of flu shots and pneumonia shots for over a decade now, and with good reason.

[hlthe2b]

22. Forgive me for interjecting...

but I seem to recall your mentioning some time ago that your wife has MS... If I am mistaken , please ignore with my apologies...


But, if so, it is clearly important for her to be vaccinated each year (with the inactivated (killed) vaccine). However, it also gets a bit tricky with timing, IF she has been treated with immune-suppressive medications. One needs a fully functioning immune response to gain maximum benefit from this (or any) vaccine. Usually it is recommended to wait 4 weeks or so following a regimen of immunosupressive level of steroids or similar drugs before receiving flu vaccine, yet also getting it very early in the season is important as well. November is really a bit late--especially for anyone at risk for severe complications from influenza.

I trust the pharmacist discussed all this with her.

'Glad to hear she is over her unfortunate 'bout of flu.

Again, please ignore with my apologies if I am mistaken or thinking of someone else.

[WilliamPitt]

25. No, you're right

but she got the shot this time around because she is pregnant.

Interesting sidelight: her MS has gone on vacation during the pregnancy, a common side-effect we have welcomed with joy. My plan now is to have 15 kids with her.

[hlthe2b]

28. wow, such great news!

Congratulations to you both.

[WilliamPitt]

30. Thanks!

[bananas]

55. Congratulations! And many more to come! nt

[Jim Lane]

118. With 15 kids you'll be welcomed in the Quiverfull movement.

We look forward to your posts about the meetings.

Oh, and congratulations!

[Sekhmets Daughter]

78. Have you ever had the flu? I just don't seem to be susceptible. n/t

[FarPoint]

129. I hope your wife is recovering.

You know she is much more physically challenged at the moment than you ....Be grateful. I was concerned for her when you shared she had the flu.

Call me fussy and worrisome....that is okay with me.

[WilliamPitt]

132. She's all better

Just left for work, actually.

My spoiling/healing skills are not to be questioned.

[Lars39]

7. CDC Flu Basics...lots of info here:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm

[Lex]

8. I got the shot and I did NOT get the flu.

[trotsky]

9. My family and I did back in October.

Many of my coworkers (none of whom got the vaccine) have spent a week out of work. My kids have friends in school who have had it. But none of us have been affected.

[sharp_stick]

10. My family (3 kids, 2 adults)

all received either the shot or nasal spray during October or November. All of us are still going strong despite pretty large absences at work or school.

The current vaccine is ranked as a pretty good match to the common strains (~ 60 - 65% effective). A very good match is usually up around 70% effective.

[safeinOhio]

11. I got the shot and then came down with

"unknown virus", the flu.

[Care Acutely]

164. 1) it takes 2+ weeks to take full effect, 2) "unkown virus" does NOT = influenza.

[PasadenaTrudy]

12. I always get a flu shot

Like 20 yrs now I've been getting one. Haven't had the flu once since I started. I used to get the flu in the past. I have autoimmune illness so it's crucial that I get the shot. I just see it as part of my health care, not a big deal.

[Cairycat]

13. Got the shot and have NOT had the flu

I took a second job in an assisted living place, so thought I'd better get a shot this year - never have before.

My first job is in a school, where on Monday, some 16% of the student body was out sick.

Both jobs are food service, so I wash my hands a million times a day, that probably helps. Another thing, if your hands get chapped from frequent hand washing, you need to put lotion on - germs get in the cracks of chapped skin and you can get sick that way.

[nick of time]

14. Yes I did,

and it worked quite well, I'VE GOT THE FLU BIG TIME NOW.

[JaneyVee]

15. I get one every October & have never once gotten the actual flu in my life.

[11 Bravo]

18. My wife, myself, and our oldest son all got the shot. Our youngest son did not ...

because they were out of the vaccine for his age group at every pharmacy in the area; and by the time we were able to get a pediatric appointment to get him innoculated, he already had the flu. He has been sick as a dog for the past week. The rest of us are fine.

[Iggo]

20. Yes....and....So It Would Appear.

[el_bryanto]

21. My Flu Shot was great.

I got the Flu right away.

Still, I wonder if I should have gotten that Kleptomania shot instead. I suppose you always wonder about the path not taken.

Bryant

[Robb]

23. Yes, and yes.

[Mz Pip]

26. I get one every year

I haven't had the flu since 1979.

I don't know when I started getting flu shots, probably when Kaiser started giving them. I've never had a bad reaction so YAY for flu shots.

