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. 🙁
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..........