October 12th, 2009 by john 
in Categories: 
It was a dark, gloomy, rain filled day. I was driving at a leisurely pace to my destination. I was in no hurry. In fact, I would be happy if I never arrived. It was my lunch hour. And I wasn’t the least bit happy about how I was spending it. I was on my way to the doctors office to get my flu shot. I don’t know if I have ever mentioned it before, but I hate needles. I mean despise them. Like I would rather tie a rope around my front tooth and jump out of a second story window. No, not really, but close!
It’s Over Before It Started
Shortly after arriving at the doctors office, the nurse called me in for my shot. I explained my fear of needles and she promised to be gentle. With my left hand clenched and my jaw locked, I prepared for the worst. Before I knew what hit me, she was placing a band aid on my arm and told me she was done. Just like that! It was over. I didn’t feel a thing. And I didn’t have to jump out of any windows! Sweet!
It Just Gets Better
As I’m checking out, the nurse informs me that my doctor wants me to come back in a couple of weeks and get the Swine Flu shot. Oh joy, just what I wanted hear. Can’t wait.
The Piggy Flu
So this H1N1, aka Swine Flu, is some scary stuff. I have been debating whether or not to get the additional shot(s). After much reading and research, I have decided to go ahead and get the shot.
According to the CDC:
“The Swine Flu vaccine is made using the same processes and facilities that are used to make the currently licensed seasonal influenza vaccines.”
Being that I am alive and kicking after the regular flu shot, I feel relatively confident that the Swine Flu shot is safe. As soon as it’s ready, I’m *gulp* going to go get the shot. Did I tell you how much I hate needles?
In addition to the flu shots, the Centers For Disease Control states that everyone should take these simple actions to prevent the spread of illness.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
So how about it, are you going to get the Swine Flu shot? Do you believe that it is safe? Is it necessary? Let me know what you think.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I am against all these vaccines, I don’t think its healthy. And its unnatural in my opinion so I won’t get it. I am worried about the H1N1 of course but only for my kids. Its very difficult since I know people who had their life ruined by similar vaccines.
Øyvind´s last blog ..Owl crash
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John reply on October 12th, 2009 7:40 am:
Øyvind, I completely understand your concerns. I know many people are cautious about the vaccine, my wife included. However, I don’t know anyone who has had their lives ruined by the flu vaccine. Unfortunately, I don’t have much of a choice, my doctor is very persistent that I get it.
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Hi John,
My 3 kids and hubby are going to get it. I just don’t want my kids to get sick. The swine flu is scary and I am hopeful the shot is safe. I do not plan on getting it for myself. I am eating healthy and I keep taking my food nutrition supplements. I am at home most of the time and I always wash my hands a lot. I heard the flu season normally runs in December through May. It is sad how many kids died so far from this swine flu already.
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John reply on October 13th, 2009 6:42 am:
Hi Robin. I eat healthy as well, but my doctor is recommending that I get the vaccine. This is the first year I have ever had a flu shot. So far, so good. In the case of the swine flu, the potential for wide spread flu outbreaks is there, it is probably better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our children.
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I still have not decided on this. I would like my kids to get it though as they both have asthma.
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John reply on October 13th, 2009 6:39 am:
Hi Heidi. I agree, you should probably get your kids the vaccine, especially with the asthma factor.
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I would like to get the shot but I am going to make sure my youngest son gets it because he has asthma. We all usually get the flu shot every year.
Rondi´s last blog ..Congrats Midday Escapades!
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John reply on October 13th, 2009 6:36 am:
Rondi, I agree, children are in a higher risk group and the general consensus seems to be to get them the flu shot.
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I am on the fence as well. I probably should get it as I really don’t want the swine flu at all. I did get the flu one year after I got a flu shot so i’m not sure if i trust vaccines.
Soge shirts´s last blog ..High Quality Cheap Tshirts For A Low Quality Economy
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John reply on October 13th, 2009 6:32 am:
Tim, in researching these vaccines, I found that the vaccines given in any particular year are based upon the probability of which flu virus is going to be prevalent. So, if you come across a strand that is not prevalent, you could still come down with the flu.
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I hate shots, but I will get the flu shot, if there is enough to go around. Children should certainly get it. In fact, I want to get the pneumonia vacine. All I have to do is think what it is like to be deathly ill from flu or pneumonia, and the alternative shot doesn’t seem so bad. AND we can help prevent the spread of flu to children. Children are being hard hit by the flu, with a death rate higher than the usual flu among children. It is an easy choice for me when I think what it would be like to loose a child to the flu, or even have one get sick from this preventable disease. I do hate shots, but…
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John reply on October 19th, 2009 10:54 pm:
I had never thought of getting the pneumonia vaccine. I am going to check on that with my doctor Genie. I think people should seriously consider getting their kids the flu vaccine. The death toll is rising…
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Hi John. I am not going to get one as I think it is not necessary for healthy adults. Furthermore I am taking vitamin C (1000mg dose) daily to build my body’s immune system. Whether it is safe or not I am not too sure. I hope it is
You may want to read this article for info on the flu shots http://www.northfortmyersneighbor.com/page/content.detail/id/503934/Avoid-flu-shots.html?nav=5127
Anne´s last blog ..Condo for urgent sale
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John reply on October 19th, 2009 10:57 pm:
Thanks for the link Anne. I have read about this on a few blogs…but…I can’t find any credible health/medical/government sites that make these claims. I don’t know. Keep taking your vitamin C!!!
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It is not available where i live yet but would definitely take it when it is available. drinking orange juice more daily would help fight flu as well
memory´s last blog ..Queen Memory Foam Mattress
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I have never gotten the flu shot, and I don’t plan on getting either the flu shot this year or the H1N1 shot either. Or for my kids. I’m very leery of these shots and don’t really trust them.
Sue´s last blog ..A Thousand Words Thursday – Red Sox Bear
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John reply on October 19th, 2009 10:59 pm:
I had never gotten the flu shot before either Sue. Like I said, my doctor advised me to get it. I’m a little leery too…but better safe, than sorry?
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I have a daughter who is having Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney condition. I must say that VACCINES are not to be taken lightly. As you all know, there is actually NO CURE for COLD/FLU. I take the following precautions:
1. Keep home cook meals.
2. Avoid crowds.
3. Take a lot of water and Vitamin C 1000mg.
4. Keep a clean house and practice good personal hygiene.
5. Create more home activities.
My youngest daughter who is going to Korea may need a shot for the visa. However,I am not worried about her as she knows how to take care of herself.
Be safe,healthy and stay blessed.
Shakira
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John reply on October 19th, 2009 11:02 pm:
Hi Shakira. Sounds like a good list of precautions. I hope your daughter has a safe trip.
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