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Do You Get a Flu Shot?
With all the ebola hysteria, it’s a good time to remember the virus we’re infinitely more likely to get, especially because there’s something we can do about it. A few years ago, I was finally persuaded to get my first flu shot by a doctor friend who works in a free clinic. He explained that the shot may not be so important for me, given that I’m healthy and would likely survive the flu. But I could transmit it to someone who is more vulnerable.
Sculpture by Ivan Navarro
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16 comments for “Do You Get a Flu Shot?”
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I work at UCLA medical center and starting last year everyone with patient contact was required to get a flu shot or wear a mask for your entire shift. I resisted the forced compliance fearful that I’d have an adverse reaction and resentful that I really didn’t have a choice. Psychotherapist with a mask doesn’t instill therapeutic connection. I’ve gotten the shot twice with little reaction and a deeper understanding of the communal necessity.
Once my friend explained the communal reasons, I was happy to get it.
This is an important reminder. Thank you for the healthy shout out. As a nurse I know how important it is to stay healthy and take all the necessary precautions. Remember to WASH YOUR HANDS!
Cheers!
My brother is a pediatrician and I’m amazed at how rarely he gets sick. “Wash hands” is his mantra too.
I wash and wash and wash my hands. Then when I get home I moisturize heavily. I think it helps. The nurse who gave me my shot said she thought hand washing and not coming to work sick helped almost as much as the shot.
Also important is maintaining a healthy immune system, by eating well, exercising and getting enough rest. And getting a flu shot.
Thanks for the reminder, Wendy. I went to the Employee Clinic at my university this morning and got my flu shot.
Good work!
I got the flu New Years Eve this year and was as sick as a dog for a week, was out of work 4 days. My excuse for not getting the shot last year was I was just too busy. You can bet I made the time this year. I never want to be sick like that again.
Having the flu on New Year’s Eve sounds especially depressing. I’m getting my shot this week.
My excuse was always that I didn’t want to wait, I was scared of needles, and I was afraid I was going to get a sick. A good friend gently chided me this year though and reminded me that there are a lot of people that cannot get the shot b/c of underlying medical reasons (including his sister that has MS), and I would be putting them at risk along with myself. So I’ve decided to suck it up and get the shot this year.
I can’t remember ever getting the flu which is why I was so lazy about the shot. That it, until the free-clinic doctor set me straight.
Got mine yesterday at work. In my lifetime I have had the flu twice. Sucked both times. I work in a high stress environment where people will come in sick out of fear of something not getting done (the thing getting done is making others sick!) so I like to protect myself. I’m a hand washing fanatic too and always have moisturizers around. I am also a stickler about rest and try to exercise regularly.
Second mention of moisturizers. Is that part of the regimen?
I’ve been taking care of my elderly mother for eleven years, and she has emphysema. If she gets the flu, at best, she ends up in the hospital, and at worst, well, we don’t think about that. So I get the flu shot every single year.
I like this video on “herd immunity,” which explains the reason we all should be getting flu shot. http://goo.gl/HS2xDd