Have you guys received your flu shots yet?

laughing weasel · Sep 2, 2004

The flu shots are CDC's guess, which three new strains of flu are going to be the epidimic ones, but they are just guesses. I have had good and bad years with them so I always get them figuring that eventually I will be immune to everything and live forever. Ha ha good luck.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 2, 2004

Used to have to get them when I was active duty but no more and I'm never sick.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Is it that time of year already??? Even though as a nurse I'm in a high risk area and it's recommended we get them and they are free, I still don't get them. Never have. I've had the 24 hour flu a couple of times, but have not been horribly ill from the flu............yet.

I certainly am not advocating that people don't get them. Just saying what I do.

laurasc · Sep 2, 2004

In my area it doesn't start until late September, early October. Here in Ontario we have a universal flu shot program...everyone can get a flu shot free of charge if they want, there are no restrictions. It makes for some very busy flu shot clinics, let me tell you! :chuckle

When they come out, yes, I will get my flu shot as will my family. Last year I worked in a family practice clinic that also had a walk-in clinic. I was in almost constant contact with people with confirmed influenza A. I caught the flu, probably the strain that wasn't part of the vaccine. But because of the flu shot, which gave me partial immunity, I was only bed-ridden for 3 days instead of the 7 to 12 like most people who didn't get the shot.

Yes, it works and yes, I do strongly recommend everyone get a flu shot...especially those who are considered high risk.

movealong · Sep 2, 2004

I usually get a flu shot. This year it might be awhile before the vaccines are readily available. They had problems with contamination this year, I think almost half the vaccines were taken back. So..............since I work from home, no longer in a hospital setting and have no risk factors, I'll wait to get mine.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Sep 2, 2004

They aren't available here yet, but something does seem to be going around. I don't know if it's actually the flu, though. I have been seriously ill with the flu 3 times and two of those times I had gotten the flu shot. :rolleyes:

I don't know if I will get the shot this year. I'm not working in a high-risk area, but I can't go to the grocery store without seeing some disgusting individual hacking all over the place without covering his/her mouth - these people could be passing 2 feet away from me and still hack right in my face. :angryfire

They couldn't have been raised by wolves - wolves have better manners.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Lat year I got mine at the end of September. I'm usually the first in line lol. It was SO horrible last year in the clinic. I *still* got a mild case of it (based on sx, not a confirmed test) but at least I was only dead for a day versus a week for those who didn't have it. Working in this setting, I wouldn't be without it.

Katnip, RN · Sep 2, 2004

I caught the flu once. I thought I was going to die. Bedrest for an entire week, and when I could finally move again, even my hair hurt when I took a shower. I looked pasty and ragged for a week after my fever broke.

I have not failed to get my shot again. It does seem to help a lot. I've been exposed and coughed on, but no flu. It won't prevent you from getting other things though.

Around here, they usually start offereing the shots from Oct-Nov.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Sep 2, 2004

Speaking of flu shots, do they really work? I've gotten many flu shots before, but I always manage to get sick anyway. Go figure

The only times I have gotten the flu, I haven't had the shot. I've never had a reaction. Usually my flu only lasts a couple of days, but once I was down and feeling very sick for just short of three weeks. I never miss getting one now, even if I have to pay for it. Hopefully I'll be employed by the time they start giving them here, usually in October.

June55Baby · Sep 2, 2004

I caught the flu once. I thought I was going to die.

Same here Cyberkat.... NEVER want that again! I was even vaccinated against the "Swine Flu" in 1976 while I was in Nursing School. Oops! Guess I'm telling my age now! Ha

Flu imunization starts here in October and I will be first in line!

Had an Infectious Diseases Physician tell me once that after taking the flu shot for a few years, your body gains antibiodies against colds as well... Hummmm Haven't had a cold in years either!

lynn27 · Sep 2, 2004

I guess I'm telling my age, too--I had the swine flu and it was sooooo baaadddd. I usually don't get sick but the temp from this flu was so high that I remember telling my mom that the "walls are melting"....(no it wasn't drugs!! although it was the '70's!) I usually get the flu shot and have had no problems except for fall of 2001 and the site swelled and turned red--approx 3 inches in diam and was hot. My patients asked me why I had an ice pack on my arm at work! We think maybe the shot went SQ instead of IM. Anyone else had this? I did get the 2003 shot with no problems but was too chicken to get it in 2002!