Flu Shots

**jennielynn1970** · 10-06-2009, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by Medusa

I haven't had a flu shot in probably 35 years, no flu either. The one and only time I did get a flu shot, I had an immediate reaction and became so sick that I had to call my husband and have him come and get me. So no flu shot for me, thanx.

I feel the same way. The only times I've ever gotten the flu shot, I've gotten really sick, lost days of work, and then still got sick with URIs and the flu anyway. So... no shot for me.

**happylabs** · 10-06-2009, 01:02 PM

They offer the flu shot for free where I work and I have been getting it for a good 10 years. HOWEVER, this year I think I am going to skip it. Here is why:

I started going to a health and wellness coach about a year ago. I have high blood pressure and am overweight. I started eating healthy and lost about 25 pounds. THEN, the never-ending period from you know where started and I started eating badly again. The weight came back on and I felt pretty miserable all around. I just changed back to the healthy eating habits (I don't want to call it a diet because I want to do it for life) and I feel so much better.

Anyway, the health and wellness coach discourages the flu shot and encourages you to boost your immune system by eating right and taking herbs and vitamins.

You can read their articles about the flu and the flu shot at this website:

http://www.freshlife.com/

**luckies4me** · 10-06-2009, 02:59 PM

I have only gotten the flu shot once, and about two weeks later I got extremely ill. I don't think I've ever been that sick in my life! But for some reason this year I will be getting the shot, for my children's safety. We will see what happens. If I get sick this year I know it is the shot, as I am hardly ever sick. My son got the shot and he's been fine. However, I am staying away from the swine flu vaccine. Wouldn't touch it with a pole!

**wolfsoul** · 10-06-2009, 04:43 PM

No, I don't like vaccinations. I never get the flu (haven't had the flu in over 10 years), and already had the swine flu, so I'm not concerned anyways. I'll take normal precautions to keep Tyler safe (breastfeed, wash hands constantly, wipe down everything we touch, and stay away from sick people this winter).

**pomtzu** · 10-06-2009, 05:15 PM

Staying away from sick people is easier said than done. Everytime you go out, you are at risk of encountering them without even knowing it - at the bank, the mall, the grocery store, at school, at work, virtually anywhere. And not all that are carrying the virus will necessarily appear to be sick.

If you're using the excuse that you're afraid of needles, think what could happen if you ended up with a really severe case of the flu that hospitalized you. You'd probably see more needles then, than you could imagine!

I can understand people who have had a bad reaction previously, or are allergic to eggs, not getting one. And even if you're not getting one because you've never had the flu - keep in mind that your immune system is constantly changing - and this might be the year of change - and the flu. You just never know!

I was never allergic to bug stings until once several years ago I got stung and had a terrible reaction. Same with my ex - he went for 40 some years without a problem, and then one sting nearly landed him in the hospital. He was covered in hives and looked like he had burns all over.

So just because you've been lucky so far, don't count on it being a positive and lasting thing. Go get your flu shot - please???

And like my doctor told me: you cannot get the flu from a flu shot!