Flu Shots

[Pagal4321]

Seems like we have the opportunity to get flu shots tomorrow. I have no idea what the pros/cons are of this. Anyone gotten one? Are they useful?

[Dan02]

Biggest risk is a alergic reaction.

[Buff]

People can get sick after having the flu shots. Clients of a place where I used to work had all of their staff get the flu shots. A couple of days later everybody was sick. My wife, who works in the health region skips the flu shots as she always gets the flu after having the shots, yet when she doesn't have the shot she doesn't get the flu... go figure.

[madisonbtb]

i've had the shot a number of times. it has always resulted in a huge, red, sore welt. a couple of times i've gotten flu like symptoms within a couple of days of getting the shot. if i'm not mistaken, the flu shot is suppose to prevent certain strains of the flu that can sometimes be fatal in the very young, the very old, or those with impared immune systems. while those flu strains can be really bad, they aren't considered to be life threatening to fairly healthy people. so long story short -- even with the flu shot, you can still get the flu, but it is significantly less likely you will get the more serious strains.

[Kipper is King]

I always get the flu shot every year. It leaves me feeling a little woozy afterwards for a few hours, but then I'm fine.

The end result: I can't remember the last time a had the flu. I have had colds, but not a flu.

[Prototype]

I thought flu shots were exacty that.. they give you a mild case of the flu so that you build up immunities. I could be wrong, but that's why I never get them, cause I don't think I've had a flu in years.

[LChoy]

Some people get a mild reaction where you get a slight reddening of the skin, a minor bump, and it's tender for a day or two. It's an intramuscular injection, so you'll get it in your arm (for those that are evil, it's in the area of the arms that most ppl punch to give charlie horses)
The flu shot is composed of most of last years strains, and the most virulent ones from years past (all dead of course so just the materials your body needs to recognize and produce immunity).
It's normally a good idea to get the shot since it'll help jump start your body for the flu season (starting next month or sooner), especially for young childern, the elderly, and immunocompromised. Lastly, the influenza virus mutates very often, so just because you get the shot, doesn't mean you won't get sick this flu season. However, it could mean you'll recover faster or have reduced symptoms.
Check with your employer as well, since a lot of companies offer free flu shots. Government and especially those in Health are among the first to get it free.

[urban1]

http://www.health.gov.ab.ca/influenz...aftershot.html

You cannot get influenza from the vaccine as it is made from a killed virus. Protection begins about 2 weeks after you get vaccinated.
Most people have no reaction to the influenza vaccine but as with any immunization, unexpected or unusual side effects can occur including severe allergic reactions. If a reaction does occur, it is usually mild and may include the following:

• Your arm may be red, tender or swollen for one to two days
• A few people may have a mild fever and feel tired or weak 6-12 hours after the immunization. These symptoms should last no longer than one to two days.

Acetaminophen may help to relieve the symptoms caused by the influenza vaccine.

http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/yo...reactions.html

Who should NOT receive the Influenza Vaccine

You should not be vaccinated for influenza if you:

• Have reactions such as hives, swelling of mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, hypotension, and shock when you are exposed to eggs, chicken, or thimerosal.
• Have had an anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of influenza vaccine

Influenza vaccine is not recommended in infants less than six months of age.
Reye Syndrome

Influenza vaccine is not known to cause Reye Syndrome.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Influenza Vaccine

A research article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine Nov. 13 concludes influenza vaccination is associated with a small increased risk of hospitalization with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) (a rare disease of the nervous system). The paper warns that the results should be interpreted carefully given the low incidence of GBS. In addition, the article notes that influenza vaccine is only one of the many potential causes of GBS. As the authors state in their conclusions, the results of this study should be interpreted very carefully as GBS is a rare occurrence (approximately 1 case per 100,000 persons per year due to all causes). The association between influenza vaccination and GBS remains uncertain.

There has been no increased risk of GBS following the implementation of universal influenza immunization in Ontario. This adds to our understanding of the safety of influenza vaccine and demonstrates there are many potential causes of the disease.

Influenza is a serious illness and can cause death, especially in the high risk population. Although the risk of GBS may be slightly increased in those vaccinated against influenza, the risk of serious illness and death from influenza illness is far greater. Research has consistently demonstrated that the benefits of influenza vaccination far outweigh any real risks. The public should be encouraged to be vaccinated for influenza.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Don't you know that flu shots are a communist plot to taint our essence?

Geeze folks, wake up!

or is it flourinated water? Oh well, it's probably both.

[urban1]

I believe scientist attempt to predict which strains of the virus will be most prevalent in the coming flu season and then the vaccine is created based on these strains. I remember reading that its actually quite difficult to create the vaccines because of the way the virus is grown in the eggs and there is no way to speed up the process. Hence the frequent shortages of the vaccine.

Originally Posted by lchoy

The flu shot is composed of most of last years strains, and the most virulent ones from years past (all dead of course so just the materials your body needs to recognize and produce immunity).

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by fotze

You would know about taint, wouldn't you.

Thanks Beavis!

[Flashpoint]

Originally Posted by fotze

You would know about taint, wouldn't you.

[Ford Prefect]

Originally Posted by urban1

I believe scientist attempt to predict which strains of the virus will be most prevalent in the coming flu season and then the vaccine is created based on these strains.

No kidding. I think it's just a money-making racket for the drug companies.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by fotze

You would know about taint, wouldn't you.

And you would know the essense of BBS's taint.

[Dion]

I have never gotten the flu shot. Other than a cold I can't remeber the last time I got the flu. My luck has been good so far so a I have no intentions of messing it up.

[Ashartus]

I usually get the flu shot and have never had any problems. The one year I skipped it I got the flu (the only time I've ever had it).

[metallicat]

I haven't had a flu shot in my life, and it's been awhile since I had my last flu, in fact I can't remember when it was. I'd rather miss time from work anyways if I happen to get sick.

[notoepik]

Lots of people think that the *flu* is the gastrointestinal malady that leaves us poopin and pukin. But that is not the *flu* that the Flu Shot is for. The flu shot is for influenza. Influenza is awful to have, and not really a fun way to have time off work.

[redforever]

Most people who get a reaction to the flu shot have an intolerance or allergy to egg yolks as I believe that is part of the base that they use to make the flu vaccines.

[kevman]

Just say no to flu shots...
The flu shot is for those in a "high-risk" group (primarily elders). As a young, healthy adult there is no reason to have a flu shot! Wash your hands, drink your juice and exercise a little and you'll be fine...