Zach S
Member
I do. That's reason enough for me not to get a flu shot. But, I rarely take medications for anything. The occasional BC powder for back and knee pain, but other than that, nothing.zahc said:
Any reason not to get a flu shot?
- Thread starter zahc
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Got one yesterday for $25
Lots of people I talk to swear that "I don't take it because I GET the flu if I do". I believe this to be complete BS for people in reasonably good health. Some kind of psychological effect. I got the flu 3 times in 4 years when I was in college in the late 80s/early 90s, without the shot, and it was hell. Ever since then I've gotten the shot (except for last year when they were unavailable), and have not gotten the flu since then. I believe the shots work. Some people get a bad cold and think it's the flu, but they don't realize that there is no comparison - the flu knocks you completely on your arse for 2-3 days or more, even in good health, and gives you a high fever. The shot doesn't hurt at all, quite unlike tetanus shots, which smart for a few days.
Lots of people I talk to swear that "I don't take it because I GET the flu if I do". I believe this to be complete BS for people in reasonably good health. Some kind of psychological effect. I got the flu 3 times in 4 years when I was in college in the late 80s/early 90s, without the shot, and it was hell. Ever since then I've gotten the shot (except for last year when they were unavailable), and have not gotten the flu since then. I believe the shots work. Some people get a bad cold and think it's the flu, but they don't realize that there is no comparison - the flu knocks you completely on your arse for 2-3 days or more, even in good health, and gives you a high fever. The shot doesn't hurt at all, quite unlike tetanus shots, which smart for a few days.
I don't have any better answer than anyone else here, so let me relate my experience. The last time I had the flu was in the winter of 1999-2000. I was flat out down in bed for 2 straight weeks. I began working in a hospital about 5 years ago and that's when I started getting flu shots every year. During that time, I've never been down during the winter with a definitive case of the flu, but I was constantly getting something all during the year. Cold-like symptoms that would last up to a month at a time. I usually treated the symptoms with Dayquil and Nyquil. Last April, I completely lost my voice, and the doctor diagnosed it as allergies and prescribed Methylprednisolone, which suppresses the immune response. It was the drug from hell for me, and I discontinued it after 2 doses.
I'm undecided about a flu shot this year. I no longer work in a hospital environment, and haven't been sick since I left. I lean toward allowing natural defenses along with good hygiene and diet to provide immunity, and I'm not around sick people or kids..........but then again, I don't want to be down and out for a couple of weeks this winter either if it can be avoided by a simple shot.
I dunno
I'm undecided about a flu shot this year. I no longer work in a hospital environment, and haven't been sick since I left. I lean toward allowing natural defenses along with good hygiene and diet to provide immunity, and I'm not around sick people or kids..........but then again, I don't want to be down and out for a couple of weeks this winter either if it can be avoided by a simple shot.
I dunno
Henry Bowman
Senior Member
I've had a flu shot (free at work) for the last 10 years or so, with the exception of last year when there was a shortage in this area. Same for our kids (except they got one last year too). I always saw it as being pretty risk-free and worst case was something mild and temporary.
Now I fear someting different. The shot is produced in a base of egg albumen. If you are allergic to eggs this is a big problem. I'm not, so I never worried. Then I learned of a case (first hand and close to home) of people developing an allergy to eggs from the repeated intense exposure. This risk is much greater in children. This is far more than an inconvenience and is not temporary. Being allergic to eggs means not being able to eat about half of the foods I enjoy. It is not worth the risk to me.
This year my family will probably not be getting flu shots. We will re-evaluate next year.
Now I fear someting different. The shot is produced in a base of egg albumen. If you are allergic to eggs this is a big problem. I'm not, so I never worried. Then I learned of a case (first hand and close to home) of people developing an allergy to eggs from the repeated intense exposure. This risk is much greater in children. This is far more than an inconvenience and is not temporary. Being allergic to eggs means not being able to eat about half of the foods I enjoy. It is not worth the risk to me.
This year my family will probably not be getting flu shots. We will re-evaluate next year.
wally
Member
I took part in a 7 year flu vaccine clinical trial during the 80's. Every year recieved a flu shot or placebo injection. Evey year I had one or two "flu-like" ilnesses and went in for sampling so they could do rather expensive tests to see if I really had "the flu". At the end of the study I learned I never had the flu during those 7 years and only had three flu shots and four placebos.
