Flu Shot or Not?

[MaggieRedwings]

Have doctors on 1/18 and wanted recommendation as to Yes or No on the shot. Just got over 24 hour bug at the end of vacation and know she is going to push me for the shot. Only had one a number of years ago and got sick as a dog.

Any help appreciated.

Love, Maggie

[Zizzle]

I have been told never to accept another vaccine, ever, because I have an autoimmune disease. If you do, make sure you only get the single dose vial with no preservatives. The rest have thimerisol.

[tex]

Hi Maggie,

I never take it, but I get relatively little exposure to the public, compared with most people.

Love,
Tex

[Polly]

Hi Maggie,

I got one this year for the first time in about 10 years. I was concerned because they are saying the flu is particularly virulent this year. Also, I was pleased to hear that it appears to cover 90% of the flus currently out there. Of course, I may be exposed to more sick people than you routinely are. Luckily, I had no reaction at all - not even a sore arm. Let us know what you decide.

Love,

Polly

P.S. Did you see any special birds?

[Deb]

Maggie, I have had one flu shot, in the 90's, the year of the big swine flu issues. I haven't had one since. I think I have actually had the flu once...I was really, really sick for a couple weeks. I don't plan to have a shot and would rather work at building up my immune system with vitamin D, etc. I have been healthier the last couple of years (as far as colds, etc), in spite of my MC.

[mzh]

I'm like Polly. No problems at all. Everyone is different!

[JLH]

I haven't been getting them since I found the PP.

Isn't Mary Beth the one who had such a terrible reaction?

[Gloria]

I never used to get a flu shot; DH always has gotten them.

Since I've become and official "Senior Citizen," I've changed my mind, and I get it annually now. I'm too susceptible to getting pneumonia and my diet isn't as healthy as I'd like. I haven't had any reactions and I'm fine with it.

Gloria

[JFR]

I get the flu shot every year with no ill effects.

Jean

[jta]

My husband has become allergic to eggs the past yr or so. Last yr he had the flu shot and had diarrhea most of 24 hrs. I thought he shouldn't get one again but he decided to go ahead and have the shot regardless and wasn't affected at all. So go figure.

[MaggieRedwings]

Thanks for all of the input from everyone. I am still undecided and know that my immune system seems to be fair at best and that is why I am so hesitant. The shingles shot I got was fine and had no reaction and hopefully, no shingles again - that was the pits! Will let you know what happens on the 18th.

Love, Maggie