Do most of you get a flu shot?

[candycane]

I work for a hospital (office area) and we have a mandatory mass flu shot thing coming up. I used to avoid the flu shot because it always made me feel sick (prediagnosis)
My neuro says it's up to the patient whether or not to get it.
My primary highly encourages the flu shot, especially for MS patients.
Do most of you here get the flu shot?
Has it made anyone feel worse, or do you think it's a good thing?

[techie]

Yes

I am not 'most' but I got hit with flu twice in one season when I was 25 and now at 60 the 105 degree temperatures would be much harder on me.
techie

I never got the flu shot pre-diagnosis because I've had two and gotten a little sick both times. I discussed this with my neuro a couple of weeks ago. He strongly recommends it still because getting sick for a couple of days versus getting the real flu and landing in the hospital for a couple weeks is a big difference. I'm still undecided on what to do.

[jayjee]

Got mine. I used to get the flu every year and had two severer relapse after the flu. Since getting the shot, 9 yrs. ago, have been flu free.

[Tomjadg]

Just got mine on Friday.
I have done so every year since I had the flu about 10 years ago.
No adverse effects.

[Keepin_on]

candycane,

I got the flu shot a couple weeks ago....first time in at least a decade. I got the regular old flu shot and didn't have any side effects other than my arm was a little sore.

Make sure you get the "dead virus" flu shot. I think most of them are now-a-days, but double check with the pharm just in case.

Probably a good idea since it seems to be common to have a flare after catching the flu (or being sick)...this will lower your chance of getting the flu

[502E79]

I do CC,

I'm male, 61, and have been getting flu shot, with no consequences, for last handful of years.

Jer

[jessiesmom]

Flu Shot

I was diagnosed with RRMS about 6 years ago and get a flu shot every year. My neurologist, oncologist, and primary care physician all highly encourage it. Those with MS should not get the live vaccine FluMist though. I have never had any side effects from the vaccine beyond a sore arm for a day or two. I think there are far more risks in getting influenza than in getting the vaccine.

[Toomnyhats]

Nope.

Had one years ago (pre-dx) when they first came out but not since. Can't remember the last time I had the flu, but I've probably jinxed myself now!

[cosake]

I have been getting the flu shot for a number of years due to being immuno-suppressed from a blood disorder.

That said, I have continued to get the flu shot after my MS diagnosis. My children and husband will be getting the flu shot as well because my PCP says that the "herd mentality" of everyone in my house being vaccinated will give me even more protection.

It's interesting that the only year I got the flu mist was right before I got my MS diagnosis. Makes me think I had the MS and shouldn't have had the live vaccine because it triggered MS symptoms. But, I had no idea I had MS at the time of getting the mist.

I think the chance of a side effect from the vaccine is much less to worry about than the chance of getting very sick and having an MS flare, or worse.

[hope32]

DH, our toddlers and I all got the flu shot last year and will get it again this year. Now that our boys are 2 I'm torn on whether to have them get the flumist or the shot, since the nurse at the MS center said the flumist could possibly cause problems for me (even if someone else in the family gets it).

[wkikta]

I get the shot every year since getting the Flu would be debilitating for me, even a half degree rise in body temp is very bad.

[jumpinjiminy]

I had planned on getting it this year, but the flu caught me first. It's not been a very good week. I hope the neuro issues that surfaced go away with the flu bug. Things that were clearing up nicely have come back with a vengeance.

[Shashi]

I haven't gotten one in a few years because I never seem to get sick; however, that being said, I've already had a cold and a stomach virus in the last two weeks. So, since we're having a flu shot clinic at the school where I teach and they are paying for it, I figure I'll go ahead and get one this year.

[owlnona]

I get mine every year. Every year it's different strain of flu.
I had mine on Fri. all I felt was a sore arm for a few days.
You do yourself & everone else a favor get your flu shot.
God Bless Nona Judy