Flu Shots? thoughts
Replies
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I do not believe in vaccines of any kind now! I have seen the damage they can do! I wish I had known better and not gotten my 2 older boys vaccinated! My youngest has never had a vaccine and rarely gets sick! If he does it's for a day and then he is off and running again! It is much better to let your body fight things naturally! The more you do, the stronger your body will be!
This is incredibly depressing. I am ashamed for you.0 -
I'd rather not get a shot that may or may not protect me against a virus. Yes, the flu sucks but the cons seriously outweigh the pros, imo.
Plus, I'll just rely on herd immunity from all of you who choose to get it. :P0 -
I beleive that the flu shot is overused, much like antibiotics. Viruses are extremely adaptable and mutate and I think that the overuse of the vaccine is causing extremely virulent strains of the flu. Just like the superbugs we are seeing in relation to the overuse/misuse of antibiotics.
i think the flu shot should be used as it was in years past for those that would likely suffer the most damaging or life threatening complications from the flu. I work in healthcare and it is becoming mandatory in that setting to prevent possible transmission to immunocompromised patients.
Doesn't work like that with vaccines.
The response isn't the same but viruses will mutate in response to barriers to their transmission. They need a host to proliferate. I am not anti-vaccine at all. The flu vaccine has about a 60% success rate per the CDC and that is for the strains that are included in the vaccine. I don't think it is a bad idea but not extremely effective for the general population.
The way it works with vaccines is that the more people who get vaccinated, the better it works, for everyone. It's called "herd immunity." If the virus doesn't have enough sensitive targets to spread, then no one catches the virus.
I understand how vaccines work. However, the flu vaccine doesn't work like most other vaccines because of antigenic drift. It may provide some herd immunity but nothing in comparison to other vaccinations.
The fact that the flu vaccine is made in advance, based on predictions of which flu strains will predominate, and that it doesn't provide as much protection to each individual as many other vaccines do, makes herd immunity more important, not less important.
A lot of people with some protection is better at preventing the spread of an epidemic than a few people with a lot of protection. Also, a little protection is better than none. That can mean that you get less sick, or that you only get sick, and don't end up dying from something silly like the flu.
I understand what you are saying but there seems to be this flippant attitude among many that vaccines are perfect and without risk or other unwanted outcomes.
The CDC is now reporting that we are seeing a rise in Shingles in the elderly and even in young adults and children because of the varicella vaccination now given to all children. Vaccination is a good thing, as is herd immunity but it isn't without future risk. It only took about 20 years for them to recognize the increase in Shingles after the introduction of the varicella vaccine.
Again, I'm not anti vaccine and my family is fully vaccinated minus the flu shot and the HPV vaccine.0 -
No. Never ever had one. My kids have never had one. The H1N1 thing blew up while I was pregnant with my son and I agonized over not getting that shot. I did not get the shot and did not get it (neither did he).
Never had the flu. Kids have not either. DH hasn't either.
I believe in vaccinations (both of my kids are all up to speed on their standard vaccines) but for the flu, I don't think it's necessary for everyone. I may change my mind but that is how I've felt so far.0 -
We did once and it WORKED~We got the freaking flu!!!...for 2 weeks I was out of work and the kids were out of school!! Never again.0
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So far, I've never gotten a flu shot and neither have my husband and kids. I pay special attention to our diet during the flu season in an effort to keep our immune systems working properly. I also remind my kids not to touch their faces, to wash their hands often, and avoid coughing/sneezing people. I think this last bit is most important. The world is a cesspool of germs, with too many sick people keeping their daily routine when they should be at home recuperating.0
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I work in a hospital delivery room where I'm exposed to everything. The amount of people who come to visit patients and are sick are amazing, they don't care that they are exposing a newborn, they just can't wait to see the baby. Last year they started mandating it and will do the same this year. I'd get it anyway. I was one of the first on my unit to get the Swine Flu a few years ago - thanks to the lovely sick people who roll through our doors. I just don't feel it's worth risking, I'm not afraid of needles and don't have any allergies that contraindicate it, so ...0
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People who are immunocompromised shouldnt be running around with normal people in the first place. It is one of the precautions medical professionals tell them.
Because people who are immunocompromised don't have bills to pay, especially medical bills.
If they are immunocompromised, the flu is really the least of their worries.
