Do I need a flu shot?

Question

I'm 30, active, healthy, have never had a flu shot and haven't had the flu in years.

Answer 1

No, definitely not. I'm a big fan of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." If you're active and eat healthy, your body will be pretty good and defending itself against the flu

Answer 2

The decision is yours. Just make sure you are not allergic to eggs. But even with the flu shot, that doesn't mean you won't get the flu if you get exposed to it. But if you do, it won't be that bad as compared to when you do not have the flu shot to buffer you the virus.

Once again, it's up to you. I have had mixed reviews from friends about this. But as for me, I always take the shot every year, and never had the flu (knock on wood).

Each year there is a new strain of flu virus, and if you've been lucky in the past, who is to say that you'd still be lucky this year. Do you know what I mean? Better safe than sorry.

If you work in the health care industry, I strongly recommend this.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

According to the CDC:

Who Should Get Vaccinated?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended by ACIP that certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:

-People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
--Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
--Pregnant women,
--People 50 years of age and older, and
--People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
--People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.


People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
--Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
--Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
--Healthcare workers.

As has been stated before, the choice is up to you.
However, you cannot depend on your body to fight off every influenza virus. The ability to fight it is dependent on many factors, not all of them under your control.

The vaccine is a mixture of 3 different killed viruses. The immunity provided by this vaccine should be sufficient to protect you against the most common flu viruses.

Another question you need to ask is, Can I afford to be out of work while I battle the flu? Remember that a true case of the flu lasts from 10-14 days. This is not incubation time, this is time out of work, in bed, off your feet. Many people don't get paid if they don't work. Just something to consider.

Another thing, does anyone depend on you for their livelihood? Children, aged parents, spouse, etc. Think of them as well.

In some cases, I am a believer of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality. I just don't think it applies to this situation. The flu can be a real healthcare and financial disaster. The vaccine is a little bit of insurance.

On the website below, there are other sections about the flu vaccine as well as some warnings that you need to consider.

I choose to get the flu shot each year because I cannot afford to be out of work. I also have a spouse and children that depend on me for their well-being. My choice.......
Good luck in your decision.

Answer 4

no you don't have to because it is 125 or more flu vireos what they discovered is only for 1

Answer 5

If you work in an area such as health care, you might want it. Otherwise, I see no real need to worry about it.

Answer 6

This is a personal decision and not one that should be made for you. If you don't feel the need for one, don't have one but it's your decision.

Answer 7

I would say no..