Flu Shot

[emeraldize]

Got a flu shot today. This is just a nudge post to consider getting one.

[jkinatl2]

Got a flu shot today. This is just a nudge post to consider getting one.

You know I am getting one. Not gonna let all those ferrets' sacrifices go to waste!

[emeraldize]

 

[Jeff G]

I had one last week , and I encourage all the rest of you rascals to do the same ! . 

[tednlou2]

I'm thinking I'll move my shot up to now.  You've got to watch these diabolical and filthy kids, who are out having unprotected contact.     

We were just at this Fall festival.  We got some food (bad choice already) and I laid it down (still wrapped) on this condiment table.  This little girl stood exactly at the height of the table.  She repeatedly coughed all over my food.  It was almost like she was doing it on purpose.  Her mom just stood there and did nothing.  I told her, "Hon, you should turn your head and cough into your sleeve.  You're coughing on all our food."  Her mom didn't like that.  I threw my food away.  Saved me the calories.     

[Billy B]

It sounds like Honey Boo Boo was at the festival.


I received my shot today.

Billy

[emeraldize]

Smiley face was my simpleton exit to go find ferrets and vaccines. http://holisticferret60.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=talk&thread=8997&page=1#126671  here's an interesting board - I didn't know the little furry friends were on the frontline of the flu fight!

[jimbalaya]

It sounds like Honey Boo Boo was at the festival.


I received my shot today.

Billy

 

[Common_ground]

You know I am getting one. Not gonna let all those ferrets' sacrifices go to waste!

LOL, good one haha

[leatherman]

I just went in Tues for my 92nd lab draw in 20 yrs, and they stabbed me with a flu shot too. They stabbed me with an annual TB test too, which is being "read" today (although I can already see that it's non-reactive).

[darryaz]

I get mine on Oct 1.

[HippieLady]

Definitely getting mine, most likely this weekend.  I just got over a nasty bout of bronchitis a few weeks ago so I'm not going to take any chances with the flu.

[buginme2]

Anyone know how many vaccines you can get at one time?

I just got the 3rd HPV series vaccine and the Pnuemonia vaccine on the same day.  I figured I would wait a week or two before getting the flu shot.  Is that necessary? Or should I have gotten them all on the same day

[niecy_nurse]

Being an ER nurse, I am always up to date on my injections. Can't take any chances.

[Buckmark]

...92nd lab draw in 20 yrs...

92?  is that all?

[Ann]

92?  is that all?

I was thinking that wasn't many as well, not for a twenty year span anyway. I've had 71 so far in twelve years, not counting ones that had nothing to do with hiv or hcv. I've probably had about three or four non-virus related blood draws in the time at my GPs or other doctor. I only know how many I've had because I just now counted the number of results I have and added in the monthly CBC and liver enzyme tests I had during hcv treatment - it's not something I normally bother keeping track of.

I saw my GP earlier this week and forgot to ask about this year's flu jab - because I forgot to write it down on my list. I doubt that they're available here yet anyway, as the local post office and some shops display signs reminding seniors to get theirs done when they're in. Haven't seen any signs so far this year.

[bocker3]

Anyone know how many vaccines you can get at one time?

I just got the 3rd HPV series vaccine and the Pnuemonia vaccine on the same day.  I figured I would wait a week or two before getting the flu shot.  Is that necessary? Or should I have gotten them all on the same day

Of course, one should check with their doctor.....  but I don't see the need to wait.  I had 5 or 6 in about 15 min timespan the day before I deployed to Iraq for Desert Storm.  Made for a couple of sore arms for a day or two, but otherwise I was fine.

M

[Miss Philicia]

92?  is that all?

Yeah really, I had blood drawn monthly for at least 10 years straight and that's only 50% of my overall HIV treatment timeline.

[OneTampa]

Will get my flu jab soon too.

[leatherman]

92?  is that all?

I'm just glad this R/T/N regimen has worked so well. For many years ( the first 10) I got lab work done every 4-6 weeks; but these days (during the 10 yrs) it's dwindled down little by little until it's just twice a year.

[drewm]

Get mine soon 

[thunter34]

I was thinking that wasn't many as well, not for a twenty year span anyway. I've had 71 so far in twelve years, not counting ones that had nothing to do with hiv or hcv. I've probably had about three or four non-virus related blood draws in the time at my GPs or other doctor. I only know how many I've had because I just now counted the number of results I have and added in the monthly CBC and liver enzyme tests I had during hcv treatment - it's not something I normally bother keeping track of.

I quit keeping count of the number of pricks I was taking years ago.

[Ann]

I quit keeping count of the number of pricks I was taking years ago.

[anniebc]

I quit keeping count of the number of pricks I was taking years ago.

That was a coffee down the nose moment...thanks sweetheart...

