If you saw the Golden Globe Awards a few weeks ago, you know that there was a moment when several syringe-wielding white coated individuals descended upon the attendees and administered flu shots to the unsuspecting crowd. See the clip here.
In my mind, regardless of one's position on vaccines, the choice to take or not take a flu shot belongs to the patient. To be ambushed at an awards show on broadcast television is unconscionable.
There are many things to consider when deciding on whether to get the vaccine.
- The current year's vaccine is developed using the previous year's virus, which means that the vaccine may not be effective against this year's strain and you can still develop the flu
- You could have a severe reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients. One of the questions asked when getting the shot is whether you are allergic to eggs or feathers. Taking the shot with those allergies could result in symptoms like:
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- rapid heartbeat
- rash or hives
- swelling around eyes or mouth
- feeling weak or dizzy
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the peripheral nerves. It can be triggered by the flu shot.
I personally choose not to be vaccinated against the flu but would rather eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, take high quality supplements and manage my stress level. What do you do?
I stopped getting the flu shot decades ago after getting the flu after the shot several times in a row. Interesting that it can lead to Guillain-Barre. I have chronic fatigue syndrome.
ReplyDeleteI think you've made the right choice for you, Jeanine. I believe people who have one autoimmune disorder very likely have others and there may be that connection between Guillain-Barre and CFS. Stay healthy.
DeleteI choose to get the flu shot, in the attempt to ward off completely or diminish the effects of the virus if I do get it. Also, as with other vaccines to help create a herd effect-possibly protecting those who are immune compromised (by not spreading the virus to them).
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your position Bogabean. I've seen too many people who have contracted the virus after receiving the vaccine or had side effects like blurry vision, lasting several weeks. I personally have gotten ill after receiving the shot many years ago before I changed my beliefs.
DeleteI do get flu shots since I am on immunosuppressant medication for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
ReplyDeleteLori, you have to do what feels right to you. I know you can't wrap yourself in bubble wrap to stay healthy and you need to get out into the world. Stay healthy my friend.
ReplyDeleteNothing like inflating the dangers! The odds of getting Guillain-Barre from a flu shot are less than 1 in 1 million. And, since the flu is constantly changing, we start with what was and guestimate what will be. It is NOT last year's flu shot. Oh- and there are needle-less flu shots and nasal versions, to boot.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe I inflated the dangers, I simply stated what some of them could be. People who are immune-compromised at at greater risk of developing other auto-immune disorders. If you reread what I posted, you will see this...The current year's vaccine is developed using the previous year's virus. I did not say it was last year's flu shot. The needles are not the issue so needle-less and nasal flu vaccines are still flu vaccines. Thanks for your input.
DeleteI've gotten the flu shot a few times, most recently a few months ago when the Doctor recommended it since I'm expecting my first baby in April. I can see both sides of the argument and can understand that everyone is different. It is good for those who are around other people who may be immunocompromised to get the flu shot since even if they don't get the flu they could be a carrier of the virus. But I understand if you're allergic to the shot or feel like it makes you sick then it may be best to skip it. While we do our best to guesstimate what the flu strain of the season will be, nothing is completely accurate and there's always a chance of getting the newest unpredicted flu strain even with the flu shot. A lot to think about but at the end of the day it's up to you what you want to do with your body and immune system.
ReplyDeleteWell said Jen. I agree that it is up to the individual to receive the vaccine or not. No one should be compelled to take it. Congratulations on your impending arrival. I hope you both are very happy and healthy.
DeleteI get the flu shot every year. Some people do get the virus if they have been exposed to the flu during it's incubation period when you receive the shot. You cannot get the flu virus from the shot as it is not a live virus. It has served me well working in the healthcare field to protect me and my family from all the bugs out there that I am exposed to on a daily basis. There is also something known as herd immunity and it helps to protect our babies as well when we bring them home from the hospital to protect them from getting sick when we keep ourselves healthy. Of course nothing is full proof especially when vaccine makers have to plan for the year ahead and the virus is constantly mutating.
ReplyDeleteThe spray flu shot is a live virus and very harmful to others in the shedding process. Please if you do get the flu shot, do not get the nasal spray. This years flu shot has a 20% efficacy rate. Is that worth injecting neurotoxins into your body?
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr. S. I don't think it's worth it.
Deletehttps://vaccine.guide/adverse-reactions/infections/increased-risk-of-noninfluenza-respiratory-virus-infection-with-receipt-vaccine/
ReplyDeletehttps://www.naturalhealth365.com/flu-shot-reaction-1997.html
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ReplyDeleteThe links above are some reasons why I choose not to get the flu shot.
DeleteAs an immunocompromised individual with two small children, I get the flu shot. The flu shot saves lives. Your post misrepresents the development process of the vaccine by oversimplifying it, for one thing.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in most cases it is perfectly safe to get the vaccine even with an egg or chicken allergy. I have a chicken allergy. I had to get the vaccine at the clinic instead of the pharmacy across the street for a couple of years. It was no big deal.
What else? Oh, yeah. GBS. You say the vaccine triggers Guillain-Barre. You know what else does? The flu. What else? Infections. A trigger is very different from a cause as far as autoimmune diseases are concerned. My RA was set off by bronchitis, for example. If it hadn't been bronchitis that year, it would have been something else. Using GBS as an excuse to not get vaccinated pretty much amounts to cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Also, people with actual autoimmune diseases (like myself) often rely on herd immunity, as do those (like my daughter) who are too young to be vaccinated. It's interesting that you are concerned enough about autoimmune disorders to fear monger but the concern doesn't go as far as the people who actually... you know... suffer from them.
Ultimately it IS your choice/opinion/life, but it has an impact on others and you have the responsibility for said impact. Maybe remember that for some people (like myself and my daughter) your choice can mean the difference between life and death.