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[OpinionatedCyborg]

I've had the flu twice in my life. Once when I was 7, and the other time when I was a teenager. It fucking sucked... no cold can compare to the flu. I haven't had the flu as an adult.

I've had the flu shot for most years that it has been offered. A few times it really kicked my ass. Last year's shot gave me very mild flu-like symptoms (achy, slightly elevated temperature, exhausted, a few waves of nausea -- lasted lasted around 24 hours) and reminded me how awful the real flu is. Most of the time, I feel no ill effects from the shot (maybe a slightly sore shoulder for a day or so). I have no excuse not to get it: it's free, easily available (at work), I'm obliged to get it, and it's relatively effective. Get the shot if you can, folks. Do your part.

I can't remember the last time I got a flu shot. I'm 25.

Eat well and keep your immune system up I guess.

The flu shot is a free level up for your immune system.

 

[Necromanti]

I'm not sure if you're humoring me, but that's just how I feel sometimes if you're not a very sickly person. I've never really had the flu. The worse I'd get was just a head/chest cold which I'd sleep off and eat lots of chicken vegetable soup.

...And no I'm no anti-vaxxer or whatever the hell that phrase is for being against the shot. If you wanna get it, get it. If you don't then don't.

I was just curious what keeping your immune system up meant or entailed.

Besides, the point of vaccines isn't necessarily to just protect yourself; it's to protect others and limit spreading. Something that may be mild for one person might present itself as devastating for another.

 

[J@hranimo]

I'm sure it is, just haven't felt compelled to get one. Maybe I'll start when I'm out of my "prime years"

I was just curious what keeping your immune system up meant or entailed.

Besides, the point of vaccines isn't necessarily to just protect yourself; it's to protect others and limit spreading. Something that may be mild for one person might present itself as devastating for another.

Fair enough. My job is having a flu shot clinic soon. Maybe I'll go ahead and get one done.

Spoiler

but if I get the flu shortly after I'm making a thread and blaming all of you lmao. I'm kidding.

 

[Mistake]

The flu shot is a free level up for your immune system.

I get sick one day a year, and feel perfectly fine the next day. Last time I got a flu shot I threw up half an hour later and was bedridden for 3 days. Never again

 

[reckless]

This thread is infuriating. Vaccines are a medical miracle and people won't get them because they're lazy or ignorant.

I've never gotten the shot, for whatever reason. I just don't care really. And if I do get sick, I just spend a night in bed with double covers and a space heater cooking me and by morning I feel like myself again (even if I smell like complete ass)

You've clearly never had the flu if you think you'll get over it in a night.

 

[Izayoi]

What suggestion? You flat out insult people. Who would want to listen to that?

You know the suggestion I'll listen to? The one from my doctor that said I don't need to get a flu shot, and won't need one for some time.

There is plenty of easily available literature - not only in this thread, but on the CDC website. Educating yourself has never been easier - yet you seem adamant on remaining ignorant. Frankly, I think that people of your ilk are just too far gone up their own asses to even bother engaging them. I'm hoping that folks will listen to reason and educate themselves - and avoid your dangerous anecdotes.

Just by virtue of stating, proudly, that you do not get it because of your own anecdotal experience justifies someone elses' decision not to get it, and so on goes the train of bad science that winds up harming everyone.

I have an allergy to the flu vaccine. I got it like the second time as a kid and the whole injection area swelled up and broke out in hives, it was some terrifying shit.

I don't know if it's because I had a legitimate allergic reaction to it or if the nurse was a quack who didn't follow proper sanitation procedure, but I'm not going to chance that shit again.

There are injections available that do not use eggs in their manufacture for folks like you, who are allergic. Ideally you could rely on herd immunity and avoid the injection altogether, but this thread is a stark example of others ruining it for you.

I'm sorry. :|

I'm not sure if you're humoring me, but that's just how I feel sometimes if you're not a very sickly person. I've never really had the flu. The worse I'd get was just a head/chest cold which I'd sleep off and eat lots of chicken vegetable soup.

He is being sarcastic. You are placing those who cannot get vaccinated in danger by flagrantly opting out of vaccination for no real reason at all, other than personal anecdote.

...And no I'm no anti-vaxxer or whatever the hell that phrase is for being against the shot.