Aroha
Jan

[Joe K]

I quit keeping count of the number of pricks I was taking years ago.

Are we still talking about blood draws?

Anyway, I quit counting after a dozen or so clinical trials.

Joe

[JustJacks]

I saw my GP earlier this week and forgot to ask about this year's flu jab - because I forgot to write it down on my list. I doubt that they're available here yet anyway, as the local post office and some shops display signs reminding seniors to get theirs done when they're in. Haven't seen any signs so far this year.

I was at my local GP surgery a couple of weeks ago, I found myself sitting there for quite some time reading the seemingly ancient magazines and then I saw a poster reminding certain risk groups (guess that includes us) that the seasonal flu jab is now available. So I guess that means they are available unless this poster was like the magazines extremely outdated (quite possibly).

[Mrmojorisin]

 Since I tested positive earlier this year I have been debating this.. I have not had a flu shot since I left the Army in 1991. During that time I have gotten the flu maybe three times. My ID doctor was shocked that I it had been over 20 years since I have gotten one. We got into a discussion about this and she gets one every year and still has had the flu 5 or 6 times in the last 20 years. Yes, I understand that I am at a greater risk, but although I was just recently diagnosed I have likely been positive for a couple of years.  I didn't even know there was a vaccine for pneumonia until I went to see my ID doc.
 

[Miss Philicia]

Since I tested positive earlier this year I have been debating this.. I have not had a flu shot since I left the Army in 1991. During that time I have gotten the flu maybe three times. My ID doctor was shocked that I it had been over 20 years since I have gotten one. We got into a discussion about this and she gets one every year and still has had the flu 5 or 6 times in the last 20 years. Yes, I understand that I am at a greater risk, but although I was just recently diagnosed I have likely been positive for a couple of years.  I didn't even know there was a vaccine for pneumonia until I went to see my ID doc.
 

Remember when swine flu was in the news? Well, now that type of flu is in the annual flu shot, but before that portion was included I was one of the unfortunate people who actually managed to catch it. And you know how much it made my cd4 count change? I lost over 700 cd4s. Now, going by your signature line would you like that to happen?

Aside from that, I've had a flu shot every year for 19 years, and in terms of "non-swine flu" types of flu I've not had that happen, meaning no "regular" cases of having the flu. And my possible exposures would be higher than the normal person as all during that time I've not owned a car and have taken public transportation.

[pozniceguy]

Yup   got  the  Flu  and Pneumonia  shot at the  same time a week a go... have done  flu shots  every  year for as long as I can remember..   pneumonia  only every 5 or 6 yrs..

[Ann]

I was at my local GP surgery a couple of weeks ago, I found myself sitting there for quite some time reading the seemingly ancient magazines and then I saw a poster reminding certain risk groups (guess that includes us) that the seasonal flu jab is now available. So I guess that means they are available unless this poster was like the magazines extremely outdated (quite possibly).

It's more likely recent, as GP surgeries do tend to keep their posters more up-to-date than their magazines. Mine does anyway (and they depend on "new" magazines being brought in by patients who would have binned them otherwise, so take your old magazines in with you next time).

We usually seem to get our seasonal flu vacs here on the Rock in a few weeks later than you lot do on the mainland, so we should be getting ours soon. They usually arrive in early October, if memory serves.

[Common_ground]

Is it Flu season in Asia at roughly the same time as in Europe and the US?
Is it the same flu?(shot)?

[buginme2]

Is it Flu season in Asia at roughly the same time as in Europe and the US?
Is it the same flu?(shot)?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Influenza_Seasonal_Risk_Areas.svg


A map showing the seasonal risk areas for influenza, as indicated in the TravelWise™ pamphlet

Key:

   Nov–Apr - in blue

   All Year -in yellow

   Apr—Nov -in red

   No significant population

[Common_ground]

Thx. Since Im "Yellow" I need to get that shot asap.

[Mus1cl0V3R]

Nice map.
Although I think a link to the image would have been better.
It makes my browser (firefox) slow to a crawl when trying to scroll past it.
I ended up having to block images from that site to get the browser scroll
to work in this thread.

[Ann]

Nice map.
Although I think a link to the image would have been better.
It makes my browser (firefox) slow to a crawl when trying to scroll past it.
I ended up having to block images from that site to get the browser scroll
to work in this thread.

Me too. Bug, could you please edit your post and only provide the link to the page where that graphic appears? Thanks. If you can't do it, I can do it for you.

Ann

[buginme2]

Yes. Sorry

[eric48]

For the first time ever, I am not taking it.

Flu shot can affect VL upwards (reminder: people starting treatment should get their blood drawn first then get the shot and not the otherway around)

I have lots of blood test recently (for experimental reasons) and it could mess up one of these lab test , so considering I have been vaccinated so many times, this year, is a leap year.

