After reading another young child died of the flu...

@muscare (3068)
Australia
August 17, 2007 1:55am CST
my wife and I decided to get our 4yr old immunised, especially when he seems to get croup a bit. While we were at it, we decided to get ourselves done. Well, imagine my surprise when they told me that I could get it for free as well as my son!! I knew that the elderly and the young, as well as those in a higher risk category could get it for free, but what I didn't realise was that I fit into any of those categories! I guess it's nice to get something for free, but I somehow feel like suddenly I'm not as fit and healthy as I thought I was. I know I should be happy to get something for nothing, but I feel sort of 'rattled'. Does this make sense to anyone?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
17 Aug 07
Thats cool to get something for free..take it why not...I have my children immunised, I didnt want to take the risk...i did have the flu shot a few years ago and I was sick for 4 months..Never again for me..
@muscare (3068)
• Australia
17 Aug 07
Oh, thanks Calais, knowing that you had the flu shot and were sick for 4 months really helps my peace of mind!!! But yes, I have to say I'm happier knowing my son, and wife, are more protected after having the shots. My son only cried a little. My wife however cried all afternoon. No, just kidding, lol!
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
17 Aug 07
LOL..Im sorry, maybe it was just me, not the shot...But I hate when the kids get done...It breaks your heart...And I bet it was you crying the most..
@muscare (3068)
• Australia
17 Aug 07
Yes, my son has been good with most of his other immunisations over the 4 years, but this was his first flu shot, and I think because the needle seemed to be in for a long time, it was a bit too painful for him. He said to me after that it was a lot worse than a mozzie bite, which was what we sort of said it would be like. Ohh, you've got me sussed out, it was me that cried the most!
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
16 Feb 08
LOL My Hubby got both of his...flu and pnemonia...through the VA and it didn't cost him anything. I didn't get one and was sick as h*ll for most of December, January and a little in February. Thankfully it's gone now and next year I am going to get a flu shot. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~
@muscare (3068)
• Australia
2 Mar 08
That was also one of the reasons for me to have the shot as well, as the year before I was also very ill for a couple of months and lost 5kilos, and I'm not a big guy! I can definitely understand why you will have it next year!
@Fishmomma (11377)
• United States
17 Aug 07
I think its important to get our children their shots unless they have allergies to the medication. I'm allergic and had a terrible time after getting a shot several years ago. After getting so sick, I would never consider getting the shot, as the flu has never been as bad for me.
@muscare (3068)
• Australia
17 Aug 07
I agree that it's important to keep kids shots up to date, but for some reason the flu isn't a part of their normal shots. This was the first flu shot for all of us, so hopefully we should all be ok. Did you have a reaction soon after your shot?
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
17 Aug 07
My grandson who is 3 has the croup right now. That is what the doctor said today. I am glad you can get it for free. Take advantage of it while you can. I understand your apprehension but it doesn't mean you are not healthy. Healthy people get flu shots all the time.
@muscare (3068)
• Australia
19 Aug 07
It is very scary when young kids get croup, and I also used to get it as a kid. Hope your grandson gets over it ok! I guess, as you say, I should be happy to get something for nothing in this day and age!