Flu Shots

[sickchick]

I just got over the flu, it was the worst I have ever had it I felt like I was going to die the first day.

I was thinking next year I need to get a flu shot... any idea if there is anything I need to know about them?

Are they safe fer shure fer shure

thx!

[Jestgar]

I get one every year

[sickchick]

Thank you AND your giant cat

[Phyllis28]

This has been discussed on the board in the past with differing opinions on the saftey of a flu shot. A flu shot is gluten free.

I get one every year. I started doing this after a very nasty bout with the flu about 13 years ago. I have never had any adverse reactions to a flu shot. For me, getting the flu is a much worse than any risk associated with a flu shot.

[sickchick]

I did a search before I posted this, cause I kinda figured it was a common question, and came up with no search results...

lol

this year was bad for me.

Thx Phyllis.

lovelove

[RiceGuy]

The things I've heard about flu shots are quite alarming IMO. It seems at least some apparently have mercury, formaldehyde, aluminum, and goodness knows what else. On top of that, they often don't cover the strains going around at the time, since they have to be prepared in advance. So they basically take a guess as to which strains will be spreading around. They are also produced in chicken eggs, thus are dangerous for anyone with egg allergies.

A quick Google turned up tons of stuff. Here's two:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

[sickchick]

WOW thanks Riceguy

[Ursa Major]

I am linking to another article in response to the wikipedia one, that claims that annually 62,000 people die of the flu. That is a complete lie the CDC is spreading, so people will get the flu shot.

Open Original Shared Link

Here is an excellent article on the pros and cons of flu shots, and why you have pretty much the same chance of dying from the flu as being struck by lightning.

Open Original Shared Link

I would NEVER get a flu shot! I was talking to the nurses and a lab technician at my doctor's office a while ago. Two of the nurses told me (quietly, so the doctors couldn't hear them) that when they got the flu shot the year before, they were the sickest all winter they had ever been, with one cold after another, and feeling 'under the weather' all winter. They'll NEVER get another flu shot (while they'll be administering them to patients, because they don't want to lose their jobs).

The lab technician told much the same story. She told me she advises people to skip the flu shot.

And those are people working for doctors!

I haven't had a bout of the flu in probably 25 years, and neither has anybody else in my family.

[darlindeb25]

I agree with those who say NOOOOO!!! Riceguy is correct in stating the flu shots only protect you from the flu that was, not the flu that may be. There are new flu viruses every year, and the flu shot is made from the flu that went around last year.

I work for an optometrist and he told me to never get a flu shot. At 52, I never have and I normally do not pick up viruses either. Just my opinion!

[home-based-mom]

I almost always get a flu shot and have never had a problem with them. I have also had a pneumonia shot and didn't have a problem with that, either.

[Jestgar]

As you see, there are pros and cons. Weigh your own personal risks and benefits and make the decision for yourself.

[HeartofGlass224]

I have gotten the flu shot for years, and I always end up with the flu a week or two after getting it. Not sure if it's a coincidence or not, or just that my immune system is shut down from Humira....but it sucks!

I won't be getting it again because I found out that I'm allergic to eggs, and that's one question they ask when you get it. Plus I'd rather not have the flu right afterward again!

[Ursa Major]

I have gotten the flu shot for years, and I always end up with the flu a week or two after getting it. Not sure if it's a coincidence or not, or just that my immune system is shut down from Humira....but it sucks!

I won't be getting it again because I found out that I'm allergic to eggs, and that's one question they ask when you get it. Plus I'd rather not have the flu right afterward again!

Looks to me like you got the flu from the shot. You aren't the only one that happens to.

[sickchick]

I noticed in the Wikedpedia article it said people are likely to get 'flu symptoms' as a result.

Interesting.

Thanks everybody. It's just when I was in that feeling like I was going to die made me wonder if it was worth it or not...

Also thanks Ursa for pointing out the number of people who actually DO die... I was wondering about that.

I have no trust in pharmaceutical companies.

that's why I was inquiring, I knew you guys wouldn't let me down.

lovelove

[Jestgar]

OK, climbing up on my high horse here.

Having a mild viral infection is not the flu. If you have the flu, your lungs shut down, you can't breathe, living is questionable. Been there, done that. If you have ever had the true flu, you completely understand what I'm saying.