Eric

[leatherman]

Flu shot can affect VL upwards

never heard of this before. Why would a flu shot interfere or influence HAART? Do you have a reference link?

the flu shot has not influenced my UD VL or cd4 count in the last three yrs when I have been receiving the flu shot after changing states/areas in which I live.

[Miss Philicia]

A flu shot has never altered my viral load results, including the time I was on a clinical trial (where I must assume if this did what Eric claims they wouldn't have given me).

[Ann]

Yes. Sorry

Thank you for fixing it!

[Lou-ah-vull]

It has been five years so it is also time for my pneumonia vaccine in addition to the annual flu shot.  I am going overseas in November so I am going to get my shots this week now that they are available at the pharmacy (gone are the days that you need to go to the doctor's office to do this in America!)

Gary

[WillyWump]

now that they are available at the pharmacy (gone are the days that you need to go to the doctor's office to do this in America!)

Gary

Yeah the nice little old lady had her table all set up at Walgreens and was ready to give shots. I guess I should go see her tomorrow.

-Will

[bocker3]

For the first time ever, I am not taking it.

Flu shot can affect VL upwards (reminder: people starting treatment should get their blood drawn first then get the shot and not the otherway around)

I have lots of blood test recently (for experimental reasons) and it could mess up one of these lab test , so considering I have been vaccinated so many times, this year, is a leap year.

Eric

Even if what you say is true -- so what?  A short lived uptick in VL is NOT going to kill you -- but a bout of the flu just might.

Also -- If you have already had your blood tests drawn -- how will a flu shot "mess them up"?

This post makes no sense to me.

edit to add a very important "NOT"

[rjoh]

I got mine.....even got me a Fred Flintstone band-aid, too!

[Ann]

I got mine.....even got me a Fred Flintstone band-aid, too!

I'm jealous!

[eric48]

Even if what you say is true...

I might be wrong after all... and it does not really matter

then these guys are wrong as well. Thet don't look like newbies to this matter

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22734882
HIV Type 1 Accumulates in Influenza-Specific T Cells in Subjects Receiving Seasonal Vaccination in the Context of Effective Antiretroviral Therapy.

One should at least read the complete abstract as the title is a bit obscure

I plan to discuss this matter with my Doc before making a final decision, but appointment is in 2 months...

and my point is only about one only leap year, after all...

No-one in my family is taking the flu shot and they never get the the flu. They try to convince me not to take the shot as being pointless. Me, I think the flu shot is very beneficial, so, I made a deal: they take the shot this year and I don't.

Hope the above reference may be of help for those who have an interest in this matter

Hope this helps clarify
Eric

[eric48]

This post makes no sense to me.

No replies to the documented answer I have posted ?

Was that phrase in the mouth of those Canadian HIV veteran virologist :

(quote)
our observation of disproportionately high levels of provirus in influenza-specific cells at baseline indicates that this may represent a real increase that is cumulative over multiple annual vaccinations. (/unquote)

enough to make you think this matter over....

Seasonal flu does differ from year to year, but not to the extend that a patient does not have the freedom to reflect on the pros and cons...

H1N1, on the other hand was NOT like seasonal flu. and the vaccine for H1N1 was in the shot I got last year and the year before. It is reasonable to think that anyone who has not yet received H1N1 vaccine should seriously revisit in favor of vaccination...

Aside from this very unique type of flu, considering a leap year from time to time way be worth considering.

At least,this year, I'll give it a shot ;-)

and we will see.

Cheers! Eric

[bocker3]

Hope this helps clarify
Eric

Well it doesn't really help. 

1.  Even if there is a blip in VL -- so what?
2.  How would a flu shot impact blood work already drawn??

Bottomline -- people do die from the flu, not from HIV VL "blips".

Skip it if you want -- but I still don't understand why you would based on what you originally posted.

Mike

[leatherman]

No replies to the documented answer I have posted ?

"While the trends toward increased proviral burdens in influenza-specific cells failed to reach statistical significance"

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/aid.2012.0115
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188997
"This has implications for the eradication of HIV-1 by adding to the evidence that the resting CD4+ T cell viral reservoir is continually replenished in ART-treated subjects."

If I understand what this abstract even says LOL, especially when looking at that last missing line, is that after a flu shot it was noticed that flu-specific cd4 cells increased, along with a slight increase in those cells producing HIV virions. That only makes sense as the shot activates the production of more flu cd4s, which are then affected by the HIV reservoirs, producing more HIV.

However, shouldn't ART take care of this slight increase in HIV pretty quickly? It seems like even though there very well might be a slight viral load increase after a flu shot, it seems it would be so short lived as to not register on an immediate blood draw (the effect of the shot increasing the flu cd4s and that increasing the HIV wouldn't happen that fast), much less a draw a day or two later?

