Here is my situation. I am a 23 year old male and I normally do not get my flu shot. As a paramedic, it is recommended, but they cannot force us, and I have chosen not to in the past. I am often harrassed and looked down on by my co-workers who think I am being selfish by not getting one since I work so closely with older sick people who could die from it. However, I counter with the fact that the flu shot is not exactly protection against the flu, and the two years I did get it I ended up getting the flu twice as bad as normal.
However, this year is a bit different... my mother is going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. I will be going to see her for Christmas and she will be on her last chemo treatment by then. She and my father got a flu shot but she wants me to get one also. I really, really am leaning towards no since I am only going to be there for 4 days
Am I being unethical? Is it wrong to feel upset at being forced to do this? I feel it should be a personal choice
2007-11-10 07:12:26 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Men's Health
It is indeed your choice. Some people are afraid that the shot will make them sick.
When I worked in a retirement community with a bunch of elderly, sickly people, I always got my shots. So did a lot of my co-workers, and some did in fact get sick. But no one ever caught anything from me.
However, that was some 10 years ago. I've not had any immunizations since then.
2007-11-10 07:20:09 · answer #1 · answered by Tigger 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Worked in the health field in the past, and even today, I would never get the flu shot. It is just a big guess as to which strain of flu will actually take off during a given year, and everyone I know that has gotten the shot this year has been really sick for nearly a week, so what is the point? What is being prevented if it makes everyone sick? Stick to your own ethics and beliefs, do what you feel is right.
2007-11-10 14:26:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your mom is going through chemotherapy and you'll be visiting her you really need to get a flu shot. Chemo basically destroys the immune system, so if you were to have the flu virus when you visited her and you passed it on to her the results could be catastrophic.
Why are you refusing to get a shot? It takes 5 seconds and all you feel is a slight pinch...what is the big deal? What could be so bad that it is worth further damaging your mom's health and putting your patients at risk? The flu shot may not protect you 100%, but it protects you way better than not getting one at all.
Don't be silly...just get the dang shot and be done with it.
2007-11-10 15:12:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should feel bad. You are young and healthy- there really shouldn't be a reason for you to get one. I got a flu shot for the first time last year and ended up feeling pretty rotten after that. Before that- I never had the flu before. As you said- it doesn't neccessarely mean you wont get the flu anyways.
I say do what you feel is best-
2007-11-10 13:35:13 · answer #4 · answered by Jessica 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want to get a Flu shot, then don't! It's as simple as that. If you want to end all the badgering you get from others about it, just say you did, even though you didn't.
You pointed out that even with the shot you still got the flu in the past, so how would anybody know any different unless you told them?
2007-11-10 09:27:16 · answer #5 · answered by bender_xr217 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, you at the instant are not being unethical. it is your decision. you be responsive to your physique. We, as docs be responsive to that regardless of strains of influenza are chosen for the vaccine it relatively is given in a definite 3 hundred and sixty 5 days do no longer continuously safeguard against this form of flu which will common for the duration of the influenza season. for the period of my first direction of chemo, It replaced into basically too previous due interior the three hundred and sixty 5 days for me acquire the vaccine. i did no longer get the flu in any respect. no longer something protects superb like reliable hand washing and aseptic technique. placed on a mask at an identical time as you pass on your mothers and fathers in case you concern as in case you have respiration indicators. Wash your hand and use antibacterial sprays. those basic innovations can end any micro organism or virus. reliable luck, A. G Registered nurse
2016-10-16 01:00:10 · answer #6 · answered by ludlum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i also work in health care...i refuse to get the flu shot as well...mostly because i have had no reson to get it...i have never gotten the flu before and why chance a reaction for nothing...you are not being unethical...it is a personal choice and no can force you to do anyhting you dont want to do.
2007-11-10 07:16:50 · answer #7 · answered by Lizzy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
no. i am 13 and my mom gave me the choice. if your immune system is weak you can get the flu from the vaccine. but with ur mom in chemo, her immune system will be REALLY low, i would reccomend getting it just so during those 4 days you don't have to worry:)
2007-11-10 09:18:14 · answer #8 · answered by mckailen86 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you are being selfish and pig-headed to boot. You're not getting the shot because you don't want to be told what to do. What's the big deal, doggone it...get the darn shot!!!
2007-11-10 07:26:58 · answer #9 · answered by TatersPop 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you don'[ have to, and don't believe it really works. It is your immune system that keeps you healthy. Drink lots of vitamin C and get plenty of rest.
2007-11-10 07:23:52 · answer #10 · answered by Ken H 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