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catbird
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« on: October 25, 2007, 07:20:57 AM » |
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Since there is a discussion about flu shots going on in the Staph Superbug thread, I thought I'd start a thread on flu shots.
One Itchmo member has reported getting very sick from a flu shot recently. I can relate, and I am glad that person is feeling better. I have had a flu shot exactly twice in my life (and yes, I am over 50). Both times I got violently sick within 24 hours, with flu-like symptoms (and I don't mean gastroenteritis, folks, I mean the low-down, fever, body aches, want-to-curl-up-and-die INFLUENZA.) I was sick for days. One of these times was when I was a kid; my mom had the shot at the same time and got sick the same time I did. The other time was in the 70s when there was some type of epidemic--swine flu, maybe? I got the shot and got the flu. Where I work, every year, they "encourage" me to get a flu shot. I won't do it.
IMO they are fine for some people. But not for me.
I don't over-vaccinate my pets, either.
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shibadiva
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« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2007, 11:07:14 AM » |
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I've had the free flu shots here in Canada for the past few years and, each time, I seem to come down with a low-grade achy feeling for a few days after.
This year, the Canadian press says that the vaccine is not as effective because the three virus strains that were chosen for inclusion have had some genetic drift in the months between the time they were selected for inclusion and now. Apparently, this drift occurs all the time but the velocity is increasing.
We are still being encouraged to get the shot as it is expected to be maybe 50% effective, and of course we are told to consider the possible consequences if we do not! Especially if we are little kids or very old.
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A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
~~ Gandhi
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Cathy
Full Member
Posts: 68
Hunter 4/9/01-4/11/07
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« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2007, 07:32:32 PM » |
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I got really sick for about a week after my flu shot in early October. I never really get sick. My husband and I got the flu on Christmas Day in the 1991 and were both flat on our backs for two weeks. Miserable holiday for our son. We've always gotten shots since then. My husband gets his at work and I always go to my family physician. My Mother is 85 and was sick for about 2 weeks after her shot this year too. Hmmmm..........
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...he will be our friend for always and always and always.
Rudyard Kipling
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mainecoonpeg
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« Reply #3 on: November 14, 2007, 08:45:04 PM » |
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I got my flu shot today. My arm hurts  |
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kittylyda
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« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2007, 05:13:17 AM » |
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Everyone I know that has ever received a flu shot complained that they got ill very shortly after. I don't think I have ever had one unless perhaps when I was a child. I am a bit uneasy about the whole flu shot thing. I think I have seen too many X-Files!
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MarleysMom
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« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2007, 05:47:51 AM » |
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Nabiya: I hope that you are doing better.
After I read your story, I too was hesitant about getting the flu shot. My family got theirs at different places. I am happy to report that we are all fine. No problems. I usually go to one place every year.
I did hear a lot on the news that if one is allergic to eggs they should not get the flu shot. It seems I heard it more this year about that that in previous years. Maybe thats causing some problems in people having reactions to it.
Kittylyda if you do get it, I hope that it goes well for you.
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« Last Edit: November 15, 2007, 05:49:28 AM by MarleysMom »
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"The good times of today are the sad thoughts of tomorrow"------Bob Marley
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Trudy
Long-Standing Member
Hero Member
Posts: 1085
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« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2007, 08:01:02 AM » |
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Well, I just got Mine yesterday. We'll wait and see.
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shibadiva
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« Reply #7 on: November 15, 2007, 09:07:23 AM » |
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I always feel a little run down for a few days after the flu shot. I think part of it is that the body is reacting to the dead virus, as it should.
On the other hand, since flu shots have been introduced (and I've been getting them every year), I've only ever had one bad case of flu that kept me home for two or three days. Other years, I've felt that having a couple of days when I'm mildly upset is better than being down for a week with something awful.
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A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
~~ Gandhi
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kittylyda
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« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2007, 09:27:07 AM » |
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I think I'm going to hold off on the flu shot. Since I never had one and I never really had a problem with the flu, I must be doing something right. I try to eat right and I take a lot of vitamins (probably all from China!  ) I also wash my hands a lot. I'm somewhat distrustful of vaccinations. Also, like another member pointed out, the flu shots can't possibly cover all the different strains of the virus. I'm sure because sitting here typing about the fact that I have not gotten the flu that I probably will come down with it this year! Wish me luck! If I did decide get a flu shot I definitely would NOT get one at the grocery store. I would go to the doctor's office. |
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« Last Edit: November 15, 2007, 09:31:55 AM by kittylyda »
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catbird
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« Reply #9 on: November 15, 2007, 11:47:54 AM » |
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The two times in my life that I have gotten flu shots I have been down in bed for 7-10 days afterwards, awfully sick, not just a little run-down or feverish. That I could handle. I have never had the flu otherwise, despite not getting the shots and being around sick people sometimes in my work. My husband doesn't get flu shots either, and has not had influenza since childhood.
I am sure my reactions were never reported as "adverse events" since they occurred many years ago. But I should add that I am also not big on a lot of vaccinations.
The egg thing caught my interest, though, since I am the person who gets headaches from eating most eggs (because most chickens are given feed containing shellfish meal, and I get sick from shellfish. I just found out about this connection a month or so ago.) I am not allergic to eggs themselves in the classical way, however.
So what do they do about flu shots for people who are allergic to eggs?
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kittylyda
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« Reply #10 on: November 15, 2007, 12:27:52 PM » |
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catbird,
I have heard the exact same thing from other people, that they got extremely sick after getting a flu shot. That makes me hesitant to get one. Maybe the vaccinations work well for some people and not so well for others. I don't over-vaccinate my cats if I can help it either. They never go outside, except to go to the vet.
I'm guessing that people allergic to eggs simply can't get flu shots, but I'm not sure about that.
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kittylyda
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« Reply #11 on: November 15, 2007, 03:23:04 PM » |
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OMG, Klondike! Geez, this is good to know. I was always very uneasy about flu vaccinations, never got them and made a joke about watching too many X-Files, but this is just like an X-File. Especially the HMO trials and bad eggs! I'll take my chances with the flu anyday.
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JJ
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« Reply #12 on: November 16, 2007, 09:49:28 PM » |
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I agree with you Kittylyda-would take my chances with the flu. Never one to try out shots cause you friend/family members are having one. Nah, have not had the flu in over 15 yrs as I also eat healthy, wash my hands all the time when the flu season is occurring and never catch others colds or whatever is ailing them at the time either. Main thing is if you can't eat right then wash your hands before touching your face.
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May your troubles be less,
Your blessings be more,
And nothing but happiness
Come through your door
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