flu vaccinations for us pozzies

[next2u]

do you get the flu shot? im on the fence but have an appointment to get one on Thursday. I also have to get my pneumonia booster next year.

i dont get the flu shot every year but i remember hearing it recommended time and time again for us pozzies. since im now undetectable (gotta love flashing that around) should i still get it? do you still get it?

i get the vaccination irregularly, like once every 3 years or so. i've had the flu twice in the last 10 years (knock on wood, stroke some wood, knock on wood again) but i dunno if ill go through with it this year.

too many conspiracy theories out there. my immune system has worked fine and i dont want to weaken it anymore over the long run. dunno, just fishing for thoughts.

best,
d

[Miss Philicia]

*sigh*

[jkinatl2]

*sigh*

+1

[tednlou2]

I haven't gotten mine yet.  Went to get it, but office had closed early.  I plan to get it this week.  What conspiracy theories are you talking about?  Flu shots are some gov't plan to make us sick or inject us with trackers?...lol.  The only thing I dread about it is that I usually feel rundown for a few days after getting it with ringing in the ears.  This was especially true with the H1N1 vaccine in 2009.  But, it may just be all in my head and it wasn't really that bad. 

My partner just got his last week and got the bowel issues the next day, but could have been a coincidence.  The question I have is whether we should get the more potent vaccine they give to seniors.  I hadn't heard they had a more potent version until this year and seeing it reported on the news.  From what they reported, seniors should get the more potent one because their immune systems don't create a good response often times.  And, that is the case with us often times.  They also reported a study that said the vaccine doesn't really work that well to reduce the chances of seniors getting the flu or dying from it.  So, I wonder what studies have been done on us.  In any event, I would rather take something that gives me some protection rather than none at all.     

[Theyer]

As far as I under stand it now your  V/L is back to undetectable you at last have the chance for the flu shot to have its best result,offering protection from an flu attack which will really attack your system. To me this does not seem the time to stop at all.

Far too many people call a  bad cold  flu,
The flu virus can be a Killer,it is also At least 1to 2  weeks off extremely depleting illness , so why on earth risk it.

mhtv

[aztecan]

I've been undetectable for 10 years. My last CD4 was 1,040 something.

I got my flu shot a month ago.

Never miss them

HUGS,

Mark

Edited because spell check doesn't cure all poor typing skills.

[edfu]

*sigh*

+2

[bocker3]

Why WOULD you want to get a flu shot?  Avoiding it will allow you to catch the flu and spends days or weeks in bed feeling like you got hit by a bus.  Or even better -- you could be one of the thousands of people in the US who die from influenza each and every year.

You know -- contrary to popular belief -- some questions ARE dumb!

Get the damned shot.

M

[buginme2]

1. do you get the flu shot?

2. too many conspiracy theories out there.

3. my immune system has worked fine and i dont want to weaken it anymore over the long run.

1. Yes
2. Yes there are and this is not one of them.
3. I don't get it. How is getting a flu shot weakening your immune system?

[mikeyb39]

yes i got mine about 3 weeks ago...no issues...

[denb45]

+2

+3   get a dam flu shot "D", what's the hell is wrong with you, do I have to come to L.A. and kick your butt  

[GSOgymrat]

Where I work you get a flu shot or you are no longer able to work. Period. You can't even get out of it with a note from an MD unless you have a documented medical condition.

[Lugzsoo]

Yes got mine like 2weeks ago never got one before till now.

[emeraldize]

I get them because of my workplace and used to get them before that when I was in a non-mandatory setting.

Was recently tipped off by someone doing research in flu vaccines this year's flu is predicted to pack quite a punch.

I've been getting them for years. Pre and post-dx.

[Miss Philicia]

I lost over 700 t-cells when I had the misfortune to get swine flu a couple of years ago, when the vaccine had yet to appear on the market. Fortunately I could spare that many of my little worker bees but the rest of you foul pozzies wouldn't be so lucky now would you?

Otherwise I've gotten a flu shot for 18 seasons in a row and haven't gotten the "normal" flu during that period. Nor has that "weakened my immune system over the long run" (whatever the ridiculous fuck that means, nextie)

[skeebo1969]

  Dee,

    I've been positive close to 7 years and have not had a bout with the flu since thanks to my yearly flu shot.

[denb45]

I lost over 700 t-cells when I had the misfortune to get swine flu a couple of years ago, when the vaccine had yet to appear on the market. Fortunately I could spare that many of my little worker bees but the rest of you foul pozzies wouldn't be so lucky now would you?

Otherwise I've gotten a flu shot for 18 seasons in a row and haven't gotten the "normal" flu during that period. Nor has that "weakened my immune system over the long run" (whatever the ridiculous fuck that means, nextie)

Is your Blood type 0+ like mine is? if so, I want a Blood transfusion from you 

[heartforyou]

I never get a flu shot. My doc says it is better to boost my immune system then to get a shot.
I also never got the flu.

xxx

[jkinatl2]

I never get a flu shot. My doc says it is better to boost my immune system then to get a shot.
I also never got the flu.

xxx

That's the absolute first time I have ever heard that statement.  Please show me the science to back this up.

