Flu Shot?!?!

lawby2005 · October 2009

Hi ladies:

I haven't been on too much lately...with the new job and all but they are offering the flu shot for free and I wanted to get your thoughts on that.

I have never had one before but I do usually get sick twice during this cold months. I cannot afford to get sick seeing as I just started this new job so I am thinking of going for it.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Liza3394 · October 2009

This is something I'm still on the fence about - I've never gotten the flu shot before, and have never gotten the flu that I know of. I rarely get sick - I think the last time I had a really bad cold was January of '07!

so....that being said, I'm thinking I will get the regular flu shot just because I am pregnant this winter season. I think if you know you get sick every season and you can't 'afford' to take sick days with a new job, get it. But more importantly: take care of yourself!! drink fluids, eat healthy (especially foods with lots of cold-fighting vitamins, etc), wash your hands, get extra rest & sleep if you start feeling run down. There are lots of herbal teas (I think the brand I used to get through the '07 cold was Traditional Medicinals) that are geared towards fighting cold symptoms.

::stepping off soapbox::

hope that helps!

mswifeyforlife · October 2009

I agree with you Liza, I've always had mixed reservations about getting a flu shot and have never had one. I tend to get just one bad cold a year, and I don't really think it merits a preventative flu shot. Everyone's immune system responds differently to a flu shot, and I just feel it is really a personal decision based on your tendency to get sick.

Lawby, do what works for you. I know with swine flu fears in the mix, I've just been extra cautious on the go like after touching my work elevator button, after buying my metro card, I use a quick hand sanitzer. Do what feels best!

dnagal · October 2009

The other reason to consider getting a flu shot:
You may not be especially sensitive, perhaps getting a mild flu that you easily recover from, but you likely encounter dozens if not hundreds of people during the day, either directly or indirectly (surfaces, etc.) Among them will be many for whom getting the flu from you is a much bigger deal (children, pregnant women, immune suppressed individuals, the elderly)

subdola · October 2009

This has only been MY experience, but since high school (about 15 years...YIKES) everytime I get a flu shot I end up with a HORRIBLE flu. On years where I didn't get the shot, I didn't get the flu. Coincidence perhaps, but I'm not getting one.

MrsDe2008 · October 2009

HOLY CRAP! I totally forgot you started your new job!!! How is it? Do you love it? You'll have to give me all of details on Saturday at the GTG!

As for the flu...it's funny you mentioned the shot. I work at a hospital (as you know) and as of right now, the flu shot is state mandated, but NYSNA (the nurse's union) put a hold on it for the moment. I'm very on the fence about it as well. I've never gotten the shot before and am afraid of what the reactions could possibly be. Being it's not mandatory for the moment gives me more time to think about (I'm holding out for the last moment). =/ It's definitely an individual decision (I'm sorry I couldn't give you a solid answer).

tovachava · October 2009

I started getting them a few years ago. I feel kind of iffy about the fact that most of them use mercury as a preservative, and in the future am going to look for the places that have it without, but as my doc said- if you eat fish you are getting mercury these days. I definitely go tone this year because of DD. She is too young to get one and her health is the most important thing!

Temp663997437501443 · October 2009

When I worked at a hospital, as Bonnie mentioned, I was mandated to get it so that was the first that I did. I also got the flu shot one of my first years teaching (I just happened to be at my regular appt when they mentioned it). The following years I just didn't follow through. If it were offered to me free at work, I would do it again. I am thinking about it this year since there seem to be a lot of kids getting sick already.

Statistically speaking, flu vaccines are a real crap shoot in that they have small doses of the strains that they think are likely to be common. But remember, that's not all the strains. So it is still possible to get a flu, just not as likely.

lawby2005 · October 2009

Thanks for all the views ladies. I have decided to get my shot this afternoon. If I get sick, I will at least have the weekend to recuperate.

Thanks again.

Flu Shot?!?!

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