Debatiing with myself whether to get a flu shot

scorpiobabes TY..you are not alone with fear of needles..I don't mind them..I even watch while they take blood from my arm vein, but then I have great veins so they never miss. I find it interesting that some tehs are so good you can't even feel the needle... Yeah it's because of the shingles I am thinking about the flu shot ..I have no doubt my doc would say get the shot..she says that every year..maybe I will ask..I am seeing her next week.

Before I started having shots for my MS, I was fine with needles. Getting my blood drawn, or giving blood didn't bother me, but after having to get intramuscular shots once a week for my MS medicine (and later a subcu shot 3x a week), I really got turned off from it. I also have great veins, but I've never watched. Good luck with your doctor's visit next week though.

scorpiobabes Oh I am sorry..must be very tiring getting shots once a week. Thanks for the good luck wishes..I think she just wants/needs to see me because she perscribed medication over the phone..I think it's in their rules to have a follow up apt since I have not seen her in awhile...

GardenGerty I hear what you are saying and pneumonia is certainly dangerous, but again the flu shot doesn't cover all flus out there... I am happy you had good experiences with the shot

Hatley I can understand why you received a flu shot. Bronchitis and pneumonia are serious conditions. LOL zapping is a good description ..I can feel nothing, then out of the blue an electric shock..it's maddening...and it's almost as if a reminder.."hey I am still here'.. The nurse practitioner recommended not getting acyclovir saying it wasn't really effective..even though I saw her within 72 hours of the start of the rash.. LOL I do find a certain comfort in posting about this condition..not sure why Did you ever need or get a shingles shot after your bout with shingles??

MandaLee TY that is my inclination too..I think I could put up with having the flu better than these friggin shingles

AidaLily I don't remember having chicken pox but since I have shingles I guess I must have. I refused the shot too..and now regret it...but many are in your position and avoid the shot. I don't know about the mercury angle, but I share your opinion about the flu shot..plus it does not protect from all strains of the flu so I don't think it's of much use.. The flu couldn't possibly suck more than shingles

I agree with what you are doing and it is better to ask the experts anyway! Good luck and hope you don't get the flu!

sylvia13 That's what I prefer doing as welll..and I was doing fine..until the Shingles came I think I will skip the flu shot but I am seeing my Physician next week so I'll see what she says...

sylvia13 Thank you I hope you don't get the flu either I do listen to experts but have found one has to weigh the pros and cons and not take their word for everyting without questioning what they say. The previuos generation treated doctors like gods who could do no wrong..times have changed as we became more educated mainly thorough the internet..

Up to you. I just get mine every year regardless. I have had the flu too many times and sure don't want it again.

celticeagle Sounds like it's exactly the right thing to do for you..since you have had no ill effects..and especially since you have experienced the flu. I think after my shingles experience, if the doc says it will help I will get the shingles vaccine. AND if I ever experience the flu I will probably get the flu shot from then on....

celticeagle It's been 4 weeks now and I am gettng better..though I still have zaps and itching that come and go... I agree the flu would be no fun on top of this but again..that's my dilemma..I could give myself the flu by getting a shot..so do I take my chances...

Given the potential for developing shingles again, it is worth a conversation with your doctor. I don't advocate blanket vaccination for the flu. I recognize that the efficacy rate is not as high as we would like. However, your situation is such that--once you have recovered from the shingles--getting vaccinated is the sensible thing to do. I am a tree-hugging sort who loves natural remedies and believes in the power of food as medicine. However, that does not completely eliminate the need for medicine as medicine. The fact is, vaccines have saved many lives. They have helped to all but eradicate certain diseases. Are they completely without risks? No. However, the risks are generally far less likely and far less serious than what happens if one is not vaccinated against the illness.

wilsongoddard TY.. I share your respect for natural verses chemical prescriptions but agree they certainly have their place. My hubby is really into natural and while that is great, I see a need for doctors opinions too. I think the net has helped and hurt us. I fnd natural remedies on line, but also find conflicting reports on medicine...plus the side effects at times are worse than the original need for the med.

wilsongoddard Thank you..isn't it interesting how divided people are on this issue?? Some say absolutely not ...others say absolutely do it.. I will be seeing my doc this week so I will ask about the shingles shot..but shouldn't I have built up some immunity from this round at least for awhile??? My 'jury' is still out on the flu shot...

andy77e Yes that certainly makes sense and is good advice. I am still inclined to skip the flu shot for now or ever......

JamesKYTan Thank you and I am happy you did not have side effectds from the shot..many people are perfectly ok with it and apparently you are one of them..good!! God Bless you too

natliegleb But I am worried the shot can make me sick..that's what my debate with myself is all about..... I am careful with what I eat and I USED to exercise everyday .....except now it hurts to do the stretching and movements since I have shingles.. oh well this too shall pass...and better sooner than later

ShyBear88 It makes sense to get the shot if you are around kids..I am not..mine are all grown. Kids can bring home all kinds of infections so probably I would be more inclined to get the shot if I had children at home..

ShyBear88 Having children at home would make a huge difference in my deciding about the flu vaccine. I can't imagine having to take care of children now with the shingles..so for the childrens health and my abilitiy to care for them, I would probably get the flu shot too...

My kids around really around other kids nor are they in school so them getting something they would have to come in contact with and adult that has something or is carrying it on them. Even if I didn't have kids and I was around just my nephews I would still get one.

teotimoponcerosacena There was a time I looked at doctors as knowing everything and not questioning them...well no more. I do question and do a little research myself. However, I do also listen to what the doctor says and consider it...

wolfie34 I am asked at the doctor office and I think I received a letter too. Everywhere one goes in stores there are signs saying ----get your flu shot here. I don't like the idea of getting a flu shot anywhere but a clinic or medical facility but maybe that is wrong thinking.... It's typical of men to avoid flu shots I think..certainly my hubby won't get one..