Annual flu vaccine - Will you get yours this year and why?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Sep 29, 2002

I've gotten a flu shot every year since 1992. That was the last time I had the flu, which for an asthmatic can be disastrous. I spent all of that winter and a good part of the spring bouncing in and out of the hospital with asthma exacerbations, ended up on Prednisone for almost 2 months (gaining some 25 pounds in the process), and once came close to respiratory failure. No thanks---not when I can prevent the whole mess by putting up with a sore arm for a few days every fall. Of course, even if I didn't have breathing problems, I'd still get a flu shot because I do NOT have time to be sick, and as a LTC nurse I don't want my residents to get sick either.

ERNurse752, RN · Sep 29, 2002

I got my first one last year...my hospital gives it free to employees during work hours. Nice and convenient. :)

OBNURSEHEATHER · Sep 29, 2002

I've never gotten one. I just prefer to take my chances, as I'm not one to usually get sick alot.

Heather

globalRN · Sep 29, 2002

I'll be working with immunocompromised patients so yes I would.

Sleepyeyes · Sep 29, 2002

Everyone who got the flu shot where I worked, got sick for days after having it. But I didn't get sick at all.

Decided I'd take my chances.

JonRN · Sep 29, 2002

I need to discuss it with my Hematologist, but I ususally get one every year and have been getting it for years due to being diabetic. This year I dunno if he'll want me to take it or not since my last WBC was 95 K.

Pappy

globalRN · Sep 29, 2002

Dear JonRN and all:

The influenza shot is recommended for all immunocompromised persons and all those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, COPD, etc. So, Pappy you should get one and I am sure your hematologist will agree. Have you had your pneumovax?

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Sep 29, 2002

Nope...never get 'em. And never get the flu. Might get a 3 day cold every 2-3 yrs, but never the flu. Heard too many horror stories of how sick people get after taking the flu-shot. No thanx.

I'm with Heather.. take my chances, and prefer to let my body heal itself...truly believe that's why I'm hardly ever sick... don't do antibiotics or all the other meds always being pushed. Guess I've built up a pretty good immune system. By the way, my coworkers all take it, and have STILL gotten the flu ! Nope.. not for me.

deespoohbear · Sep 29, 2002

Yes, I will. As another poster stated flu and asthma are not a good combination. I have never gotten sick after receiving the flu shot. I usually end up with a bout of bronchitis once every couple of years though. :confused:

JonRN · Sep 29, 2002

Yep I have had pneumovax, the VA is very big on preventative medicine, thanks for asking.

Pappy

kittyw · Sep 29, 2002

Absolutely... I have a 6 yo who brings EVERYTHING home with him. I've never gotten sick from it and never had the flu while I had it.