And yes, you rarely die from the flu, you die from the complicating pneumonia that follows, hence the reason they are linked in the statistics. In the 1918 flu pandemic, the majority of people died from pneumonia: Open Original Shared Link

"In retrospect, even the rapid progressions from uncomplicated influenza infections to fatal pneumonia, a hallmark of the 1918

[Ursa Major]

There are plenty of studies that show that the flu shot will NOT prevent the death of elderly people from the flu. In fact, with or without the flu shot, the same amount of people die from the flu.

On the other hand, it is proven that people who get the flu shot regularly end up with an astronomical risk of getting Alzheimers.

I would rather take my chances of dying from the flu (which neither I nor any of my children, grandchildren or other relatives have had as long as I remember, without getting any flu shots) than getting Alzheimers. The thought of losing my mind in maybe ten years give or take (I am 55) is a lot scarier than the remote chance of dying from the flu.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Ingredient and associated risk list for the Fluzone vaccine:

1. Chick Embryo - this can be problematic for those allergic to eggs or egg products

2. Formaldehyde - (Embalming Fluid) Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Research studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have suggested an association between formaldehyde exposure and cancers of the nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and brain, and possibly leukemia

3. Octoxinol-9 - This is a spermacide (kills sperm) Chills; confusion; dizziness; fever; lightheadedness; muscle aches; sunburn-like skin rash that is followed by peeling of the skin

4. Triton X-100 - Harmful if swallowed. Causes severe eye irritation. May be harmful if inhaled or in contact with skin. Toxicology not fully investigated. The product may contain traces of ethylene oxide or dioxane, which are probable human carcinogens.

5. Gelatin- Made from the boiled bones, skins and tendons of animals.

6. Thimerisol (mercury derivative) - Several cases of acute mercury poisoning from thimerosal-containing products were found in the medical literature with total doses of thimerosal ranging from approximately 3 mg/kg (Your vaccine contains 25 ug per 5mL dose) to several hundred mg/kg These studies reported local necrosis, acute hemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal tubular necrosis, and central nervous system injury including obtundation, coma, and death

7. Sodium Phosphate - Phosphates are slowly and incompletely absorbed when ingested, and seldom result in systemic effects. Such effects, however, have occurred Symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, blood chemistry effects, heart disturbances and central nervous system effects. The toxicity of phosphates is because of their ability to sequester calcium. Irritant due to its acidic nature. May cause inflammation and pain on prolonged contact, especially with moist skin. May sequester calcium and cause calcium phosphate deposits in the kidneys.

8. Sodium Chloride(Salt) - Very large doses can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and prostration. Dehydration and congestion occur in most internal organs. Hypertonic salt solutions can produce violent inflammatory reactions in the gastrointestinal tract. May irritate damaged skin; absorption can occur with effects similar to those via ingestion.

List taken from this site: Open Original Shared Link

Personally, I would rather not have anybody inject me with those toxins! And this list doesn't even include the monosodium glutamate and aluminum many other brands of flu vaccines have in them.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Okay, I'll stop here, even though I could post HUNDREDS more links to studies and articles showing that the flu shot has NOT reduced deaths from the flu at all, and is largely ineffective when it comes to protecting from the flu. On the other hand, I am sure it is quite effective in causing all kinds of autoimmune illnesses by the time the kids who get it now are in their twenties or thirties.

Does anybody ever wonder why younger and younger people get things like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS etc.? I say it is at last partly due to all those vaccinations people have been getting. They destroy their immune system and brain, rather than strengthen them. Childhood vaccinations are bad enough. But now people are urged to get a flu shot for their kids every year, starting at six months! It is sheer lunacy, in my humble opinion.

[Jestgar]

I'm not going to belabor the point. I'm certain sickchick is intelligent enough to do her own research and make her own decisions. If she (or anyone) has specific questions I'd be happy to address them.

[Rachel--24]

I have never in my life had a flu shot (unless I was too young to remember). I also very rarely catch anything.

My immune system apparantly has no problem fighting off the viruses. I have a strong suspiscion that if I were to get a flu shot...all of that would change.

I'm not gonna experiement with it....trust me....there is no way its ever gonna happen.

My Dr.'s have also advised me to NOT get a flu shot....one of them specifically said "Unless you want your problems to get a whole lot worse...do NOT get a flu shot".

Some people may be ok with it....personally, I think it can be a major stress to the immune system.

I say..."No thanks!"

Personally, I would rather not have anybody inject me with those toxins!

Exactly!