You say that, and then...

If you wanna get it, get it. If you don't then don't.

...you immediately turn around and dispense dangerous advice that echoes strongly of anti-vaccine sentiment. In a perfect world, vaccination would be 100% compulsory except for the allergic and immunocompromised. Instead, we get this busted ass system that we have today. It's a fucking shame.

 

[Burglekutt]

It's a shame a lot of people avoid the flu shot since it's such an easy and cheap vaccination to receive. Some people believe the myths while others are lazy.

I don't think its convenience or cost. A lot of people dont get flu shots because they dont want to feel like shit.

 

[WickedLaharl]

My grandmother got a mild-ish flu type illness EVERY damn time she got the flu shot. Never was sick any other time. One year she said fuck it; not getting it. Didn't get the flu ever again. I'm sure you'll say it's a coincidence.

your anecdotal evidence has convinced me. i'm going to march down to my local pharmacy tomorrow and return my flu shot.

 

[Surface of Me]

I got the swine flu, so I dont need one. I have more anti-bodies bolstering through my immune system than those of you who get the shot anyways. So dont try to talk down to me in your smug, asshole tones.

http://io9.gizmodo.com/5730895/swine-flu-gives-its-survivors-supercharged-immunity-could-create-universal-flu-vaccine

 

[Burglekutt]

You can't get sick from the flu shot. I realize people are going to shit on me for this, but you just can't, and none of you have (barring an allergic reaction to eggs).

your anecdotal evidence has convinced me. i'm going to march down to my local pharmacy tomorrow and return my flu shot.

I really don't blame you for your point of view. The medical community has been pushing the line that flu shots cannot make you sick. That is technically true. You do not get the flu from getting the flu shot. However, the vaccine tricks your body into thinking it has the disease for the purpose creating a response. So people are told "hey get this shot so you dont get sick and feel like shit". They get the shot and then feel like shit as if they were sick because their body thinks they are.

here is a source that show the side effects of the vaccine. Maybe after reading it we can at least understand why people think the vaccine makes you sick, especially given the way the medical community explains their side. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/side-effects.htm#flu

 

[Mistake]

I don't think its convenience or cost. A lot of people dont get flu shots because they dont want to feel like shit.

Exactly. I know how vaccines work. But why should I get one when I can say with 100% confidence that I've only gotten the flu once in my adult life so far? I'm talking about high fever, and more than one day of feeling terrible. Here are my options

A-Get vaccine, feel like shit
B-Don't get it, don't feel like shit

 

[Akoi]

It's mandatory at my job to get it so yeah I get it.

I work for a Healthcare company so I guess it's sorta expected.

 

[Lamel]

Let's be real most people are just lazy that's why they don't get it.

 

[MrToughPants]

Haven't had a flu shot since 2000 in grade 11.

 

[Burglekutt]

Exactly. I know how vaccines work. But why should I get one when I can say with 100% confidence that I've only gotten the flu once in my adult life so far? I'm talking about high fever, and more than one day of feeling terrible. Here are my options

A-Get vaccine, feel like shit
B-Don't get it, don't feel like shit

To be clear, its best for everyone if you did get the shot even if it makes you feel like shit, so you don't spread it. I just hate the way the medical community tries to deceive the public into thinking that its impossible to get flu like symptoms from getting the flu shot.

I, admittedly hadn't had a flu shot in many years until two days ago, but that's mostly for selfish reasons.

 

[Tedesco!]

There is plenty of easily available literature - not only in this thread, but on the CDC website. Educating yourself has never been easier - yet you seem adamant on remaining ignorant.

You seem to gloss over the part where even my doctor said I didn't have to get the shot.

 

[J@hranimo]

Let's be real most people are just lazy that's why they don't get it.

lol yeah pretty much.

snip

What I'm basically saying is that I'm not anti-vaccine and It's good that they exist! I'm just not preachy about whether you should get it or not. Sorry if it came off that way.

 

[Shiggy]

I don't see any need for a flu shot and my doctor is against unnecessary vaccinations.

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

I don't see any need for a flu shot and my doctor is against unnecessary vaccinations.

Is he Dr Sears? Because he's in trouble with the California medical board for being against vaccination.
Go to another doctor ASAP.

