Welcome to Debate Club! Please be aware that this is a space for respectful debate, and that your ideas will be challenged here. Please remember to critique the argument, not the author.

Flu shots? For them or against ?

1161719212242

Replies

  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,419 Member
    I think the dumb cause/correlation posts were on page 6 or so. Complete with charts, I'm sure.

    At least that's the way most of these tinfoil hat threads go.
  • Dootzy1
    Dootzy1 Posts: 2,344 Member
    I am with teens in school hacking with respiratory infections for months on end. I get one, because even if it only offers some protection, I'll take it!! The only side effect I have is a bit of a sore arm.
  • ValleyHooper
    ValleyHooper Posts: 1,993 Member
    I've never had one and never plan to.
  • rhtexasgal
    rhtexasgal Posts: 572 Member
    I am 45 years old and have never had the flu. With that said, I did bow to pressure two different times and got the flu shot and NEVER AGAIN! I have ulcerative colitis and it had been in remission for quite a while. However, after getting a flu shot, I experienced a UC flare and it took several months for my colon to calm down and me not have to look for a bathroom everywhere I went. Two years later, I got another shot, thinking the first time was a fluke. NO! Another flare ... I am not going for the trifecta.

    So the short answer will be no, no flu shots ever again. I might consider the meningitis and pneumonia one when I get old and decrepit. The quirk with getting UC is that I did not catch a cold for 5-6 years. In every other way, I was healthy ... no stomach virus, no colds, no bacterial infections, nothing. Even my seasonal allergies calmed down. The immune system is a tricky beast!
  • Lin_marie11
    Lin_marie11 Posts: 100 Member
    No flu shot for me this year. The one time I decided to get one I got the flu a few months later.
  • kassierodriguez1
    kassierodriguez1 Posts: 357 Member
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy
  • MaybeLed
    MaybeLed Posts: 250 Member
    I've never eaten squid (because I can't stand the thought of it) and so far I've not had cancer. Therefore squid causes cancer.

    Well I like deep fried crispy squid, and have never had cancer. Also had squid sashimi (didn't like it but ate it) So clearly only eating squid that has been poached causes cancer....
  • comptonelizabeth
    comptonelizabeth Posts: 1,701 Member
    :smiley:
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    xmichaelyx wrote: »
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy

    200 dead in Washington
    47 dead in Idaho
    32 dead in North Carolina
    The list goes on and on.

    But hey, at least you're healthy, even though you've exposed yourself tot he flu and are no doubt a transmission vector. You sure showed those ridiculous doctors how dumb they are!

    @xmicahx your first link drives home how the flu risks mainly are for those near death before getting the flu and is the group the shots do not seem to work very well.

    "The vast majority of this season’s deaths involved seniors with underlying conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Snohomish County reported the median age for its 36 flu-related deaths was 82 years old; all had underlying conditions, according to the Snohomish Health District."

    It seems eating and moving in ways that prevent heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes is perhaps the best way to prevent death while having the flu.

    I do wish there was valid unbiased medical data on this subject but until that day comes this will be more of an emotional issue. Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so.
  • crawfishgirl333
    crawfishgirl333 Posts: 69 Member
    I don't take the flu shot. I'm knocking on wood , don't usually get sick
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    xmichaelyx wrote: »
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy

    200 dead in Washington
    47 dead in Idaho
    32 dead in North Carolina
    The list goes on and on.

    But hey, at least you're healthy, even though you've exposed yourself tot he flu and are no doubt a transmission vector. You sure showed those ridiculous doctors how dumb they are!

    @xmicahx your first link drives home how the flu risks mainly are for those near death before getting the flu and is the group the shots do not seem to work very well.

    "The vast majority of this season’s deaths involved seniors with underlying conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Snohomish County reported the median age for its 36 flu-related deaths was 82 years old; all had underlying conditions, according to the Snohomish Health District."

    It seems eating and moving in ways that prevent heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes is perhaps the best way to prevent death while having the flu.


    I do wish there was valid unbiased medical data on this subject but until that day comes this will be more of an emotional issue. Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so.

    But you can eat well and exercise and get the flu shot as well. Those things are not mutually exclusive.

    @GaleHawkins are you seriously implying that is okay to forgo vaccines because the illness will mostly kill the old and weak?

    I was not implying but just said, "Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so."

    Keeping my immune system healthy is the best prevention I know against flu, cancer, etc.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    xmichaelyx wrote: »
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy

    200 dead in Washington
    47 dead in Idaho
    32 dead in North Carolina
    The list goes on and on.

    But hey, at least you're healthy, even though you've exposed yourself tot he flu and are no doubt a transmission vector. You sure showed those ridiculous doctors how dumb they are!

    @xmicahx your first link drives home how the flu risks mainly are for those near death before getting the flu and is the group the shots do not seem to work very well.

    "The vast majority of this season’s deaths involved seniors with underlying conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Snohomish County reported the median age for its 36 flu-related deaths was 82 years old; all had underlying conditions, according to the Snohomish Health District."

    It seems eating and moving in ways that prevent heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes is perhaps the best way to prevent death while having the flu.