[appleannie1]

29. Yes. But hub and I both got very mild cases anyway. We are old and always get shots.

[northoftheborder]

32. Yes, and so far so good.

[Lars39]

33. People also forget that there are severe colds that can kick ass as well as a mild strain of flu.

Lots of people get eyeballed and pronounced suffering from flu when in actuality they just have a severe cold.


Misconceptions about the flu:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm

Why it's important to get the flu vaccination....to build up Community Immunity ("Herd" Immunity):
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022186994

[Lex]

38. I believe this is the case

for many who get the flu shot and then later think they have the flu.

[Lars39]

45. Yep, world of difference in a severe cold and a virulant strain of the flu.

[Pirate Smile]

156. Yes, I had a wide variety of colds/viruses/stomach bugs but I've only gotten the flu once - it was

different (and horrible). High fever & terrible body aches. So miserable you can't do anything. I made my husband take me to the Doctor because it felt so horrible that I didn't want it to last a second longer then necessary.

I think a lot of people confuse standard variety viruses with the flu - or stomach viruses with the flu.

[GreenPartyVoter]

56. I'm still not sure whether we had a flu or cold. We ticked off all the boxes for flu, but

it's not nearly as bad as the flu I had when I was pregnant with Elder Son. I almost lost the ability to breathe because of a crusty mucus plug that had formed over my airway while I was sleeping. Thank god jumping in a steamy shower helped me cough it out!

[99Forever]

34. Wife and I both got it.

Neither of us have caught the flu while many around us have. Whether it's because of the vaccination or not, couldn't say. 60 people have died in Minnesota from it so far, including some young "healthy" adults and kids. We'll get it again next year.

[FSogol]

35. I got one in November.

Everyone in the office is/was sick. I had a mild cough.

[Hatchling]

36. I got the flu shot.

And when my worker came over with a full blown case of it, I didn't catch it from her which is surprising since I had bronchitis at the time. I have chronic bronchitis so my immune system sucks. Her boyfriend caught it from her daughter and passed it on to her. It was pretty virulent. And no, nobody in her family had the flu shot.

As an elderly woman in a high risk population my doctor insists I get one and this worked for me.

[dipsydoodle]

37. Assuming out free UK ones are the same then yes.

Last flu I had was Hong Kong flu 1968.

[liberal N proud]

39. Knock on wood, I have not gotten sick yet.

[rightsideout]

40. There are several strains of the flu out this year

There is no guarantee it will be effective against all the strains of flu out this year but it's best to get the shot anyway. The sooner the better.

My son got the flu shot and came down with the flu a week later. But his temperature never went above 100 and the aches and chills only lasted a day. The flu shot had helped create enough antibodies to keep it from getting worse according to his doctor and he was out snowboarding again within a couple days. The doctor said if he didn't get the flu shot his temperature would have been 104 off an on for up to 3 days. So the shot does help.

I get the flu shot every year since I have asthma.

[Lugnut]

42. I got my flu shot in late November.

So far, so good. No flu here.

[Butterbean]

43. Myself and the kids got the vax in early October.

Youngest son got the flu in December. I got Pneumonia in December, no flu though.

[Buzz Clik]

44. I had the flu shot, but I did not shoot the deputy.

[gollygee]

46. Two of the four of us in our house got the shot

Three of us had the flu - the two who got the shot, and one who didn't.

It's a nasty flu.

[MineralMan]

47. I got mine in September, and had a rather mild

case of the flu over Christmas. My wife did not catch it, though. I'm 67, and had the extra-strength vaccine, but it apparently did not provide full immunity. However, my case was mild, and did not require any bed rest.

[bhikkhu]

48. Got mine - it was quick and painless, zero side effects

I went in with the guys from work, and two of them had a little itching around the needle mark, that was about it.

I usually never get sick anyway, even if everyone I work with and the family at home is all sick (which happens often enough), but still - I just don't want to imagine being sick as a dog two months from now, thinking "if only I'd gotten that flu shot..."

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

51. I did get the shot and I haven't got the flu.

Whether that means the shot worked can't be established. It may also be that I haven't been exposed, since I've gone a bit Howard Hughes lately - washing my hands a lot and carrying wipes and hand sanitizer around with me whenever I go out. I got the flu once many years ago and I do not ever want to go through that again.

[Auggie]

52. Yes, mid-October. So far it has worked.

[XRubicon]

53. Yes, yes nt

[ananda]

54. No

I got one several years ago and it messed up my immune system. I haven't had the flu since I was 13, so it's really not on my mind much.