Boosting your immune system is ludicrous. You CANNOT "boost" your immune system to prevent the flu. You CAN take steps (washing/sanitizing hands, telephones, doorknobs et al) to prevent it.

But it's ALWAYS better to be immunized.

[J.R.E.]

I've always received the flu shot. ( some of them with a detectable viral load, back in the early 2000,s) I received this years on October 1st.  Get a flu shot. It does a body good.

Ray

[bocker3]

I never get a flu shot. My doc says it is better to boost my immune system then to get a shot.
I also never got the flu.

xxx

The shot is what will "boost" your immune system -- it will boost it by producing antibodies against the suspected strains of influenza in circulation at that time.

Mike

[heartforyou]

I am the living proof that you don't need a flu vaccine (in my case). As said, never had one since 1995 , never got the flu, although people around me got infected. Vaccination lowers your own immune system and has caused so many deaths as well.
I had no vaccines given since 1992.

Of course I agree  you can be cautious to prevent infection.

I am treated by an hiv doc and an homeopatic medical doctor.
That combo works great for me.
I had antibiotics once since 1995. ( to treat a horse bite)
Never have been really sick ever since.

Immuneboosting surely can be done by homeopathic drugs. That is the whole idea of it.

You are free to choose  your way of treatment. For me this combo has worked the best.
I am in very good shape, drink red wine very regularly, but take care of what I eat and do yoga and trekking a lot. And I started university again this year. It surely only made me stronger.

And ... my two docs are no fools. They each know I am treated both ways and they compliment each other . I only benefit from it.

xx

[buginme2]

Thats facinating. You should study the spanish flu of 1918.  It was the young, healthy, people with strong immune systems who died.  All the yoga and organic vegetables wont help a bit if you ever do contract a highly virulent strain of influenza. 

[MiniPozToyota]

YES get the flu shot, not the mist up the nose though only the shot, my Dr's are all military and pretty well experience when it comes to HIV, and what vac to get and not get. Congrads on UD

[wolfter]

It's a conspiracy by our government officials and the big pharmaceutical companies.  OH Sorry, wrong thread.

I think many of us get annoyed that such topics haven't been put to rest.  But we need to be mindful that we've had a lot longer to ingrain this knowledge.

That said, HIV+ people are ones who should get the flu shot.  Catching the flu will wreck more havoc on your immune system than the shot ever will.  I think I'm especially grateful for getting mine this year.  It seems every other person I come in contact with is sick.  Why people go spread that crap is beyond me too but that's another thread.

Now go get your dang shot!

Wolfie

[olliederp]

My doctor gave me one four days after I was diagnosed and I was just fine. This was in september and as I've ust recently caught the illness I have a high viral load. If I was ok you should be ok is what I'm trying to get at here.

[tednlou2]

My best friend since about 2 years-old lives with us.  He's in a nursing program.  What I find so interesting is that they require him to get Hep A and B, tetanus, etc, etc, but they don't require him to get the flu vaccine.  The flu kills so many each year--more than those others.  So, I don't understand the logic.  I remember during the H1N1 ordeal, New York required medical workers to get it and many of them protested.  I believe I have the state correct. 

He says he is feeling like he is getting sick now.  My partner got his flu shot.  I'm getting mine before the end of the week.  I asked my friend/roommate to get a flu shot.  He said he didn't need it and it would take forever to get into the VA to get one.  He was in the military.  I told him he can get one at most pharmacies for $20.  He said he didn't have the money.  I said I would pay for it.  I have not told him I'm HIV poz.  So, he asks why I'm so concerned about it.  I told him he remembers when I got so sick after a mild flu a few years ago.  He said he would get it.  My partner is a teacher, so he's around all the little germ factories.  And, now our roommate will be around many sick folks.  I prefer to make sure we're as protected as we can be.  I should have already gotten mine.   

[wolfter]

  What I find so interesting is that they require him to get Hep A and B, tetanus, etc, etc, but they don't require him to get the flu vaccine.   

  

When I was in nursing school and every job I had in the nursing field only required the flu shot.  I can't believe how many people in the medical profression believes all misinformation about the dangers of a flu shot.  Hell, they went to school too but must not have been there that day.

Wolfie....who has never had the flu in his life.  (thankfully!)

[Robert]

D

Since I've been positive I've had a bout of flu only once and that was when I gave in to my Dr's demand and took the damn shot.  Same results when I was growing up and my father gave the family flu shots every year.  Inevitably, my mother and I got sick. (My father and 5 brothers never got sick...so 2 out of 8 (25%) got sick.  Not bad.

Whatever the stats and posters might say, though, I can't recommend it.

[jacken]

Got my flu shot two weeks ago. That night I had a low-grade fever. I was worried but the next day I was fine. It could be just the side effect of the shot.

