Flu Shot.. Yes or No?

hegoolsby20 · September 2013

Who plans on getting their flu shot this year? Is there a certain time you are planning to get it? What are your opinions on the effect it has with TTC?

von1976 · September 2013

Yes, absolutely. It's required where I work, anyway--but I would do it even if it's not.

I plan to get it when it's available at work, which is typically mid-October, but a co-worker of mine said that her doctor offered it to her when she was at her checkup a few days ago, so they have them in stock if you want one.

I don't think it has any bearing on TTC whatsoever, but you're more likely to HIO if you aren't sick with fever, body aches, and chest congestion for two weeks. So, it's your call.

LittleLadyBug · September 2013

I never get mine... Even when I was pregnant 7 years ago.

hegoolsby20 · September 2013

slappalicious said:

YES! You'll have to get it when you're pregnant if you don't get it before. Oh and get the shot, not the live nose spray thing.

Ok, so next question.. My employer is giving them out today (I work in a Children's Hospital, it is required) and I got a positive Ovulation test today and my temp is up... safe to get it today or should I wait for the next round of shots in 2 weeks?

von1976 · September 2013

hegoolsby20 said:

slappalicious said:

YES! You'll have to get it when you're pregnant if you don't get it before. Oh and get the shot, not the live nose spray thing.

Ok, so next question.. My employer is giving them out today (I work in a Children's Hospital, it is required) and I got a positive Ovulation test today and my temp is up... safe to get it today or should I wait for the next round of shots in 2 weeks?

I'm not a healthcare professional, but I can't imagine it will affect ovulation. You may get higher temps, since it's possible your body may have a weak immune response to the foreign (and dead) flu viruses. That could mess up your temps a little, but I'd still get the shot--unless you can postpone until after you've confirmed O.

beckynsean11 · September 2013

I'll be getting mine this weekend. I usually just go to CVS for it. I've had the flu once, I have no desire to ever deal with that again.

BadBishop · September 2013

I don't have a choice....well, I do, but it's frowned upon if I don't get it. I work in a hospital and I'm part of the committee to distribute flu shots.

von1976 · September 2013

HappyFeet34 said:

I don't get one, DH always gets his and alway gets some strain of the flu that it doesn't cover. Personally I would rather avoid putting something in my body that I can fight on my own. I know that's controversial and I'm totally pro vaccine, just choose not to do the flu shot.

I can somewhat agree with this IF you stay home and quarantine yourself until you're no longer contagious. The problem is that some people who are not vaccinated and at high risk can become seriously ill from contact with people who have contracted the virus. Complications from the flu can cause death in this subset of people. The additional problem being that you are contagious and spreading the flu before you ever develop symptoms. So you can think you're perfectly healthy, and be spreading the flu to people who are at risk--or to people who are in contact with people who are at risk... It's a slippery slope.

It's not much different than say, the measles vaccine, which can't be given to children under 12 months of age. Measles can easily kill an unvaccinated child, which is why vaccination is so important to control the spread of the disease in those that cannot be vaccinated.

Honestly, I think it's safer to just get the flu shot if you can... but it's your right not to if you don't want it.

jnnfrrose6 · September 2013

I don't get them. I really hate shots of any kind for myself and almost passed out when I had to have blood drawn after I found out I was pregnant with #1. I'll pass on the voluntary ones, thanks. That being said, my kid already had his flu shot last month and will get the booster in 3 weeks (apparently because it's his first flu shot, he has to have a booster for it?)

BlackBooks · September 2013

Yes

cakebatter27 · September 2013

I've never had one and do not plan on it.

EmilyA724 · September 2013

I got in 2009 when I went to India and needed to get all of the vaccines to ever exist. I haven't gotten it since and I'm not sure why. I think I'll probably get it this year. DH definitely needs to get it because he has a horrible immune system and then is the biggest PITA when he's sick.

Squeepatrol · September 2013

My dr said anyone ttc or a new parent should get one.

TeeJ526 · September 2013

I got mine a couple of weeks ago.

WinningColors · September 2013

No, I'm not getting one. I got my first and only flu shot in 1998. This may sound weird, but I've never had the flu.

madasm0530 · September 2013

GhostMonkey said:

jnnfrrose6 said:

I don't get them. I really hate shots of any kind for myself and almost passed out when I had to have blood drawn after I found out I was pregnant with #1. I'll pass on the voluntary ones, thanks. That being said, my kid already had his flu shot last month and will get the booster in 3 weeks (apparently because it's his first flu shot, he has to have a booster for it?)

So get the nasal spray.

What other excuses can you come up with?

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. The spray does not have any poking. You would think you'd like to protect yourself from potentially bringing something home to your baby.