[hedgehog]

58. My family (me, husband and six kids) have been getting annual flu shots since 1988;

so far no flu and no bad reactions. The kids were glad I nagged them at college - they saw all their friends drop like flies and miss 2 weeks of classes one year!

[Tikki]

61. Yes, yes...

Worst flu we ever had was a Spring Flu...in March mid 1980's, I believe. We both went to the ER..
thought we were dying.

Now we get our shots in October and no problems.


The Tikkis

[Le Taz Hot]

63. Yes and yes.

[TeamPooka]

64. have not gotten a shot or had the flu in over 15 years.

[RebelOne]

82. Same here and have never had the flu.

But of course, I should never say never. I have just been lucky.

[nolabear]

65. Yep, and so far so good. I'm thinking of sacrificing a goat for good measure.

[marybourg]

66. No and n/a

Probably because of my autoimmunity, I've never had flu in my 70+ years, even when all around me did, and I'm afraid that my body would mount a disproportionate defense to the shot itself as it has previously to allergy shots, tb tests,etc. Eventually my immune system will probable throttle back, if I live that long, and I will start taking the shots.

[Odin2005]

68. I got it in October and so far I haven't gotten it.

Even though many of my coworkers have.

*knocks on wood*

[csziggy]

70. I got the shot and the flu

But my husband was sick with the flu when I got my shot so I was probably already incubating the flu at the time.

The problem is that it's a crap shot as to which strains of flu will be the biggest problem each year. The vaccine manufacturers make their best guess and produce vaccines for the ones they think most likely. Sometimes, even often, they guess wrong.

I'm waiting to see about the second round of flu my husband has. He didn't get a flu shot at all and he's got something again. I hope the vaccination I get will protect me against this one. Last one, I coughed for a month before it cleared up.

[Glassunion]

71. No I did not get the shot and yes it worked.

I got the flu over Christmas.

[Yo_Mama]

72. Yes, I got it, no it didn't prevent the flu

I got the flu from the same doctor who gave me the flu shot. He and all his staff had the shot, and every one of them got sick. I had even forgotten I had gotten the darned thing in November.

He said most of the patients he is seeing have the flu and that he gave the flu shot to at least half of them HIMSELF (and others would have gotten it elsewhere), and that flu shot this year is providing basically no protection against the strain locally circulating. His estimate is that the best possible protection it provided in his area this year was under 20%, and he thinks that is too high.

Maybe nationally it's different.

My husband got the shot, and got sick after being exposed to me. My brother's family (small kids) all got the shot, and they all got sick. They got the flu from my sister-in-law's father, who got the flu shot and got sick.

The effectiveness of the flu shot will vary from year to year. Maybe this year's is a dud in some areas, but that doesn't mean that it is every year. A lot of years you are much less likely to get the flu if you do get the shot.

The problem is that there are always numerous strains of flu circulating, and if a whole lot of people get vaccinated, there's always another strain which then starts spreading. That doesn't mean that the flu shot isn't protecting you from some strains, but maybe not the one currently circulating. Also the circulating strain may mutate just enough to make the antibodies generated from the flu shot less effective - natural selection does play a role here.

If you're not going to have a bad reaction, getting the shot is always safer than not getting it. "The flu" is not one virus - it's literally hundreds, and each year they test the spring before to see what's circulating and try to put the three most common in a vaccination to be given the next fall. There will always be changes in circulating virus strains ten months later.

The bitch of it is that the flu shot doesn't even seem to be producing more moderate cases this year in his practice. He thinks it is a completely different strain now circulating.

[WinkyDink]

74. Can only prove if it does NOT work.

[u4ic]

75. CBC: Flu vaccine about 45% effective this year, doctors say

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/01/16/flu-vaccine-effectiveness.html

I didn't get the shot, and got a mild case. I only know of three friends who got the vaccine, and two eventually got sick with the flu.

[Prometheus Bound]

90. So much for the herd immunity argument.

I think you have to have 80-90% of the population taking a vaccine for herd immunity to work, but flu vaccines are never more than 70% successful for people who get it, and in most years it is far less.

[Raine]

76. No I didn't get the shot and I haven't gotten the flu either. nt

[TVet]

77. Military vet- get shots from V.A. yearly-

Have only had flu ONCE in about 8 years.

[Ian David]

79. I've been getting the flu shot every year that I could, and haven't gotten the flu.

I just wish they'd release a strep throat vaccine.


I used to get the flu once or twice a year. Pretty much EVERY year, for as long as I can remember.