I've recently learned of some new studies that give me pause about getting flu shots, especially if other research groups replicate the findings. It seems a flu shot may surpress the immune reponse to a strain not used to develop the vaccine leading to a potentially more severe case of that flu. For the past 15 years I've been encouraged to get flu shots (on company time at company expense) except last year because of the "shortage" I was not in the priority group. Could be co-incidence, but it was the first time in 22 years I've not had a "flu-like" illness.
--wally.
I've recently learned of some new studies that give me pause about getting flu shots, especially if other research groups replicate the findings. It seems a flu shot may surpress the immune reponse to a strain not used to develop the vaccine leading to a potentially more severe case of that flu. For the past 15 years I've been encouraged to get flu shots (on company time at company expense) except last year because of the "shortage" I was not in the priority group. Could be co-incidence, but it was the first time in 22 years I've not had a "flu-like" illness.
--wally.
Gordy Wesen
Member
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Anybody remember the Swine Flu? The vaccine didn't really work and nobody got it anyway. That was the last time I volunteer for those kind of shots.
Chronic asthmatic bronchitis puts me in the "high risk" group even though I'm only in my mid-30's. Even though most of my problems have always been allergy caused, a few years back, I let the doc talk me into getting a flu shot.
I've never been so sick in my life! I spent the two weeks right after the shot pretty much in bed, and fought off one cold or flu after another for literally that entire winter. It got so bad that the kids quit even asking if I would get up & do stuff with them, and all of them learned to cook that year (heh, okay, so that's a plus) because I was so often too punky to feel like either cooking or eating at dinnertime.
Don't know if I just got a bad batch, or if it was all just a coincidence. Not willing to risk trying it again to find out, though!
In part because of that nasty awful winter, I've since become almost a monomaniac about germs on my hands -- washing them constantly, and never ever touching any surface in a public restroom with my bare hands, and swiping down my doorknobs & telephones & keyboards even when the rest of the house is a mess. Since becoming obsessed with hand-washing, I've had almost no germ-caused illnesses.
pax
I've never been so sick in my life! I spent the two weeks right after the shot pretty much in bed, and fought off one cold or flu after another for literally that entire winter. It got so bad that the kids quit even asking if I would get up & do stuff with them, and all of them learned to cook that year (heh, okay, so that's a plus) because I was so often too punky to feel like either cooking or eating at dinnertime.
Don't know if I just got a bad batch, or if it was all just a coincidence. Not willing to risk trying it again to find out, though!
In part because of that nasty awful winter, I've since become almost a monomaniac about germs on my hands -- washing them constantly, and never ever touching any surface in a public restroom with my bare hands, and swiping down my doorknobs & telephones & keyboards even when the rest of the house is a mess. Since becoming obsessed with hand-washing, I've had almost no germ-caused illnesses.
pax
sm
member
I do not do flu shots. I basically quit going to the doctor - except the eye doc to have eyes checked and my glasses perscription changed.
Too many years my personal MD, my shooting pard told me "When you see a Doctor or bunch of Nurses - means folks are sick or dying" .
I was married to a Nurse once, she like pax got the shot one year and thought she was gonna die. Never again for her either.
My doctor, my ex, said the same thing I have always heard since I was a wee pup "wash hands, cover your mouth, avoid sick folks, eat well, sleep well and excercise".
I used to work in the main OR of a major hospital, we had 19 OR suites in the main area alone. The only shots I took, were the mandated Hep B series, Tetanus and some others.
Some of the sickest folks I ever saw were the OR Drs., Nurses, STs and such that got the flu shot.
Mom has asthma , is 75, and has other problems. I am not going to get involved this year - or ever again. She got sick when she got one a few years ago- I am too tired to discuss this with her. That is what her doctors are for. Besides "damned if do - damned if I don't say anything". Let her fuss at her Doctor, she seems to feel better with someone to gripe at that charges her money. If'n she forgot what happened last time...and wants to spend monies that way - her right to do so.
I do not use much less "overuse" these hand sanitizers or anti- microbial soaps either.
I used enough of that in the OR. [ along with scrub soaps and the time req's].
Brisk hand washing is the key element in germ removal. It was the correct answer in all the medical tests I took. Not the soap, not the temp of water - just brisk hand washing. Oh...and use the paper towel to turn on/ off the water. Kinda dumb to wash hands and them use them to touch handles and turn off. Nobody said you cannot leave a bathroom with a papertowel to open the door to exit one either. Usually a trash can outside the public restroom somewheres.
