[Mr Tonka]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

You had 4 different strains of flu? You get immunity each time you get that strain of virus. Maybe you were just sick?

#immuneforlifemeow

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

#immuneforlifemeow

Maybe get an aids test.

[MadOzodi]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

That is not the flu.

In all seriousness, I've had "the flu" (quotes used since there seems to be disagreement over what qualifies as an influenza virus) in the past decade and it's knocked me on my arse.

I still refuse to get a flu shot (even if I pay in some way, shape, or form, for others to have their peace-of-mind-placebo administered to them via syringe ).

[Uber Commuter]

Originally Posted by MadOzodi

I still refuse to get a flu shot

Why...? I'm being serious, I'd like to know why if you are willing to say.

Do you refuse to get a Tetanus vaccine (TD or TDAP)? Do you refuse to get a MMR? (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)

[TomHudson]

The flu shot is generally only required if you have a compromised immune system, elderly, or asthma or other respiratory problem.

[Faredo]

Is it too late to get one? I keep putting it off but i have a 2 year old at home and figured well she got the shot so shes fine, but now i read its only 10% effective im afraid i could bring it home to her.

[RickFLM4]

You can still get one.

[Uber Commuter]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

The flu shot is generally only required if you have a compromised immune system, elderly, or asthma or other respiratory problem.

That's actually like 90% opposite what is actually true/recommended...

The flu shot (and any immunization for that matter) is for everyone who can get it, so the people who can't are protected by "the herd" immunity...

People with compromised immune systems have different schedules for immunizations, and some are even contraindicated; because they are already compromised...

[Joekerr]

Habitually, I do not get the flu shot either. Don't enjoy needles, and historically, they've had limited success on their guess as to the dominant strain of flu each year. And I haven't had the flu for quite a while either, so there has never been much incentive for me to get it.

That being said, I did get it this year, only because of my newborn. Figured any little protection is better than none when it comes to him. But once he's 2 or so, I'll probably forego the flu shot again as he'll have his own immunity system well established.

[MadOzodi]

Originally Posted by Uber Commuter

Why...? I'm being serious, I'd like to know why if you are willing to say.

Do you refuse to get a Tetanus vaccine (TD or TDAP)? Do you refuse to get a MMR? (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)

Simply from what I remember of what I learned in Biology class about viruses.

Tetanus is a bacteria, so that's irrelevant. Measles, Mumps & Rubella are all infection causing viruses that, to my knowledge, don't mutate into a form that renders the original vaccine obsolete, i.e., don't have multiple strains. I don't refuse to get either vaccine.

I do my part when it comes to washing my hands in public areas, covering a cough or sneeze & berating co-workers when they don't do the same, and especially giving co-workers hell when they come in sick.

Once I see solid evidence that seasonal flu vaccines are as effective as Tetanus and MMR vaccines, I'll consider getting one.

Also, the flu vaccines are for Influenza A & B strains. They don't protect against seasonal, non-epidemic, influenza C.

[MightyMouseTech]

There are some other reasons to get it.

The good news is that the flu vaccine helps protect against heart events, reducing risk for heart attack by 19–45%. To help put it in perspective, authors explain that the flu shot is equally as if not more effective than other therapies proven to reduce cardiovascular risk

https://www.cardiosmart.org/News-and...-Heart-Disease

[pz619]

Originally Posted by MadOzodi

Simply from what I remember of what I learned in Biology class about viruses.

Tetanus is a bacteria, so that's irrelevant. Measles, Mumps & Rubella are all infection causing viruses that, to my knowledge, don't mutate into a form that renders the original vaccine obsolete, i.e., don't have multiple strains. I don't refuse to get either vaccine.

I do my part when it comes to washing my hands in public areas, covering a cough or sneeze & berating co-workers when they don't do the same, and especially giving co-workers hell when they come in sick.

Once I see solid evidence that seasonal flu vaccines are as effective as Tetanus and MMR vaccines, I'll consider getting one.

Also, the flu vaccines are for Influenza A & B strains. They don't protect against seasonal, non-epidemic, influenza C.

There are vaccines for both viral and bacterial pathogens. So I agree that flu vaccines haven't been as effective as other vaccines, particularly in diseases that don't have mutated strains, but what would be the downside to getting the flu shot? It'll provide some protection and some is better than none. My point of view at least. Understandably if it's not shared by everyone.

As for co-workers coming in sick totally with you there. If sick, stay home. No one is impressed by someone showing up sick and infecting others.

[MadOzodi]

Originally Posted by pz619

There are vaccines for both viral and bacterial pathogens. So I agree that flu vaccines haven't been as effective as other vaccines, particularly in diseases that don't have mutated strains, but what would be the downside to getting the flu shot? It'll provide some protection and some is better than none. My point of view at least. Understandably if it's not shared by everyone.

As for co-workers coming in sick totally with you there. If sick, stay home. No one is impressed by someone showing up sick and infecting others.

One other reason - albeit with less justification - why I don't get a flu shot is the whole building a resistance thing, like you see with antibiotics. I don't take any painkillers like Aleve, Advil, or even ibuprofen. Any fever I end up getting has to be approaching high grade (103°F+) before I consider taking any medication.

The human body is pretty bad @$$ at dealing with things as long as you're mindful of stuff.

[Msane]

From a physicians perspective:

Getting the flu shot is a good idea, especially if you are in an environment with people like work/school. You may still get the flu although the chances of you dying from influenza virus are drastically reduced. You may still get the flu but you'll get over it much quicker.

It is impossible to get the flu from the administration of the flu shot. Its completely normal to have symptoms like low grade temp, muscle/joint pain, minor fatigue; these are the normal side effects of the vaccination.

[1MOREMOD]

Some real bone heads in here. You can't get the flu from a flu shot. I have given thousands and fight with this fallacy every day.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by TomHudson

The flu shot is generally only required if you have a compromised immune system, elderly, or asthma or other respiratory problem.

False. You can harbor and get others sick as well. Herd immunity is needed.

[///M Power-Belgium]

I got the flu shot end of November . 2 weeks I felt like shit !

[Germanauto]

It's cute when people with no medical background try to concoct a rationale to explain their false narrative.

As others have pointed out, there are a shit ton of Influenza strains and the vaccine only prevents a handful of them. It's the same deal with the HPV vaccine and others. Want more coverage? Invent it and get rich.

[UncleWede]

Originally Posted by Msane

From a physicians perspective:

Getting the flu shot is a good idea, especially if you are in an environment with people like work/school. You may still get the flu although the chances of you dying from influenza virus are drastically reduced. You may still get the flu but you'll get over it much quicker.

It is impossible to get the flu from the administration of the flu shot. Its completely normal to have symptoms like low grade temp, muscle/joint pain, minor fatigue; these are the normal side effects of the vaccination.

So what part of the vaccine creates these symptoms? I'd like to balance those against 10% efficacy for this years coverage

[wdb]

I stopped flu shots during the Shrub administration. One year the shot made me ill for days and caused my arm to be sore for weeks -- probably a poor administration, but still. The next year they got the strain woefully wrong and I got the flu anyway. Thought WTF, let's try a year without getting it. Haven't looked back.

*knocks wood*

[kern417]

I am in the group that missed getting the shot 2 years in a row, and the 2nd year I got the flu.

My wife is in the group that never had the shot, then got it once last year after getting the flu shot for the first time.

She's also persistent that if I get the flu shot and come home to our 3 month old, I will get him sick.

I'm just happy we still have a choice so that was a 10 min discussion vs an argument for the entire season.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by Lobb

That's because you are a pussy

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