They are not supposed to be around normal people in crowded areas or be in too much contact, bottom line. You dont see chemo patients running around
This is quite ignorant. What about people with autoimmune diseases who are taking immuno-suppressants? They may not be severely immuno-compromised, but still at risk. Many are active people who work, go to the gym, etc. There are also people who have had transplants, are doing very well and living normal lives, but must take immuno-suppressive medications to help prevent rejection. I could go on...
eta: apologies to lithezebra. I posted before I saw that you had already addressed this (quite well, too). :flowerforyou:0 -
Working at a hospital, they are required or I have the option to wear a mask for what seems like FOREVER! Last year I declined... I wanted to fight the power.. I personally think they are ineffective and you are prolly more susceptible to contracting the flu with the vaccine. I will play ball this year and get it :P0
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H1N1 (swine flu) during the pandemic in October of 2009 before the vacine was available at work. I work in health care. I no longer wait for my free flu shot at work. I get mine in September every year. I was sick for 32 days and on deaths door (serious). I was no longer able to smoke cigarettes. Cigarette free for almost 4 years!!! I guess almost dying may have saved my life.0
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For them to avoid crowded areas and using caution with contact is the most basic of teaching of people who are immunossed status. If they go to the gym depending on tgeir degree they have to wear full gloves. It will vary to the degree but people who are in nadir stage of chemo have an extremely low wbc.People who are immunocompromised shouldnt be running around with normal people in the first place. It is one of the precautions medical professionals tell them.
Because people who are immunocompromised don't have bills to pay, especially medical bills.
If they are immunocompromised, the flu is really the least of their worries.
They are not supposed to be around normal people in crowded areas or be in too much contact, bottom line. You dont see chemo patients running around
This is quite ignorant. What about people with autoimmune diseases who are taking immuno-suppressants? They may not be severely immuno-compromised, but still at risk. Many are active people who work, go to the gym, etc. There are also people who have had transplants, are doing very well and living normal lives, but must take immuno-suppressive medications to help prevent rejection. I could go on...
eta: apologies to lithezebra. I posted before I saw that you had already addressed this (quite well, too). :flowerforyou:0 -
Flu's mostly harmless. Flu shots are a crapshoot anyway. I don't see the point.
Yeah. It just kills an average of 25,000-36,000 people a year and costs about $7 billion in sick days and lost productivity.0 -
I do not believe in vaccines of any kind now! I have seen the damage they can do! I wish I had known better and not gotten my 2 older boys vaccinated! My youngest has never had a vaccine and rarely gets sick! If he does it's for a day and then he is off and running again! It is much better to let your body fight things naturally! The more you do, the stronger your body will be!
This is incredibly depressing. I am ashamed for you.
Well go ahead , be depressed and be ashamed but not for me or my family! Why is it not possible to state your opinion to the question asked without someone being negative about it? You go right on getting those shots! I will not! To each their own!0 -
Absolutely! As a registered nurse, it is important to protect my patients, family members and friends and myself!0
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I stopped getting them when I was 10. Never had the flu.
I don't get why people get angry at the ones who don't get shots because they might spread it. Um, if you had the shots you don't need to worry about that, right? The non shot people should be free to spread it amongst themselves haha.
It's a personal choice. I'm healthy and in my 20's, my immune system is strong and therefore the risk of actually dying from the flu is low. If you are at risk for developing a dangerous case, then by all means, go for it.0 -
Pretty much everyone should get the flu shot. It significantly decreases your chances of contracting, and therefore spreading, the flu.
Plus the flu sucks.
QFT0 -
Nope. I don't believe in it, unless you have a weak immune system.0
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My boyfriend has asthma and a frail, very elderly grandmother. We get our flu shots religiously, and because I would hate to carry those germs and make someone else sick. I don't get them for me, as I'm absurdly healthy.0
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I always get a flu shot every year. Hardly ever sick and almost always work with someone who gets the flu....the real sick for weeks flu. Knock on wood it seems to always work for me and keeps me healthy through the winter.0
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People who are immunocompromised shouldnt be running around with normal people in the first place. It is one of the precautions medical professionals tell them.I'm might get her drunk and take her to the clinic this year.
I've got a pretty solid immune system and I'm not around people who are immunocompromised so I don't really see the need at this time. I've heard arguments for herd immunity but I don't see how it would work with something that changes and evolves every season. To me it's kind of like buying a brand new Iphone when the next generation is coming out in 3 months.
