Thursday, March 08, 2018

I Got the Shot. Did the flu get you? #feelingsick #readromance #mystereybook


Every year in the fall, I go to the pharmacy and get a flu shot. I've been doing this for many years and I always get the four-strain variety, hoping I would get the best coverage. I could count on one hand how many times I have had the flu--not even five. But the most significant year was when my entire family had been struck over Christmas. I determined "never again."

I am/was easily susceptible to bronchitis and pneumonia. My first big bout was at age 9 when I'd finished Field Day at school, came home and laid down. My mom woke me and said I had a fever. Then the coughing began. I nearly had double pneumonia, meaning in both lungs. I missed a month of school, got large shots every day at the doctor, and more drugs for at home. I was one sick kid.

Over the years, I'd had walking pneumonia, regular three times after having my second son, and bronchitis. I became close friends with Mucinex and Tesalon pearls. A friend suggested the pneumonia shot. I had it and haven't been sick since.

Then I started the flu shots. Again, magic and no sickness. Until THIS YEAR.

Right before  Christmas, I did not feel well. My eyes burned. I was chilled. Just plain lousy. For two days, I stayed in bed. Then I did better, mostly tired. I believe I had a mild case of the flu.

People began talking about catching something despite having had the flu shot. Turns out, this year's shot missed the mark. Schools closed. Hospitals were overloaded. People wore masks. There were some deaths.

For me--I will still get a shot even though I got the flu. Two days of sickness are a whole lot better than days on end of sickness.


Dear Readers: Did you get the flu shot and the flu?



So what helped me through? Of course, lots of TV and reading!!! Right now, Murder & Mayhem, an e-boxed set, which includes my humorous romantic mystery, Temporarily Employed, is available at a fabulous price. Find the fun at: Amazon

15 comments:

Mary Gillgannon said...

I always get a flu shot because I work with the public and am exposed to everything. But I've still gotten the flu several times despite the shot. But I do think I tend to get less sick and get over it faster. Except for this year. I only had two days when I was really incapacitated, but I have felt good or had any energy for three weeks now. But at least I've avoided the secondary infection: pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus and ear infections, all of which have afflicted some of my friends and really knocked them out of commission for weeks. To everyone out there, take care of yourself!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Mary! I'm glad you survived this year's bout. It was interesting as usually, we don't have the outbreak this badly. I do remember in college we were encourage to be vaccinated for the swine flu, but tons of people got it anyway. Hugs!

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

I learned a long time ago working in the medical field that the flu shot doesn't always prevent the flu...sometimes it even causes it. Therefore I don't take them.

Sorry you caught the bug.
Take care.
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT

Kat said...

Aw, so sorry you got sick! I can't have a flu shot, due to allergies and an over sensitive system. But luckily for me, all the people in my life get shots and that helps to protect me. I'm also extra cognizant about exposure, and I've been very lucky. I got the flu once about twenty years ago and don't wish to ever "go there" again! :)

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi Pam! I believe my run with the flu was mild compared to others because I had the shot. I'm not an expert. But I'll carry on. Hugs!

Hi, Kathryn! I once asked my mom if we had the flu when we were kids and she said no. We had colds, though. I wonder why. Is it because people go out when ill? Because there are more people, therefore more to carry germs?

peggy jaeger said...

SO, I'm a nurse and I feel terrible saying this, but I haven't gotten a flu shot in 5 years. And I haven't gotten the flu once!!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Peggy! That's very interesting. Do you have super antibodies? I know people who get it yearly and never have the shot. Or maybe they say they have the flu when they don't because they feel lousy. Interesting. Hugs for you!

Melissa Keir said...

I haven't gotten a flu shot in a few years. My former employer used to pay for it, so I got it and at that time, I worked daily with kids. Now, I'm more vigilant with germs but I haven't gotten the shot.

Angela Adams said...

I always get a flu shot. So far this flu season, while everyone else was getting the flu, I just got a really bad cold. I don't know whether it was the flu shot -- or luck.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Melissa! There has been talk about requiring all school age children to get the shot after the outbreak this year. What do you think?

Hi, Angela! I'm hoping you didn't get the flu. But maybe the shot just allowed you to get a cold?

Joanne Guidoccio said...

During my teaching years, I caught every bug going around. I got the flu shot once and felt queasy afterwards. Take care of yourself, Vicki :)

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Joanne! I've not been sick from the flu shot--knock on wood. I've actually been healthier since I have had the pneumonia and flu shots. And that's a good thing. Hugs.

cal orey said...

Dog got flu shot, brother did--I did not. I stay clear of humans. --Healing Powers series author

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Cal. I've never given my dogs a flu shot. I'm going to check this out. I had an annual physical during the chaos and the waiting room was busy with patients wearing masks. And some segregated to another room. Thanks for stopping by.

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