Flu Shot Poll

[Gemini]

I used to be a Registered Nurse and I have only had the flu once- as a child. Due to my jobs, I had built up immunities, so never got sick as an adult (I'm now 50). Several years ago (pre-Celiac diagnosis) I went to work at a Health Department, which required that I get the flu vaccine. I didn't want it, but had no choice. I had always been taught that you could not get sick from a flu vaccine, but I did, and I know many others who have as well. I had a mild case of the flu for several days. The only way I would ever get one again is if my immunity system became compromised. But that's just me. If I were prone to getting the flu I would feel differently!

I think it's a personal decision. If you are prone to these types of illnesses or have a compromised immunity system, I would highly consider getting one. If not, weigh the pros and cons.

I think this is a very wise posting! That's how I feel.....it all depends on your health issues and what you feel comfortable with. I personally do not get one but that's because I have no respiratory issues and have never had the flu or pneumonia. I can understand someone with these problems deciding to get one.

I had to laugh as I got an e-mail from my doctors office to say they are setting up appointments for the flu shot and to be sure I get one. They even offer the preservative free vaccine, which I thought nice. However, they can give my shot to someone who needs it more than I do! I thought it interesting how many have had a negative reaction to it. My mother is the same way and, at 79 years old, refuses any more shots because she gets really sick from them. I suspect she is an undiagnosed Celiac and that may be why.....

[cahill]

I get sick from the flu shot , it is because I react to eggs, so I do not get them

[Michelle1234]

I only get it if I'm going to be around an at risk population. I only get the mercury free version. I had a test done that shows I react to Thermisol (a mercury containing preservative in the normal flu shot). I also react to formaldehyde and aluminum so the shots can be very toxic to me. I haven't been tested for it but I know I react poorly to Neomycin used in neosporin (it always irritates my skin and causes a bad rash) and that can also be in the vaccine. For me a flu shot is a toxic cocktail.

I had the Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing which was ordered by my dentist and that is how I found out about my reactivity.

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For me it was very helpful since I didn't know about the Thermisol and whenever my eye Dr. prescribed eye drops my eye got infected and I had no idea why. After the test I knew why. Same thing with flu shots. They always made me sick and after the test I knew that Thermisol, Aluminum, and Formaldehyde were toxic to me along with a wide variety of other metals (some of which are common alloys in Platinum so I now knew why my engagement ring reacted with my skin). I already knew about the Formaldahyde since I react poorly to new furniture that is out-gassing or new carpet that is out-gassing and as I stated above I had known for a long time that Neosporin gave me a rash. I had no idea it could be in a vaccine.

Here is a link to the toxic ingredients that can be in the flu shot.

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I think I found my Thermisol free version last time either at a holistic Dr. or a travel clinic. You can find them but you have to call around.

Michelle

Edit: Forgot to mention that if you think your getting the flu take some Oscillococcinum. You have to take it right at the beginning when you first start feeling poorly but for me it has been wonderful. I've recommended it to people on cruise boards where we all don't want to get sick right before a big trip and they always track me down on the cruise and tell me that it worked wonderful for them or their family. You have to have it on hand as it has to be taken right away.

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For colds I've had great luck with Cold Calm.

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[Juliebove]

I do not and will not. I had once once as a child and became so ill afterwards I might as well have had the flu. Now that I know that I have an egg allergy, there is no way. Which may well be why I got sick as a child. I didn't learn of the egg allergy until a few years ago. I was constantly sick as a child and young adult and didn't know why. I did even sometimes get sick after eating eggs but it was often a delayed reaction so I didn't make the connection.

[lovegrov]

I do not and will not. I had once once as a child and became so ill afterwards I might as well have had the flu. Now that I know that I have an egg allergy, there is no way. Which may well be why I got sick as a child. I didn't learn of the egg allergy until a few years ago. I was constantly sick as a child and young adult and didn't know why. I did even sometimes get sick after eating eggs but it was often a delayed reaction so I didn't make the connection.

Your reaction was almost certainly to the eggs.

richard

[Bubba's Mom]

I get one every year. I have asthma and if I get a cold or flu it turns into pneumonia on me.

This will be my first flu season gluten-free. So far my seasonal allergies and asthma haven't settled down, although I've heard that can be the case for many Celiacs once DXed and on a sctrict diet.

I'm not taking any chances!

[sariesue]

I probably will because I have pretty bad asthma and once I get sick I end up sick for a very long time and eventually end up with bronchitis or pnemonia, plus my grandfather is currently going through chemo and I don't want to chance getting him sick.

[Marilyn R]

I appreciate this thread because I've been wondering about whether or not to get one. My shot would be free, but like other posters mentioned, I used to get bad colds or bronchitis, even pneumonia every 6-12 months. Once I went gluten-free, that went away. I don't wan't to stimulate my autoimmune system now, since it's just now simmering down. Maybe next year.

[BabsV]

After have a really bad case of the flu almost 20 years ago I always get the flu shot. Always. It makes a difference for me.

I have a history of severe bronchitis and other respiratory issues so once I was diagnosed with Celiac (that was only 2 months ago) the doctor strongly urged me get the pneumonia vaccine. I had it this week and wow was it painful for a couple of days. Here's hoping it works and combined with the gluten-free diet means I don't get nearly so sick this winter as I usually do!