Hi-I had a flu shot last year for the first time because the hospital where I work required it. I had a very bad reaction--increased stiffness, which caused me to lose two days of work and I had a croupe like cough for two weeks. That was my first and only experience with the flu shot. This year I plan to refuse the shot. Good luck--Lori
HI - I have to play the devil's advocate here. I've been getting the flu shot for 6 years now and they have been the healthiest 6 winters I've had for years. I am 40, was dx'd 2 1/2 years ago, but I've had symptoms for years before that. Since I turned 30, I got the flu every year and it was awful. Now, my kids and I get the flu shot and we sail through. Sorry to be so emphatic about this (I do know that some people have horrible reactions), but it was really life improving for me. Michelle
I'm like Michelle- have gotten the flu shot 5 years in a row- and have been flu free every year. I think reactions to the shot are from the egg derivative/component of the shot, not necessarily from our conditions and/or medication interactions- if that makes sense- lol!
Hang in there and wishing everyone a healthy flu-free winter season this year! Connie
I got the shot last year for the first time. I also got a pneumonia shot at the same time. I had moderate flu-like symptoms for about 48 hours beginning about 6 hours after the shot. I haven't decided for sure about this year but probably will try the flu shot again. Based on symptoms from mild bugs and difficulty breathing, I am fearful that a real case of the flu would result in a hospital stay. But if I get the shot this year I plan to do it at a time I don't have anything important planned for the next couple of days.
