Looks Like I'll Get the Flu Shot
By L. Jenkinson
@MarymargII (12422)
Toronto, Ontario
September 17, 2019 2:00am CST
Well I've staved off getting the flu shot as I fear all those rumours about it giving you the flu for awhile or not being effective or making you turn green haha! But this year I've had a few viruses but put it down to getting sick from my two grandchildren who attend school and daycare.
There are so many bugs in daycares that I'm surprised I haven't had more and the girls have been ill a few times already unfortunately. Even my doctor said this year the flu season is shaping up to be pretty nasty.
Thinking my best defence besides extra Vitamin C and chicken soup will be to break down and get the shot. If I end up having glowing eyes or tri-colour hair or something I'll let you guys know. October is the targeted time to get the shot so look out for my post and if it seems weirder than usual you'll know not to bother getting one yourself. 
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12 responses
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
17 Sep 19
There's no need to be afraid of the 'flu shot. It will give you resistance to the strains of the virus which are expected to be the most common ones this winter. Because it's a vaccination it contains inactive copies of the virus which allow your immune system to recognise the virus and make antibodies for it. Because it gives the immune system work to do in making antibodies and destroying the dummy virus which the injection contains, your body is sometimes likely to react in the same way as if it were a real infection, so some people get fluey symptoms for a few days. These are easily controlled by taking paracetamol/tylenol, drinking plenty of fluids and keeping warm. Chicken soup is always good!
The 'flu shot is only ineffective if there happens to be a new strain floating around which they didn't expect and which you are not immune to. That doesn't happen very often but when it does, you are quite likely to get it less severely than you otherwise would had you not had the jab.
Everyone who works with the public in any way should get the 'flu injection every year. Some employers will pay for it and some even make it compulsory. If you qualify for a free jab (in the UK everyone who has asthma or COPD or is over 70 gets it free), you should always take advantage of it; if you work with the public at all, you would be wise to pay for it anyway.
5 people like this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
20 Sep 19
Thanks for all the info. I am planning to get it this year as i always just got by with Vitamin C and oregano oil. However last year I had a few bouts and stomach flus as well. I put that to taking care of my young granddaughter a few days a week and she also goes to daycares.
2 people like this
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
1 Oct 19
we'll let you know if we see you displaying weird symptoms lol... 
2 people like this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
5 Oct 19
@sueznewz2 Yes warn me if I start writing strangely---haha!
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458380)
• Switzerland
17 Sep 19
Many people have the flu shot and none of them had problems for what I know. The new vaccine for the flu shot will be available by November 8 here for what I have heard. They are still focusing of the possible type of flu that will be around for the next winter season.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458380)
• Switzerland
20 Sep 19
@MarymargII As it did not work at all last year, they are not going to repeat the same mistake.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
20 Sep 19
@LadyDuck Really? The strain they used in Canada was right on for a change. This the doctor told me. I'm surprised we are not all using the immunization against the same strain of flu.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
20 Sep 19
I know- read my answer to Judy Evans as it is true that they study Australia first for the most common strain.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
20 Sep 19
Oh- have you ever had a bad reaction?
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
27 Sep 19
@DianneN Okay then I'm forging ahead next month--haha!
1 person likes this
@just4him (306455)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
23 Sep 19
@MarymargII Probably be a good idea.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
27 Sep 19
@just4him When I get it I'll let you all know. And lets hope it all goes smoothly.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
22 Sep 19
Boy I'd better plan ahead and get it when I'm not doing anything ha!
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (18923)
• United States
17 Sep 19
I never had the flu shot. I only had the flu once. I'm too chicken to get the shot.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (18923)
• United States
23 Sep 19
@MarymargII I'm not really young. I'm 39 years old. I did look to see how much it costs and it's 34 dollars at Walmart. I didn't want to get it this week. Maybe I will get one later this year.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
20 Sep 19
I know. I am a bit too. But being as young as you are I wouldn't worry about it right now.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
28 Sep 19
@JESSY3236 Believe me- you're young--- haha! I wouldn't think you'd need it this year unless you are prone to getting flus in the winter. You should be alright for a few years yet.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
22 Sep 19
@JudyEv And come to think of it you are just getting out of YOUR flu season and onto summer ahead!
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
20 Sep 19
Goody and I am so happy your hair stayed the same- lol! Actually our daughter said the flu strains are usually clocked from Australia to the West. Geez you guys get everything first---haha!
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
21 Sep 19
I have never even had a sore arm from my flu shot so stop worrying and get the shot!! Better than getting the flu!!
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
21 Sep 19
Haha! Well I'll be getting it next month. Not even a sore arm? and no green hair? haha!
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
1 Oct 19
Oh really? Well that's the problem and my hesitation- I've heard both sides of the question but will try it once.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (49025)
• United States
1 Oct 19
I've never gotten the flu shot before.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
4 Oct 19
Well then you must be doing just fine without it. This would be my first year.
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
21 Sep 19
If you are dealing with small kids and school get that flu shot. They stay sick all year.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
22 Sep 19
It's true- I've never had so many flus and colds since I've taken care of my grandkids a few days a week.
@Marilynda1225 (79772)
• United States
28 Sep 19
Sounds like getting the flu shot is a good idea for you especially if you are more prone to catching illness from your grandchildren. I'm probably going to get mine but haven't had one in the last few years.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
29 Sep 19
Apparently this year will be particularly nasty for viruses so maybe that's a good idea.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
31 Oct 19
Good to know- Iwill be getting mine very soon- am seeing the doc next week.
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