Perhaps a viral load test done 6-8 hours after a flu shot might register this slight blip; but with the science saying it "failed to reach statistical significance" and the efficacy of ART to wipe out this blip, it doesn't seem much to worry about at all - certainly not in light of the negative side effects of actually having the flu.

[eric48]

Well it doesn't really help. 

1.  Even if there is a blip in VL -- so what?
2.  How would a flu shot impact blood work already drawn??

Bottomline -- people do die from the flu, not from HIV VL "blips".

Skip it if you want -- but I still don't understand why you would based on what you originally posted.

Mike

This post makes no sense to me

Wishing you well

Eric

[bocker3]

This post makes no sense to me

Wishing you well

Eric

I'm not sure why you are getting so agitated about my posts.  I asked legitimate questions.  If that post made no sense to you, then it is reflective of your own, as I took my questions from yours. 
My intent was not to antagonize you -- it was to understand why you seemed to think a flu shot was not  good for you this year.  You mentioned possible VL blip -- seems like no big deal to me.  You mentioned that you recently had blood work and didn't want the shot to mess up the results -- not sure how it would do so after you had blood drawn.  That is why I said that it made no sense to me.

Mike

[J.R.E.]

I received my fly shot ( as I do every year) this past Monday.

Ray

[tednlou2]

Ok, to settle something that I've heard many tell me: 

Does the flu vaccine lose a lot of its protection by 6 months out?  I've heard several people say they would not get the flu shot in August for sure.  They would at least wait until October, saying the flu doesn't really get going here until around Christmas through late February.  Many say they wait until mid-November.  I know the flu can hit at anytime, but December through February seems to be the time most people I know have been infected.  Are people thinking they are being strategic, but really not? 

[emeraldize]

I received my fly shot ( as I do every year) this past Monday.

Ray

Whoa -- Ray -- that really had to hurt!

[J.R.E.]

Whoa -- Ray -- that really had to hurt!

   I've really got to check my spelling before I post !   

Ray

[emeraldize]

Oh, pleeez don't check your spelling...

[buginme2]

If you are under the impression that last years flu shot will protect you this year, think again.

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2012/09/28/it-flu-shot-time-new-strains-expected-in-2012-flu-season/

[RemyG1971]

I tend to not really trust the Government even though I served in various aspects of the Government Military & Police Department. I tend to lean more towards what the Government tells us to do as Conspiracy than truth. I do not believe in the Flu shot, I told my Doctor last year that I was not going to get a Flu shot and was not going to get one this year. Is there a reason that I should get one? I speak to friends about the Flu shot and everyone says they got sick afterwards, I hear the same story over & over again, maybe the forum can explain this better. 

[Ann]

I tend to not really trust the Government even though I served in various aspects of the Government Military & Police Department. I tend to lean more towards what the Government tells us to do as Conspiracy than truth. I do not believe in the Flu shot, I told my Doctor last year that I was not going to get a Flu shot and was not going to get one this year. Is there a reason that I should get one? I speak to friends about the Flu shot and everyone says they got sick afterwards, I hear the same story over & over again, maybe the forum can explain this better. 

Conspiracy, eh? Of what sort of conspiracy could flu shots possibly be a part?

All I can tell you is my own experience - I used to normally get the flu pretty much every year, but since I've been eligible for the flu vaccine, I haven't had it once. I've had the "winter vomiting virus" (cause by noroviruses), but that's not the flu and I don't believe there is a vaccine against the noroviruses. If there were, I'd get it. WVV is nasty stuff and it doesn't only make you throw up. (Use your imaginations people!)

I was in my doctor's office last week to drop off a script renewal and they had just finished putting the flu shot posters up, so I got my shot appointment for this coming Thursday. Yippee!

[RemyG1971]

Conspiracy, eh? Of what sort of conspiracy could flu shots possibly be a part?

All I can tell you is my own experience - I used to normally get the flu pretty much every year, but since I've been eligible for the flu vaccine, I haven't had it once. I've had the "winter vomiting virus" (cause by noroviruses), but that's not the flu and I don't believe there is a vaccine against the noroviruses. If there were, I'd get it. WVV is nasty stuff and it doesn't only make you throw up. (Use your imaginations people!)

I was in my doctor's office last week to drop off a script renewal and they had just finished putting the flu shot posters up, so I got my shot appointment for this coming Thursday. Yippee!

Ann,

I served in the Military and got every inoculation under the sun. After all of the shots I got in the Military I could no longer use butter, oil & eat several types of food almost overnight.  There is a movie out there on You Tube called ‘Beyond Treason’ and it addresses the concerns I have of ‘WE THE PEOPLE’ having no real idea of what is exactly in the vaccine. I do take Atripla so I guess I could say that for Atripla as well. I guess I do not really understand why people who get the shot get sick afterwards. I have heard in from friends, family & coworkers so it is definitely not an isolated incident. I guess it is just my personal preference not to get the shot. 

