Posted by JanetK_CA on 10/21/12 2:32am
Msg #439457

The case for NSAs getting a flu shot

Finally got my flu shot today and it reminded me of an article in Parade magazine I read a short while back about vaccinations. (Here's the link: http://www.parade.com/health/2012/10/07-why-so-many-parents-are-delaying-vaccines.html?index=2)

The reason I'm posting this on this forum vs. leisure is because we regularly come in contact with so many people and we never know what their circumstances might be. The article talks about how it's becoming more common for people to skip vaccinations, but that puts at risk not only the person who decides not to get vaccinated, but also others they may come in contact with. Here's a key point from the article:

"Getting vaccinated isn't only a matter of safeguarding yourself or your kids; it's a matter of safeguarding the community," says Anne Schuchat, M.D., director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC."

You never know when the next person you meet with may be a transplant recipient on immuno-suppressant therapy or a person undergoing chemotherapy, etc., etc. Their weakened immune systems make them very vulnerable. You might not even get very sick if you're exposed to the flu and aren't vaccinated, but you might pass it on to someone else for whom it could be life threatening.

Just something to think about...

Reply by Linda Juenger on 10/21/12 2:51am
Msg #439460

I know its rare, but my cousin's husband spent 4 months in a Nursing Home and 6 months of rehab at 38 yrs old after getting the flu shot. Within 2 days of getting it, he developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome which attacks your neurological system. He could not walk, feed himself, dress himself etc. It was awful. He didn't work for a year. Thankfully he still had a job. We almost lost him.

15 years ago I was doing the books for a small nursing home and it was required of all the staff to get one. I was sick for a week after that and vowed never to get one again.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 10/21/12 3:04am
Msg #439462

So sorry to hear about your cousin's husband. I hope he's doing better since! Guillain-Barre Syndrome IS one - very rare - potential side affect of getting a flu shot, but there is abundant evidence and research that says that it's impossible to get the flu from getting vaccinated, as no live virus is used.

We get our flu shots around the same time of year that the flu is being spread and it isn't effective for about two weeks. So it's extremely likely for some people exposed to the flu to happen to come down with it at about the same time as they get a flu shot. That's what I've read, anyway. I've been getting flu shots every year now for at least the past 10 years and I have seldom been sick. I'm going to keep getting mine...

Reply by Gerry Grummons on 10/21/12 6:42am
Msg #439463

The last flu shot I had was 12 years ago and I got the flu. Haven't had the flu since. There is
a vast amount of evidence that the flu shot is only effective some 1.5% of the time. I just use
D-3 and so easy.

Reply by SAmobile/TX on 10/21/12 7:42am
Msg #439467

I got the flu shot and the pneumonia shot earlier this month. First time ever for the pneumonia shot, but I have had pneumonia more than once, and it’s not fun, I was glad a shot was offered. In the past have had problems with the flu shot, and stopped taking it for several years. However this time around I have not experienced any problems.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/21/12 7:41am
Msg #439466

I can't get a flu shot due to a former allergy to eggs

I haven't had the flu, or been severely sick (other than seasonal allergy sniffly things) for over 20 years.

I remember my father getting a flu shot - also my husband - they both got so sick they WISHED they had the flu. My husband hasn't gotten a flu shot since that time and he, too, has been fine.

Reply by Karen Maxwell-Cervantes on 10/21/12 1:36pm
Msg #439525

A friend of ours in Austin took the flu shot and he also came down with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Could not walk and was sick for almost a year. He said he will never get the shot again nor his wife. I always carrry hand santizer with me everywhere. If someone has the sniffles or seems sick, I tell them they can keep the pen.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/21/12 8:48am
Msg #439470

I haven't had the flu since 1980.

I don't get the shot. I use On Guard now. It's an essential oil blend. I also do not use hand sanitizers. They wreck the immune system.

Reply by oldhippie_IL on 10/21/12 9:23am
Msg #439473

Re: I haven't had the flu since 1980.

I, also became very sick from the flu shot. Will never do it again. Shoshana, what is "On Guard"?

Reply by MistarellaFL on 10/21/12 9:31am
Msg #439475

Here ya go oldhippie

http://www.doterraoil.com/onguard.html

Reply by 101livescan on 10/21/12 9:31am
Msg #439476

I don't know what all of you do, but I've got sanitizer everywhere. If I detect even a hint a client might be sick, I'll ask them if they are in fact down with something. Surely escrow, title, LO, etc. wouldn't send us into a cave of flu bugs! But with that rate lock expiring, maybe.

I will pass on signings if I hear the client is down with the flu. Not worth it.

Other than that, its airborn, gargling, and NOT SHAKING HANDS during flu season.