[Growler]

I started getting regular flu shots when I started nursing back in the dark ages. This year I missed my regular shot due to the chaos and a month ago I got the flu for the first time since forever! Fortunately not a bad case, but nether-the-less I'd have preferred a sore arm.


GROWLER

[Grasshopper]

Got my flu shot two weeks ago. That night I had a low-grade fever. I was worried but the next day I was fine. It could be just the side effect of the shot.

That's a (good) sign that you body has recognized the flu shot, and is making antibodies against the flu strains that were included in the vaccine.

[vaguesbleues]

I got my first flu shot EVER at my doctor's appointment yesterday.  I never thought it was important to get the flu vaccine until I tested positive earlier this year.  I made it a point to get it as I want to do the very best I can to prevent getting sick.  While I've always been pretty health conscious (compared to most of my friends), I swear, getting HIV diagnosis only made it that much more important to me!

[Ann]

I've been getting a flu shot every year since I was diagnosed and I got this year's a few weeks ago. Last year, I felt a bit fluey for a day or two, but this year I felt fine.  I asked the nurse if they'd been getting reports of reactions this year and she said not one so far, but last year it was quite common. A mild reaction is nothing to worry about.

[jacken]

That's a (good) sign that you body has recognized the flu shot, and is making antibodies against the flu strains that were included in the vaccine.

Grasshopper, thank you for reassuring. It is good to know. It was my first flu shot in my life but now will make sure that I get it every year now.

[next2u]

yeah, i got mine today. i didnt tell the nurse i wasn't feeling too hot though.

when i showed up they had two vaccines for me. i started gardasil today. guess my gp pushed it through.

best,
d

[ds4146]

I am the living proof that you don't need a flu vaccine (in my case).

Knock on wood, and now that I am putting this into writing the odds are against me, but I have never received a flu shot and have no intentions of getting one this year either.

I work out regularly, don't smoke, love red wine, and don't eat imitation Mexican breakfast foods or chips from a gas station. 

[olliederp]

all of that but you don't wash your hands? 

[aztecan]

Knock on wood, and now that I am putting this into writing the odds are against me, but I have never received a flu shot and have no intentions of getting one this year either.

I work out regularly, don't smoke, love red wine, and don't eat imitation Mexican breakfast foods or chips from a gas station. 

None of which protected you from HIV, nor will it protect you from the influenza.

HUGS,

Mark

[DiggerDive]

If you lived in Austin I'd offer to drive you to one of my flu clinics.  Get it.  It works. 

[jkinatl2]

None of which protected you from HIV, nor will it protect you from the influenza.

HUGS,

Mark

Mark, you are an angel. It is upstanding of you to reply in a way far differently than I would have.  People who take their own health (and those of others) so cavalierly are idiots. Flu is a danger to public health. It's a danger to MY health.

When I get a flu shot, I am thankful for the years it works. But if some idiot skates around town with the flu because he thought he was superman and snags me with a case before my shot, or before it kicks in, he's done me real harm.

Thousands of people, many elderly and with weakened immune systems, DIE of the lfu every year. Many of THOSE thanks to idiots who think they are better than biology, who stumble into a Walgreens while people like myself are waiting to get our meds, handling stuff, sneezing and breathing virus all over us.

All because they are "stronger" than the flu, stronger than me.

Fuckers.

[DiggerDive]

Mark, you are an angel. It is upstanding of you to reply in a way far differently than I would have.  People who take their own health (and those of others) so cavalierly are idiots. Flu is a danger to public health. It's a danger to MY health.

When I get a flu shot, I am thankful for the years it works. But if some idiot skates around town with the flu because he thought he was superman and snags me with a case before my shot, or before it kicks in, he's done me real harm.

Thousands of people, many elderly and with weakened immune systems, DIE of the lfu every year. Many of THOSE thanks to idiots who think they are better than biology, who stumble into a Walgreens while people like myself are waiting to get our meds, handling stuff, sneezing and breathing virus all over us.

All because they are "stronger" than the flu, stronger than me.

Fuckers.

+798 (that's my CD4 count) :-)

[jkinatl2]

+798 (that's my CD4 count) :-)

A high T cell count means nothing when it comes to the flu - or for the chances of you spreading it to others. Others who might not be as fortunate.

Which was my point.

*modified to add:

As someone who at least WAS a manager for the implementation of a flue prevention campaign for a "major metropolitan area" this should be a very evident point.  Everyone has the right to be reckless with their own life. They earn my scorn when they become reckless with others'

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=28650.msg352702#msg352702

[edfu]

What is the difference between those who do not believe in the efficacy of the flu vaccination and those who do not believe in the efficacy of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART)?  

Just asking.  

[Miss Philicia]

What is the difference between those who do not believe in the efficacy of the flu vaccination and those who do not believe in the efficacy of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART)? 

Just asking. 

Thank you -- I'm glad I've not been the only one noticing the similarity in the line of thinking here. Influenza Denialism...

[bocker3]

Thank you -- I'm glad I've not been the only one noticing the similarity in the line of thinking here. Influenza Denialism...