[leatherman]

I used to think the same way. In 25 yrs of living in OH, the only 2 yrs I had the flu were the 2 yrs I had the flu shot. However I've taken 3 flu shots my first three yrs back in SC and had no flu. Thinking back on it though, those 2 yrs in OH were also the years I developed PCP and nearly died in the hospital. Rather than blaming in on the flu shots perhaps for me it was just the whole having AIDS issuse 

I have heard in from friends, family & coworkers so it is definitely not an isolated incident.

Ah! That's the same logic that is going to cause probably 70% of SC to vote for Romney (though they wanted Newt or Santorum); because friends, family & coworkers told each other that Obama is a Marxist, Socialist, Communist, Muslim born in another country intent on destroying America through welfare, food stamps, abortions, birth control and healthcare (oh, and of course according to my Tea Party neighbors, he's a black man so he shouldn't be president anyway)  

I say that to only say that anecdotal evidence really isn't evidence. However according to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System http://vaers.hhs.gov/index) there were only 6971 reported problems after the flu shot in 2011. With millions of flu shots administered, the real side effect percentage is actually incredibly low - despite what all our friends, family & coworkers say.

[Jeff G]

I am a firm believer in the flu shot and I grin and bear it when people like my mom who desperately need the flu shot refuse it , insisting it makes them sick .

People get over debilitating illnesses after taking a placebo sometime , its not surprising people also get sick from a flu shot if that's what they think is going to happen .

If there is a flu shot conspiracy , I think its that getting a flu shot can lead to the firm belief in conspiracy's .   

[tednlou2]

I have never gotten "sick" from the shot.  I have gotten that feeling of malaise for about a week, especially after the H1N1.  Also had ringing in the ears the first day or two.  But, a small fever would be expected when something enters your body.  No laughs.  And, could just be in our heads, too. 

My brother refuses the shot and gets sick a few times a year.  He thinks the body needs to get sick to make it stronger.  The chiropractor in him.  But, I always tell him it obviously isn't making him stronger, because he's sick all the time.  If we went on stereotypes, people would think he's the one with HIV.

[Mrmojorisin]

 I haven't had a flu shot in 20 years.... I also rarely have been sick. I have had the flu 3 maybe R times. There is no conspiracy for the flu shot. And it is false that the shot makes one sick. It is a personal decision for me not to get the shot. That being said I have my children get one each year.

[james3000]

If you have ever had a nasty strain of Flu you would get the shot !

[bocker3]

I haven't had a flu shot in 20 years.... I also rarely have been sick. I have had the flu 3 maybe R times. There is no conspiracy for the flu shot. And it is false that the shot makes one sick. It is a personal decision for me not to get the shot. That being said I have my children get one each year.

I'm curious about this....  Why is it "OK" for your kids to get the flu shot but not you?  What is the logic behind that?

I find it disheartening that every year I hear the same ol' stuff -- "people get the shot and get sick".  People GET SICK all the time - flu vaccine or not.  People call many things the "flu" that are NOT influenza at all.  If you had the actual flu, you'd remember it.  You are pretty much bedridden for a few days -- unless you end up needing hospitalization or you die from it (thousands do die -- each and every year).

Finally -- getting a flu shot may be a "personal decision" but it has the potential to impact many.  If one has no medical reasons to avoid vaccine (like egg allergies, etc) -- it is the height of selfishness to avoid a flu shot.  Your "decision" puts many others at risk if you come down with the flu.

So -- skip the shot if you choose, but please don't pass it off as a "personal" thing -- a virus as infectious as influenza is rarely ever "personal".

Mike

[DiabloII]

I recently tested Poz and just started Atripla about two weeks ago.  I was going to ask my doc about taking a flu shot but forgot to.  Has anyone had any issues with   the flu shot and taking their meds, especially Atripla?  I'm a newbie so I confused about everything!  LOL!  Any advise would be appreciated!

[phildinftlaudy]

No problem w/ getting the flu shot if you are on Atripla -
I am on the same med and have gotten flu shots since I have been on it...

However, do not get the nasal spray related to flu prevention - that is a "no-no" for people w/ HIV.

[Miss Philicia]

It's amazing that over the six years I've been on this forum I never tire of hearing the most ridiculous viewpoints by pozzies about getting a simple flu shot.

[leatherman]

It's amazing that over the six years I've been on this forum I never tire of hearing the most ridiculous viewpoints by pozzies about getting a simple flu shot.

you're in luck then. LOL Every year we continue to get more and more new members (which is really quite a sad thing truth be told), all who come to the forums with their own preconceived notions for and against the flu shots. And since this topic is very seasonal, most of them haven't previously searched out any previous discussions and so the same conspiracy notions and anecdotal stories come up every year - and probably will until the site shuts down. 