AFM, I will be getting the shot for sure. My employer offers it in a conference room in mid-October.

poptart109 · September 2013

I got mine at work a few days ago. It made my temps go up after but I'll need it anyway if I get pregnant. I'd rather take it now than end up with the flu AND pregnant.

greeneyed_bride · September 2013

Already got mine. When I was pregnant with DS, my OB had a goal of getting ALL of her pregnant patients to get the flu shot, so even if you don't get it before getting pregnant, your OB will almost certainly want you to get one if you do get pregnant. Even if you're one of the people who prides yourself on having never gotten the flu, pregnancy is a whole different ball game. Your immune system is naturally less strong while you're pregnant (it has to be in order to make sure that your body doesn't try to kill the "foreign object" growing inside you.) So you're at increased risk for the flu while pregnant. If you get the flu while pregnant, it can be really dangerous to you and your baby. A few years ago, a pregnant woman in my town died from complications of the flu.

You can request the thimeresol-free version of the flu shot at almost any pharmacy if you're worried about putting extra preservatives in your body.

Pintobean39 · September 2013

I use to always get mine at work. I never really understood the big deal about them and I didn't get them for my kids. Now this was about 5-6 years ago. One year my oldest got the flu then my dad. They were sick as a freaking dog for about a week. Then I got the flu, but I wasn't that bad. Then my youngest got the flu and he ran 105 fever for almost a week and was sick two weeks.

We got the flu shot every year after never got sick until last year I was sick a lot and completely forgot. Well my youngest got the flu twice and I got it. My son missed 26 days of school (he got double pneumonia the second time) and I had to be carried to bed a few nights. I really thought I was going to die.

Needless to say we WILL be getting it this year. I'm just waiting on pediatrician to get them in for my son and I got mine yesterday.

With all my neurological problems I try to keep from putting anything in my body that may hurt me but flu shot in my book in a necessity!!!!!

Watching my son suffer last year made me feel like the worst parent in the world. I just don't see the reason behind not getting one.

gscoville · September 2013

hegoolsby20 said:

slappalicious said:

YES! You'll have to get it when you're pregnant if you don't get it before. Oh and get the shot, not the live nose spray thing.

Ok, so next question.. My employer is giving them out today (I work in a Children's Hospital, it is required) and I got a positive Ovulation test today and my temp is up... safe to get it today or should I wait for the next round of shots in 2 weeks?

If it's safe to take while pregnant, which it clearly is, it can't affect ovulation or anything like that. Just get it now.

mmb248 · September 2013

Yes. I'll be getting the flu shot. To everyone who should get it and doesn't, and to those who don't because you're TTC (which is precisely when you should get it), I leave you with this:

Twinkie0612 · September 2013

My work pays for everyone that wants one to get a flu shot. Unfortunately this year it will be one of the days in between my ER and ET (assuming I make it to transfer this time), so my doc doesn't want me get the flu shot then in case I would have a reaction. I guess I will have to call my doc to get my flu shot this year.

WillCMyInk · September 2013

I have never gotten the flu shot voluntarily in my adult life. I don't intend to do it this year either.

ChickadDeedee · September 2013

I get it every year, as it is required for my job. DS also gets his every year, as it is suggested because of his asthma

jnnfrrose6 · September 2013

madasm0530 said:

GhostMonkey said:

jnnfrrose6 said:

I don't get them. I really hate shots of any kind for myself and almost passed out when I had to have blood drawn after I found out I was pregnant with #1. I'll pass on the voluntary ones, thanks. That being said, my kid already had his flu shot last month and will get the booster in 3 weeks (apparently because it's his first flu shot, he has to have a booster for it?)

So get the nasal spray.

What other excuses can you come up with?

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. The spray does not have any poking. You would think you'd like to protect yourself from potentially bringing something home to your baby.

AFM, I will be getting the shot for sure. My employer offers it in a conference room in mid-October.

Mostly because my Dr. doesn't mention that one when they offer and I forget to ask about it since I usually just pass on the shot. No real good reason.

emsrdh03 · September 2013

I got mine at my first prenatal appt. It's not required, but highly recommended when pregnant, so if you're TTC I'd go ahead and consider it.. I would have gotten it either way considering I work with children in the health field and have a small child in daycare.

hegoolsby20 · September 2013

gscoville said:

hegoolsby20 said:

slappalicious said:

YES! You'll have to get it when you're pregnant if you don't get it before. Oh and get the shot, not the live nose spray thing.

Ok, so next question.. My employer is giving them out today (I work in a Children's Hospital, it is required) and I got a positive Ovulation test today and my temp is up... safe to get it today or should I wait for the next round of shots in 2 weeks?

If it's safe to take while pregnant, which it clearly is, it can't affect ovulation or anything like that. Just get it now.

Thanks, I think I will do it now and not wait!

Pepper6 · September 2013

I've never had a flu shot. I don't have anything for or against them really, I've just never had one.

