The Medical Thread: We're experts on everything else; why not?

[bronconick]

I got nagged into the flu shot by my doctor after my 9 month hospital stay a few years back. Now I'll just agree to it from which of my five that I see when it starts (usually the GP or my lung doctor)

[dxmnkd316]

I've never gotten a flu shot. I don't think it causes autism and I don't think it's a conspiracy. I'm part of the crowd who doesn't see the value when it seems like they have to make educated guesses which strains will be big this season.

A) it’s free. At almost any clinic, most large employers clinics on site, grocery stores, targets, etc. so really the cost is $0

B) You get it because it will prevent you from getting the flu if “they guessed right” which is borderline ignorance and you’re not a dumb person. And even if they don’t precisely nail the strain, it reduces the severity.

C) it’s not just about you. It’s about helping protect those around you who can’t get the vaccine. Whether they are allergic to eggs or have some other condition that prevents it.

D) If you’ve ever had real influenza, you would make sure you never get it again.

[BassAle]

A) it’s free. At almost any clinic, most large employers clinics on site, grocery stores, targets, etc. so really the cost is $0

B) You get it because it will prevent you from getting the flu if “they guessed right” which is borderline ignorance and you’re not a dumb person. And even if they don’t precisely nail the strain, it reduces the severity.

C) it’s not just about you. It’s about helping protect those around you who can’t get the vaccine. Whether they are allergic to eggs or have some other condition that prevents it.

D) If you’ve ever had real influenza, you would make sure you never get it again.

D x 100. There is no way I won’t get the vaccine now

My in laws don’t get it, probably because they had some mild illness after they got the flu shot (I guarantee it wasn’t influenza). They either think it makes them sick or it doesn’t work. My mother in law also thinks she has side effects from every medication no matter how rare and unlikely the side effect is

[Twitch Boy]

I admittedly used to be in the "I'm young and healthy, I can deal with the flu, if my immune system ain't broke don't fix it, save my vaccine for someone who really needs it" camp, but I've since decided there's no excuse given where I work (it's offered free to all employees if that's a nudge) and now I get one every year.

Also, there are exactly 184 Q-tips left in the box in my bathroom.

[ScoobyDoo]

The Flu can be a killer and it's vaccine can save lives. Those are facts that cannot be disputed. They will be though by those who are entitled to their own set of facts.

[leswp1]

A) it’s free. At almost any clinic, most large employers clinics on site, grocery stores, targets, etc. so really the cost is $0

B) You get it because it will prevent you from getting the flu if “they guessed right” which is borderline ignorance and you’re not a dumb person. And even if they don’t precisely nail the strain, it reduces the severity.

C) it’s not just about you. It’s about helping protect those around you who can’t get the vaccine. Whether they are allergic to eggs or have some other condition that prevents it.

D) If you’ve ever had real influenza, you would make sure you never get it again.

I was trying not to chime in because as a Healthcare person I am always on the soap box about it. You saved me all the typing so all I will say is YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!1!11!1!!!

[dxmnkd316]

My doc walked in, saw my chart, and said, “I see you got your flu shot.”
Me: Yep. Every year.
Dr: That just warms the cockles of my heart

I laughed out loud. She’s so awesome.

[The Rube]

I've never gotten a flu shot. I don't think it causes autism and I don't think it's a conspiracy. I'm part of the crowd who doesn't see the value when it seems like they have to make educated guesses which strains will be big this season.

I'm almost a hermit, whether it be personal or job (I work with one other person 1/2 a day, and contact is minimal). I don't have a tinfoil hat. I don't think it causes any other illness, other than possibly a 6 month cold. (that last sentence was stolen from a comedian, btw). I *ing hate needles. No flu shot for me.

[busterman62]

I'm almost a hermit, whether it be personal or job (I work with one other person 1/2 a day, and contact is minimal). I don't have a tinfoil hat. I don't think it causes any other illness, other than possibly a 6 month cold. (that last sentence was stolen from a comedian, btw). I *ing hate needles. No flu shot for me.

Um .... Not .... Quite ... correct.

[The Rube]

Um .... Not .... Quite ... correct.

You missed the part where I took that line from a comedian, which meant it was a joke.

[busterman62]

You missed the part where I took that line from a comedian, which meant it was a joke.

My bad.

However, your final sentence is both your bad and our bad. You will probably be more than healthy enough to fight off the flu. The people you could expose may not have that luxury. And believe me, unless you literally live in a bubble, you will be exposing people.

[wolverineTrumpet]

I typically view the flu as a chance for me to lose weight, and thus don't get the flu shot. This year, for other reasons, I figured it was in my best interest to get one.

[dxmnkd316]

I’d rather run a marathon than get the flu again.

[St. Clown]

I’d rather run a marathon than get the flu again.

I came down with the flu about a week or so before I was scheduled to get the shot through my employer's program had a mass-vaccination effort scheduled for employees. That was a tough few weeks.

[leswp1]

I'm almost a hermit, whether it be personal or job (I work with one other person 1/2 a day, and contact is minimal). I don't have a tinfoil hat. I don't think it causes any other illness, other than possibly a 6 month cold. (that last sentence was stolen from a comedian, btw). I *ing hate needles. No flu shot for me.

https://www.webmd.com/children/vacci...-nasal-spray#1

[leswp1]

I’d rather run a marathon than get the flu again.

I came down with the flu about a week or so before I was scheduled to get the shot through my employer's program had a mass-vaccination effort scheduled for employees. That was a tough few weeks.

I put a marathoner in the ICU once with flu. Excellent shape, good nutrition, no comorbidities. Just BAD flu. When I was still working she would call every July looking for the first appointment we had to get the flu shot