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·I'm 35 years old and have never had a flu shot. The last time I had the flu was 17 years ago. I know so many people who get the shot every year and get the flu every year. Should I really get the flu shot?
No, I would refrain from such comments at an inappropriate time. I also would not say things like "God is punishing you for something". But is it inappropriate to bring up the idea of Nature (or the gov't) thinning the herd here?RAC said:It bothers me to see the "thinning the herd" comments about the flu. Would you (general you) say that if you lost your child/parent to it, or a close friend? Would you like it if someone else said that at your child's funeral?
Since my post immediately preceded yours, I assume I am one of those you are talking about. On what would you base the assumption that I don't know anyone who travels much out of my local area? And, for the record, I travel 30 miles to work every day, my dh was doing some errands in the city 50 miles away yesterday, my kids go to public school and daycare. And, viruses do not survive long outside the human body. If I used a phone that someone else had used moments ago, yes I could pick up something. That is why hand washing is important.From many of the comments, I get the impression that many of you who are against vaccines in general don't travel much, if at all, out of your local area, and don't know anyone who does. Maybe this works, I don't know. But even if you never set foot out of your local area, you still have germs and such coming in on whatever you're using or buying (like the computer you're typing on at the library or just brought home from the store).
Or maybe it's the person's fault for thinking they needed to bother with getting a shot at all. Or their fault for eating junk food, smoking, being sedentary, etc...Why jump to blame?Also, as far as getting the flu after the shot, well, it's a good bet that if you get your shot now, going into a doctor's office full of people sick with the flu, you're going to come down with it too because of the 2-week window. That is not the shot's fault, that is a person's fault for waiting too long to get it.
Absolutely, but don't forget those risk factors that you have some control of. I'm not saying eating a healthy diet with extra vitamin C is going to prevent the flu, but too many people just assume that it doesn't matter!By all means read up on the issue, and think of your personal risk factors--
This sounds a lot like you're trying to tell me if I don't get the shot I WILL get the flu, and it's all my fault. That's why I'd like to revisit this issue in a few months and see who ended up getting the flu.If you have sick leave and don't mind using it (as opposed to saving it up for a longer maternity leave or in case you get a broken leg or are using it to trade for vacation), then maybe you don't want to get a shot--you'll just take those days off, especially if your sick leave is use or lose.