The Crud

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by phisherman

Flu shots are a money grab. I'm not going to go all anti-vax wingnut here, but honestly, flu shots protect you from very few of the various flu strains and their protection against those is moderate at best.

Exercise, wash your hands regularly, and eat right and your chances of avoiding the flu are pretty comparable.

Many people don't have to pay for the flu shot. I got mine for free at work.

For those who do, you are talking about a few measley little bucks. The flu is such a terrible inconvenience, its worth it.

[ChiTown]

Originally Posted by alnorth

Many people don't have to pay for the flu shot. I got mine for free at work.

For those who do, you are talking about a few measley little bucks. The flu is such a terrible inconvenience, its worth it.

I've never had a flu shot. I'm not sure why I haven't taken the time to do it, other than I generally don't get sick.

[alnorth]

Originally Posted by ChiTown

I've never had a flu shot. I'm not sure why I haven't taken the time to do it, other than I generally don't get sick.

Generally, if you don't get a flu shot, you can expect to get the flu maybe once every 5 or 6 years. Maybe as seldom as 8. So, 4 or 5 times out of 6 years, its a complete waste. (Then of course, for those years when you may be exposed to the flu and it could help, sometimes they guess wrong on which flu to immunize against that year)

So really, getting flu shots may only prevent the flu once a decade or so. Since the flu shot is so cheap, and the flu is so awful (the real flu, not a cold, a lot of people get a cold and think "the flu isn't so bad"), its still worth it.

Just because you don't get sick often doesn't mean you have some magical super-protection against the flu, unless your immune system is shot, you aren't supposed to get sick very often.

[luv]

Originally Posted by alnorth

Generally, if you don't get a flu shot, you can expect to get the flu maybe once every 5 or 6 years. Maybe as seldom as 8. So, 4 or 5 times out of 6 years, its a complete waste. (Then of course, for those years when you may be exposed to the flu and it could help, sometimes they guess wrong on which flu to immunize against that year)

So really, getting flu shots may only prevent the flu once a decade or so. Since the flu shot is so cheap, and the flu is so awful (the real flu, not a cold, a lot of people get a cold and think "the flu isn't so bad"), its still worth it.

Just because you don't get sick often doesn't mean you have some magical super-protection against the flu, unless your immune system is shot, you aren't supposed to get sick very often.

I don't think I have the flu. I'm not chilling and don't really have any aches. This time, it's a deep, croupy cough. Started having a slightly runny nose this morning. And just a slight headache. I was running a slight ever when I woke up, but I think that has subsided. I'm making sure to get in to see the doctor this time. I had this late November/early December, only my throat didn't get this sore, and it was more in my head. This time, I can feel the heaviness in the top of my chest, and coughing hurts.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by luv

I don't think I have the flu. I'm not chilling and don't really have any aches. This time, it's a deep, croupy cough. Started having a slightly runny nose this morning. And just a slight headache. I was running a slight ever when I woke up, but I think that has subsided. I'm making sure to get in to see the doctor this time. I had this late November/early December, only my throat didn't get this sore, and it was more in my head. This time, I can feel the heaviness in the top of my chest, and coughing hurts.

Sounds like bronchitis. Antibiotics will clear you right up.