It seems everyone around me who has received the flu shot this year has ALREADY gotten sick yet I've never got it and usually only get a light cold once or twice in the season. What gives?????

FF

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quote:

Originally posted by Form&Funktion What gives?????

ur immune system

the flu shot is supposed to prevent you from contracting the influenza virus, which isn't the same thing as catching a cold which can still happen even if you've been vacinated.

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i aint scared of no flu

I am basically against the flu shot... for the very old, or in special cases, the very young, it may not be a bad idea. It is true that you can sometimes boost the immune system's chances of fighting of a virus by introducing small amounts of it, this imprints a genetic "code" into your antibodies that "remember" the virus and how to fight it off quickly. That being said, it is difficult to know WHICH viruses people will come into contact with, so a flu shot would be worthless in that case. Also, a high percentage of people who receive the flu shot, actually catch the flu from it! I think that if you are a healthy person, the flu shot is unnecessary. Sooner or later everyone gets the flu. That's just the way it is.

Another huge problem is that people have a tendency to overuse the name "flu"... there is NO SUCH THING as a 24-hour flu. If you are sick, ie: throwing up etc... for only 24 hours, you have FOOD POISONING. [Or you are hungover] It's a lot more common than people think.

I am interested to hear what other people think of this. Good topic!

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I am thinking about getting it. The things holding me back:
- I rarely get the flu. Maybe at most once a year.
- I heard there is a possibility of some nasty side effects in some people.

Overall, I think it's worth it... but I'm too lazy to find/go to a place to do it..lol

Basically, the influenza virus mutates so much that the vaccine that is created from the most common or threatening strain of the virus could not be the same virus (or bacterial) infection that you get...hence still getting sick.

quote:

Originally posted by jenna_rae I don't get it. I believe that you body can become immune to such things and you shouldn't be injecting yourself with the virus to defend against it. If I happen to get sick I deal with it then. I think it is all a lot of propaganda that the Government and doctors create. That's just my opinion on it.

it doesn't actually contain the virus in the vaccine.. and don't you watch the Simpson's Jenna ?? they inject it around Christmas time to make us all go into a shoppin frenzy!

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quote:

the flu shot is supposed to prevent you from contracting the influenza virus, which isn't the same thing as catching a cold which can still happen even if you've been vacinated.

Very true Emz..........I just thought it interesting that most people I know who avoid these type of vaccinations seem more resistant to sickness in general than those who feel the need for them.

I wonder how much, psychological factors play? Someone who is confident in their health would be less inclined than say, a hypochondriac to be immunized so these people would....based on their mental attitude....be more positive about health regardless of flu shots.

I also have to wonder just how effective they really are.

FF

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I have never gotten a flu shot in my life for two reasons.... 1) i HATE needles, 2) Californians are inherently Flu resistent (ok i might be a little biased :P). Anyhow, considering the fact that i have never had a flu shot, and that I moved to TO from san jose, california, (change in environment --> new germs, etc.) i probably should have gotten the flu by now. I HAVEN'T... final verdict: the flu shot is a waste of time.

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I've never got it and never will because

- I've only had the flu maybe twice
- I'm scared shitless of needles!!!

no flu shot for me... my doctor is only recommending it for very young children, seniors or ppl with weak immune. so i'm ok not to take it

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