    I do wish there was valid unbiased medical data on this subject but until that day comes this will be more of an emotional issue. Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so.

    But the bolded is more reason why healthy people should get the flu shot, so they don't get the flu and SPREAD it to people who are most at risk.

    There is no actual confusion. Herd immunity is important.

    @kimnyc72 as you can read Herd immunity is a pipe dream in the States and Europe when it comes to the Flu.
    https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22414740

  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    kimny72 wrote: »
    xmichaelyx wrote: »
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy

    200 dead in Washington
    47 dead in Idaho
    32 dead in North Carolina
    The list goes on and on.

    But hey, at least you're healthy, even though you've exposed yourself tot he flu and are no doubt a transmission vector. You sure showed those ridiculous doctors how dumb they are!

    @xmicahx your first link drives home how the flu risks mainly are for those near death before getting the flu and is the group the shots do not seem to work very well.

    "The vast majority of this season’s deaths involved seniors with underlying conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Snohomish County reported the median age for its 36 flu-related deaths was 82 years old; all had underlying conditions, according to the Snohomish Health District."

    It seems eating and moving in ways that prevent heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes is perhaps the best way to prevent death while having the flu.

    I do wish there was valid unbiased medical data on this subject but until that day comes this will be more of an emotional issue. Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so.

    But the bolded is more reason why healthy people should get the flu shot, so they don't get the flu and SPREAD it to people who are most at risk.

    There is no actual confusion. Herd immunity is important.

    @kimnyc72 as you can read Herd immunity is a pipe dream in the States and Europe when it comes to the Flu.
    https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22414740

    From the linked page:

    "CONCLUSION:The influenza vaccination coverage must be increased in the United States and Europe in order to establish herd immunity. It is necessary to develop new influenza prevention messages based on herd immunity."

    Where exactly on that page do you see evidence herd immunity is a pipe dream? All it says is that we're not there yet.

    And the reason we do not have a sufficient % of people vaccinated to complete herd immunity is because so many people haven't been properly educated. We have 20 pages here so far, and I haven't seen anyone post any actual scientific evidence that anyone other than those allergic to the ingredients should not get the flu vaccine. Just feelz and conspiracy theories.

    @kimnyc72 at the rate we are going we may hit 80% in 2097. Not a pipe dream four generations from now I agree.
    https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22414740
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    xmichaelyx wrote: »
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy

    200 dead in Washington
    47 dead in Idaho
    32 dead in North Carolina
    The list goes on and on.

    But hey, at least you're healthy, even though you've exposed yourself tot he flu and are no doubt a transmission vector. You sure showed those ridiculous doctors how dumb they are!

    @xmicahx your first link drives home how the flu risks mainly are for those near death before getting the flu and is the group the shots do not seem to work very well.

    "The vast majority of this season’s deaths involved seniors with underlying conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Snohomish County reported the median age for its 36 flu-related deaths was 82 years old; all had underlying conditions, according to the Snohomish Health District."

    It seems eating and moving in ways that prevent heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes is perhaps the best way to prevent death while having the flu.

    I do wish there was valid unbiased medical data on this subject but until that day comes this will be more of an emotional issue. Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so.

    FYI I suffer from 2 chronic diseases: asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. Neither of these has anything to do with what I eat or how I move. A dose of flu could make me seriously ill.

    Edit : I don't have a choice about "keeping my immune system healthy " because I have to take immunosuppressant medication. The best way I can avoid at least certain strains of flu is by having the vaccine and,apparently,avoiding healthy people who are too selfish to have it.

    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/causes/con-20026992

    health.com/health/gallery/0,,20462893,00.html

    While you have to serious health conditions life style and way of eating can be factors for some it seems from the links.

    I was to start taking immune suppressant medication for pain management but in my case when I cut out most all sugar and all grains my pain was managed by my LCHF diet. Thankfully my 40 years of gut issues resolved within 180 days and has remained resolved for the past two years. I am still working to lower my CRP level.

    Best of success in managing your serious health concerns.

  • comptonelizabeth
    comptonelizabeth Posts: 1,701 Member
    Thank you.You too :smile:
    Unfortunately my gut disorder is a chronic autoimmune condition and although diet might play a part in controlling symptoms,it won't resolve it permanently. (Trust me - I've tried everything going!) I've had asthma since birth. Maintaining good overall health is an important part of managing chronic diseases,I agree.
    Thank you for the link;I'll have a look at it.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    xmichaelyx wrote: »
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy

    200 dead in Washington
    47 dead in Idaho
    32 dead in North Carolina
    The list goes on and on.

    But hey, at least you're healthy, even though you've exposed yourself tot he flu and are no doubt a transmission vector. You sure showed those ridiculous doctors how dumb they are!

    @xmicahx your first link drives home how the flu risks mainly are for those near death before getting the flu and is the group the shots do not seem to work very well.

    "The vast majority of this season’s deaths involved seniors with underlying conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Snohomish County reported the median age for its 36 flu-related deaths was 82 years old; all had underlying conditions, according to the Snohomish Health District."

    It seems eating and moving in ways that prevent heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes is perhaps the best way to prevent death while having the flu.