 

[Shiggy]

Is he Dr Sears? Because he's in trouble with the California medical board for being against vaccination.
Go to another doctor ASAP.

You missed the word "unnecessary"? I got more than 8 vaccinations last year, so you cannot argue my doctor is against vaccinations. There's just a difference between a vaccination for rabies and a vaccination for flu.

I'm not part of a high risk group, not working in the medical sector or with chicken, not a child. The flu vaccination is not recommended for me. Just because there's a vaccination, it does not mean it's necessary. Just as the pox vaccination isn't recommended for me either. In that sense, I trust the experts in my country who provide these recommendations.

 

[Pops Maellard]

I can't remember the last time I got a flu shot. I'm 25.

Eat well and keep your immune system up I guess.

Or maybe just be socially responsible and stay consistently innoculated b/c it's like $20 and a few seconds of your time.

You missed the word "unnecessary"? I got more than 8 vaccinations last year, so you cannot argue my doctor is against vaccinations. There's just a difference between a vaccination for rabies and a vaccination for flu.

k but seriously this isn't about you individually, it's about society as a whole. Find a new doctor.

 

[Messofanego]

Sure it can. It can do lots of stuff, such as fight off the fucking virus. If your immune system "can't do anything against" something you haven't been vaccinated for, everyone would be dying of everything in all cases. It's not complete luck of the draw. People can have strong or weak immune systems.

Your immune system isn't going to prevent the influenza if it's a new strain, you're going to get the full live virus. And get sick. And stay indoors, to (hopefully) not infect others. That's when your immune system fights it, understands the strain, and then memorises it for the future but then since influenza has a high mutation rate, it'll be useless for the next time.

When people say "I've got a great immune system" as a retort to why they refuse to get the flu shot, it doesn't amount to anything other than the equivalent of saying "yeah I don't mind getting the flu and suffer for a week". You're not going to die compared to an immunocompromised person, but that isn't exactly great consolation.

 

[Shiggy]

k but seriously this isn't about you individually, it's about society as a whole. Find a new doctor.

What's the issue with my doctor? It's the consensus among the experts in Germany who create the vaccination recommendations in this country?! You want to argue that you are more experienced than they, and that they are wrong?

 

[Messofanego]

This. And all you're doing is helping make the virus more resistant. Unless you're an infant or elderly (or work in the medical industry), you really shouldn't bother with getting a Flu Shot.

You're thinking bacteria, which are different to how viruses work.

 

[Joni]

It builds herd immunity. Aside from being short on resources to make the vaccines, I don't know why any country wouldn't have this policy. Vaccines are never 100% effective, and the best way to protect everyone, risk groups included, is for everyone to get vaccinated.

k but seriously this isn't about you individually, it's about society as a whole. Find a new doctor.

Because the European CDC thinks it is more effective to just target the risk groups and the people that come into contact with them for professional reasons. It is a more targeted campaign that doesn't really seem to make a difference in deaths, as Europe doesn't seem to have a major difference in flu deaths compared to the US.
http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/cause-of-death/influenza-pneumonia/by-country/

The European CDC follows the WHO recommendation in this. European doctors are simply following the European Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. This clearly affects how people view the vaccine, certainly because the other typical vaccines like polio are taken more seriously. We are following doctor's order, unlike what is being implied here with the anti-vaxxer elements. I'm quite sure anti-vaxxers aren't following their CDC and WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/use/en/

 

[Alcotholic]

I honestly can't remember when I last got a vaccine shot. I get flu-like sick maybe once a year or every other year.
The last time I got violently ill was last year when I had viral meningitis. And there wasn't much I could do to avoid that.

 

[TDLink]

Every year I've gotten the shot I got the flu. And I only got the Flu once when I did not get the shot.

So I no longer get it. Could just be coincidence or it could be me personally not being very compatible with those particular shots. I don't know.

I have all my vaccines for other stuff though.

 

[Joni]

I honestly can't remember when I last got a vaccine shot. I get flu-like sick maybe once a year or every other year.

If you get flu-like sick once a year, you should really get the shot. The flu isn't something you get twice in a year as there is usually only one major strain that goes 'epidemic'. So once a year means you get hit every epidemic.

 

[Messofanego]

...And no I'm no anti-vaxxer or whatever the hell that phrase is for being against the shot. If you wanna get it, get it. If you don't then don't.

