March 2013 Moms

Flu Shot :/

I've never gotten the flu shot OR the flu, but my doctor is saying I need to get the flu shot this year. He said he lost a patient and her baby 2 years ago bc she refused to get the flu shot. I am going to do it, bc it will vaccinate and protect Peanut once he/she gets here, but I'm still scared to get it. Anyone else in my boat? Better yet, anyone get it and NOT get sick?
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Been married since 2009.
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Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)



Re: Flu Shot :/

  • I got it and zero issues.  The only irritation it caused was soreness at the site of the vaccination, but that's normal for just any vaccine and went away after a few hours.
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  • I got mine last week and I was just fine, just a little red that's it. I never have gotten it before but I wanted to be safe for jelly bean since I always get sick. 
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  • I'm in your exact situation.  I have never gotten the flu shot.  I refused it when I was pregnant with my DS.  I'm pretty sure they'll want me to get it this time too, and I plan on talking to my doctor about it.  Not sure what I'll do yet.
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  • I get it every year. I got it my last pregnancy and will get it this pregnancy too. It's a big misconception that you "get sick after the flu shot." The only way you get sick is if you have been exposed to the flu/symptoms prior to getting the shot. The shot itself does NOT make you sick. I highly recommend getting it. There are a lot of good articles online that you can read to ease your mind.
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  • I have only gotten it when pg with DD and now.  I didn't get sick either time, but as PP said, you don't get sick from the shot.  It's impossible since it's a dead vaccine.  

    You could have other bugs in your system at the time and since you're fighting the flu those could make themselves known, but you can't get sick from the shot.

    BFP(1) DD1 born 4.17.10 @ 33w5d due to pPROM
    BFP(4) DD2 born 2.14.13 @ 35w5d due to pPROM

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  • imagecovertxxamour:
    I get it every year. I got it my last pregnancy and will get it this pregnancy too. It's a big misconception that you "get sick after the flu shot." The only way you get sick is if you have been exposed to the flu/symptoms prior to getting the shot. The shot itself does NOT make you sick. I highly recommend getting it. There are a lot of good articles online that you can read to ease your mind.

    The shot can make you sick. The misconception is that it makes you sick with the actual flu - which it does not.

     

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  • It's probably the least painful shot I've ever gotten. The vaccination site was tender for a day or two, but only if I bumped in to something. It's a minor moment of "ouch" for the trade off of keeping you and your baby safe. IMHO, it's not something to consider: just get it!
  • imageCloudBee:

    imagecovertxxamour:
    I get it every year. I got it my last pregnancy and will get it this pregnancy too. It's a big misconception that you "get sick after the flu shot." The only way you get sick is if you have been exposed to the flu/symptoms prior to getting the shot. The shot itself does NOT make you sick. I highly recommend getting it. There are a lot of good articles online that you can read to ease your mind.

    The shot can make you sick. The misconception is that it makes you sick with the actual flu - which it does not.

     



    I think you might need to do your research. I'm in the medical field, and have learned much about it. I'm very familiar.
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  • imageCloudBee:

    imagecovertxxamour:
    I get it every year. I got it my last pregnancy and will get it this pregnancy too. It's a big misconception that you "get sick after the flu shot." The only way you get sick is if you have been exposed to the flu/symptoms prior to getting the shot. The shot itself does NOT make you sick. I highly recommend getting it. There are a lot of good articles online that you can read to ease your mind.

    The shot can make you sick. The misconception is that it makes you sick with the actual flu - which it does not.

     

    This. You are much better off to get the flu shot than to be pregnant and get the flu. It can be very serious when you're pregnant. The risk of NOT getting the shot is tremendously larger than getting the shot and something adverse happening because of it.

    mc 5/3/2012, gone, but always in our hearts! <3

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  • imagecovertxxamour:
    I think you might need to do your research. I'm in the medical field, and have learned much about it. I'm very familiar.

    Right, because my hospitalization after a flu shot in high school, medical professional mother, and the hospital itself were all wrong when I reacted so terribly.  Indifferent

    I'm not advising that people don't get it, but yes, people can actually get very ill from vaccines. 

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  • imageCloudBee:

    imagecovertxxamour:
    I think you might need to do your research. I'm in the medical field, and have learned much about it. I'm very familiar.

