The continuous news segments about how bad the flu is this year, along with the countless facebook and twitter postings by friends who act as though they are dying, convinced me to finally break down and get the shot. I have to say, it didn't hurt like I thought it would, although my arm has been sore ever since. I also kept waiting for symptoms, like so many people claim, of feeling flu-like afterwards. I've been fine.
The LPN who gave me the shot at my doctor's office was telling me how there has been a sudden run for the vaccine this year. I mentioned to her that my husband had been on my case about it, as he is paranoid about getting sick and missing work. She told me that her husband refused to get the shot because he believes there is a government conspiracy. Ok, I know that there are lots of folks out there who think that, but seriously, your wife is in the health care field, and you think this way? Because then you have to believe all the physicians in America are involved in it, because I haven't heard of a one who doesn't advise to get the vaccine. They can't balance the budget, but our government has been conspiring to infect us with some sort of substance for decades! All of this liberal vs. conservative/democrat vs. republican fighting has been an act for years! They've actually banded together to destroy their constituency! Once we're gone, they'll have America to themselves . . . oh wait! Who will fund all their lavish vacations then?
In other wacky news, did you see the story about the Florida professor who thinks that the Sandy Hook shooting is a government conspiracy to get Americans to support gun control? Can you imagine being the parent of one of the victims and having to hear crap like this?
You have no idea. Apparently one of the people who kept 6 children safe (the guy lived right by the school) has been getting threats and phone calls asking how much he is being paid to lie about the event, etc. CAN YOU FREAKING BELIEVE PEOPLE???
ReplyDeleteMy brother was yelling at me at Christmas because he found out I vaccinate my kids. People are WAY passionate about it. I do my own research and make my own decisions. I agree that vaccines should be made safer (I think some people do have immune systems that can't handle it and could possibly have devastating side affects). ANYWAY, I won't get into it all now. ;)
Glad your shot wasn't as bad as you had thought it would be. We get the mist and skip the shots. Although the hubby and I have never gotten the flu vaccine, now that I think about it. Just the kids. Hmm...
I actually get upset myself at folks who DON'T vaccinate their kids. When you know people who've lost their kids to common diseases that are preventable, it's akin to child abuse, in my book :(
DeleteI have never gotten a flu shot but like you, only because I hate needles so much. I'm torn about this year's shot, but my kids got vaccinated. I did go get a shingles vaccine because people keep telling me horror stories about getting shingles. My arm was sore for a week.
ReplyDeleteRemember when my son got shingles two years ago? Not pretty! And the scars are horrendous. My dr. Said I could get the shot at age 50, but insurance won't cover it till age 60. Irritating!
Delete" I also kept waiting for symptoms, like so many people claim, of feeling flu-like afterwards. I've been fine."
ReplyDeleteI am soooooooo glad to hear that because that's one of the main reasons why I've never gotten a flu shot. I'm not afraid of needles or the paranoia going around about the conspiracy, it's just that I fear GETTING the flu because of the vaccine.
I know so many people right now who have the flu - and BAD. I just keep taking my natural herbs and vitamins and hope that I don't get it.
X
It's been a week and I'm still ok. My husband has been getting the shot for years and has never gotten sick from it, nor have my kids. I think some of it is imaginated and some people just contracted a virus before getting the shot, so it's coincidental. I saw a woman at church last week who was recovering from the flu and she could barely walk! And she was my age! I was sooooo mad that she was there. Keep taking your vitamins, Ron!
Deletethe crap about sandy hook being a conspiracy is truly horrifying and i can't begin to imagine how deeply hurtful it is to the people who lost children and family members...or to those traumatized by living through the experience.
ReplyDeleteNutters like that ruin free speech for all of us.
DeleteIt always is a conspiracy isn't it? No matter what happens in this country, they seem to blame it on a conspiracy.
ReplyDeleteI confess, haven't gotten the flu shot this year. I'm leaning towards not getting it; I'm not against it, I'm not afraid of needles. I work at home so I'm not in the "germ pool" (unless you count helping out at church in children's ministry). My kid is not in the germ pool (he's out of school) yet his girlfriend has a young one in the "germ pool" so he's our weak link; he might get it and bring it home to us, but he's pretty hygienic washing his hands a lot, etc., so we can quarantine him to his room (he's 23) if he gets sick....
I just don't know. I've taken them before, but I'm not inclined to take one this year
But I do know they work. Years ago I had my daughter get one since she had asthma and it was recommended; I took the shot too. Can't remember if hubby did or not, but son definitely didn't get the shot (he was young and they weren't recommending it per se). Of course he got the flu.......
I hope the weekend is a nice one!
(and a healthy one!)
betty
I tend to believe you are in the germ pool once you leave your house. I got the flu every year when I was working, without kids. I dont think they even offered a flu shot back then! I'm old!
DeleteWe've all been getting flu shots since Li'l Diva got diagnosed with juvenile myositis 10 years ago. Docs recommended it b/c of her immune situation. They apparently make a smaller needle vaccine now as well as the mist, which we can't get because it is a live virus. Grrr.
ReplyDeleteMy girls both had pneumonia as young children, so it was always recommended for them as well. I think you are right about the smaller needle. I didn't feel it at all, compared to last time I got a tetanus shot.
DeleteJust, you know, to set the record straight- technically speaking you can not get the flu fro the vaccine. Impossible.
ReplyDeleteNow having said that, you can get the symptoms if'n your immune system is cranked (um, like mine is). I've gotten the shot only a few times and every time I've had flu symptoms for a couple weeks after because my system didn't know the diff and went hog wild fighting an infection that wasn't there.
I even got tested each time which is where I got the biology lesson about this whacky immune system stuff.
But I also had the real flu once and trust me, you just can't tell the difference. Symptoms is symptoms. Near as I can tell the only real diff is the shot isn't likely to cause death which the real thing is certainly capable of.
You've only had the real flu once? I'd estimate I've had it at least 8 times in my life, and I'm a person who rarely gets even a cold.
DeleteI don't know anyone who's had flu, I've never had a vaccination and I can't remember the last time I had flu. My doctor suggested I might like a vaccination but I said no thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat's rather surprising that you don't know anyone who has had the flu. It's quite rampant here.
DeleteI did get the H1N1 shot, but I generally stay away from flu shots. I tend to think the virus changes/mutates to quick for a shot that is manufactured the year previous to actually have an effect on the current year's strains.
ReplyDeleteBut, it probably doesn't hurt to get it done. Well... actually it does HURT. But, well, you know what I mean.