And the flu would often develop into bronchitis or pneumonia.

It got to the point where when I would get the flu, my doctor would proactively give me antibiotics, which is problematic for many reasons.

But since I've been able to get vaccinated, I haven't gotten the flu, haven't gotten bronchitis, haven't gotten pneumonia.

[Motown_Johnny]

80. NBC Nightly News reported that the vaccine is very effective against this strain.

Saw it late last week or early this week. I forget exactly what day since they were doing stories on it every day for a while there.

[CTyankee]

81. got it from my pharmacy which is in the supermarket. Very convenient and with Medicare it is

without charge. Had it Dec. 11. So far so good.

[nickinSTL]

83. I got a flu shot, and so far, so good

I've never gotten a flu shot before, but thought it would be a good idea this year before going to visit my mom, who is currently in a care facility following a major stroke. Between the stroke, being bed-ridden for 7 months, and having not been in the best of health before that, I didn't want to risk exposing her to anything I could prevent.

Fortunately, she got through the Christmas season (complete with her 1 1/2 year old grandson coughing & sounding sick the whole time) without catching anything, and so did I. Of course, I haven't had the flu in longer than I can remember, so I can't say that the shot was responsible this time.

There are a lot of different factors that go into whether the flu shot will be effective each year and in each person. I've heard it's about 60% effective against this year's strain, but that's better than 0%.

[tridim]

84. In KCMO, working in a flu infested office...

No shot, no flu.

I work on my immune system all year to avoid it, and to avoid colds.

[Samurai_Writer]

85. Yes and yes

I am required to get the flu vaccine every year. I work on a closed psych ward that takes care of geratric, total care patients. We had several patients develop the flu and pneumonia. I didn't get sick, and only 2 out of about 20 staff got the flu... pretty good statistics, considering the type of care we have to give our patients.

[pnwmom]

88. Four of us have gotten the shot, and none of us the flu -- but it's early.

Also, there are always strains of flu that aren't covered in the shot, so there's never a guarantee.

[Cali_Democrat]

92. I don't do flu shots

Last time I had the flu was in college when I was 22. That was almost 9 years ago and the only reason I got it was because I shared a bong with some other students. Everyone who hit that bong got the flu

[greytdemocrat]

95. I heard just the opposite...

My wife and I have had the shot and been fine. We are in FL.

[smirkymonkey]

96. I got the shot and have not come down with the flu yet.

Many people in my office have been sick with the flu, but so far, I have been fine.

[TexasBushwhacker]

97. Yes and yes, but I got a stomach virus around Christmas time n/t

[Neoma]

98. This is what a nurse told me.

If you get the shot and still get the flu, you're not as bad as the person that doesn't, since they have it full fledge with vomiting and so on, while if you were vaccinated, you don't get the full fledge flu...

[enlightenment]

130. Influenza rarely causes

gastrointestinal symptoms - and that usually with children. "Stomach flu" is not influenza.

CDC says there is also norovirus running around right now - that's the vomiting bug. It is possible to be sick with both, unfortunately - but a flu shot won't help protect you from the norovirus.

[southernyankeebelle]

101. I got a flu shot and so far I am doing well. I haven't even gotten a cold.

[LonePirate]

102. Received the shot back in September. No illness so far this winter.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[cherokeeprogressive]

103. No shot and it's worked so far.

[riverbendviewgal]

104. got mine in November

Have not been sick.

[Ter]

105. Never would I get one, they are part of a conspiracy

n/t

[Lex]

113. A conspiracy to keep you from

getting the flu.

[Ter]

120. Except it doesn't work

n/t

[Lex]

123. 100% works

for me.

[Ter]

138. How do you know?

Are you 100% sure you would have gotten the flu without it? How come I haven't gotten the flu in over 15 years, and I've never had a flu shot?

[Lex]

147. I'm exposed almost daily

at work. You haven't gotten the flu so far.

[Ter]

150. I'm also exposed to customers, daily

Many are friends who get it, and I still go to their houses. Still no flu, and never no shots.

[Logical]

116. A "don't get the flu" conspiracy!!

[Epiphany4z]

106. I am diabetic

I always get mine..so far so good no flu...Hubster has gotten a flu shot the last 3 yrs..he always get a bit sick from it ..but has not gotten the full blown high temp off of work flu from it ...also he says each year he has gotten it the side effects seem milder

[pediatricmedic]

108. Yes, after contact with a couple thousand flu patients, so far it's working

The shots are working for a solid majority of the people that got them.

