Having a "flu shot" is a clinically useful and proven technique for protecting oneself from the currently circulating strains of the influenza virus. Side effects from the immunizations are minimal.
Although the seasonal influenza outbreaks have been fairly mild recently, this year's strain, the A-Fujian-H3N2, has been particularly nasty. Although the Fujian strain was not selected for this year’s flu vaccine, this strain is closely related to that which the vaccine does target, A-Panama-H3N2. This means that getting the flu shot will provide at least partial protection from the Fujian strain.
If enough people in a community receive their influenza immunizations, then this "herd immunity" acts as a buffer to protect those without flu immunizations, or those who have poorly functioning immune systems.
Although the Fujian strain is unlikely to reach pandemic status, it is important to remember that the influenza virus was the agent responsible for the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, which killed ~40 million. Most virologists believe it's just a matter of time before another such pandemic arrives. In this context, a yearly immunization is analogous to keeping a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
-- Modified on 12/8/2003 8:00:36 PM
Ok, discussion only - I hate arguments.
Was having a conversation with a client about flu shots and vaccinations.
My parents were very holistic. They didn't know that they were, and I don't think that word was used then. My one grandfather was an MD, but specialized in an area that today might be considered 'alternative'. We were raised very natural, and all five of us kids were not ever vaccinated (other than the required-by-law Polio). Later, because three of us traveled to Europe, we were vaccinated, but two of my sibs have never been vaccinated to this day.
So, I was curious. After all these years, I wondered what my sibs felt about the flu shot and emailed them all and asked if they'd ever had a flu shot; and whether they would ever get one?
All of them said no to both, just as was my answer. Then I asked them when was the last time any of them had the flu? Most of them said not for six to ten years past.
Now, there is no right or wrong answer, but I'm curious, how many of you out there do NOT get flu shots, and maybe some of your thoughts? Or post anyway, even if you do...
I used to get flu shots regularly in the navy. since getting out 16 years ago I have never got a shot and never had the flu either. My kids have never had one and never had the flu either, but then we never pumped them full of amoxicillin either.
I never get flu shots. I've had a mild case of the flu once in the last 20 years or so (I'm 41).
I have been getting flu shots yearly for the last 10 years and have never had a bad reaction and have not had the flu since before I started getting the shots. However you might check out this link for another view: http://www.mercola.com/2000/nov/26/flu_shots.htm
Having a "flu shot" is a clinically useful and proven technique for protecting oneself from the currently circulating strains of the influenza virus. Side effects from the immunizations are minimal.
Although the seasonal influenza outbreaks have been fairly mild recently, this year's strain, the A-Fujian-H3N2, has been particularly nasty. Although the Fujian strain was not selected for this year’s flu vaccine, this strain is closely related to that which the vaccine does target, A-Panama-H3N2. This means that getting the flu shot will provide at least partial protection from the Fujian strain.
If enough people in a community receive their influenza immunizations, then this "herd immunity" acts as a buffer to protect those without flu immunizations, or those who have poorly functioning immune systems.
Although the Fujian strain is unlikely to reach pandemic status, it is important to remember that the influenza virus was the agent responsible for the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, which killed ~40 million. Most virologists believe it's just a matter of time before another such pandemic arrives. In this context, a yearly immunization is analogous to keeping a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
-- Modified on 12/8/2003 8:00:36 PM
I'm a healthcare worker, and believe it's just wrong for health care workers to decline the vaccine. Goes back to the "herd immunity" concept. We take care of people who are at risk of exposure. We need to vaccinate the "herd" of health care workers and decrease the likelihood that we carry the disease to others.
I personaly do not like the thought of having such vacines. However! Just like being vacinated against such things as Hep A and B (which I am),is just a way of safe gaurding me, and the ones I come in contact with in this profession that we are in. I feel that providers are much like health workers, in the fact that we come into contact with such varables of people and in different states of health that we need to always take the highest of precautions to our own safty, and to those who choose to see us.
Like I said previously..........If I was not in this buis. NO I would not get a flue shot or any other vacine. But since I am a provider and I do know that there is some really bad stuff out there I will protect myself against all odds of me contracting something and someone else I see.
First of all, a flu shot does not protect you from all strains of the flu, just those it's designed for.
That said, I do get a flu shot each year because I'm in two high risk categories: 1> my age (mid 50s) and 2> I have a depressed immune system after going thru six bouts with bronchitis and three bouts with pneumonia in 18 months many years ago.
I still get about 1 case of the flu each year. Even that will hold on for two weeks or more, and continue with hacking and coughing for another four to six. But I know that without the shot, I would be much more vunerable. I think it's a good idea if you're in one of the high risk categories. Otherwise it's up to you.
usde to never get them and got the flu about every third year. I've been getting them every year for the last 5 yrs and have not gotten the flu nor hardly a cold.
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