I have had a flu shot once, and I have had the flu once in my life. Having the flu was a miserable time and it lasted a couple of weeks. My reaction to the flu shot was just as miserable, only it lasted only a few days. However, given that I've only had the flu once in my life, and I don't hang out with a lot of people, I think I'll take my chances. When I got the flu, I got it from my wife, because she was diagnosed with the flu before I got sick. Next time, I'll hide out in another part of the house.
My best friend's husband died of swine flu when he was 54 years old. He was a typical man; wouldn't go to the doctor and was ill for 5 days, all the while insisting it was "just a bad cold". She finally took him to the ER (against his will) and he slipped into a coma and died the next day. I'm still not having the flu shot.
I got my usual flu shot last fall and still got the flu. I got the "old" pneumonia shot two years and, sure 'nuff, I came down with pneumonia a few months later. I got my flu shot AND the "new" pneumonia shot this afternoon. I'm hoping for better results this year. I'm an incurable optimist.
After my bout with pneumonia in 2010, during New Years weekend, I will always get the Senior Flu Shot. Have already got a Senior pneumonia shot a couple of years ago. That pneumonia bout in 2010 started out with a lot of coughing, to the point I told my wife that I thought I could die. It started on a Saturday afternoon and she took me to the doctor on Monday AM. Got an x-ray, that showed the pneumonia spot on my lung and doctor gave me a med for it along with some very strong cough syrup that really helped. My VA doctor told me that getting the Senior shot doesn't guarantee that a Senior won't get the flu, but that the flu will be much, much less bad.
I got the flu once, maybe 20 years ago, and it progressed to a bacterial lung infection that lasted for weeks. A couple of the people I worked with had the same thing happen. I only learned about this later, when they told me they saw a doctor and got antibiotics for it. I've had a flu shot every year since, except the season the vaccine was mostly ineffective (2014-2015). That time my mother got the flu even though she had the shot, and I probably caught it from her. I tried not taking anything for the fever, because "they" say a virus doesn't do well in high body temps, and that's one of the reasons you get a fever in the first place. It only lasted about 5 days. Don't know if it was a coincidence or not, but I'll try it again next time if I get it. Two years ago I got the extra strength flu shot and had a low grade fever and chills for 24 hours afterward. Essentially stayed in bed for a day because I was useless otherwise. I refused to get the extra strength shot last time, and will refuse it this time.
Been getting the shot for 40 something years. Never a problem. This year is first one without the extra strength. Wasn't available
I get the flu shot every year. I've done the pneumonia shot also. I used to get really bad colds in the winter months that would turn into the flu. I would be down and out for a month or more from all of that. But since I began taking the vaccines I've had no troubles at all. With COPD I do not take any chances because anything can go straight to my lungs and it would be lights out for me ! 2 years ago I got the Shingles vaccine. It was a 2 part deal .. first one then within 3 months get the booster. I have to say that was the most uncomfortable I've ever dealt with from a vaccine. It hurt going it and my arm was painful and sore for almost 2 weeks afterward. But my husband had the Shingles and I saw what he went through and decided I needed to do whatever I could to not have to deal with that !
I seldom get the flu...in fact can’t remember last time I did...and only got the flu shot twice so far. But...I’m not in good shape this year...still trying to gain 10 plus pounds I lost. I lost 16 actually but gaining 10 is a good start and gives me a chance to pig out over the holidays without worry. Plus I’m around more people, especially sick ones with all the dr appts I’ve had so I’m definitely getting the shot this year...should have already but keep forgetting...
With getting both shots yesterday, my arm really hurts today but I expected that. The cholera shots we had to get every six months when I lived in Turkey REALLY hurt and made me sick for a couple days afterward. Glad I don't have to get them again.
I am curious as to why Beth & Bess take a pass on the Flu Shot. It's certainly their right and I am not being critical, just curious.