[Travis_0004]

111. Never got a flu shot in my life

I don't really get sick often anyway. I did miss 2 days of work this week b/c I was sick, but it wasn't the flu.

I had never called in sick to my job before in the 18 months I've been there, so that streak is ruined, but I'm about 95% now, so I'm ready to be 100% healthy again.

[Sadiedog]

112. I`ve never gotten a flu shot or the flu. Everyone at my work who got a shot got sick this year.

I work as a preschool teacher and am exposed to just about every bug that comes through town, I also have an autoimmune disease so not certain if this makes a difference or not.

[matt819]

114. So far, so good

Got mine in early Jan. No problems yet.

[mrs_p]

117. The only way to really know, is

to get the shot, wait 2 weeks, then challenge with the virus by inoculating yourself with the strain that is going around.

Otherwise, kind of hard to tell. However, according to the news, there appears to be more influenza A infections reported than in most years (I haven't seen the data myself). If that is truly the case, there is likely a mismatch between the vaccine and the strain that is circulating.

[rl6214]

119. Got a flu shot and gotten some mild symptoms

A little nausea but much better than full blown flu.

[Silent3]

121. It's kind of like asking if the garlic has kept the vampires away.

No vampires have dropped by, but I don't know that they would have even if I didn't have the garlic.

[tavernier]

122. Yes I got the shot

No, I didn't get the flu, although it was all around me. I did get a cold/cough, and some sneezing, maybe a very low fever, but I nyquilled for three nights and then it was over. I get the flu shot every year and rarely get sick with anything.

[TorchTheWitch]

124. there are a high number of strains this year

From what I've read, this year's shot is about 60% effective mostly due to this high number of strains this year, and the shot doesn't cover all of them. Every year they have to make an educated guess as to which strains will be most prevalent to decide on how to develop the shot for the coming flu season. They don't always get it right. However, it IS effective in protecting against those strains for which this year's shot includes.

It can also take several weeks before the shot can build in the system to be effective enough against the various strains it was developed to prevent. Normally, it takes 10 days to two weeks to build up enough immunity after getting the shot, but everyone is different.

I didn't get the shot this year - lack of funds and got busy with other things so I just forgot all about it. I got the most evil hell of a flu strain three weeks ago, and I'm STILL sick. This asshole of a virus very nearly killed me. I've never even HEARD of a normally healthy average aged person like myself getting this sick from the flu. Now I'm in terror of catching another strain after my immune system is shot to hell after fighting off this evil virus, and I'm physically wiped out after suffering from it. Had I known it would be anything close to this bad I would have spent my last dime to get a flu shot 3 times a day for a month and 4 times on Sundays. It's THAT bad.

Though I still feel like a bag of shit and have this lingering beast of a cough that I'll probably have until spring, I talked to a pharmacist yesterday that said as long as it's been over two weeks since I first came down with the flu and I no longer have a fever I can get a flu shot to protect against the other strains. Glory hallelujah - I'll take a dozen.

Do NOT fuck around with the virus from hell - get the damn shot.

Incidentally, though hand washing is always a good idea to avoid various viruses and bacteria, flu viruses are almost always caught through airborne transmission. Personally, I've always been paranoid about germs and am practically OCD about hand washing. But when it comes to the flu, fat load of good it does since it's almost always caught by airborne transmission.

I'll never understand why people bug out over getting a flu shot. What, it's somehow BETTER to risk spending the next three weeks in bed roasting with fever, coughing so hard you break a rib (been there, done that), and dragging your ass around like a 90 year old for the next month? Pfffftttt. Getting a flu shot is a no-brainer, and I'll be kicking my own ass for forgetting about it this year and worrying over the rather insignificant cost in comparison to my lost month.

[hobbit709]

126. last flu shot I got worked fine, I got the flu.

[RKP5637]

127. None here yet for us. I've heard the flu shot is quite effective against one strain going around,

but apparently there is another strain going around wherein it's not as effective.

[Atman]

128. I'm tired of all the shooting!

[proud2BlibKansan]

133. Yes and yes.

[maryland native]

134. No Flu Shot For Me

I am not fond of inoculations. No, I am not a nut that thinks the gubmint is trying to poison me, but my reason is a bit more primal.

I am a dog fanatic and really limit the vacs I give my dogs.

Yes, they get started as pups with the full panel, but spaced out pretty far.

They must get rabies, the law requires it.

After that, I get titer testing done to make sure they have the appropriate immune response. The testing actually costs more than the shot, but limits over use of the vaccine.