Those same newbies also join worrying about missing meds by an hour, blips of 25 pts , and wondering what the AMG is. 

[tednlou2]

Those same newbies also join worrying about missing meds by an hour, blips of 25 pts , and wondering what the AMG is. 

Now the AMG is forgivable.  I thought it meant Anal Mangling Gonorrhea until recently.  I thought it was a sub-support group of some sort. 

[Strayboy74]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/flu-shot-issue-may-not-be-canadian-problem-after-all-study/article4530649/

food for thought.

[Mrmojorisin]

I'm curious about this....  Why is it "OK" for your kids to get the flu shot but not you?  What is the logic behind that?

I didn't get the shot for like 15 or 16 years simply because I rarely gotten sick. I have only been sick enough to miss work three times in the last 20 years. Most of the time I did not have insurance, so not only did I not get the shot, I also did not get regular check ups. My kids got the shot because 1. Their doctor suggested it  2. They attended public school, where many parents allow their children to attend even when sick....

I find it disheartening that every year I hear the same ol' stuff -- "people get the shot and get sick".  People GET SICK all the time - flu vaccine or not.  People call many things the "flu" that are NOT influenza at all.  If you had the actual flu, you'd remember it.  You are pretty much bedridden for a few days -- unless you end up needing hospitalization or you die from it (thousands do die -- each and every year).

Based on being bed ridden for a few days, then I have had the flu once. I do not believe the shot makes anyone sick. If I am not wrong, I don't think it is possible to get the flu from the vaccine..

Finally -- getting a flu shot may be a "personal decision" but it has the potential to impact many.  If one has no medical reasons to avoid vaccine (like egg allergies, etc) -- it is the height of selfishness to avoid a flu shot.  Your "decision" puts many others at risk if you come down with the flu.

So -- skip the shot if you choose, but please don't pass it off as a "personal" thing -- a virus as infectious as influenza is rarely ever "personal".

I am considering getting the shot this year...along with the pneumonia vaccine (which I did not know existed until I tested positive). I am seeing my ID doc next week and will discuss it with her further. 

Mike
[/quote]

[tednlou2]

I am such a believer that I was thinking of getting my pneumonia booster a year early.  I am coming up on 4 years since I got vaccinated.  I got it, while sick with pneumonia.  I've wondered what kind a response I had. 

Btw, why aren't there titer labs for flu and pneumonia like there is with the heps?  If you're in a high risk group, it would be nice to know whether you could benefit from an additional jab.

[vertigo]

For what it's worth, my doc said I should get a flu shot, but only one made from dead virus.  Some are produced with live virus, instead.  He said that kind could make me sick.

[Valmont]

It has not arrived in the country....  I have to wait.........

[buginme2]

There was a talk at TED awhile back about HIV and FLU the vaccine strategy.  If anyone is interested in a quick lesson on vaccines it's quite nifty.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nncPtxLCPrE&sns=em

[Miss Philicia]

I HAD MY FLU SHOT ON 2 OCTOBER AT APPROXIMATELY 2:15 PM EST THANK YOU

[Common_ground]

Got my flu shot today!

[britchick]

Hi!

Im having my flu shot at my next check up.

Britchickx

[WillyWump]

I got my Flu shot yesterday at approx 1pm. My cute nurse guy was gone so some old hag gave it to me. Life sux sometimes but we have to keep moving forward.

-W

[skeebo1969]

  I was going to get my flu shot last week but came down with the flu on Monday.  I had to get my 5 year old's shot record changed to Alabama's blue form and this entailed a trip to the county's health department. That was the previous Friday and by Saturday night I was feverish.

 I told my wife this would happen.  I think I have some sort of gift.

[tednlou2]

  I was going to get my flu shot last week but came down with the flu on Monday.  I had to get my 5 year old's shot record changed to Alabama's blue form and this entailed a trip to the county's health department. That was the previous Friday and by Saturday night I was feverish.

 I told my wife this would happen.  I think I have some sort of gift.

Sorry to hear you got the flu.  Hope it wasn't too bad. 

Well, I had planned to just wait until my mid-November appt to get mine.  I had asked earlier in this thread about whether the vaccine loses efficacy as time goes on.  I mentioned how several people I know think it is better to wait until late October or November, saying docs and our good friend google told them the vaccine has lost quite a bit of its power, by the time January and February comes, if you get it too early. 

I wasn't planning my vaccination by that thinking.  Just thought I would have to make a special appointment, if I got it now.  But, I actually think they do walk-ins, without having to make an appt.  And, most pharmacies now give them.  So, I better just go ahead and get it.  Seems silly to wait, when it is available now. 