Denial is exactly what a virus needs to continue existing.

So many people equate sheer, dumb luck with efficacy of their views/actions.  Ex.  I don't get a flu shot, workout, eat right and have never gotten the ful -- therefore, my actions have stopped me from getting the flu. 
The reality is more likely that other people who DID get their shots have helped you avoid the flu.

Similar to folks who "only bareback with healthy looking people" and remain negative, think they know how to spot a positive person -- someday their dumb liuck will run out.

Get a shot -- YOU CAN NOT GET THE FLU FROM THE FLU SHOT.

Mike

[Ann]

But if some idiot skates around town with the flu because he thought he was superman and snags me with a case before my shot, or before it kicks in, he's done me real harm.

Many of THOSE thanks to idiots who think they are better than biology, who stumble into a Walgreens while people like myself are waiting to get our meds, handling stuff, sneezing and breathing virus all over us.

Those are the idiots who piss me off royally too. The ones who think it's some kind of weakness to stay home when they're sick. The ones who go to work or out shopping for non-necessities. The idiots who spread their germs. Yeah, and they don't run the risk of getting thrown in jail for doing so, but yet we can be jailed for attempted murder for spitting on someone. What about the idiots who go out spreading a potentially lethal dose of influenza?

grrrrrrrrrrrr

[tednlou2]

Those are the idiots who piss me off royally too. The ones who think it's some kind of weakness to stay home when they're sick. The ones who go to work or out shopping for non-necessities. The idiots who spread their germs. Yeah, and they don't run the risk of getting thrown in jail for doing so, but yet we can be jailed for attempted murder for spitting on someone. What about the idiots who go out spreading a potentially lethal dose of influenza?

grrrrrrrrrrrr

I've been behind 4 people in just the last few weeks pushing their very sick children in the grocery store and Bed Bath and Beyond.  All of these kids were very noticeably ill--sweating, coughing up a lung, and looking awful.  I realize parents (especially single parents) have to run chores and can't always get a babysitter.  But, I would hope they would ask someone first to go to the grocery for them.  When they know their child is sick, stock up.  Or, just plan ahead.  I realize many rely on food assistance and have to go to the store when they can.  But, the three I saw appeared well off to me, loading their groceries into their Mercedes.  And, there is just no excuse for going to Bed, Bath, and Beyond when you're sick.  That spatula can wait.  And, I know it is not good for those kids to be out when it is raining and so sick.   

If we can be jailed even with disclosure, then I want people diagnosed with the flu to have to disclose and forced to stay at home.  I'm joking here, but just a little.  A lot of the flu flourishes in schools.  I think it should be mandatory that students get flu shots every year--just like they are required to get other vaccinations.  Although, some parents are getting around those and we're seeing old diseases popping up.  Our public schools offered free flu shots to all students a few weeks ago.  Only about a quarter got them.  I just can't imagine the others decided to go to their doc for them and pay the office visit fee and fee for the shot.  I have no doubt they just didn't get them.  So, their kids get the flu, they send them on to school, and take them out to stores. 

And, the problem here in the U.S. with being sick is that many lower-paying jobs may give you 3 sick days a year, if that.  So, people feel they have to go to work for the money, but also so they don't get into trouble.  I remember some of the first jobs I got.  They acted like 3 sick days a year was generous.  And, you were very lucky if you got a week vacation after one year on the job.  I remember when I got my first job that came with a full month of combined vacation, sick, and personal days.  I was shocked!       

[GSOgymrat]

If we can be jailed even with disclosure, then I want people diagnosed with the flu to have to disclose and forced to stay at home.

Right before I went on vacation I attended a staff meeting and one of my coworkers was coughing during the meeting and looked ill. After it concluded someone asked if she was okay. She said she had just been to the doctor and diagnosed with strep throat. We were all upset and told her we didn't appreciate her exposing us. She said she felt she had to come because she had been reprimanded for missing meetings. To top it off this woman is a nurse. Of course I was infected and ended up at a "doc in the box" in Los Angeles at the first symptoms. I'm on antibiotics.

[skeebo1969]

We were all upset and told her we didn't appreciate her exposing us. She said she felt she had to come because she had been reprimanded for missing meetings. To top it off this woman is a nurse.

What a f......

She's probably missed those other meetings for reasons not important and now wants to prove a point to all of you by coming in with strep.  She more than likely made sure to cough freely and touch every door knob she could get her clammy little hands on.

I hope you feel better Ford.

[OneTampa]

Nurse: "Hello Sir, may I take your order?"

Me:  "Yes.  One flu shot please."

Nurse:  "Will that be on the left or right?"

Me:  "Right, please. Thank you."

 

[Valmont]

No flu shot for me for now...  But where I live, we don´t have strong winters....

Anyway, we had a measles epidemy few weeks ago, it attacked middle age people (20 - 35 years old) and was quite strong.  In that case, no shot too despites shots were amply offered...

[jkinatl2]

No flu shot for me for now...  But where I live, we don´t have strong winters....