Getting the flu shot shouldn't be a matter of opinion or debate, that's dangerous thinking and falls in line with anti-vaxxer rhetoric, sadly. You're lucky being in a country where a lot of people get the flu shot to grant you the herd immunity to avoid the actual flu, but it's not so fortunate in less developed countries. If in a year it's less than 50% effective, at least you got a few flu-like symptoms timed around it (remember the flu shot takes a week to work so it's good to have it before the flu season) rather than getting the full blown virus that knocks you out to then be considered a holiday.

Think of getting the flu shot as charity, you're helping others more than just yourself. Doing that once a year isn't so bad, right?

 

[Alcotholic]

If you get flu-like sick once a year, you should really get the shot.

I don't really remember my sickness history. I think it might be more other things than the flu. I remember more having bronchitis and colds more than high temps and vomiting.

 

[ShironRedshift]

Every year I've gotten the shot I got the flu. And I only got the Flu once when I did not get the shot.

So I no longer get it. Could just be coincidence or it could be me personally not being very compatible with those particular shots. I don't know.

I have all my vaccines for other stuff though.

Just to be clear, did you get the flu or a flu-like illness? To be the flu, the distinctive feature is a > 100 degree F fever.

 

[HerrPalomar]

I vaccinate against everything except the flu. Why? Because of Guillain-Barre-Syndrome. Yeah I know the risk is low, but as a young healthy person I am not taking that risk.

 

[TDLink]

Just to be clear, did you get the flu or a flu-like illness? To be the flu, the distinctive feature is a > 100 degree F fever.

Sick for like a week to two weeks with a fever of over 100 during the peak, yeah.

 

[prelude514]

I'm 31, never gotten the flu. Got vaccinated 2 years ago, and I was sick for 2 days and my arm felt like it was going to fall off for a week. I'll take my chances with the flu.

 

[stupei]

Every year.

A lot of people don't seem to understand how the flu shot works, honestly.

Even if you don't ever get sick, you might be a carrier spreading it to people with weaker immune systems. The flu shot reduces those chances, and it's free.

I don't get people complaining about the shot either. I have a crappy immune system and, yes, I sometimes get minor sniffles right after and like every other shot my arm might sting for about a day. I still do it, because I understand that as someone who lives in society it's not always all about me.

 

[AudioEppa]

Never took it and never will.


I'd rather not turn into another umbrella project

 

[SeanTSC]

These different situations being? I haven't picked on anyone who had a genuine reason like they had a rare allergy or reaction, just the healthy people who have the privilege to avoid it.

Well, there are definitely some legit reasons. Due to my conditions I rarely leave my house. Sometimes it's once a month. Going anywhere is a big deal for me. As such, I don't go out to get Flu Shots. If I was a more abled person and was around people more, I surely would get them and I don't think it's fair to lump someone in my situation in with anti-vaxxers. I'm sure there are other disabled and/or mentally ill people on gaf with legit reasons to not go and get them outside of rare allergies.

 

[Messofanego]

Well, there are definitely some legit reasons. Due to my conditions I rarely leave my house. Sometimes it's once a month. Going anywhere is a big deal for me. As such, I don't go out to get Flu Shots. If I was a more abled person and was around people more, I surely would get them and I don't think it's fair to lump someone in my situation in with anti-vaxxers. I'm sure there are other disabled and/or mentally ill people on gaf with legit reasons to not go and get them outside of rare allergies.

Hence the term healthy, which would cover abled people. I'm sure a doctor can arrange a way for you and other disabled people to give the flu jab to you at home if you can't leave.

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

Well, there are definitely some legit reasons. Due to my conditions I rarely leave my house. Sometimes it's once a month. Going anywhere is a big deal for me. As such, I don't go out to get Flu Shots. If I was a more abled person and was around people more, I surely would get them and I don't think it's fair to lump someone in my situation in with anti-vaxxers. I'm sure there are other disabled and/or mentally ill people on gaf with legit reasons to not go and get them outside of rare allergies.

Yeah, I don't think that's what he means though. You have a legitimate illness. It's the abled and lazy who make excuses.

