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