Anyway, we had a measles epidemy few weeks ago, it attacked middle age people (20 - 35 years old) and was quite strong.  In that case, no shot too despites shots were amply offered...

Winters? Winters has Fuck-All to do with the flu. It's not caused by a season. It's caused by a virus.

I just don't get some people. You want to risk your life with measles? Go for it. Darwin and all.

But when you refuse a flu shot, you risk the lives of any vulnerable person you come across when and if you do get sick. And that's a douchebag way of living.

So go ahead, be proud. Go get sick, recover just fine, but kill a couple of grannies and pozzies while you stumble into the drugstore for that medicine.

Don't be a douche. Get the goddamned shot. It's not like its going to hurt you to do it.

Fuck all.

[leatherman]

the flu has no connection to "strong" winters, or even much to winter in general. any place that gets below 86 degrees and/or has greater than 20% humidity can host the spread of the flu. It only seems like winter is an influence because most people are in closer contact with more people during Winter (ie cold times) than when it's warmer and people can be out and about and not in close quarters with so many other people.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/health/research/05flu.html

By varying air temperature and humidity in the guinea pigs’ quarters, they discovered that transmission was excellent at 41 degrees. It declined as the temperature rose until, by 86 degrees, the virus was not transmitted at all.

The virus was transmitted best at a low humidity, 20 percent, and not transmitted at all when the humidity reached 80 percent.
....
Flu viruses spread through the air, unlike cold viruses, Dr. Palese said, which primarily spread by direct contact when people touch surfaces that had been touched by someone with a cold or shake hands with someone who is infected, for example.

Flu viruses are more stable in cold air, and low humidity also helps the virus particles remain in the air. That is because the viruses float in the air in little respiratory droplets, Dr. Palese said. When the air is humid, those droplets pick up water, grow larger and fall to the ground.

[Valmont]

I don´t refuse the shot, my doc doesn´t promote it because of shot effects that are worth here than the disease itself, he says... 

About measles, my doc told me the same and told me to avoid being in crowed place and in contact with people; that the risk of an infection was very low and that the shot effect were strong in regard to the real problem of that disease...

About winters....  Well, I wrongly believed that flu and winter were associated.  Here in Ecuador, nobody never talk about flu...

It is not MY choice not to receive shots, this is not about to be proud, I don´t care about that...  I´m following my doc guideline.  I´m impacted for the nature of your comments, better said its form.  Moreother, I especially called by phone my doc about measles...

For what I´m reading and your comment, I will look for more information very soon, unfortunately, I don´t have a lot of place to look for here and no other medic to ask for...  I aware HIV infected people like us are much more sensible to commun diseases than other, and that effects can be terrific.

[tednlou2]

the flu has no connection to "strong" winters, or even much to winter in general. any place that gets below 86 degrees and/or has greater than 20% humidity can host the spread of the flu. It only seems like winter is an influence because most people are in closer contact with more people during Winter (ie cold times) than when it's warmer and people can be out and about and not in close quarters with so many other people.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/05/health/research/05flu.html

I've always wondered about the flu being so connected to winter.  I mean, we don't see as many cases during the summer, but the flu is still there.  And, contrary to what they say about being closed up with each other in the winter, I don't think it is any more (or much more) than in the summer.  People still work together, go to restaurants, and take public transportation regardless of the season.  Most are couch potatoes these days during every season.  One of the big differences is that children are out of school during the summer and not all together. 

So, what really makes winter so different?  I suppose most of us have runny noses in the winter (especially when coming out of the cold), so that would make the spread easier when folks wipe their noses and then touch things.  Does the cold lower our immunity, because it is stressed by 10 degree temps?  I hadn't heard the specifics on temperature and humidity before.  Is that probably the most likely difference?  Do people in S. Florida or even warmer winter areas experience the same rates of flu than those of us in northern areas?  I know, so many questions.  Just curious.   

[Valmont]

Thank you tednlou2....



This may help us...  

http://www.google.org/flutrends/

Here we can clearly see how cyclic is the infection to people...


From what I've just invested, sure there is Flu during all the year in Europe, but most important infections times and biggest quantity people that got sick are in winter...  Don't know why...

I´m also curious, but worried after reading these comment just above...

[jkinatl2]

I hope Newt or Ann or someone with more patience for idiocy can provide epidemiology 101 and flu vector transmission science.

Me, I'm done with the flu denialists.  Thank you though, for letting me know who I can and cannot advise on these forums regarding a complex pathogen such as HIV - and who does and does not have my (and any other vulnerable population's) best interest at heart.

BTW, unnecessarily stressing your immune system - like, say with the preventable flu - can and does lead to faster HIV progression.

God, Valmont, and to think that we were all ganging up to help you when you were trying to play rugby and convince the other players that you were not a risk - yet you cannot see how refusing a flu shot makes you a risk to US.

Hypocrite much?