    Right, because my hospitalization after a flu shot in high school, medical professional mother, and the hospital itself were all wrong when I reacted so terribly. &nbsp;Indifferent

    I'm not advising that people don't get it, but yes, people can actually get very ill from vaccines.&nbsp;



    All I'm asking is that you do your research. I'm done with this conversation. This board drives me insane.
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  • Don't be afraid to get your flu shot.  I'm a teacher, so I get them every year.  Got mine during my week 12 appointment this year, and sending hubby to get his this week.

    Even if you've never had the flu, get the shot.  Viruses hit you way harder when you're pregnant, and you are more likely to have complications from a virus while pregnant.  Plus, you can't take some of the medications that help you feel less crappy while you are pregnant, and who wants that.  Unless you've had an allergic reaction to a previous vaccination, or are allergic to the ingredients, go for the shot.  As to if you can get sick from a flu shot, you CANNOT get the flu from the flu shot.  It contains little pieces of dead virus that make your body react and form antibodies.  Sometimes, people's bodies get a little carried away in reacting, and you might get a low fever or a little achy for a day, but it is nothing like actually getting the flu.  And feeling a little sluggish for a day is WAY better than being sick as a dog for a week or more and running the risk of being hospitalized.  And yes, your arm may be sore for a couple of days where the injection was, but it's still way better than the alternative. 

    Good luck!  Wink

  • imageAnnabelle7:
    I'm in your exact situation.  I have never gotten the flu shot.   I'm pretty sure they'll want me to get it this time too, and I plan on talking to my doctor about it.  Not sure what I'll do yet.

    This is me.  I am generally pretty natural when it comes to the things I put in my body and I am really nervous about vaccinnating myself while pregnant. My main concern is the negative effects it could have on my baby.   I've done a bunch of research on the flu shot and I can't seem to find an unbiased article that presents both sides.  Things seem to be skewed one way or the other.  I am just worried that there will be research that comes out in a few years saying it isn't as safe as they thought for pg women and their babies.

    I am leaning toward getting one since most of my friends have gotten them while pg and no one (or their babies) had any adverse side effects.  I am definitely going to voice my concerns at my appt next week.


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    TTC #2: 5/2014
    BFP #2: 7/8/2014 .... MC at 4w4d
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    Little Sister is on the way!
  • I get one every year. My employer requires it. I've never gotten sick or had an allergic reaction. Once I had one done by a pharmacist, which I wouldn't recommend because she put it in the joint capsule of my shoulder (way too high) and gave me rotator cuff tendinitis for 6 weeks. But that was user error and not the fault of the shot, really. 
    My little boy: 3/8/13
    Baby #2 due 8/17/17 
  • I'm leaning towards not getting one.  You can never be sure what exactly is in it and the effects it will have on your baby in the long term.  Several of my friends denied it when they were pregnant.
  • I don't like getting the flu shot either , but because of my OB's strong recommendation, I went ahead and got one last week at my appointment. I got the one that is preservative free. I finally decided for me the benefits of the flu shot outweigh the risks and the thought of getting the flu and  my baby being at risk terrifies me. I know that getting  a flu  shot doesn't guarantee I won't get it, but I decided it betters my odds. Good luck with your decision!
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  • I get the flu shot every year, and I've had it during all of my pregnancies. The one they give pregnant women is inactivated-- so it will not give you the flu. However, any vaccination will weaken your immune system for a short time after, so you need to practice good hand washing and try to avoid sick people for a little bit. I have never had a reaction to it at all, nor have my children.
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  • It's no big deal. I got mine Friday. Other than some soreness for a day or so, nothing has happened. When all the people are coming into the peds clinic with flu like symptoms, I will be very glad that I have a little protection. FWIW, the flu shot take 2 weeks to be effective. Since the flu season usually starts mid October, I would get it soon.
  • I have never had the flu ever (thank my lucky stars), and don't get flu shots. That stated, pregnancy does suppress your immune system somewhat so I don't want to take any chances. I agree with PP that the risks of getting the flu while pregnant far outweigh the risks of getting vaccinated. Additionally, my doctor says DH needs to get a flu shot too. So we both are going to suck it up and do it.
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  • Illness getting mine soon. Got it last time, especially since that was during the swine flu craziness, and my son is perfectly fine. A little bit of allergies and a few ear infections, but otherwise healthy, and on par, if not advanced, developmentally.
  • imageCloudBee:

    imagecovertxxamour:
    I think you might need to do your research. I'm in the medical field, and have learned much about it. I'm very familiar.

