Will you get the swine flu shot?

[kccougar]

I'm not planning on it, but I've been blessed with a very healthy immune system. I rarely get a cold, and I don't remember the last time I had the flu.

I've never considered getting a flu shot so I doubt I will get this one either.

[Slim]

Yes. For the following reasons:

1. I've got a pregnant wife and a toddler at home.

2. I'm a medical student and even though I'm not on rotations yet I still have to be in fairly close contact with others who are frequently exposed to sick people.

3. I want to be a good example to my family and friends that are still wondering whether it is a good idea.

[statman]

Have you ever had an actual case of the flu? Not just a bad cold, but a case of having an actual influenza virus? It is one of the most miserable experiences you could ever wish on on someone. 5 days (+/-) of pure hell. After having two different bouts with the flu in three years, I never miss an available flu shot.

Plus, every company I've ever worked for has provided them for free, so why not get it?

[Surfah]

I already got my flu shot. $25 at the grocery store. If the H1N1 is available to me I'll get that one also. Like Slim, my wife is pregnant and I have a toddler. They both got flu shots and will be getting the swine flu shot later this month when they come in.

[Green Lantern]

My 4 year-old daughter and I have already had our seasonal flu shots. We have a newborn so my wife is getting hers tomorrow along with the swine flu vaccination.

One of the best reasons for getting the shots is not just to protect yourself, but to protect those around you whom you may infect (especially the elderly and very young children.) That's a good reason to get one even if you're not too worried about your own health. Herd immunity minimizes the damage to the whole group.

Is anyone on here not getting vaccinated for reasons a little more...exotic? Government conspiracy/autism scare/terrorist plot? Let's hear 'em!

[TripletDaddy]

our kids received their flu shots a few weeks ago.

We are taking them in for the swines on Fri, I believe. if not, then for sure early next week.

I have never noticed a difference for me....i get the flu every year with or without the standard shot and I hate it.

[Surfah]

our kids received their flu shots a few weeks ago.

We are taking them in for the swines on Fri, I believe. if not, then for sure early next week.

I have never noticed a difference for me....i get the flu every year with or without the standard shot and I hate it.

Our pediatrician and Gidge's doctor haven't got their swine flu shots in yet. They keep saying end of the month. We really wish we could get them this week. Next week we're off to Phoenix for my bro's wedding and then we're home for 3 days and then off to Portland for 2 weeks. Being on airplanes with all of those people makes me nervous. Especially since these are long flights from DC.

[SteelBlue]

Yes. I think we get them next week.

[thesaint258]

Nope. For some reason, whenever someone in my family gets a flu shot, they get the the flu. Apparently our immune systems do better on their own. This is also the approach we take to measles, hepatitis, and rabies.

[Green Lantern]

Nope. For some reason, whenever someone in my family gets a flu shot, they get the the flu. Apparently our immune systems do better on their own. This is also the approach we take to measles, hepatitis, and rabies.

Is there any medical theory as to why this may happen? Medical science says you can't get the flu from a flu shot, since the shot is filled with dead flu virus. So why so many stories of people who claim to get the flu after receiving the shot? Are they just confusing a non-flu sickness with actual influenza?

[statman]

Is there any medical theory as to why this may happen? Medical science says you can't get the flu from a flu shot, since the shot is filled with dead flu virus. So why so many stories of people who claim to get the flu after receiving the shot? Are they just confusing a non-flu sickness with actual influenza?

Several theories combine to explain it: first, the flu vaccine doesn't boost your immunity to all varieties of the flu, just the ones (4 or 5 versions each year) that you're most likely to get. Second, getting the vaccine doesn't make you immune to those versions of the flu - only less likely to get them. And third, random (bad) luck.

And yes, lots of people say they've 'got the flu' when what they have is a bad cold.

[ERCougar]

Several theories combine to explain it: first, the flu vaccine doesn't boost your immunity to all varieties of the flu, just the ones (4 or 5 versions each year) that you're most likely to get. Second, getting the vaccine doesn't make you immune to those versions of the flu - only less likely to get them. And third, random (bad) luck.

And yes, lots of people say they've 'got the flu' when what they have is a bad cold.

Totally wrong. The vaccine targets 3 strains each year. Sheez.

There is also evidence suggesting that even if they miss the predominant strain(s), like last year, those who are vaccinated get milder cases of influenza.

And it causes autism.

[SeattleUte]

I'm not planning on it, but I've been blessed with a very healthy immune system. I rarely get a cold, and I don't remember the last time I had the flu.

I've never considered getting a flu shot so I doubt I will get this one either.

Famous last words.

[ERCougar]

Is there any medical theory as to why this may happen? Medical science says you can't get the flu from a flu shot, since the shot is filled with dead flu virus. So why so many stories of people who claim to get the flu after receiving the shot? Are they just confusing a non-flu sickness with actual influenza?

Yup.

There is an immune response to the vaccination that could cause a mild flu-like illness (see DTP shots in youngsters), but those who think this is the flu have obviously never had the flu.

[thesaint258]

Is there any medical theory as to why this may happen? Medical science says you can't get the flu from a flu shot, since the shot is filled with dead flu virus. So why so many stories of people who claim to get the flu after receiving the shot? Are they just confusing a non-flu sickness with actual influenza?

I'm not saying the flu shot causes people to the the flu. There are several people in my family who have received the shot, then were later diagnosed with the flu. The vaccine isn't 100% effective, so I sometimes wonder if it's a genetic thing that causes it to not be effective or something else. All I know is that if I'm going to get the flu, it's going to happen with or without the shot.