[jkinatl2]

Dear idiots:

Here's one clue.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20071019/why-flu-spreads-in-winter

Why Flu Spreads in Winter
Flu Virus Spreads More Easily in Low Temperatures and Low Humidity
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Oct. 19, 2007 -- Winter is prime time for flu because of cold and dry conditions, a new study shows.

Researchers report that the flu virus spreads through the air more easily when the temperature and humidity are low.

They offer these tips to help curb the spread of the flu virus:

Set room air at warm temperatures (above 68 degrees Fahrenheit)
Keep rooms fairly humid (at least 50% humidity)
Anice Lowe, PhD, and colleagues at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine studied the flu virus in guinea pigs.

The scientists tweaked the temperature and humidity in the guinea pigs' cages.

The flu virus spread more easily through the air at 41 degrees Fahrenheit than at 68 degrees or 86 degrees.

In low humidity (relative humidity of 20% to 35%), the flu virus spread more easily through the air than when it was more humid.

The study appears in Public Library of Science Pathogens.

 

Got Your Flu Vaccine?

Getting a yearly flu vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu, according to the CDC.

Flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May.

The best time to get vaccinated against the flu is October or November, but flu vaccinations can still be given in December or later, according to the CDC's web site.

The CDC recommends yearly flu vaccinations for the following groups of people:

Children aged 6 months to 5 years
Pregnant women
People aged 50 and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
People living with persons at high risk for flu complications
People living with or caring for children less than 6 months of age
Health care workers
Scientists remake flu vaccines every year based on the flu strains that they expect to be most prominent in the upcoming flu season. Don't rely on last year's flu vaccine to help you this year.

[jkinatl2]

BTW, the rationalizations about the flu mimic the rationalizations about anal sex or poppers and HIV.

Enjoy both your ignorance and your seeming inability to Google.

Peace out, Y'all.

[tednlou2]

Dear idiots:

Here's one clue.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20071019/why-flu-spreads-in-winter

Why Flu Spreads in Winter
Flu Virus Spreads More Easily in Low Temperatures and Low Humidity
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Oct. 19, 2007 -- Winter is prime time for flu because of cold and dry conditions, a new study shows.

Researchers report that the flu virus spreads through the air more easily when the temperature and humidity are low.

They offer these tips to help curb the spread of the flu virus:

Set room air at warm temperatures (above 68 degrees Fahrenheit)
Keep rooms fairly humid (at least 50% humidity)
Anice Lowe, PhD, and colleagues at New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine studied the flu virus in guinea pigs.

The scientists tweaked the temperature and humidity in the guinea pigs' cages.

The flu virus spread more easily through the air at 41 degrees Fahrenheit than at 68 degrees or 86 degrees.

In low humidity (relative humidity of 20% to 35%), the flu virus spread more easily through the air than when it was more humid.

The study appears in Public Library of Science Pathogens.

 

Got Your Flu Vaccine?

Getting a yearly flu vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu, according to the CDC.

Flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May.

The best time to get vaccinated against the flu is October or November, but flu vaccinations can still be given in December or later, according to the CDC's web site.

The CDC recommends yearly flu vaccinations for the following groups of people:

Children aged 6 months to 5 years
Pregnant women
People aged 50 and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities
People living with persons at high risk for flu complications
People living with or caring for children less than 6 months of age
Health care workers
Scientists remake flu vaccines every year based on the flu strains that they expect to be most prominent in the upcoming flu season. Don't rely on last year's flu vaccine to help you this year.

Who are you calling an idiot?  I am a little confused, because you lead off with that and then talk about why the flu spreads more in winter.  Since I just posted questions about this, it sounded like you were calling me an idiot.  If I'm incorrect, my apologies. 

I'm no flu denialist and have stated so I think twice in this thread.  I was asking questions about the science of why it spreads more in the winter.  Asking questions is how folks learn.  However, I didn't wait for a response and had Googled the exact same info you provided.  And, having worked in news, you learn to ask questions that you may already know the answer to and to get the most accurate info for those who come here and read the forums.   

Anyway, it isn't nice to call folks idiots for trying to learn.  If someone is a denialist, that's another story. 

[Growler]

I don´t refuse the shot, my doc doesn´t promote it because of shot effects that are worth here than the disease itself, he says...  

About measles, my doc told me the same and told me to avoid being in crowed place and in contact with people; that the risk of an infection was very low and that the shot effect were strong in regard to the real problem of that disease...


It is not MY choice not to receive shots, this is not about to be proud, I don´t care about that...  I´m following my doc guideline.

Your "doctor" is a Fuck Wit

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00053391.htm

"Although the risk for measles exposure is currently low in most areas of the United States and the Western Hemisphere, this risk remains high in many other regions and measles continues to be imported into the United States. HIV-infected persons are at increased risk for severe complications if infected with measles (126,127). Among HIV-infected persons who did not have evidence of severe immunosuppression (Table_2), no serious or unusual adverse events have been reported after measles vaccination (123-126). Therefore, MMR vaccination is recommended for all asymptomatic HIV-infected persons who do not have evidence of severe immunosuppression and for whom measles vaccination would otherwise be indicated."