How do you know you're not around anyone who is immunocompromised? We don't have big signs on our heads--we look like everyone else and we go places where everyone else does--grocery store, post office, gym. All it takes is one person shedding virus (and you shed before you have full blown symptoms) to infect us and make us seriously ill.
And I find that most people who say they got the flu when the got the vaccine didn't really get influenza--they got some GI bug that caused vomiting. Real influenza rarely causes vomiting. There is no such thing as "stomach flu!"
Whoa whoa whoa hang on just a second - I am immunocompromised because of this little thing called asthma. I still consider myself a normal person. I really hope you were joking because I like to interact with other humans :frown:
ETA: My doc has never told me to live in a bubble0 -
Lots of ignorance and paranoia here.
People, get facts, please. Google "VIS influenza" for info on the vaccine, and make an informed decision, not one based on conspiracy theory and "gut feelings".0 -
Actually, your doctor makes far more money if they have to treat you for the flu. Same for pharmacists better to wait and charge you for a Tamiflu prescription then a $10 shot.0
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I do not believe in vaccines of any kind now! I have seen the damage they can do! I wish I had known better and not gotten my 2 older boys vaccinated! My youngest has never had a vaccine and rarely gets sick! If he does it's for a day and then he is off and running again! It is much better to let your body fight things naturally! The more you do, the stronger your body will be!
This is incredibly depressing. I am ashamed for you.
Well go ahead , be depressed and be ashamed but not for me or my family! Why is it not possible to state your opinion to the question asked without someone being negative about it? You go right on getting those shots! I will not! To each their own!
I don't care if you do, unless you give me the flu.
But your kids? Thank god at least two of your kids got vaccinations. Wait til your other child gets whooping cough or rubella. Have you seen anyone with polio lately? Ever wonder why?0 -
I do not believe in vaccines of any kind now! I have seen the damage they can do! I wish I had known better and not gotten my 2 older boys vaccinated! My youngest has never had a vaccine and rarely gets sick! If he does it's for a day and then he is off and running again! It is much better to let your body fight things naturally! The more you do, the stronger your body will be!
This is incredibly depressing. I am ashamed for you.
Well go ahead , be depressed and be ashamed but not for me or my family! Why is it not possible to state your opinion to the question asked without someone being negative about it? You go right on getting those shots! I will not! To each their own!
I still have yet to see you back up your claims.0 -
People who are immunocompromised shouldnt be running around with normal people in the first place. It is one of the precautions medical professionals tell them.
Because people who are immunocompromised don't have bills to pay, especially medical bills.
If they are immunocompromised, the flu is really the least of their worries.
They are not supposed to be around normal people in crowded areas or be in too much contact, bottom line. You dont see chemo patients running around
Really? I will be sure to call work and tell them I can no longer come in because I am not "normal" and should not be around the general population. I have asthma, compromises my immune system. Funny though, my Dr. seems to think I should live a normal life. BTW my wife has a severely compromised immune system. I got the flu shot as did she but still ended up with her hospitalized because someone at work got the flu and I ended up taking shed virus home to her on my clothing.0 -
Wow. So many responses... going to have to read them all later. I personally never get them. My kids either. Haven't had the flu either... and I work in a school.0
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I have never gotten it and either have my kids, my mother in law believes in it so much she thinks I am crazy, but she is always sick and so is her other grandchildren that get it, my kids are very seldom sick and nothing to serious, but my kids do get the other vaccines since there is proof those help, but most must be vaccinated since you don't hear about those diseases much. Also I have a home daycare around runny noses and coughing all the time but not me or my kids
my daughter has Asthma and still no problem, and a few of my friends get sick from it, also the flu shot only covers certain flus not all of them and definitely not a cold, our immune system must be very good.0 -
Flu sucks. I get the shot.
This.
Plus i have Asthma. Bad to get the flu.0 -
I do not believe in vaccines of any kind now! I have seen the damage they can do! I wish I had known better and not gotten my 2 older boys vaccinated! My youngest has never had a vaccine and rarely gets sick! If he does it's for a day and then he is off and running again! It is much better to let your body fight things naturally! The more you do, the stronger your body will be!
This is incredibly depressing. I am ashamed for you.
Well go ahead , be depressed and be ashamed but not for me or my family! Why is it not possible to state your opinion to the question asked without someone being negative about it? You go right on getting those shots! I will not! To each their own!
Yep to each their own! You go continue to put your kids at risk
There is no reason to conceal negativity toward people whose actions put other people at risk. Sometimes that's the only way people will do the right thing.0
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