    Right, because my hospitalization after a flu shot in high school, medical professional mother, and the hospital itself were all wrong when I reacted so terribly. &nbsp;Indifferent

    I'm not advising that people don't get it, but yes, people can actually get very ill from vaccines.&nbsp;



    I'll bite. What illness did you get from the shot? Or are you just allergic?
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  • imageLicia&Wayne:
    imageCloudBee:

    imagecovertxxamour:
    I think you might need to do your research. I'm in the medical field, and have learned much about it. I'm very familiar.

    Right, because my hospitalization after a flu shot in high school, medical professional mother, and the hospital itself were all wrong when I reacted so terribly.  Indifferent

    I'm not advising that people don't get it, but yes, people can actually get very ill from vaccines. 

    I'll bite. What illness did you get from the shot? Or are you just allergic?

    Guillain-Barre Syndrome - on oxygen and breathing treatments for weeks after

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  • There's a reason almost every OB strongly recommends the flu shot.

    Get it, or don't. We've debated this a hundred times now. 

  • I get the flu shot each year and will get it again this year.  DDs have already gotten their flu shots and I plan to get mine next week.  I feel they are extremely safe (of course, there are a very few who do have reactions) and the benefits far outweigh the potential risks.  Not to mention I live with two preschoolers and a DH that works in an ED and is likely exposed to a lot of stuff (he's already gotten his shot too). 
    2004-Started TTC; Nov 2007-Lap with endo removed; Jan 2008-Ectopic (mtx); April 2008-IVF #1 (bfp, twin girls); March 2011-FET (cp); June 2012-IVF #2 (bfp, singleton, EDD 3-19-12)

    ***Twin fraternal girls born at 35w6d in 12/2008***

  • imageCloudBee:
    imageLicia&Wayne:
    imageCloudBee:

    imagecovertxxamour:
    I think you might need to do your research. I'm in the medical field, and have learned much about it. I'm very familiar.

    Right, because my hospitalization after a flu shot in high school, medical professional mother, and the hospital itself were all wrong when I reacted so terribly.  Indifferent

    I'm not advising that people don't get it, but yes, people can actually get very ill from vaccines. 

    I'll bite. What illness did you get from the shot? Or are you just allergic?

    Guillain-Barre Syndrome - on oxygen and breathing treatments for weeks after

    I understand why you're not getting the shot. I just wanted it to be clear for others, though, that this is an extremely rare condition that can occur with or without any vaccinations. 

  • Just reread this and thought I should clarify.

    Illness = I'll be stupid auto correct

    And when I say he has allergies, Iean a little runny nose in the spring and fall. No scary food allergies or anything serious like that.
  • I got the swine flu the year of all the hoopla about that and it was awful.  I had never gotten a flu shot before that and realize now I was being stupid.  I now get one every year, pregnant or not.

    The chances of anything more than a mild reaction to the vaccine (e.g a severe allergic reaction or GBS) are extremely small.  They are real risks, but there are real risks involved with every kind of medication, vaccine, and even with food.  (A very small amount of people have life-threatening peanut allergies--that doesn't mean the general population should be scared of peanuts.) 

    On the other hand, 5-20% of the population gets the flu every year.  Even if that population is disproportionately young children and older people there is still clearly a substantial risk for a healthy pregnant woman.  (The year I got the swine flu my wife got it as well.  We were both absolutely healthy.  No one else whom we had close contact with at school/work or amongst our friends got the flu.  I have no idea where we got it--must have been at the grocery store, a restaurant, etc. where someone coughed or sneezed in our direction or we touched something that had just been touched by an infected person.)

    Except for people who have a known reaction/allergy to vaccines, it seems the numbers are clearly in favor of getting the vaccine, particularly during pregnancy.

    And I must say I don't understand the reasoning of "well what if the future they discover that the vaccine causes problems for children who were exposed in utero?"  Well, first off how old is the flu vaccine?  I don't think it's very new that pregnant women are recommended to have one, so wouldn't there already be plenty of kids who are approaching or who have reached adulthood having been exposed in utero.  Wouldn't we have discovered the mystery problem the vaccine might cause by this point?  More importantly, though, isn't it equally possible that we will in the future discover that having the flu while pregnant causes problems for kids who were exposed in utero?  In fact we already know that this is the case.  Pregnant women with the flu have a higher chance of hospitalization and death than non-pregnant people with the flu.  The flu is also associated with miscarriage and preterm delivery as well as a number of adverse outcomes for children who were exposed in utero to the flu.