FUD is everywhere.
I think smoking and black coffee helps me stay healthy during flu season.
Just wished this worked so well when pollen - especially ragweed season hits...
Too many years my personal MD, my shooting pard told me "When you see a Doctor or bunch of Nurses - means folks are sick or dying" .
I was married to a Nurse once, she like pax got the shot one year and thought she was gonna die. Never again for her either.
My doctor, my ex, said the same thing I have always heard since I was a wee pup "wash hands, cover your mouth, avoid sick folks, eat well, sleep well and excercise".
I used to work in the main OR of a major hospital, we had 19 OR suites in the main area alone. The only shots I took, were the mandated Hep B series, Tetanus and some others.
Some of the sickest folks I ever saw were the OR Drs., Nurses, STs and such that got the flu shot.
Mom has asthma , is 75, and has other problems. I am not going to get involved this year - or ever again. She got sick when she got one a few years ago- I am too tired to discuss this with her. That is what her doctors are for. Besides "damned if do - damned if I don't say anything". Let her fuss at her Doctor, she seems to feel better with someone to gripe at that charges her money.
If'n she forgot what happened last time...and wants to spend monies that way - her right to do so.I do not use much less "overuse" these hand sanitizers or anti- microbial soaps either.
I used enough of that in the OR. [ along with scrub soaps and the time req's].
Brisk hand washing is the key element in germ removal. It was the correct answer in all the medical tests I took. Not the soap, not the temp of water - just brisk hand washing. Oh...and use the paper towel to turn on/ off the water. Kinda dumb to wash hands and them use them to touch handles and turn off. Nobody said you cannot leave a bathroom with a papertowel to open the door to exit one either. Usually a trash can outside the public restroom somewheres.
FUD is everywhere.
I think smoking and black coffee helps me stay healthy during flu season.
Just wished this worked so well when pollen - especially ragweed season hits...
It's entirely YOUR "call" on whether to get a flu shot or not. There are currently SEVERAL "strains" of flu running around, and we all know about the "hype" of the avian flu....which STILL hasn't crossed over to humans!
Take your vitamins, eat properly, use proper hygiene and keep yourself in good physical condition. I've done that for my 59 years of existence, and have only caught the flu a few times (Those few times, by the way, were when I had gotten flu shots! The flu vaccine is an "active" amount of the virus that may/may not give you the reaction of catching the flu, whether it be a mild reaction or full-blown reaction!)
(By the way, doesn't it seem rather odd that we still "cultivate" the flu vaccines from chicken eggs....since we are now looking at a BIRD infestation of the flu virus?)
Take your vitamins, eat properly, use proper hygiene and keep yourself in good physical condition. I've done that for my 59 years of existence, and have only caught the flu a few times (Those few times, by the way, were when I had gotten flu shots! The flu vaccine is an "active" amount of the virus that may/may not give you the reaction of catching the flu, whether it be a mild reaction or full-blown reaction!)
(By the way, doesn't it seem rather odd that we still "cultivate" the flu vaccines from chicken eggs....since we are now looking at a BIRD infestation of the flu virus?)
Bobo
Member
Personal experience...
1938 to 1955: no shot - no flu.
1956: no shot - got flu.
1957: no shot - no flu.
1958: got shot - got flu.
1959: got shot - got flu.
1960 to present: no shot - no flu.
Out of 67 years - got flu 3 times - two of the three had shots.
I'm not getting a shot this season - probably not ever again.
1938 to 1955: no shot - no flu.
1956: no shot - got flu.
1957: no shot - no flu.
1958: got shot - got flu.
1959: got shot - got flu.
1960 to present: no shot - no flu.
Out of 67 years - got flu 3 times - two of the three had shots.
I'm not getting a shot this season - probably not ever again.