 

[titiklabingapat]

Guise, you don't get over the flu overnight, or even a couple days. You will feel like you are dying for at least three days, and then some residual weaknesses and effects a couple days after that. It wreaks havoc on your entire body. Once you've had it, you'll know the difference between a simple cold and a flu infection.

Just got my shot today, too. Not taking any chances this year.

And fuck you if you say you don't want to get a flu shot because it might inconvenience you. You are literally putting someone's life in danger by breaking up the herd immunity aspect of the vaccine. Herd immunity is literally the only thing saving them from miserable suffering and/or death because they cannot get the flu shot for one reason or another, and you are being a selfish prick for not getting it if you are able. Their life is literally in your hands.

 

[curls]

Hopefully people are also taking vitamin D3 at over 1000 IU during colder months. If not then why not?

 

[Moral Panic]

Because the European CDC thinks it is more effective to just target the risk groups and the people that come into contact with them for professional reasons. It is a more targeted campaign that doesn't really seem to make a difference in deaths, as Europe doesn't seem to have a major difference in flu deaths compared to the US.
http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/cause-of-death/influenza-pneumonia/by-country/

The European CDC follows the WHO recommendation in this. European doctors are simply following the European Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. This clearly affects how people view the vaccine, certainly because the other typical vaccines like polio are taken more seriously. We are following doctor's order, unlike what is being implied here with the anti-vaxxer elements. I'm quite sure anti-vaxxers aren't following their CDC and WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/use/en/

This is my same thinking. I live in UK and I don't know anyone in a non risk group who gets the flu jab, but yet somehow we are all foolish anti-vaxxers killing people?

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

Hopefully people are also taking vitamin D3 at over 1000 IU during colder months. If not then why not?

Actually, vitamin D has been in contention. And seasonal depression might not be true. So we need more research to rule on one side or the other.

The rise and inevitable fall of Vitamin D

Are guidelines for calcium and vitamin D rooted in evidence, or vested interests?

Study Finds "Seasonal Affective Disorder" Doesn't Exist

Science and medicine is more grey than most people realize, which is why clear science communication is important. Not headlines.

 

[hurricanes]

Nope. My immune system is strangely strong in this particular area. I don't think I've caught flu (post stage of uncomfortable throat) in my whole life.

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

Not getting the flu =! not transmitting the flu. Also, people overestimate their immune systems. Just because we, in the developed world, are way less risk avoidance, does not mean there is no risk.

Just get the shot, dudes.

And actually, yes I;d love the EU to change their recommendations. Their statistics, while better than America, is just not good enough.

 

[titiklabingapat]

Nope. My immune system is strangely strong in this particular area. I don't think I've caught flu (post stage of uncomfortable throat) in my whole life.

There is no such thing as a 'strong' immune system, so this idea that you somehow have a 'strong' immune system is pseudo-science nonsense. Your immune system is either on or off. Chances are that it just means you were lucky enough to not have come across influenza strains.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

I vaccinate against everything except the flu. Why? Because of Guillain-Barre-Syndrome. Yeah I know the risk is low, but as a young healthy person I am not taking that risk.

Sometimes this immune dysfunction is triggered by an infection or less commonly surgery or vaccination.

I hope you'll also avoid surgery too. Can't risk it right?

 

[hurricanes]

There is no such thing as a 'strong' immune system, so this idea that you somehow have a 'strong' immune system is pseudo-science nonsense. Your immune system is either on or off. Chances are that it just means you were lucky enough to not have come across influenza strains.

I was half joking in my first (two)sentence. But I do believe that it take more than luck to be the only one who were not effected for the entirely many times while living closely to people who were ill because of the flu.


Edit: oh and when people refer to "strong" or " week" immune system, I am pretty sure they are talking about how often or not it work. Or you won't hear about "-insert healthy lifestyle advices- improve your immunity" from doctors.

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

I vaccinate against everything except the flu. Why? Because of Guillain-Barre-Syndrome. Yeah I know the risk is low, but as a young healthy person I am not taking that risk.

Aspirin and a lot of common drugs have that reaction. It's not solely on the flu vaccine, or vaccines in general.

 

[Joni]

And actually, yes I;d love the EU to change their recommendations. Their statistics, while better than America, is just not good enough.

The WHO and the European CDC will probably update their recommendations if there is enough proof to validate the need for everyone to be injected.