The strong evidence in vet medicine is that dogs and cats get TOO MANY vaccines and that the cancer and auto immune illness rates reflect a substantial assault on the dog's immune system.

We must monitor the health and not use this as a way to avoid treating our dogs, but vaccinate carefully.

With that in mind, I don't want to over vaccinate myself. I will not turn down a vaccine for a serious threat, but I prefer to use good exposure and germ control methods to avoid getting sick.

So far I have been either lucky or successful!

My wife received a slew of vaccines several years ago while working for FEMA and has had unbelievable issues since, neurological, immune, you name it. Don't really know for certain if all the vaccines caused it, but the timing pretty much leads us to think that.

With all that in mind, please make certain that you make sound medical decisions based on your own health needs. Stay safe and healthy so you can continue to share your self right here.

[LWolf]

136. Yes. Yes.

I have students out with the flu right now, but I'm still good.

[MNBrewer]

139. I did, and it's hard to know if it worked.

It's been 1 week, supposedly it takes 2 weeks to fully kick in, but no flu yet.
It's hard to tell the difference between not being exposed to the flu and the flu shot being effective.
Population wide, about 2/3s of those who got the shot will not get flu. 1/3 will.
I've read that they did a pretty good job of matching the strains in the shot to the major one that wound up going around this year.

[Hekate]

140. So far so good, but the main wave is hitting California late

I caught a 3-day flu in October, and that was pretty miserable, but as my doc said when he prescribed antibiotics for the follow-up infection, influenza is a different beast and I didn't have that.

I am hoping with fingers crossed that my flu shot protects me when the epidemic gets here in force -- my once-robust resistance to infection seems to be considerably lowered, and I ended up on antibiotics 5 times within the past 12 months, something really new for me.

Get your shots, kids. The odds are much better than even that you will be protected.

[tantric calvinist]

141. This is what I know:

I know that Walgreen's is putting out signs boasting of having shots. Same with other pharmacies and groceries. And I know that we are being told that there is some "epidemic."

Think about that for a sec. More shots and more illness?!

I see all sorts of people sniffling and sneezing and coughing. Perhaps it's more than usual. Perhaps it's just typical for this time of year and the media mouthpiece of the Illuminati is hyping it as usual...

All I know is that it's a bunch of caca and I will NEVER bow down to those blasted reptilian shape-shifters.

NEVER!!!!!!!!!

[Hekate]

144. That doesn't even make sense

Are you sure you're in the right place?

Just asking.

[uppityperson]

148. She comes, and goes, and comes, and goes, and comes, and goes and is gone again. nt

[Orrex]

146. Eike!

[Nikia]

145. I probably should have since I have a baby

I, age 35, have only gotten flu once as an adult, as a senior in college. I was vaccinated only one year when they talked me into it at work, where they were giving them. I had a mild localized reaction that may or may not be worse if I get it again.
I did get a severe cold that I was afraid was flu as I did get achy and tired. I had a lot of nasal symptoms which isn't characteristic of flu and had no fever. My baby had a milder case, probably because he gets my antibodies from breast feeding.

[elleng]

151. No.

Yes.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

152. I got flu 2 weeks after the shot

[Pirate Smile]

153. Entire family got them and, while we've had viruses, etc., nobody has gotten the flu.

My Kids say there are lots of kids out with it at school - but not them.

[catbyte]

154. Yes, and so far

[B Calm]

155. Only a fool wouldn't get a flu shot! Yes it's working,

I get them every year!

[kestrel91316]

157. I got the flu shot. People around me have had the flu.

All I got was a moderate cold, not even the severe cold with a week of severe laryngitis and bronchitis that I typically get.

So I guess it worked. Or maybe a flu shot from a couple years ago protected me. So many strains, and no way to know which particular one you have caught.

I'm just playing it safe. It's physically impossible to catch the flu from modern flu vaccines, so there really is no down side to it.

[Jamastiene]

160. Yes and yes...

so far.

[SheilaT]

161. I never get a flu shot and I haven't had flu

in at least 35 years. I'm 64 and I'm the healthiest person I know.

I can still do a headstand at my age.

[Prometheus Bound]

162. No one I know got the flu shot. No one I know has got the flu so far.

So it's working.

[Care Acutely]

163. Yes and yes. You heard wrong. This year's shot is a great match

The anti-science Luddites are taking a higher toll of lives than usual this year. Protect yourself and those you know, and those you care about. Get your shot.