Have you ever gotten a Flu Shot?

Question

Why? Why Not? I have never had one. I really dislike needles...

Answer 1

Not yet, I think it is better to wait until around the end of October...that way you are better protected in late February and March. If you get a good nurse, the needle doesn't even hurt.

You can not get the flu from a flu shot. If you get sick, it just means you have already been exposed before you got the shot.

I had a nurse tell me once, to take 2 Tylenol every 4 hours for the next 48 after receiving a flu shot...it works.

Answer 2

I dislike needles also but I think I mostly dislike being in bed for 3 days to a week. I get a flu shot every year. I used to be sick a lot but not anymore.

Answer 3

Yes, and am thankful I was able to get them. The reason some feel as if they have gotten the flu after the shot, is that some folks do get some minor symptoms of the flu, although the vaccine received is dead. Because of these minor aches and a bit of tiredness, some truly believe the shot gave them the flu. Therefore, one of the other contributors is correct, it is simply an urban myth the shot gives you the flu.

The flu is a serious virus, and one to be avoided where possible. If you have access to the vaccine, you could avoid 1-2 weeks being seriously ill, miserable, and out of work.
For those who choose to get inoculated against pneumonia as well, some choose to wait to receive it on a different day or week even, as they have not felt well after receiving both shots in one day.

BTW, when I get these shots (even though I'm young), I get them on Fridays, so that IF i feel a bit lethargic, it won't interfere with my work.

Answer 4

Since I work in a medical clinic, I always get one every year. In my opinion, it's the least painful of any shot, and my arm has never even hurt afterwards; nor has it made me sick. But year before last I got the flu shot, and four months later got the flu (the vaccine is only effective in 70 - 90% of healthy people under 65). I've never bee so sick in my life! And here I had always thought people with the flu were exaggerating about how sick they were, all the moaning and groaning! What a lesson in empathy that was.

Even though it's less effective in chronically ill people and those over 65, it still prevents hospitalization and for pneumonia in 30 - 50% of cases. In nursing home residents, it's 50 - 90% effective in preventing complications, and 90% effective in preventing death from influenza. It is NOT possible for the flu vaccine to give you the flu; it is a killed virus, not capable of transmitting disease. This is a common misconception that makes many people fearful of getting the shot.

It is possible to get sick from the shot; it made my mom very ill, and she could never take it again. People who are allergic to eggs or who have had a previous reaction to the flu vaccine should not get one. Fewer than 1% of vaccine recipients develop symptoms of fever, chills, and muscle aches. The minor discomfort involved in the shot is well worth it when you consider the possible alternative.

Answer 5

I had one flu shot some years back and I was off work for almost a month. The next time the flu shots were due, I politely declined. It doesnt mean that everyone will have that extreme reaction, but I dont want to lose another month. I've been retired from nursing for 3 years and have not had as much as sniffles. Could have been the stress.

Answer 6

I get flu shots regularly now & started doing so after having had pneumonia not too long ago. I get the flu shots because the older we get, the longer it takes for our bodies to fight off illnesses. I'm not overly fond of needles but it's just a pinch for a minute & it's over for another year. I do know that getting the flu shot doesn't keep me from getting the flu, but it won't be as severe if I do get it. The shots will be available in my area at the end of October. :)

Answer 7

I've gotten one every year since I turned 60. I also had a pneumonia shot last year. ( I believe these shots are good for 10-12 years.) I am a nurse and I probably hate needles more than you even. I can promise you though that it is a real quick stick and it's over. I think any senior or anyone who has serious health problems should get one. Also those who work around a lot of people, those in the health business, or are around children a lot.

Answer 8

I hate needles too,but I have gotten flu shots a couple of times in the last few years-
the year I DIDN'T get one, I had the worst case of flu since I was a small child.
I had not gotten one this year either yet;apparently there's an early bug going around here and I'm recovering now(YUCK)

Answer 9

Everyone dislikes needles. I began getting flu shots about eight years ago at age 56. Knock on wood, I've had maybe one cold one winter, not any flu. Now that I am a Type II diabetic and 64, it is recommended.

Answer 10

I've had them several times. And every time, I get the flu shortly after. I think that it throws me into that strain of flu or
a weaker strain. When I haven't gotten the shot, I never get
the flu. So now I think I'll forget the shots.
Incidentally, right now, I'm sick with an old fashioned flu like
I had as a kid, with stomach trouble, nausea, aching and
fever, etc. And it's going around our end of town at a rapid
pace. But is this the years baddie? Or just one of many to hit?