Do you get a flu shot every year?

[hammer]

Just wondering how many people get them each year. My whole family always gets one and can't remember the last time I had the flu...

 

[o3jeff]

Nope, have had good luck without getting one. *knocks on wood

 

[Openwaterswimmer]

Just wondering how many people get them each year. My whole family always gets one and can't remember the last time I had the flu...

My kids get them, each year. I never do, however this year with it being so bad, I might.

 

[Hawkshot99]

I got one many years ago then imediatly got pretty sick. Havent had one in years, and basically never get sick.

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[HD333]

I skipped it one year because an annoying co-worker was going to go with me and I'd rather get the flu than stand in a live with her. Other than that I have gotten it every year and so has the wife and kids.

 

[ctenidae]

Didn't used to, but with kid(s), I do now.

 

[Riverskier]

If I ever get the flu, I will probably consider it in the future. I am sure I must have had the flu when I was a kid, but it was at least 20 years ago. Sure, it might make sense as a proactive measure (I realize I am not immune!), but the risk, no matter how small, for side effects just doesn't seem worth it.

 

[ScottySkis]

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No I don't.

 

[drjeff]

Nope, and I'm around, in close quarters with many folks at work this time of year, essentially on a daily basis who have some respiratory based disease going on.

Full believer that what in the healthcare field is called "universal precautions" (basically LOTS of hand washing, covering one's mouth/nose when they cough/sneeze, regularly using a disinfecting wash/spray on "high touch" areas{door knobs, phones, light switches, etc} ) AND stressing the importance of taking care of one's self via proper rest and nutrition makes a HUGE difference.

Are there some populations of folks who I STRONGLY feel that there's a significant benefit towards getting the flu shot each year? Yup - the very young, the very old and anyone inbetween who has some type of disease process that makes them more immune compromised should for sure. But the vast majority of HEALTHY folks odds are will be fine.

Right now the media hype over the current outbreak I feel is makign things worse - especially interms of filling up emergency rooms and doctor's offices unnecessarily with folks who really don't need to be there. It's the flu afterall! You're going to likely feel like cr@p for a couple of days, with bodily fluids coming out of multiple body openings for 12-36hrs on average and then take 3 to 7 days to fully recover and feel 100% again. If the copious bodily fluid exiting process doesn't dramatically subside in 24-36hrs or so, then go see a doctor. If you've just got some sniffles and aren't feeling 100%, get a few boxes of tissues, some extra toilet paper, and some gatorade/pedialyte for rehydration, try and remove yourself from contact with others and don't get too far from a bathroom for a day or so and chances are you'll be fine if you're a regularly healthy person between say age 10 and age 65. For most, common things happen commonly and can be treated easily with items that you can readily find in your local drug store. ER visits/Doctors office visits for "common" things IMHO is one of the key issues that need to be addressed in the BIG picture of healthcare costs in the country today - rant over

 

[Warp Daddy]

We get them each year , so far so good !

 

[hammer]

Are there some populations of folks who I STRONGLY feel that there's a significant benefit towards getting the flu shot each year? Yup - the very young, the very old and anyone inbetween who has some type of disease process that makes them more immune compromised should for sure. But the vast majority of HEALTHY folks odds are will be fine.

Guess I'm of the thinking that if the shot helps, is readily available, and doesn't have a significant risk of a reaction, then it's worth it. Why should one risk being sick for several days when there is something available that can prevent it?

FTR since I have reactive airway disease (mild asthma) getting the flu (or even a persistent cold) means I'm coughing for weeks...so I'm definitely in the "should get the shot" camp. Kids are not, however, but we still make sure they get them...in part because if it keeps them from getting the flu then my chances of getting it are decreased further.

 

[ski stef]

Nope. Got one for the first time this year and have been sick twice. I'm sure that is the typical explanation but I was not very impressed. I got it because the company i work for had a health fair and was giving them for free so i thought why not? I don't think i will be getting another flu shot anytime soon..

 

[skiNEwhere]

Only when I was forced to when I was in the service

 

[snowmonster]

I get a shot annually mainly because it's free at work. I take the subway to work everyday and with the amount of people wheezing and coughing on the train, I better off safe than sorry.

 

[deadheadskier]

Work in a hospital this year and got one. While not "required", it's highly frowned upon if you don't.

 

[Dmiller27]

The last time I got the flu shot I think I got sick once a month so I vowed never to get it again. I'll take my chances and hope that my natural immune system will be able to fight off the flu.

 

[Cheese]

Nope, but if I don't get over what ever I catch in 2 weeks, I'll seeking professional help.

 

[darent]

wife is nurse and has to have them, brings one home for me,so yes I get them.

 

[Edd]

I used to catch a cold/flu twice a year or so until about 5 years ago. I usually got a flu shot. Around that time there was that extreme shortage of flu shots and many were denied so I didn't try to get one and haven't gotten one since. Since then I have not caught a single cold. That is weird. My girlfriend brings a cold home a couple times a year and I never catch them, which sort of irritates her I think.

I am in no way suggesting that is anything more than a coincidence. Flu shots make sense to me. I think it's more likely my habits have changed as far as being mindful of the things I touch and so forth. I hate doorknobs for real. I've also wondered if my immune system has sort of reached peak effectivness and the inevitable downhill slide is coming. It's been nice. If I start getting sick I'll probably start getting shots again.

 

[riverc0il]

Nope. Never have, and don't plan to. Maybe when I'm elderly.