Flu Shot

Davey Jones

Davey Jones

Well-known Member
Location
Florida
Its that time of year again.
I usually get mine the first week of October by recommended by CDC.
Been getting flu shots since it first came out and never have had the flu.
I know a lot of people don't believe in the flu shots but if you DO get the influenza virus at an later age,65+,then you're in big trouble. Don't like the needle then get the nasal spray.
 

We've discussed this around here before, and my only reply is what is my own personal experience is..

I never had the flu in my 71 years. Never, ever got the shot before .. until 3 years ago. Very bad choice for me to make.
I was then sick as can be for a whole month - really SICK !!! Never again.
 
Had my flu jab already...friends in high places!
 

I get the shot each year through my employer (for now) and for the most part it's been fine. I did get the flu one year despite the shot, but as my doctor told me that year, my illness would likely have been worse had I not received the shot. It's not perfect protection, but for one who is exposed to a lot of people while commuting (train and subway), it's a good precaution. Nothing like a good dose of the flu to make you wish you'd prevented it to begin with. A miserable illness to be sure.
 
Ive become very carefull of what I touch during the flu season,at the grocery store I wiped down handle bar with wet tissue supplied by most stores today.
Im very careful where my hands go during the flu season and at my age I cant afford any slip ups. Living with 2 school age kids and what they could bring home, keeps me on the alert.(g)
 
We both get a flu shot each year. I got the flu in 2010. Just before New Years Eve, started out with a lot of coughing. OTC cold med didn't help much and I really thought I was going to die........actually told my wife that. Was very close to calling 911, but got a doctor's appointment on a Monday. He sent me over to get an x-ray and turned out that I had a spot of pneumonia in a lung. Gave me anti-biotic and prescription cough med. Both worked. In 2000, was off of work for a week with a very bad cold-approaching the flu. Didn't get the flu shot that year.

******Dr. told me that getting the flu shot does NOT guarantee a person will not get the flu, but is very good for "preventive maintenance". "Mentally", it sure helps us..........if we do get a bad cold, hitting on the flu, it won't be as bad as without the shot.
 
"Sorry, Justme; flu vaccine is not free until 65, unless you are a special case.."

Yes it is Vivjen, it's offered free to all over 60's. Where do you live? The local health centre has called me every year since my late 50's and I've always declined. Everyone seems to be a special case to them.
 
Not in England it isn't; I have to pay for mine now I am noot working in NHS, as do all my friends!
 
I have re-checked Capt. Lightning, and it is over 65, unless you have an underlying health condition even in Scotland.
it may be that your surgery pays for it themselves...but it is not free on NHS.
 
In US,Medicare or medicare linked health plans cover it. I always get one, usually by mid Oct, often at a health fair which are pretty common around this time of year. Going to one on Oct 8. Once about 30 yrs ago i didnt get one, & that Jan. I had a horrible flu that kept me off work 2 whole weeks, felt crummy 2 more. Different people' bodies react differently, & i think it actially boosts my resistance to other winter respiratory infections.
 
Here; you can get it done at most pharmacies for about ÂŁ10 if your doctor can't supply it.
it took me less than 5 minutes the other day!
 
My husband and I are having ours on October 11th at our Doctor's surgery. They have devoted a couple of Saturdays to flu vaccinations.
 
I get the high dose flu shot. If that is available in your area, I suggest it. Last year was the first time that I took it it and (knock on wood), I didn't even get a cold. If you do feel the flu coming on, I STRONGLY suggest calling the doctor immediately and getting a prescription for a medicine called Tamaflu. About 3-4 years ago, I woke up feeling horrible and even though I had the flu shot, I knew that I had the flu coming on, so I called the doctor and he called in an Rx for Tamaflu. The symptoms disappeared in two days. With Tamaflu, you must start it within 48 hours of having symptoms for it to be effective.
 
Good lord, you're right Vivjen. I've never questioned it, they've just always offered it since I moved here in my mid 50's. Apart from controlled hypertension, I don't think I've any serious health issues. Perhaps they have different guidelines here.
 
Get Tamiflu...or high dose flu vaccine!
we only have one vaccine....and Tamiflu is not regarded as very useful; it didn't work too well during the swine flu epidemic, when we were dishing it out like smarties.....so is not used very often at the moment.
 

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