[tarnalberry]

definitely something to determine for yourself. far before ever getting a flu shot, I got colds and the flu regularly. I have asthma and and personally prone to any respiratory infection "going feral" in my lungs. (Not saying anyone else with asthma will be this way.) For me, a flu shot gives me better odds to avoid weeks off work (thousands of dollars of lost money), high odds of bronchitis or pneumonia (which means antibiotics, prednisone, months of advair, and antifungals for the yeast infection that follows).

[sickchick]

Well my Dad had asthma, and I am not sure if I have a don't have a touch myself. I never was tested for it.

I never had an 'attack' but I do have a hard time breathing when I exersize. I can't get enough air. I have never been able to jog because of it, I just walk HARD LOL

Thanks Jestgar for braving the popular vote! HAHAHA

I will not be taking a shot or sniffing anything.

I really apprecitate EVERYONE's opinions.... truly!

lovelove

[lovegrov]

I agree with those who say NOOOOO!!! Riceguy is correct in stating the flu shots only protect you from the flu that was, not the flu that may be. There are new flu viruses every year, and the flu shot is made from the flu that went around last year.

I'm not going to get into the whole debate (I DO get the flu shot and haven't had the flu in the 22 years since I started) but this statement is misleading. The flu vaccine is made from what scientists think will be the most dominant strains in any given coming year. They DO base that opinion partly on what has just happened in other parts of the world but they do that because it's proven that in general those strains are the ones headed our way next. The vaccine given in the U.S. most certainly is NOT based on what was in the U.S. last year unless other signs point to a return of that one.

[jayhawkmom]

My children all have asthma, so it's recommended. However, 2 are allergic to eggs... so it's discouraged.

However, 2 years ago our pediatrician was pretty positive that our little guy's "slight" allergy to eggs would not be enough to bypass the flu shot.

He had the shot... and within minute, he was breaking out in hives.... head to toe. He had to be monitored in the office for several HOURS as his respiratory rate began to drop, his breathing was labored, he began to swell.... everywhere.

Needless to say.... my egg allergic children will NOT be getting flu shots.

I won't get into the safe/unsafe debate because I haven't done enough research. However, the two times that I've had the shot... I've had the flu within weeks. (all out flu that caused pnuemonia.....)

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Lovegrov is correct about how the flu shot is formulated.

However, like jayhawkmom, I have had the flu shot twice--and both times, within a very short time, I had the flu--which turned into bronchitis both years, and the second year, the bronchitis turned into pleurisy.

I haven't had the flu shot since--and haven't had either flu or respiratory ailments since, and it's been several years (knock on wood ).

[darlindeb25]

Lovegrov, you said it yourself:

I'm not going to get into the whole debate (I DO get the flu shot and haven't had the flu in the 22 years since I started) but this statement is misleading. The flu vaccine is made from what scientists think will be the most dominant strains in any given coming year. They DO base that opinion partly on what has just happened in other parts of the world but they do that because it's proven that in general those strains are the ones headed our way next. The vaccine given in the U.S. most certainly is NOT based on what was in the U.S. last year unless other signs point to a return of that one..

Which any way you look at it, means they are making the vaccine from the flu virus that was!!! Go back and read my post again, I never said the flu virus was made from viruses from the year before in the United States Please do not put words in my mouth, I said no such thing! I have never had a flu shot, and I do not get the flu either. Your statement says the same thing I said.

http://www.influenza.com/images/timeline.gif

Influenza vaccine protects against three prominent virus strains, which must first be identified before production can begin each year.

Ongoing global surveillance is key to predicting which three strains will circulate each influenza season.

World health officials analyze and identify the dominant circulating strains. The strains are submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recommend which three to include. The FDA distribute seed viruses to manufacturers to begin the production process. Manufacture's scientists predict the circulating strains for the coming season and begin preparing vaccine at risk before final FDA selection.

In other words, it's the luck of the draw each year, they hope they picked the right three.

The flu shot has been proven to be dangerous, that's enough for me. It's true, you must make your own decision, but read all the facts first.

[JennyC]

We do not get flu shots. The first time that my son had the flu shot he was a little over six months old. Exactly 24 hours later he came down with a bad case of hives. I was told by the doctor that this likely happened because flu shots are preserved differently because they do not need to have a long shelf life. Needless to say he never received another. Lately when he gets shots, last time it was the MMR, he gets a splotchy red rash all over his body about 10 minutes later, seemingly a result of vasodilation. I am REALLY beginning to question all the preservatives put in vaccines. I have done previous research on the topic and was assured that thimerosal is no longer used as a preservative, so I started to relax a bit. Now I'm not so sure.

Has anyone been able to get preservative free vaccines for their children?