    I do wish there was valid unbiased medical data on this subject but until that day comes this will be more of an emotional issue. Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so.

    If the vaccine is less effective for those at a higher risk of death, there is an even stronger moral case to be made that those of us at lower risk should get vaccinated. If it is more effective for us, we can help reduce transmission to those for whom the vaccine is less effective and face a higher risk of death or serious complications.

    Why wouldn't I want to help with that?

    http://www.vaccinationcouncil.org/2013/11/27/a-shot-never-worth-taking-the-flu-vaccine-by-kelly-brogan-md/

    Most everyone wants to help with that.

    Sadly there is not independently verifiable info that vaccinations like the flu shots do more good than harm and that is why we are posting emotional thoughts because there is not solid medical info as to the net good/harm of getting flu shots.

    As one with an earned terminal degree in healthcare I have studied this subject post graduate for the past 20 years because our kids were born in 1997. I know and appreciate Epidemiology and the many factors of Public Health.

    How many of our autoimmune diseases of today may be related to past shots when have had since childhood?

    As long as those in healthcare question efficacy of things like the flu shots the masses will have questions too.

    There is no one posting in this tread that can support getting or NOT getting the flu shot with concrete medical facts today.

    This tread and the next one like it will be based on people's belief systems and not concrete medical data because the concrete medical data is not Googleable. Yes there are bits and pieces of pro and con data that we then use use to support our belief systems. :)
  • Sunna_W
    Sunna_W Posts: 744 Member
    I have Hashimoto's / autoimmune issues and when I have gotten a flu shot I have a bad reaction and I still get the flu. The last time I got a flu shot was 2004 and I ended up being really ill. I am supportive of other people getting them if they feel that they work for them.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    xmichaelyx wrote: »
    Against. I have never gotten them. I have never had any shots. I have been around people with the flu. And have yet to get it. I'm very healthy

    200 dead in Washington
    47 dead in Idaho
    32 dead in North Carolina
    The list goes on and on.

    But hey, at least you're healthy, even though you've exposed yourself tot he flu and are no doubt a transmission vector. You sure showed those ridiculous doctors how dumb they are!

    @xmicahx your first link drives home how the flu risks mainly are for those near death before getting the flu and is the group the shots do not seem to work very well.

    "The vast majority of this season’s deaths involved seniors with underlying conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Snohomish County reported the median age for its 36 flu-related deaths was 82 years old; all had underlying conditions, according to the Snohomish Health District."

    It seems eating and moving in ways that prevent heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes is perhaps the best way to prevent death while having the flu.

    I do wish there was valid unbiased medical data on this subject but until that day comes this will be more of an emotional issue. Everyone who is free to make their own decision should do so.

    If the vaccine is less effective for those at a higher risk of death, there is an even stronger moral case to be made that those of us at lower risk should get vaccinated. If it is more effective for us, we can help reduce transmission to those for whom the vaccine is less effective and face a higher risk of death or serious complications.

    Why wouldn't I want to help with that?

    http://www.vaccinationcouncil.org/2013/11/27/a-shot-never-worth-taking-the-flu-vaccine-by-kelly-brogan-md/

    Most everyone wants to help with that.

    Sadly there is not independently verifiable info that vaccinations like the flu shots do more good than harm and that is why we are posting emotional thoughts because there is not solid medical info as to the net good/harm of getting flu shots.

    As one with an earned terminal degree in healthcare I have studied this subject post graduate for the past 20 years because our kids were born in 1997. I know and appreciate Epidemiology and the many factors of Public Health.

    How many of our autoimmune diseases of today may be related to past shots when have had since childhood?

    As long as those in healthcare question efficacy of things like the flu shots the masses will have questions too.

    There is no one posting in this tread that can support getting or NOT getting the flu shot with concrete medical facts today.

    This tread and the next one like it will be based on people's belief systems and not concrete medical data because the concrete medical data is not Googleable. Yes there are bits and pieces of pro and con data that we then use use to support our belief systems. :)

    The idea that autoimmune diseases may be linked to "past shots" seems like pure speculation. Is there any evidence to suggest this is the case?
  • ABeautifulDistraction
    ABeautifulDistraction Posts: 348 Member
    edited February 2017
    Sunna_W wrote: »
    I have Hashimoto's / autoimmune issues and when I have gotten a flu shot I have a bad reaction and I still get the flu. The last time I got a flu shot was 2004 and I ended up being really ill. I am supportive of other people getting them if they feel that they work for them.

    I have Hashimoto's and Scleroderma and 3 of my specialists (pulmonologist, cardiologist and endocrinologist) insist I do NOT get the flu shot because I am at much higher risk for complications. Also, it makes my children more likely to have vaccine injuries - in fact my oldest son had a serious reaction to the chicken pox vaccine. Thankfully no lasting effects. There ARE groups of people who vaccinations are not a good fit for.

    This does not make me anti-vaxx, but I do believe everyone should take their own medical histories and the risks into account and keep an open mind that this topic is not black and white. Some children for example are allergic to eggs, and thus cannot take MMR or Flu shots.
This discussion has been closed.