Should I get a flu shot?” Each year, I still have this debate with myself, even though I eventually end up getting one. I’m in one of the groups of people who are supposed get a flu shot: asthmatics (that’s me), seniors, people with chronic illnesses, kids under the age of 5 (but older than 6 months), parents and health care providers. If you’re anyone else, I don’t blame you for trying to avoid the needle.
Despite my history of getting flu shots, I still hesitated when I saw my doc three days ago. Maybe I could buy some time and just see if the shot is worth it … I mean ... if it’s not going to be a bad flu season, maybe I can avoid it, I said to myself.
“We just can’t tell right now how this season is going to be,” Dr. Eng told me. “Compared to last season, I haven’t seen a lot of people come in so far. Usually by this time, people start to come in with flu and colds.
"If you wait until November, you’ll probably be too late, because you’ll have already been exposed. ... If you’re going to get it, get it now.” A few minutes later, I headed down the hall to the nurse with the needle.
If you’re having the “shot or not” discussion in your head, one approach is “better safe than sorry,” no matter who you are. The fact is, every year, up to one-fifth of Americans get the flu, and 200,000 end up in the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last year, 34 children died from flu-related illnesses, despite a “mild” season.
Then there’s the potential for misery. Flu and colds can take you down - like you got run over by a truck - for 7 to 14 days. You could have lingering symptoms or be sick for 3 to 4 weeks if you get complications such as pneumonia. Seriously, who can afford to be out of it for that long? You’ll probably go back to work or school before you’re really well and risk making everyone else miserable.
Speaking of misery, a few hours after I got the shot, I began to feel tired and queasy. The next day I was completely wiped out. I’d never had a flu shot reaction like this before. I called my neighbor, an ER doctor at Mount Sinai Medical Center, and asked her whether this was strange.
“No. There’s probably a strain in the shot this year that is new. You should feel better in a day or so.” She kindly brought me some Vitamin C.
Today, I still don’t feel quite right. But, I trust this will all be worth it in the coming months. My advice? If you go for the shot, do it soon, and do it when you have at least one day to recover.
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