    BFP #1 9/21/11. EDD 6/4/12.  Twins discovered at 8 weeks. Twin B lost at 14 weeks due to megacystis.  Alice Joe born and lost 1/5/12 at 18.5 weeks due to pre-term labor.

    BFP #2 7/11/12.  EDD 3/23/13.  Ada Alice born 3/20/13.

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  • Also to answer the OP's last question.  Nope--now having had the flu shot at least 3+ times (twice while pregnant), I have never gotten sick in anyway.  This time I felt a little tired the next day, but have no way of knowing if that was connected to the shot or not.
    BFP #1 9/21/11. EDD 6/4/12.  Twins discovered at 8 weeks. Twin B lost at 14 weeks due to megacystis.  Alice Joe born and lost 1/5/12 at 18.5 weeks due to pre-term labor.

    BFP #2 7/11/12.  EDD 3/23/13.  Ada Alice born 3/20/13.

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  • Thanks for the opinions ladies! I think I am going to suck it up and get one.
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    Been married since 2009.
    Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
    Several MCs
    DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)



  • imagecovertxxamour:
    I get it every year. I got it my last pregnancy and will get it this pregnancy too. It's a big misconception that you "get sick after the flu shot." The only way you get sick is if you have been exposed to the flu/symptoms prior to getting the shot. The shot itself does NOT make you sick. I highly recommend getting it. There are a lot of good articles online that you can read to ease your mind.

    This.

    DS1 -6/25/11

    DS2 -3/23/13

    Missed MC D&C 8/26/14

    DD - 8/26/15

    LO#4 due 5/30/17


  • Being sick from the flu sucks - I cannot even imagine how bad/scary it could get while pregnant. Not worth risking it I guess. Keep in mind it does not immunize you against every flu virus out there. Just some strains...

     People can react to shots, be it an allergy or intolerance ( or the extremely rare Guillane-Barre syndrome mentioned - which sounds like it was years ago. Vaccines have improved over time) But with this shot you are not getting live virus so you won't get a "mini-flu". 

    Good luck with your decision! FWIW - I only get flu shots when I am pregnant...

    angela 

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  • I have never gotten the flu shot. Haven't you seen any of the recent articles on the flu shot being a floozy? It's just a waste of money. There are loads of flu strains and the shot only has about four types a year... it's Russian Roulette as to what will be prevalent.
  • You can't get "sick" from the flu shot. 

    If you get sick, that means that you already had something prior to getting the shot - its symptoms weren't visible yet.

     The flu shots they administer now are not-active. They do not have the live virus.

    I get one every year.

    My husband never gets one - and just so happens He gets sick every year.

    This year - He's getting one. 

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  • imageBriDaily:
    I have never gotten the flu shot. Haven't you seen any of the recent articles on the flu shot being a floozy? It's just a waste of money. There are loads of flu strains and the shot only has about four types a year... it's Russian Roulette as to what will be prevalent.

    Not to be up your butt about this, but duh. To vaccinate for all forms and strains of a virus that changes all the time is impossible.

    I'm sticking with my, "Either get it, or don't. No one cares." answer.

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  • I got the flu shot when I was pregnant with my daughter, and I will get it again this time. I did not get sick and did not have any complications. I would much rather have the flu shot than the flu. 
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  • imageLe Olive:

    There's a reason almost every OB strongly recommends the flu shot.

    Get it, or don't. We've debated this a hundred times now. 

    Yup.  I walked in to my appointment today and there were signs all over the place about getting the flu shot during the appointment.  Then once I was in the room I was asked immediately.  I don't think my OB would give me something that isn't safe for my baby or me.  (I asked anyway, of course, because I'm hormonal and crazy, but that's another story.)  


    Married to SAJ since 8/6/11
    BFP #1: 1/23/12 mc: 2/19/12
    BFP #2: 6/20/12 
    Oliver Stephen born 3/7/13 :)
    BFP #3: 10/22/13
      

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