Flu Vaccination
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/hiv_flu.htm

Data demonstrating safety of TIV for HIV-infected persons are limited, but no evidence exists that vaccination has a clinically important impact on HIV infection or immunocompetence. One study demonstrated a transient (i.e., 2–4 week) increase in HIV RNA (ribonucleic acid) levels in one HIV-infected person after influenza virus infection. Studies have demonstrated a transient increase in replication of HIV-1 in the plasma or peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HIV-infected persons after vaccine administration. However, more recent and better-designed studies have not documented a substantial increase in the replication of HIV. CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell counts or progression of HIV disease have not been reduced after influenza vaccination among HIV-infected persons compared with unvaccinated HIV-infected persons. Limited information is available about the effect of antiretroviral therapy on increases in HIV RNA levels after either natural influenza virus infection or influenza vaccination.

Vaccination Of HIV-infected Adults
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/715198


GROWLER (Who should never be mistaken for giving a shit)

[jkinatl2]

I was NOT calling YOU an idiot. I was calling the idiots who brag about not getting the vaccine an idiot. Or idiots, whatever.

And yes, I equate those who deny the existence of a therapeutic drug to minimize the flu (and the transfer thereof) idiots. Because they are.

I don't live on this earth to be nice, except to my best friends. I love on this earth to learn, to teach, to enjoy others, and to be enjoyed. Idiots who refuse to take my health (or their own) into consideration impact that directly.

So I am not nice to them.


*added to add: If,  having worked in news, you held onto information readily available and pretended not to have it, you put yourself in the position to be called an idiot. Because you are pretending to be one in order to gather input.

Also, this is not a news forum. It's an HIV forum. Different rules apply.

[tednlou2]

I was NOT calling YOU an idiot. I was calling the idiots who brag about not getting the vaccine an idiot. Or idiots, whatever.

And yes, I equate those who deny the existence of a therapeutic drug to minimize the flu (and the transfer thereof) idiots. Because they are.

I don't live on this earth to be nice, except to my best friends. I love on this earth to learn, to teach, to enjoy others, and to be enjoyed. Idiots who refuse to take my health (or their own) into consideration impact that directly.

So I am not nice to them.


*added to add: If,  having worked in news, you held onto information readily available and pretended not to have it, you put yourself in the position to be called an idiot. Because you are pretending to be one in order to gather input.

Also, this is not a news forum. It's an HIV forum. Different rules apply.

Thanks for the clarification.  I agree 110% that people who refuse to get a flu vaccination are being dangerously selfish and going way beyond just being ignorant of the facts.  I know several people like this--mostly HIV neg, who believe it only affects them whether they get the vaccine or not.  I'm feeling guilty for having wait until now to get mine.  I go tomorrow.  I did go in early October, but they closed the office early. 

[Valmont]

Please understand that medical quality is not the same in all part of the world, I'm going to go for a shot as soon as possible by my own because I got convinced it is so necessary, thanks to you and despite of your comments about my idiocy ; and I still don't understand about my doc, but please, don't be so offensive, you never know the reality of other people...

Quote to remind I did NOT refuse this shot, I don't deny anything, it has not been offered to me and I understand, thanks to you and this forum that yes, I'm very concerned, I can expose myself and other people to a serious decease... And yes, I remember well, jkinatl2, about your advises for rugby and I thank you once more for that, it has been very helpfull, but been called "idiot" for a lack of knowledge or bad directives I received from my doc really don't help, thinks can be told in another way, I can understand this kind of situation makes you crazy, but please, at least tell things in a proper way, I can understand without being called "idiot"...   

[wolfter]

I think many of us get annoyed that such topics haven't been put to rest.  But we need to be mindful that we've had a lot longer to ingrain this knowledge.

That said, HIV+ people are ones who should get the flu shot.  Catching the flu will wreck more havoc on your immune system than the shot ever will.  I think I'm especially grateful for getting mine this year.  It seems every other person I come in contact with is sick.  Why people go spread that crap is beyond me too but that's another thread.

Now go get your dang shot!

Wolfie

Thought it was appropriate to to make this comment again. 

Wolfie (who rec'd his only timeout for calling someone an idiot.

[David_CA]

All this talk about why it's better to not get a flu shot reminds me of a previous employer.  He smoked (a LOT).  When he'd talk about why he didn't quit, he recount the story about some old aunt, uncle, or other relative that smoked like a train and lived to be 92.  For some reason, he felt like he'd follow in that relative's footsteps instead of the thousandths of others who develop lung or throat cancer or any other nastiness related to smoking.  I guess that made him feel better than admitting he didn't want to quit.  "Tell yourself what you need to hear" was always my response. 

If you don't want to get a flu shot, be an adult about it and admit it.  That crap that people call 'logic' to support their BS arguments about not getting the flu vaccine are just that... BS (and stay away from me when you do get sick).

[Raf]

Just like Valmont's case, here in Venezuela the flu shots are not very famous, in fact, it wasn't until the H1N1 crysis that the government did a vaccination campaign, so I wasn't aware of the shots until I read this.