What do you all do?

Reply by 101livescan on 10/21/12 9:35am
Msg #439477

hmmmm Maybe I should look into this oil. I've also not had a flu shot in around 15 years, haven't been sick at all, but now that I'm on the other side of 65, considering getting the shot. Also recommended by physician, whooping cough and pneumonia. Respiratory ailments, remember that is what took Paul, are especially hard on we "matured" people.

Reply by CentralNY on 10/21/12 9:46am
Msg #439479

Don't believe in them....

2 persons i know who had the flu shot religiously for years became very ill, almost death and it was directly related to the flu shot. I maybe get the flu every 5 years and it is usually because I am very run down, which i just have to avoid.

Reply by Les_CO on 10/21/12 9:51am
Msg #439481

I get a flu and pneumonia shot every year. I’ve been hospitalized with pneumonia three times, wasn’t fun. (The last time was over 30 years ago….Once in Ft Gordon GA and twice in AZ…I think it was microbes in the dust, If I lived in AZ I’d get that shot! Here in high altitude and cold I think the risk is less, but I still get the shots. JMO

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/21/12 9:55am
Msg #439482

The only time I had a major illness in AZ

was when I went to NY for a family wedding and probably caught pneumonia on the plane home.

Reply by Les_CO on 10/21/12 10:05am
Msg #439483

Re: The only time I had a major illness in AZ

I’ve got to admit planes are scary! I think I spent the longest hours of my life sitting in the back of a 747 on a flight from Hong Kong to LAX along with about 200 sick coughing, spitting weepy eyes Chinese, I was afraid to take my nose out of my triple scotch, and (as much as I dislike LAX) kissed the ground when I arrived.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 10/21/12 10:08am
Msg #439484

Re: The only time I had a major illness in AZ

LOL! Now I just put my On Guard or lavender oil on a cotton ball and hold it up to the fan!

Reply by Natacha Joseph on 10/21/12 10:51am
Msg #439491

Thank you for the On Guard info

I surely will be placing an order : )

Had a flu shot last week; by the grace of God, no ill effects to speak of. Prior to that, I think I got it 4 years ago. So sorry to hear of the bad stuff that's happened to people with allergies and immune aversions to the flu shot. Each person has to serve as their own advocate and do what's best for them. The human body is a dynamic individualistic wonder.

I'm easily skeeved out by germs and ply myself with several homeopathic immune boosters each morning. We come in contact with too many people not to take precautionary measures. -Or, at the very least, be very mindful and wash thy hands when 'yucky contact' has been made.

Reply by Pam/NM on 10/21/12 5:17pm
Msg #439568

Re: The only time I had a major illness in AZ

I have a job in a hospital. The influenza vaccine will NOT give you the flu. There is no guarantee that it will keep you from getting it, but if you do, you will probably have a more mild case if you are immunized. The CDC forecasts the three most likely viruses that will be prevalent and makes vaccines for them. If you say that the flu shot "made you sick" you were more than likely already coming down with something or had an otherwise compromised immune system. My husband works at an international airport and flies at least 8-10 times a month. We have a child with asthma, and I have it as well. We do get our flu shot to hedge our bets. Every single year. But the single most important thing you can do is wash your hands. And if you are sick or are around someone who is coughing, ask them to mask. Period. (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/). One other point--because of the reluctance of people to get vaccinated, pertussis is on the rise (whooping cough). This year is expected to top the number of cases since 1957. If you are around small children (yours, grandkids, neighbors, etc) do everyone a favor and get your Tdap. To my knowledge, pertussis is not available in a separate vaccine, but unless you are like me and visit the ER for stitches every couple of years, you probably need a tetanus booster anyway .

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 10/21/12 11:15am
Msg #439495

Paul had chronic issues from way back..has nothing

to do with the flu...don't use him as the poster child for flu shots

Reply by Clem/CA on 10/21/12 11:34am
Msg #439509

I wear scuba gear so I don't breath all that nasty stuff, I painted a tie and lapels on my wet suit so I can conform with all the rules! I do have to sit sideways in the chairs though because the tank gets in the way.

Reply by BrendaTx on 10/21/12 12:37pm
Msg #439515

Clem....

**I do have to sit sideways in the chairs though because the tank gets in the way.**

Isn't there an app for that???

Reply by 101livescan on 10/21/12 12:40pm
Msg #439516

I highly recommend you not eat gaseous foods the night before...could be disastrous...how long does it take to get in/out of that business attire any way?

Reply by LKT/CA on 10/21/12 10:57am
Msg #439493

I get flu shot every year because it minimizes effect and downtown if I were to catch it.