GretchenWeiners7 · September 2013

I will definitely be getting it. We usually get them at the clinic at DH's work. I don't see a reason to not get one, but that's my opinion!

EmeJay · September 2013

Saying "I won't get it because I never had the flu" is the same as saying "I don't wear my seatbelt since I never had a car accident"

mmb248 · September 2013

FINEdoubleLINE said:

I get mine for three reasons: 1. My employer requires it 2. I have an immunodeficiency 3. My Papa (grandfather) died of the Influenza virus. The virus attacked his heart. He was in the CCU for a week and we had to make the difficult decision to take him off the ventilator. I get the flu every year, regardless of if I get the flu shot or not. This is not a reflection of if the flu shot works because I am at higher risk for it. My symptoms typically aren't as bad when I get the flu shot. Even though I still get the flu, I get the flu shot because if I can DO ANYTHING to help prevent someone else from getting the flu (especially childern or the elderly) I will do just that. *gets off soapbox*

@FINEdoubleLINE, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my father to the flu and I completely understand the sentiment behind do ANYTHING to prevent someone else from getting flu. If people were only putting themselves at risk, I wouldn't have a problem with it. It's the fact that they can spread it to others who may not be able to fight it that bothers me so much.

janda426 · September 2013

I work in the ER so you can be damn sure I'm getting it.

I also cannot WAIT for the gastroenteritis (stomach virus) vaccine to come out. Last I read they think about 2015 it will be ready. Fingers crossed... I HATE the norovirus...

hupp0013 · September 2013

Last year was the first time I had gotten the flu shot. I will get it again this year.

beckynsean11 · September 2013

janda426 said:

I work in the ER so you can be damn sure I'm getting it. I also cannot WAIT for the gastroenteritis (stomach virus) vaccine to come out. Last I read they think about 2015 it will be ready. Fingers crossed... I HATE the norovirus...

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! Sign me up!

hegoolsby20 · September 2013

slappalicious said:

I don't understand what you don't think is 'safe'...?

I just knew that you were supposed to get them while pregnant just didn't know with my positive OPK test this morning and my temps up if getting the flu shot today as well would effect my chances any.. I know it probably sounds like a dumb question, i just get so paranoid and don't want anything to be a reason for another BFN again this month... trying to stay optimistic. It just gets hard at times, I know most of you will know that feeling!

beckynsean11 · September 2013

@slappalicious, Your new ticker is killing me. quack! quack!

EmilyA724 · September 2013

janda426 said:

I work in the ER so you can be damn sure I'm getting it. I also cannot WAIT for the gastroenteritis (stomach virus) vaccine to come out. Last I read they think about 2015 it will be ready. Fingers crossed... I HATE the norovirus...

I just got super excited about the gastroenteritis vaccine, but then I remembered I have gastritis not gastroenteritis and it squashed all of my hopes and dreams.

I can't even remember the name of the disease I have.

tealowl · September 2013

I haven't been able to read all responses but heres mine!

DD is 12, and she's had flu shots in the past, and the last few years I haven't made her do it. She hasn't had influenza since then, although of course she's gotten sick with other normal illnesses. Flu shots do not 100% protect you from all current influenze strains. I think it's meant for smaller children, the elderly and the disabled.

I work for a hospital and I'm forced to get it every year to be compliant w/my employment. Even though I don't do patient care. The previous hospital I worked for does the same thing. I used to be able to opt off because of my religion but even now that is trumped, which is bullshit.

Kara85 · September 2013

I've never gotten it before but am planning to this year in case I do get pregnant. I work with an entire Elementary school, so that's a whole lotta germs to be exposed to every day. I understand what people have said about protecting others and agree, although I also understand there are situations where not getting it would be appropriate for certain individuals.

However, I'd like to see more people take the "stay home when your sick" approach to protecting others too! (Or in the case of schools: FOR THE LOVE OF WHATEVER YOU LOVE - PLEASE don't send your child to school sick! Biggest winter pet peeve: Seeing kids in the nurses office, obviously very ill RIGHT AFTER THEY GET OFF THE BUS IN THE MORNING! Also...please teach them to not pick their noses. It is gross and I will call them out on it. every. time.)

Spookster · September 2013

slappalicious said:

ETA: I'm getting it when my company has their annual flu shots next week. I O tomorrow.

This for me too.

divinemsbee · September 2013

I got the mist at the start of this cycle (like CD5 or something) specifically because I have Scary Needle Issues. The clinic on base doesn't start their big push until mid-October, so I just went to Target (you can also ask for the tiny needles there) where they have the mist. It's also my way of not having to deal with getting poked yet again if I get pregnant during flu season. If I wait until I have a BFP, they're going to strongly recommend a flu shot anyway, so by getting the mist now, I can avoid at least one needle.

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