Flu Shot

[blackrock13]

This is what I meant:

"All vaccines put a particular germ (or a part of a germ) into the body, with the goal of stimulating the immune system to recognize it. That recognition allows the immune system to vigorously and promptly attack the germ if it ever enters your body in the future.

If your immune system is busy fighting a major war against, for example, a bacterial infection of your throat (like "strep throat") or your ears at the time you get a vaccination, your immune system may be distracted by the war it is waging, and not recognize the flu vaccine. It is better to wait until the immune system is finished fighting, and has the time and energy to recognize the flu vaccine. That way you increase the chance of the flu shot protecting you against the virus during the flu season."




Anthony Komaroff, M.D., is professor of medicine and editor-in-chief of Harvard Health Publications at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Komaroff also is senior physician and was formerly director of the Division of General Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. Komaroff has served on various advisory committees to the federal government, and is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science

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Anyway, I personally don't believe in getting flu shots unless one works in an environment where one is constantly around sick people all day. It is an individual decision and people are free to do as they wish.

My doctor told me a few years ago that if you have any cold, even a whiff of one, that you shouldn't get a seasonal flu shot as you more than likely will catch a cold after getting the shot. I have since your post researched this a bit and find differing online medical opinions as to the validity of this advice. Some soucres agree, many do not. The above quoted example was of the opinion that a mild cold is no reason to avoid a shot, but a more serious seasonal sickness is good reason not to get it. My doctor said he wouldn't give a flu shot to any patient of his who was exhibiting any symptoms of having a cold as he believed they would get worse.

Your statement clarifies it a bit but it really is saying that any other infection may affect the ability of the inoculation to work to it's fullest potential and that is true.

The chance of getting that lingering cold is just that, a chance, but I'd rather have a cold and not the flu.

Your explanation also shows why they ask you before the shot if you have something going on already.

 

[rafterman]

Same as HIV!

 

[basketcase]

Gravity is just a plot by "The Man" to keep a brother down.

I guess that's one instance that the plot is actually working - though I notice that it's the white men that can't jump - maybe it's a plot by the brothers to keep the man down?

 

[peteeey]

Exact same thing happened to me except that my doctor was ambivalent about me getting the seasonal flu shot. He didn't tell me not to get it but said he hasn't had it and the H1N1 has superceded it.

Got mine on Wednesday, had a little bit of muscle ache for a few days and that's it. I hadn't even planned to get it, was in the Dr.s office for another reason when he asked if I wanted it. He suggested i get the seasonal shot in December.

 

[SkyRider]

He didn't tell me not to get it but said he hasn't had it and the H1N1 has superceded it.

I had the H1N1 on Saturday. Walked right in. Did a bit of paperwork and answered just a few questions and I was injected. Think I'll skip the seasonal. Don't want too much mercury in my system. Just want to avoid the terrible twins of catching BOTH H1N1 and seasonal at the same time.

Can you catch BOTH H1N1 and the seasonal at the same time? That would be damn annoying.

 

[landscaper]

I had both the same time last week , feel fine

Gravity is a myth the world sucks

 

[Rockslinger]

I had both the same time last week , feel fine

Did you have both SHOTS or both FLUS at the same time last week? Glad you are feeling fine.

 

[Cycleguy007]

I had neither last week and feel great, same as always.

 

[Rockslinger]

I had neither last week and feel great, same as always.

Be careful out there. You have no immunity to any flus. Just like the indigenous peoples of the Americas when the "White man" arrived and brought smallpox with them. No immunity because no prior exposure.

 

[blackrock13]

Be careful out there. You have no immunity to any flus. Just like the indigenous peoples of the Americas when the "White man" arrived and brought smallpox with them. No immunity because no prior exposure.

This is not quite true as some immunity can be had against the seasonal or H1N1 flu, just by being around others with it, acquiring the disease and recovering. You will have antibodies for the next round and may not even be aware you've had the virus at any time. The problem arises in that you have no idea where you stand. Do you have some, a lot, or no immunity.

 

[Rockslinger]

The problem arises in that you have no idea where you stand. Do you have some, a lot, or no immunity.

Is there no test for this?

 

[blackrock13]

Is there no test for this?

There is a DNA based test but it's expensive and takes about a week to get results. There is a quick test being used in the US emergency departments, but it has a false reading rate averaging 50%. So if it says you don't have H1N1, it's possibly wrong half the time. Ooops.

 

[WhaWhaWha]

I seem to be on the mend now.

 

[train]

If you are in the high risk group and don't get vaccinated you are stupid. If you aren't but live with someone who is you are stupid AND selfish. Otherwise it's not that big of a deal.