Ryder
Member
Funny you should mention that Zundfolge. I just read this the other day. Seems germs don't like to colonize on top of other germs. They prefer virgin territory. Check this out:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051031132130.htm
Pretty sure there were deaths reported from the Swine Flu injections. That was back in the mid-70s if I recall correctly and that one kicked off this whole annual flu shot dealie. It's the only one I was ever forced to get and yes it did make me feel lousy for it for a day or so.
cz75bdneos22
Member
never had a flu shot, i always refuse when offered. i've been around hospitals as patient/care giver for decades..been in contact with thousands of people/patients with who knows what undiagnosed malady. i say 
to the flu shot. but some ammo.
but then,. what do i know!
to the flu shot. but some ammo. but then,. what do i know!current flu shots only tend to work on about 3 different dtrans of the virus. as was mentioned before, if you are high rick, then theyre not a bad idea, but if your not: dont bother, better to get sick for a couple days, build an immunity to that flu virus and never get it again.
The way you live your life and view your health is a very personal responsibility.
No man made immunity (i.e. vaccination) is absolute. Only the body can provide a lasting immunity. (Think chicken pox, measles and influenza)
As for Chiropractic's role in a person's life and health. Firebreather01 you are correct. A Chiropractic adjustment will not cure the flu nor will it kill a virus. A Chiropractic adjustment is designed to do one thing and one thing only… remove interference to the body’s lifeline, the spinal cord, caused by misaligned spinal bones. To understand why removing spinal subluxations (misalignments) will benefit someone with the flu follow me one step further and recognize how the body functions. The body is controlled and coordinated by the brain via the spinal cord. All organs, tissues and glands etc. receive direct regulation from that brain by way of the cord. Now it’s true, an organ or group of cells can survive outside their body for a period of time if the circumstances are right, but they will never thrive or regenerate (heal themselves). Regeneration of new cells (what we call healing) cannot take place unless there is a nerve system to control and coordinate the whole process. The question is, can interference occur at the spinal level. Yes it can. A severed spinal cord is a drastic case of interference. In that instance the body dies. A severely kinked cord will produce interference, to the extent that the body is paralyzed from that spot downwards. A tumor in the cord space will create interference, and depending where it is will dictate the loss of function. It stands to reason then that a misaligned spinal bone will cause interference to the spinal cord and nerve system. Sometimes those misalignments are so subtle that a person may never feel them nor ‘feel bad’. But, the cumulative effect of the body not working properly for years on end can be as damaging to that person as a tumor or paralysis or so on.
Here is the premise of Chiropractic, and why so many people see so many different results with Chiropractic care. Chiropractic care removes those spinal misalignments (subluxations). This allows the body to work at it’s peak potential. It is better able to regulate itself (heal), better able to control itself, better able to develop the correct and adequate immune response, and so on. IT IS NOT THAT THE CHIROPRACTOR IS GREAT AND HEALS PEOPLE BY ADJUSTING THEIR BACKS. INSTEAD, IT’S THE FACT THAT A LIVING HUMAN BODY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE STRONG, RESILIENT, AND WORK WELL IF THE LIFELINE HAS NO INTERFERENCE.
No man made immunity (i.e. vaccination) is absolute. Only the body can provide a lasting immunity. (Think chicken pox, measles and influenza)
As for Chiropractic's role in a person's life and health. Firebreather01 you are correct. A Chiropractic adjustment will not cure the flu nor will it kill a virus. A Chiropractic adjustment is designed to do one thing and one thing only… remove interference to the body’s lifeline, the spinal cord, caused by misaligned spinal bones. To understand why removing spinal subluxations (misalignments) will benefit someone with the flu follow me one step further and recognize how the body functions. The body is controlled and coordinated by the brain via the spinal cord. All organs, tissues and glands etc. receive direct regulation from that brain by way of the cord. Now it’s true, an organ or group of cells can survive outside their body for a period of time if the circumstances are right, but they will never thrive or regenerate (heal themselves). Regeneration of new cells (what we call healing) cannot take place unless there is a nerve system to control and coordinate the whole process. The question is, can interference occur at the spinal level. Yes it can. A severed spinal cord is a drastic case of interference. In that instance the body dies. A severely kinked cord will produce interference, to the extent that the body is paralyzed from that spot downwards. A tumor in the cord space will create interference, and depending where it is will dictate the loss of function. It stands to reason then that a misaligned spinal bone will cause interference to the spinal cord and nerve system. Sometimes those misalignments are so subtle that a person may never feel them nor ‘feel bad’. But, the cumulative effect of the body not working properly for years on end can be as damaging to that person as a tumor or paralysis or so on.