[Basquo]

Got mine Friday before last. Sometimes I feel a little feverish for a few days, but not this year. I can't complain anyway...it's free and I don't even have to leave the office. The Occupational Health Nurse comes round with his cart, and this time I took the jab while conversing with a physician about his delinquent records.

[GSOgymrat]

At my job you get the flu shot or you can't work. I got the shot Friday.

[jkinatl2]

Got my flu shot today. Doctor said that it won't lose effectiveness over the season, but I figured that even if it does, I waited long enough so it's OK.

I shall likely be dead by morning.

[emeraldize]

I shall likely be dead by morning.

Great sales pitch for the Am I Protected?

[jkinatl2]

Great sales pitch for the Am I Protected?

You have no idea how often I've not written that

[tednlou2]

Lady Gaga's PSA on getting your flu vaccination.  Don't end up like her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3o8eXG3LRA

[bloodtype]

I got my shot a few weeks ago... my first time ever. Like a few posters here, I had been opposed to the idea. This time, my doctor didn't give me much of a choice. What convinced me was that even if you don't get sick, you can transmit the flu without the vaccine. I didn't know this before.

Being newly diagnosed with HIV has me thinking differently about being a disease carrier, I suppose and I'm happy to not be carrying any more contagions than necessary.

[emeraldize]

You have no idea how often I've not written that

Now, I do!!!

[emeraldize]

I got my shot a few weeks ago... my first time ever. Like a few posters here, I had been opposed to the idea. This time, my doctor didn't give me much of a choice. What convinced me was that even if you don't get sick, you can transmit the flu without the vaccine. I didn't know this before.

Being newly diagnosed with HIV has me thinking differently about being a disease carrier, I suppose and I'm happy to not be carrying any more contagions than necessary.

Me, too. By the way, welcome Bloodtype.

[jkinatl2]

Me, too. By the way, welcome Bloodtype.

Yeah, welcome to the forums!

[Mrmojorisin]

Well, I just got mu first flu shot since 1991. Being positive is the only reason I agreed to it. I am now waiting on my pneumonia vaccination, I hadn't even heard of that until my doc mentioned it. Now they are talkinng about a shingle vaccine..anyone else got one?

[0608]

Told my doc I'd take all the shots he recommended last time and to throw in the flu shot, too.  So ended up getting five shots total, one right after the other (flu shot, TB check, Hep A & B vaccine, and pneumonia shot).  None of them hurt, well maybe the TB one for about 1 second.  The most painful part was actually at the cashier, where I had to pony up about $150.   But of course, it was money well, well spent, and I'm glad I'm a part of the Cool Pozzies Clique now.

[Jeff G]

  But of course, it was money well, well spent, and I'm glad I'm a part of the Cool Pozzies Clique now.

Well you finally made it , ya got the Kool Aids  .

[Mrmojorisin]

Got my pneumonia shot as well. The doc says I am too young for the shingles vaccine, besides my CD4 count is too low..

[bloodtype]

thanks for the welcomes.

I got a pneumonia shot as well... my upper arm was very sore for about 3 days so be prepared!

[0608]

So THAT's what it is!  The shots pretty much didn't hurt at all, but my right upper arm's been killing me since last night!  Still, pneumonia's gotta be a lot worse, right? (Though it sucks I won't be able to work out till the arm feels at least somewaht better  )

[Common_ground]

Got my pneumonia shot as well. The doc says I am too young for the shingles vaccine, besides my CD4 count is too low..

My doc said he wanted to see my cd4s a bit higher before giving the pneumonia shot. The flu shot wasnt a problem thou.

[jkinatl2]

So THAT's what it is!  The shots pretty much didn't hurt at all, but my right upper arm's been killing me since last night!  Still, pneumonia's gotta be a lot worse, right? (Though it sucks I won't be able to work out till the arm feels at least somewaht better  )

I have actually found that working out helps make the soreness go away faster.

[0608]

Thanks for the tip!

[wolfter]

Well, I just got mu first flu shot since 1991. Being positive is the only reason I agreed to it. I am now waiting on my pneumonia vaccination, I hadn't even heard of that until my doc mentioned it. Now they are talking about a shingle vaccine..anyone else got one?

According to the CDC, anyone with a weakened immune system should not receive the vaccine.  It is also only recommended for those over 60.

I got my flu shot over a month ago.  Not sure why so many people wait.  The vaccine is produced early in the year based on guesstimates of which strain will hit.  Even if a different strain becomes prevalent, there's not enough time to produce a different vaccine.  I think this is why people are under the delusion that the vaccine caused them to get the flu.  On occasion, they get it wrong and people are not protected against the strain that actually hits.

Modified: 

[jkinatl2]

i have had pneumonia shots every five years since the 90s. Of course that didn't stop PCP when I neglected taking meds for three years, but still.

[noregrets]

Finally got around to getting mine yesterday.

