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@virtuous69

Victorious69 Hello group. Not been on Mayo Connect for some time, but I want to start a discussion on this year's flu shot. Not sure which group I should pop into. I know that no one is to give medical advise as to whether or not to get this years flu shot. I never get a flu shot, because I have Fibromyalgia and my body would attempt to attack my body overkill. I'm just asking your personal experience and how you came by your decision OK?
The CDC and the media are making a massive plea to get flu shots while there is still time. Death tolls are rising, and this is a particularly dangerous strain. I research and this is what I know and why I;m asking your experience: My husband and I are flying sometime in February (peak season for the flu) a one hour flight with friends from San Jose to North Los Vegas. . I also know that some componets like mercury may stay in your body and some vaccines do not contain any mercury. The deaths of two healthy victims in California got the flu shot and died anyway. CDC says only vaccine is only 30 percent down to maybe 10 percent effective against the 3 strains H1N1 and others and may help to make the influenza less dangerous. Being on a plane load of people and virus germs that can live forever on the back of the plane seat cushions, leaves me feeling not very brave.
I am 70 years old this month, have Fibromyalgia, CSF( Epstein Barr) among other ailments. I choose not to get the flu shot as I have believed it would cause my overactive immune system to do just that: overreact. My doctor leaves the decision up to me.
Some neighbors and friends did get the flu shot and got very sick anyway. One couple flew by plane to India over Christmas vacation 16+ hours in not the best circulated air on plane.Husband got the flu shot and got very sick anyway going to India. And got it again flying back. The wife did not take the flu shot and did not get the flu from her husband, Normally I would not be concerned: I am prone to bronchitis every other year or so and take an inhaler for ashma during allergy season. Cough continues for 3 months. I only got two bad flus: in my life:, the Spanish Flu,and the swine flu. Thought I would never stop throwing up. CDC now says that breath molecules can travel through the air just by breathing:not even propelled by a cough or sneeze. Ain;t that encouraging. šŸ™
So what has been your expererince so far and how you came by your decision.? I will probably wear a mask on the plane and at the casino where we'll go to have a special dinner .for my birthday. Sorry question is so long..........

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Replies to "Victorious69 Hello group. Not been on Mayo Connect for some time, but I want to start..."

@jeannegordon4 @lynneb2110 and all Connect members - this is just a reminder that we all (including myself) need to follow the Mayo Connect Community Guidelines -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/

It's important that we should always be polite and respectful at all times. This helps make Connect a place where anyone can ask a question without being judged. We all struggle through this life and anytime we can offer others a helping hand or provide information that we have learned through our own personal experience it's a good thing.

Hoping for a pain free day for all.

John

Thank you, John for linking to the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/community-guidelines/.
A reminder to all - Connect is built on trust and respect. Let's keep it that way.

Dear @jeannegordon4
I can see from your other responses that you are a kind and thoughtful person, willing to help and encourage.

Might I suggest that you may have misunderstood her query as ā€œflippant?ā€ Please forgive me (mods also) if Iā€™m adding fuel to the fire here. The question itself indicates that it is a serious query.

You have now compounded the original issue when you use more language like ā€œflippant,ā€ ā€œnot taking this forum seriously,ā€ ā€œfrivolous,ā€ ā€œsilliness,ā€ and that her post was ā€œinsulting.ā€

These are harsh words, and unwarranted. I remonstrate with as much gentleness as I can muster. I think you are simply mistaken about the nature of her inquiry. Vaccines are a huge mystery to a lot of the non-medical population. While many misperceptions about vaccines exist, thank goodness for pockets of safe discussion where these questions can be asked. All I suggest is that we try to understand where they may be coming from, and failing that, treat one another with respect and kindness, as we would wish to be treated.

In closing, please accept my own sincere apologies for riling you in my attempt to advocate for another.

Kindest regards,
Lynne

thank you lynneb2110 it is much appreciated. i am on my way now for the shot. some times at age 80 i do fumble. with love peach

Excellent news!
Xxoo
Lynne

@peach414144 I concur with Lynne about pneumonia vaccines 2 types. Those are the only vaccines I am not hesitant to get (is it every 5 years or 10 years ..I forgot). For me , believe pneumonia is far too frequent and deadly than surviving each year's flu strain.
Have not had chance to read all the posts re vaccines but moderator John? Has sent me a link which I will go to now. May the Lord protect us all from these winter menaces. Virtuous69

Great ,it's Good they have this for us oldies

went to Walgreens for pneumonia shot. they said i had to get an ok from the doctor first. i will try Walmart tomorrow. am waiting for my doctors appointment on the first. the doctor says to wait for the appointment. they are very slow here in Ocala. i do not go to movies or where there are a lot pf people with my autoimmune problems. i thank all of you for your concern for me and for others. i am known as a forgiving person and yes i do forgive. thank you.

@peach414144 Hi, Peach. Sure is interesting what is required in different states. I get a Pneumonia shot whenever it is time. I just walk into Walmart or Walgreen's and get it and usually a flu shot. I have a lot of primary systemic hereditary autoimmune stuff.

i am so sorry about all the misunderstanding i may have created. please excuse my post. i do want you to know that twice i have had very bad results from the flu shot. yet i still go every year. i did not mean to be uncaring or flippent in any way when i mentioned the pneumonia shot. i have had pneumonia three times and it is no joke. so with a smile, remember: to forgive is divine.