Here is the premise of Chiropractic, and why so many people see so many different results with Chiropractic care. Chiropractic care removes those spinal misalignments (subluxations). This allows the body to work at it’s peak potential. It is better able to regulate itself (heal), better able to control itself, better able to develop the correct and adequate immune response, and so on. IT IS NOT THAT THE CHIROPRACTOR IS GREAT AND HEALS PEOPLE BY ADJUSTING THEIR BACKS. INSTEAD, IT’S THE FACT THAT A LIVING HUMAN BODY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE STRONG, RESILIENT, AND WORK WELL IF THE LIFELINE HAS NO INTERFERENCE.
Stevie-Ray
Member
Can't think of one.
Been getting shots for about 25 years now. Last bad flu was about 25 years ago, and I absolutely wanted to die for 2 days. Was sick for another 3 after that. I vowed never again, and have been getting the shots ever since. They always help, at least. While I may be getting the flu, (I don't know) it seems to be held to feeling a little crappy for a day, no more.
I'll take that over a full blown case any day.
Been getting shots for about 25 years now. Last bad flu was about 25 years ago, and I absolutely wanted to die for 2 days. Was sick for another 3 after that. I vowed never again, and have been getting the shots ever since. They always help, at least. While I may be getting the flu, (I don't know) it seems to be held to feeling a little crappy for a day, no more.
I'll take that over a full blown case any day.
Always used to get the flu once a year...layed me pretty low for a week to 10 days....Last few years I've been getting the flu shot, and I haven't gotten sick once..Worth it to me, even if it doesn't work for all strains...never had a bad reaction of any kind
1911 guy
Member
I take shot, I get sick.
Last few years I was in the Navy flu shots were required. I got very sick every time I got one. After a couple bouts of that, I learned to put my John Hancock on the "I got the shot" list and slip out the nearest exit.
Last few years I was in the Navy flu shots were required. I got very sick every time I got one. After a couple bouts of that, I learned to put my John Hancock on the "I got the shot" list and slip out the nearest exit.
45crittergitter
Member
I have a friend with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (permanent, debilitating/fatal). Trust me, it's worse than getting the flu every year!
Luchtaine
Member
I've made it this far without a flu shot. And obviously my bloodline lasted this long too .
I think we complicate matters too much.
.I think we complicate matters too much.
Travis Lee
Member
It turns out my folks never got me vaccinated for measles...
So I got vaccinated for that in 1991 (full course is a set of two) ...
My health immediately faltered until I was down with pneumonia, and went to hospital for 12 days.
Everybody pooh-poohed my theory that the vaccine compomised my system.
Les Aspin later came down with pneumonia after they gave him scads of vaccinations, and it was OFFICIALLY attributed to all the vaccinations.
I got a flu vaccination in 1995, and promptly came down with flu.
You do what you like, I don't trust 'em.
Travis
So I got vaccinated for that in 1991 (full course is a set of two) ...
My health immediately faltered until I was down with pneumonia, and went to hospital for 12 days.
Everybody pooh-poohed my theory that the vaccine compomised my system.
Les Aspin later came down with pneumonia after they gave him scads of vaccinations, and it was OFFICIALLY attributed to all the vaccinations.
I got a flu vaccination in 1995, and promptly came down with flu.
You do what you like, I don't trust 'em.
Travis
Borachon
Member
Don't.
It's how the government tracks you with pheremone based satellite systems.
It's how the government tracks you with pheremone based satellite systems.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
BuckDC, your description of how chiropractic procedures work sounds a whole lot like life force, chi, and other such energy movements through the body.
It is been my experience that chiropractors who attempt to diagnose and treat maladies such a flu, cancer, etc. usually score a lot of visit from patients with no actual benefits. At some point, it becomes like a religion where it works if you believe it works.
It is been my experience that chiropractors who attempt to diagnose and treat maladies such a flu, cancer, etc. usually score a lot of visit from patients with no actual benefits. At some point, it becomes like a religion where it works if you believe it works.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
The bit about colonizing wounds with "friendly" bacteria sounds flaky to me. Your flesh (inside your skin) is naturally sterile, and your body works very hard to keep it that way...
Staph bacteria ARE part of your natural skin flora. Before antibiotics were invented, lots of varieties of staph could kill you from an infected wound. After antibiotics, only antibiotic-resistant staph can kill you...look at the astronomical death rate from simple wound infections during the Civil War; a little flesh wound in your arm could kill you...
I do think the probiotic approach may have great merit (in doctor's offices, for example), but not in surgical hospitals...
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