[emeraldize]

Finally got around to getting mine yesterday.

Great!

[Mrmojorisin]

According to the CDC, anyone with a weakened immune system should not receive the vaccine.  It is also only recommended for those over 60.

My doctor said that I was too young and that my CD4s were too low anyway..It was a nurse that mentioned it...

[tash08]

I received my flu shot yesterday, my arm is a little sore. But other than that I have not had a flu since getting my vaccine for the past 7 years. I rather be safe than sorry, it kills me when people claim the flu vaccine made'em sick unless it's the FluMist which contains a live virus. Yes you can still catch a cold lol not the same as the flu. 

[gadawg1979]

Flu shot done, TB test done non-reactive Pnuemonia done and that one made me sore as hell.... I am now good until November when I get labs again.

[tednlou2]

Took my dogs for their Bordetella vaccination.  They got the mist, which I didn't even know existed for dogs.  I wondered how would they suck up the mist?  But, they did, for the most part.  This is the first time they've gotten this vaccination, because we've never boarded them.  Anyway, some of the vaccine sprayed on my face. 

Am I now vaccinated for kennel cough, or should I be worried I may have inhaled a live virus?   

[gadawg1979]

Took my dogs for their Bordetella vaccination.  They got the mist, which I didn't even know existed for dogs.  I wondered how would they suck up the mist?  But, they did, for the most part.  This is the first time they've gotten this vaccination, because we've never boarded them.  Anyway, some of the vaccine sprayed on my face. 

Am I now vaccinated for kennel cough, or should I be worried I may have inhaled a live virus? 

Never thought of it that way....

[kev]

I got my flu shot when I went in to get the results of my labs on Thursday. The nurse was all to eager to poke me! 

[Solo_LTSurvivor]

I got pricked today... flu shot and labs.  Joy.

[Jeff G]

Yet another excellent reason to get a flu shot every year .

 http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/29/does-the-flu-shot-curb-heart-disease/?xid=rss-topstories

[anniebc]

My Doc would haul me out of bed to make sure I had mine every year.

Hugs
Jan

[emeraldize]

Yet another excellent reason to get a flu shot every year .

 http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/29/does-the-flu-shot-curb-heart-disease/?xid=rss-topstories

Thanks for sharing that!

[emeraldize]

My Doc would haul me out of bed to make sure I had mine every year.

Hugs
Jan

That's a lovely twise on bedside manners!

[emeraldize]

Bump. It's that time of year again.

I got mine two weeks ago and this is the gang I think about first when it comes to flu prevention.

[OneTampa]

Got me flu jab 3 weeks ago!   

[tednlou2]

I got the pneumonia 13 vaccine and my doc said I'm suppose to wait 4 weeks to get the flu vaccine.  And, 8 weeks for my 5 year booster of the pneumonia 23.  I had read that issue with the pneumonia 13 and the flu shot was mainly in kids under 5, saying it may cause these usually harmless seizures.  But, the CDC site said it is best to give kids the flu vaccine while you have them there, because the benefits outweigh the risks.  So, from my brief reading, it didn't seem necessary for me to wait, but I may have overlooked something.  That is always a good chance. 

I often wait until the beginning of November anyway, thinking it may last longer into the key flu season.  So, I will get mine at the end of October.

[emeraldize]

Thanks for noting that booster. I think I'm due!!

[Lou-ah-vull]

Good reminder for me.  I normally wait until late October or early November but I am going to Israel for eight days on November 13 and want to get the flu shot a good four weeks before boarding an international flight.

Thanks for the reminder!

Gary

[Lou-ah-vull]

Got the flu shot and the slightly sore left arm this afternoon.

Jerusalem and Israel in 30 days!

Gary

[emeraldize]

Safe travels. So can we call yours the flew shot ?

[WillyWump]

So can we call yours the flew shot ?

 

[tednlou2]

I asked the pharmacist at Walgreens whether they have the new Quadrivalent flu vaccine, which includes 4 strains over the usual three-- 2 A Strains and 2 B Strains.  Normally it is 2 A and 1 B. 

He said they have it, going on to say all nasal mist vaccinations will include it, but there are also the shot variety.  However, he said many insurance companies and Medicare aren't covering it.  He said out-of-pocket it would be $40.  I will have to check on that.  That seems odd, but wouldn't surprise me.  I was reading this new vaccine is mostly targeted to kids and teens, as they usually get that less severe strain more often.  But, they also infect others. 

I am wondering whether it makes sense to get the Quadrivalent, if you can get it.  And, even if I have to pay $40.  It would seem if you can get one that offers more protection, then why not if you're going to get jabbed. 

[Bowie-esq]

Just had my first flu shot. Here in NL it's covered by my basic health insurance as I'm seen as being in "at risk". So here's hoping for a healthy winter!