Should I get a flu shot?

Question

I'm an elementary school teacher.
But everyone in my family who's gotten the shot has felt tired and achey the next day. I haven't gotten the flu in years, and I'm wondering if it's worth paying $25 and feeling bad if there's only a small chance of getting the flu anyway.

Answer 1

if you're dealing with kids, then yes

while the flu isn't dangerous to you, it can be a very serious infection in children and the elderly, people who work with either are highly recommended by the CDC to get the shot.

Most people who aren't elderly or children can get away just fine without them, and the flu isn't a problem. Parents with small children, teachers, health care workers, etc. should all get one every year. Get it early too, because they run out.

Edit: for clarifcation, the shot isn't for your benefit. The shot is for the benefit of the children who might catch the flu from YOU. It's a much more serious illness in children than in your average adult.

Answer 2

The people and your doctor who actually give you this shot, will tell you that if you have not gotten this shot on a regular basis, then you really don't need to start.
My husband and I both had the same feeling about it, and being pregnant I had thought perhaps I should get the shot, and when I asked my doctor, this is exactly what he told me. I recieved the same info from the red cross folk in our area who give out the shots. My husband who had never received the shot, decided it would be ok one year, and ended up so sick he slept straight for 3 days after being horribly sick. Lost his job because of it.
Earlier this year when we thought we had better get our kids the flu shot from their doctor as it was recommended, everyone in our house ended up with a horrible flu, and I ended up in the hospital because of severe dehydration.
If you haven't had an issue with it, don't stress about it. Keep doing whatever it is you are doing that is keeping you so healthy.
As a teacher, I'm sure you know even having a little tube of hand sanitizer in your classroom is a helpfull way to avoid the germs spread by your students, and as a parent of 3, I greatly appreciate the effor the teachers make to NOT spread viruses throughout the school. I would hate to have that brought home by my two oldest to my youngest!

Answer 3

Small chance of getting the flu? I'd say your chances are greater than you think, especially being around runny-nosed kids all day. I know you are on a teacher's salary and all, but I would be willing to give you the $25 if it means not having to lose time on the job. It's well worth the money. The flu sucks.

Answer 4

I have gotten the flu shot for past like 7 years and I haven't ever felt tired or achy. I have only got the flu like once. I even work in the medical field. I think it is a good idea it is better than been sick for like a week and getting it over and over again.

Answer 5

I have never gotten the flu shot and have never gotten the flu but husband is in the military and has to get the shot and had the symptoms of the flu and some people even get full blown flu. I would say don't worry about it.

Answer 6

All the scientific evidence says you definitely benefit by getting one.

I've been getting the shot all my life. Yes, many years ago when they actually immunized you with active flu virus getting sick and feeling tired, etc. for a few day was part of the experience.

Guess what. That's not the case any longer. When they immunize you they don't give you active virus. I believe all they give you is the active antibodies of the virus. Which is what protects you anyway.

The only "side effect" I've experienced in recent years is the little needle prick when they give you the shot. I get no side effects from it at all.

Get it. You're around kids all day. Your chances of getting any flu that comes around is high.

Answer 7

The fatigue and aches are side effects of the flu shot and go away within a day. Much better than the 2-4 weeks you could have the flu.

Answer 8

I guess it's really up to you, but since you work with small children, you really are at a high risk. I think if you got the flu, you'd wish you had paid $25 for the shot.

Answer 9

Don't get a flu shot, let your own immune system work for itself. If you don't exercise your immune system it becomes weaker, and eventually you will get really sick. That's why I lick toliet seats! Just jokin'. The more flu shots people get the stronger the flu becomes every year. Older people with weak immunities should get flu shots.

Answer 10

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I haven't had the flu in over 15 years and have never had a flu shot.