whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Would like to know what thoughts are out there on Flu Shots...(I think there has been a thread about this, but I'm doing a new one.) I'm absolutely terrified to get one as I know SO MANY people who have fallen ill pretty much immediately after getting the flu shot. "They" say (DR's, anybody in the medical field) that one cannot get the flu from the flu shot. I really want to believe that I won't get sick from it...I've been told I could get some slight aches/pains and elevated fever for afew days, that's about it. Been told that if I DO get the flu afew days after the shot, that means I was going to get it anyway. So, now, I'm not sure wtf to do. I really don't want to get sick this winter! (though I've never had a bad flu bug in years, probably since I was in my early teens.) My hubby said he would get one as well. I'm not working right now so really my chances are actually getting a flu bug is slim but with all these reports of new strains of viruses, superbugs being caused by over use of antibacterial soaps, creams and sprays (no, not purell or any alcohol based) and getting rid of good bacteria as well as bad bacteria...What is one to decide? Thoughts? Thanks in advance. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 the only people that need the influenza shots are "high-risk" patients. this means people with immuno-compromised situations such as AIDS or diabetes type 1 or some other malady that makes them prone to infections. or health care workers who come into contact with many sick people. the other high risk group is the elderly where getting the flu can also cause pneumonia and subsequent death. and young kids may want to get it cause thier bodies have not developed fully yet... most normal healthy adults in the 20 to 50 age range don't really need a flu shot. Link to post Share on other sites
Mz. Pixie Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I've gotten one every year for the last five. Yeah, you feel kinda achy after it for a couple of days- but some advil will take care of that. It's much less intense than the flu. I know this sounds crazy but I swear I get less sick now that I practice this- all around. But hey, it's worked for the last five years so I'm going with the program. Back in the day the vaccines contained live viruses so some people did get the flu. That's not the case for the modern vaccines. Also, just as a afterthought, alot of people say they've had the flu, when in reality they've just had a terrible cold or a virus. I mean, when you have the flu, you HAVE to go to the dr because you are just beyond sick. It's horrible, and I've only had it twice in my life and I never want it again! Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Also, just as a afterthought, alot of people say they've had the flu, when in reality they've just had a terrible cold or a virus. Agreed MZ PIXIE....the way to differentiate a cold from the flu is the fever. You will only get a fever (elevated body temp) with the flu and never with just a cold. Link to post Share on other sites
Outcast Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I think it depends on your own immune system and how you usually react. Of the past five years, the two I got the flu shot were the two I got the flu - not immediately after but I got it. with all these reports of new strains of viruses, superbugs being caused by over use of antibacterial soaps, creams and sprays (no, not purell or any alcohol based) and getting rid of good bacteria as well as bad bacteria...What is one to decide You're mixing up a bunch of stuff. This shot won't help with the new viruses; just the ones that they already know. Bacteria and viruses are two different things; antibacterials don't help against viruses. Go buy yourself a bottle of Cold FX and be sure you are eating well, taking multivitamins, exercising, etc. if you don't get a shot. Heck, try Cold FX anyway. I've tried it twice and it worked amazingly quickly - something borne out by a study published a few days ago. Link to post Share on other sites
Author whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 most normal healthy adults in the 20 to 50 age range don't really need a flu shot. I agree with you but I've been told BECAUSE of the strains that are out there it's better to be safe than sorry. The flu shot won't prevent you from actually getting the flu bug (Cuz last year i had a friend who had the shot and 4 months later had the true 100% influzenzia. Blood tests showed it was and obviously it wasn't in the shot for that particular strain) but it will cut down on the severity of it. It's horrible, and I've only had it twice in my life and I never want it again! That is what scares me too! I never ever want to experience that kind of sickness - Especially because I suffer from an anxiety disorder and I DO know that having a flu like that would f**k'n set me off so bad...And being alone and having noone around during the day to check on me would be nasty too. Ahhhkkk....See, I'm worrying about it already and I'm healthy right now. Another thing, you got the flu, pretty much nothing you can do except let it run its course... Link to post Share on other sites
Author whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 You will only get a fever (elevated body temp) with the flu and never with just a cold. I've had slight fevers with a cold. Lasted a day but the fever was there. Fever is your body fighting an infection, whether it be a viral or bacterial infection... Link to post Share on other sites
Author whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 You're mixing up a bunch of stuff. This shot won't help with the new viruses; just the ones that they already know. Bacteria and viruses are two different things; antibacterials don't help against viruses. Go buy yourself a bottle of Cold FX and be sure you are eating well, taking multivitamins, exercising, etc. if you don't get a shot. Heck, try Cold FX anyway. I've tried it twice and it worked amazingly quickly - something borne out by a study published a few days ago. Yes I am aware of that, but my point is the flu shot DOES shorten the length of these new superbugs/colds/viruses/etc... Atleast that is what I've been told. Never heard of Cold FX. I'll have to google it! Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites
Outcast Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 You actually can get a fever with a cold. You don't usually get the awful muscle aches or the headache, though. Here's the symptoms of both: http://my.webmd.com/content/pages/5/4068_111.htm And remember, if you're barfing, it's not 'flu; it's some sort of gastrointestinal virus or else it's food poisoning. but my point is the flu shot DOES shorten the length of these new superbugs/colds/viruses/etc Not to put you off; everyone needs to make her/his own decision, but in my case, I got sicker than I ever have with 'flu the years I had the shots. Last year, I didn't get the shot and people all around me had 'flu - I didn't even get a cold. So I think you really have to figure out whether it works for you. It probably won't hurt to get it. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 That is what scares me too! I never ever want to experience that kind of sickness -... The flu is really not so bad WWIU, there are different strains, some weaker some stronger. The flu is like a bad cold with fever and maybe some aches and pains in the joints. Thats it... no big deal. And once you get it, like you said, you pretty much just ride it out. Link to post Share on other sites
Author whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 The flu is really not so bad WWIU, there are different strains, some weaker some stronger. The flu is like a bad cold with fever and maybe some aches and pains in the joints. Thats it... no big deal. And once you get it, like you said, you pretty much just ride it out. Well Alpha, you don't know me and what I get like when I'm really sick and/or not feeling very well. Magnify the typical worst patient, a male and double that by 100. That is me. I truely am the worlds worst patient and I feel sorry for my husband or my mother, or whoever ends up having to look after me. Talk about baby and being a wimp. I am a completely diff. person when I'm ill and so therefore I have to do what I need to do so I won't get sick. HA, the pukes or feeling sick that way is just, if not worse than the flu. I have a fear of throwing up, so that doesn't happen very much...I usually get the hot bum squirts if anything (sorry,...Childhood name for it!) and I've not thrown up in over 13 years or so. Thanks for the link OC I shall check that out too. Link to post Share on other sites
Author whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 The other thing is, the anti virual meds one can take within 48 hours of getting the flu apparently will make you SOOOOOOO sick. Like Chemo does for cancer patients, it attacks ALL cells, not just the infected bad ones, but the good ones too. Fvkc, can't someone invent something so we don't get sick, period???? Yeah yeah, I know...lol Link to post Share on other sites
basscatcher Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 I was told by a Dr. I had to get a flu shot a few years back because I was sick all the time. I had never had one in my life and I went and got one that fall. Low-and-behold I still got sick and I even developed Mono that winter. I have done a little research on the vaccine and I have also spoken with my herbalist and my chiropractor about it and they both advised against it. So needless-to-say. I will NOT get one.... Good old fashioned, rest, healthy eating, supplements and exercise are great to fight off the flu. I also add chiropractic care (Gonstad) to my health care. I have put on a little weight and I don't get sick as much anymore.. 120 lbs is healthy for me. http://www.vaclib.org/basic/fluindex.htm Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Talk about baby and being a wimp. I am a completely diff. person when I'm ill and so therefore I have to do what I need to do so I won't get sick. Then just go and get a flu shot... Link to post Share on other sites
Author whichwayisup Posted October 25, 2005 Author Share Posted October 25, 2005 Then just go and get a flu shot... I'm f***ed no matter what I decide eh? Go get the shot, I could still get sick...Don't get shot, still could get sick. Thanks for the input everybody! Much appreciated! PS I'm having one of those days today. Link to post Share on other sites
Outcast Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 The other thing is, the anti virual meds one can take within 48 hours of getting the flu apparently will make you SOOOOOOO sick. Like Chemo does for cancer patients, it attacks ALL cells, not just the infected bad ones, but the good ones too. Where do you get this information from????? Anyway, it's not that horrible getting the 'flu. You just lie around and sleep for a week and it's over. Link to post Share on other sites
slubberdegullion Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 You won't actually get flu from the flu shot, because the serum only contains dead flu viruses (viri?). But it will only protect you from the strains of that particular virus. It's very common to feel cruddy for a day or two after the shot, but nothing that a little Tylenol and rest won't cure. The best defence against the flu is WASH YOUR HANDS and STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE THAT HAVE IT. Link to post Share on other sites
sophia34 Posted October 25, 2005 Share Posted October 25, 2005 Also, keep in mind that if you have a good relationship with your doctor, don't get the shot, AND happen to get the flu, there are two medications out there that you can ask your doctor about: Tamiflu and Relenza. A few years ago--"the year I got the flu really bad" as I remember it now--my fever spiked to 104 and I was scared to death. We called the doctor who wrote me a prescription for Relenza, which is supposed to lessen the severity and duration of the flu if you take it within 48 hours of infection. Luckily, I fell in that group and while it didn't make me feel better immediately, within 24 hours my fever had gone down and within 48 I was almost back to myself. But you do need to have a doctor that you can talk to about these options and who can call in a prescription for you FAST if needs be. Link to post Share on other sites
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