The other day I was discussing this with my family, and we all agreed to take the shots as soon as we find where in my country we can get them (we have no information at this point).

[Valmont]

I´ve just come back from a "public shot center" where I´ve been after realizing how important these shots were (and thanks to whom opened this thread....).

Well, actually, there is no flu shot in the country and the Health Ministry is waiting for winter season to bring doses, so in the public services there will have no possibility for a flu shot till dicember, they say.

About measles, they only have vive shot and I undestand we should not receive that kind of shot, should we?

So well, this is reality about living in third world countries, where access to information is difficult and health is managed by economical considerations...  Anyway, I am very very lucky because all lab, doc and HAART (when it is available) is paid by the State.

I talked with my doc and he confirmed me he did not recommand me flu shot last meeting in june or july because of shortage and because of the season ; anyway he recommanded me to get  them if I could... He also recommanded me to check VHA and VHB and Neumococco... 

Raf, I believe Venezuela and Ecuador realities are very similar, take care...

[Since2005]

I hate to take a stand against the crowd ( or do I?). Just out of curiosity… wouldn’t  any vulnerable person that are spoken above has also have the option to take the vaccine when it is first available in the market so that she/he doesn’t get sick?

Since ( who believes freedom of choice , freedom of living the way one can or want and at this very moment who has chosen to take his shot this year because it was HIS choice)

[bocker3]

I hate to take a stand against the crowd ( or do I?). Just out of curiosity… wouldn’t  any vulnerable person that are spoken above has also have the option to take the vaccine when it is first available in the market so that she/he doesn’t get sick?

Since ( who believes freedom of choice , freedom of living the way one can or want and at this very moment who has chosen to take his shot this year because it was HIS choice)

Some people can not take the vaccine due to allergies, medical issues, etc.  For them, people who choose to avoid vaccines and/or come out in public while ill are, indeed, dangerous.

Freedom does come with responsibility too!

Mike

[Since2005]

Some people can not take the vaccine due to allergies, medical issues, etc.  For them, people who choose to avoid vaccines and/or come out in public while ill are, indeed, dangerous.

Thanks for pointing this out! I was not thinking about that issue.

- Since ( has joined the crowed.. "take your damn vaccine")

[tednlou2]

Someone told me today that they didn't need this year's flu vaccine, because they googled it and the 2011-2012 vaccine is for the exact same strains as the 2010-2011 season.  This person said the vaccine should give you protection for those strains for life--just like for other illnesses.  He said he would have gotten one, if the vaccination was for other strains.   

When I googled it, I found many saying they could provide years of protection for those strains, but also said the vaccine begins to lose it efficacy after about 6 months.  What's the truth about what this person said?  For me, I would still want the booster, even if this year's was the same as last year's.  It's safe and can only help.     

[bocker3]

Someone told me today that they didn't need this year's flu vaccine, because they googled it and the 2011-2012 vaccine is for the exact same strains as the 2010-2011 season.  This person said the vaccine should give you protection for those strains for life--just like for other illnesses.  He said he would have gotten one, if the vaccination was for other strains.   

When I googled it, I found many saying they could provide years of protection for those strains, but also said the vaccine begins to lose it efficacy after about 6 months.  What's the truth about what this person said?  For me, I would still want the booster, even if this year's was the same as last year's.  It's safe and can only help.     

Ted,
What do you think the truth is?  If doctors are telling people to get it, you are finding info on the web (not always the "authoritative" source, of course) that backs up that stance, vs. "someone" saying it isn't needed -- why on earth would you even have need to ask this?  I will always take the advice of the majority of the medical community over some "Joe" on the street.

There are a number of vaccines that require periodic "boosters" -- take pneumovax, for example.

Mike

[Valmont]

Done my Flu shot and also Pneumonia (Neumococco) today...

Next week I´ll do some more...

This forum is really useful !!!

[Assurbanipal]

Someone told me today that they didn't need this year's flu vaccine, because they googled it and the 2011-2012 vaccine is for the exact same strains as the 2010-2011 season.  This person said the vaccine should give you protection for those strains for life--just like for other illnesses.  He said he would have gotten one, if the vaccination was for other strains.   

When I googled it, I found many saying they could provide years of protection for those strains, but also said the vaccine begins to lose it efficacy after about 6 months.  What's the truth about what this person said?  For me, I would still want the booster, even if this year's was the same as last year's.  It's safe and can only help.     

Random google searches may not be of much use because there is so much lousy info out there on the internet -- but it is helpful to see what the CDC has to say


If the influenza vaccine composition is the same for the upcoming season as it was last season, do I need to get vaccinated again?
Yes. People should get vaccinated every year because even if the viruses in the vaccine are the same as the year before, immunity to influenza viruses declines over time and may be too low to provide protection after a year. More information is available about the frequency and timing of flu vaccination.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccine-selection.htm#vaccinatedagain

(Got my shot wednesday this past week)