OK...is it me

[Highway61]

or is anyone else wondering about the flu shots being offered. For the past couple of years there was a shortage...(the one from England that may have been contaminated two years ago) was one reason, however,now the government says they have more than enough to cover everyone and suggests we all get one. (Since when do they actually care) And why are many of these vaccines made off shore? Get the tin foil hats out, but they got their backs up over Thimerosal in vaccines for children and said that it was "safe". I don't know, I guess it's gotten to the point where ya gotta question everything. Any thoughts?

[TwilightGardener]

1. I eat regular grocery store food, take regular OTC medicines, use

ordinary household products, and I'm still alive, healthy and kicking. Go for it. Chances are slim something bad will happen to you because of the vaccine--much worse to get the flu and suffer possible life-threatening complications (especially if you are in a high-risk group)--speaking as a nurse here.

[Highway61]

4. I'm a nurse as well...

I just question everything anymore...especially with all the recalls lately....I remember back in the late 70's a famous television journalist was admitted to the hospital where I was working because he developed gillian barre after a flu shot. He was there for 6 months plus. He walks with a cane to this day.

[TwilightGardener]

8. Yep--I remember giving flu shots at communtiy health centers and

having to ask over and over, "Have you ever had a reaction to chicken eggs? Have you ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre?" Usually to be met with, "Huh"? Had to take care of at least one patient with GB, it's been a while but I think they get plasmapheresis and immunoglobulins, and it takes an awful long time to recover (may even end up on a vent).

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

2. .

[Vilis Veritas]

3. Stress causes more health problems than medicine...IMHO.

Laugh. Sing. Smile. It will heal more than your soul...

No Fear.

[radfringe]

5. got laid off on Tuesday

my partner was laid off two weeks ago - health insurance gone with the job

can't afford flu shot on the Republic PRAY-GO health plan (Pray you don't have to GO to the doctor)

back to your point - pushing flu shots, they have done this every year

the company I use to work for would send out a memo urging employees to sign up for flu shots, followed by a memo saying there was a flu shot shortage and canceled the in-house flu shot

[Highway61]

7. I'm so sorry

That really sucks you BOTH got laid off. I will send some positive vibes your way...maybe I can help...I will send you a PM

[radfringe]

11. thanks - I pm'd you back

[mondo joe]

6. A non-tin foil response: Unless you are in a high risk group, there is no good medical

reason for a flu shot. Sure you might get the flu - that's life.

The reason there is more production is likely linked to increased demand.

And that demand stems from two sources: people being very namby pamby and thinking they need a flu shot they don't need; and corporate support for getting those shots to prevent production loss due to sick time.

None of this means I think anyone SHOULDN'T get a flu shot if they want one. Live it up - but it's not medically necessary for most.

[TwilightGardener]

9. If there's a particularly virulent/nasty strain of influenza, it's possible that people who aren't

in normally high-risk groups could suffer complications--not to mention the fact that not developing the flu makes you less likely to spread it (public health impact) and then there's the loss-of-productivity aspect (and some people just can't afford to get sick, even a few days is a lot of money). I lean towards recommending the flu shot for most people for these reasons, but there are risks to everything, of course.

[donsu]

10. you can always follow the money - doesn't China make most of our

medicine?