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Let me take a minute to remind everyone to get those flu shots. I work in healthcare, so I tend to be around that sort of stuff, and generally have a good tolerance (or more correctly, I have hand-washing/sanitizer habits). That said, this year Flu has struck our home, all three children having symptoms, then myself... wife is likely to be next.

There are generally free shots available around, and that $25 walgreens shot seems like a damn good deal compared to the effects when one has the actual flu, not to mention one of the more heinous strains. H1N1 protection is in this year's shot, so one does not need to get multiple types of shots this year.

I will have to take tomorrow off (likely, but waiting to decide if symptoms subside a bit)... but more importantly I feel awful and I am exhausted from having to take care of my younglings who are all sick while I am suffering.

Just a warning, because it seems flu incidents are being rather widespread (at least in our region)... and it sucks!!

When I was in the National Guard, flu shots were mandatory, every year I got one, every year I was sick for the next 2 or 3 days. Since then I pass on flu shots. Plus it is rare that I get really sick, maybe I'll feel bad for a day or two, but never real sick.

Yes, I am prone to that sickly feeling after the shots as well... however, it does not compare to the real thing. Absolutely awful. I will gladly take a couple of crap days each year to avoid what I am just starting to recover from.

I once read the little paper that came with a flu vaccine, the tiny print was hard to read but I did manage to accomplish the task and upon reading the list of possible side effects I told my Doctor I'd rather take my chances with the flu. He told me he felt the same way and offered this bit of advice: "Wash your hands often and never touch your face, rub your eyes, pick your nose or stick your fingers in your mouth unless you have just thoroughly washed your hands." I've followed this advice for a few years now and I don't get sick. I'm a computer tech at a High School and I end up touching keyboards that have been touched by a lot of students, I wash my hands quite often!

Wow, Therizoth, based on your picture, I'd question your state of health, myself...

(what? that's not you? )

Therizoth wrote:I once read the little paper that came with a flu vaccine, the tiny print was hard to read but I did manage to accomplish the task and upon reading the list of possible side effects I told my Doctor I'd rather take my chances with the flu. He told me he felt the same way and offered this bit of advice: "Wash your hands often and never touch your face, rub your eyes, pick your nose or stick your fingers in your mouth unless you have just thoroughly washed your hands." I've followed this advice for a few years now and I don't get sick. I'm a computer tech at a High School and I end up touching keyboards that have been touched by a lot of students, I wash my hands quite often!

Sounds reasonable in theory... however, as a parent of 3 children (8,6,3) my exposure potential is quite more than other folks have (especially those sans kids)... add that to my potential for exposure due to working in health care, and it makes much more sense to utilize the inoculations. Perhaps if I were in another situation I could get away relying on just good hygienic habits.

Even now, 2 weeks later, I still suffer from some lingering effects (bronchitis dry cough, scratchy voice, and overall icky feelings)... getting full blown flu really sucks... really!

SmootRK wrote: Sounds reasonable in theory... however, as a parent of 3 children (8,6,3) my exposure potential is quite more than other folks have (especially those sans kids)... add that to my potential for exposure due to working in health care, and it makes much more sense to utilize the inoculations. Perhaps if I were in another situation I could get away relying on just good hygienic habits.

Even now, 2 weeks later, I still suffer from some lingering effects (bronchitis dry cough, scratchy voice, and overall icky feelings)... getting full blown flu really sucks... really!

I think it's a matter of personal choice, I just wanted to offer a possible alternative. In your situation I'd probably get the shot (along with the kiddos)

Solomoriah: I always look like that in the morning!

If it were just me, I'd be careful and take my chances. I used to get hit once every 3-4 years with it, and I can put up with being miserable for a few days. It's not the side effects (there are side effects?) - I just really don't like needles.

Nowadays, I get the shot every year. It's not for me. I just don't want to be bringing something nasty to my family.

The hands and face rules are a good idea regardless - you've still got plain old cold bugs and a passel or other random diseases year-round to avoid as well.