PSA: Flu shots not just for yourself

[profundis]

I read a flyer today that reminded me it was The Edge of Flu Season, and it's not too late to get a shot if you want one. I usually don't because I usually don't get the flu and I don't care for extra drugs and stuff when I don't need them.

BUT, for those of you that might be thinking the same thing...are you in close contact with anyone that has a compromised immune system (chemo, HIV, anti-rejection drugs, etc)?

If you live with someone that does you might consider getting a vaccination so you are less likely to get it and pass it on to those more vulnerable - or at least talking to a doctor about it.

Comments

[atljeepboy.livejournal.com]

I didnt get one last year but this year was at the Krogay and said why not, so I got mine, ;-)

[darkmirth.livejournal.com]

You're so considerate, hon. Big hugs!

I got min a few weeks back. They were distributing them at the office. The were doing a new sub dermal typ shot, which when done, left a blister looking thing on it. I saw this and was grossed out.
They didnt give it to me though. I had to go with the old fashioned intra muscular shot. Fine by me.

[profundis.livejournal.com]

Well you can't get the flu from the shot, but you might have a reaction that is flu-like, but only lasts for a couple days instead of the week+ the flu and its complications can last. Also, the shot is only about 80% effective - meaning its the best guess as to what the dominant strain of flu will be any given year so you *could* catch another strain, but hey nothing's perfect. LOL

[profundis.livejournal.com]

Oh, well i suppose someone could be allergic to anything, i just hear people say stuff like they got the flu from the vaccine, which if it's the killed vaccine is not possible.

[tecknow.livejournal.com]

If I remember properly, there's mercury compounds and elements of eggs in in flu shots, those are the 2 things in the shots that cause a reaciton most often (and there's a big, fat, bold disclaimer mentioning that the last several times I've had one).

[profundis.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Thimerisol is a fixative that contains mercury, but I thought I read they were phasing that out? Eggs I forgot about...that's what they culture the virus in I think.

[bigreddee.livejournal.com]

Exactly the reason I got mine this year...I don't know how effective it'll be, but I can hope.