I got the flu about three weeks ago, so I should be good for the rest of the year. My nose started running a bit while I was getting on an airplane on the east coast. By the time we arrived on the west coast 4 1/2 hours later, it was a constant stream that I was frantically trying to dam up with kleenex. The other passengers must have loved me.

I get the flu twice every year.  I never have gotten a flu shot.  I almost always get the flu before the flu shots are even available so I don’t bother to get a flu shot, then I end up with the flu again!  I just had the flu a few weeks ago, but I’m thinking that this year I’m just going to be smart and get my flu shot.

On a side note, did you know that viruses are not alive?  I always thought they were since they multiply, but they aren’t.  I just find that fascinating!

Huh.
I’ve never had a flu jab (as we like to call ‘em) and I’ve never had flu.
*shrugs*

Basically, there is a minute chance that you can contract the flu from the vaccine.  If you do, it’s very likely to be a milder form.

It’s all statistics.  Your chances of contracting the flu and dying from it are greater if you don’t receive a flu shot.  The vaccine greatly lowers your chance on catching the flu, and therefore lowers your chance of dying from it.

I am an ex associate - 25 October 2005 01:46 AM

the flu shot has dead virus.  dead things cannot multiply because you have to be alive to breed.  therefore you did not get the flu from the shot.  could it be a reaction to something else?  you do not need to get the flu shot if you are allergic to eggs

Your immune reaction is still a lot like having the flu, isn’t it?

...You body still identifies the flu virus as something that needs to be taken care of, no matter that it’s not a live virus.

your immune system builds up a immune resonse to the dead virus yes but you do not get influenza.  you would know if you get the flu.  you would be so sick you would not want to move and you need to have the true flu reported to the health dept.  If you are allergic to eggs you will have an allergic reaction to the vaccine since it is incubated in eggs.  sorry if it was not clear.  also a cornea implant will be rejected if you have the shot.

by the way….  the reason you get sick from virus’ or bacteria or fungus is because they live off you.  they are parasites.  they multiply in your body.  then they get transfered to someone else and then live off them.  if the vaccine you get is a dead virus, they cannot miltiply but your body’s immune system is so good it can build antibodies against whatever you are injected with.  check with whoever did all your immunazations and ask what they do?

Smerk - 25 October 2005 02:04 AM

Okay, according to this, ex associate is correct in that you can’t contract the flu from the injection.  Still, it’s not 100% effective as it doesn’t cover all strains of flu, just those that scientists believe are most likely to occur during the season.

I am an ex associate - 25 October 2005 01:46 AM

you do not need to get the flu shot if you are allergic to eggs

This isn’t correct.  If you’re allergic to eggs, you shouldn’t get the flu shot, as the virus vaccine is cultivated in eggs.[/quote

I said you did not need to get the vaccine if you were allergic to eggs didn’t I?  you just elaborted on what i said

I think they only give it to old people in the U.K. i’ve certainly never had a flu-jab, you big bunch of pansies!