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It’s that time of the year folks. What time you ask?? Time to get your flu shot!!
There has already been one confirmed case of the flu in Arkansas and I am not taking any risks!! I got my flu shot yesterday at work. I’m a Respiratory Therapist in a very busy hospital and it’s mandatory that we get them every year. I would get one every year even if it wasn’t mandatory.
Last year just in Arkansas there were 74 confirmed flu deaths, 47 deaths in people between the ages of 25 and 64, and two thirds of the deaths have occurred in previously healthy people. The CDC said this high number of deaths may be contributed to the historically low number of young people who got flu shots. We need to up our flu shot game Arkansas!!
I have gotten one every year for that last 15+ years and I have never once gotten the flu. I didn’t even feel the shot this year. My arm was sore after but I always get it in my non-dominant arm so it doesn’t bother me too bad. I always go ahead and take a Tylenol or Aleve right after I get my shot to ward off any achy feelings and to help with arm soreness.
I know a lot of people out there don’t believe in flu shots or are afraid of them but it’s worth it, I promise!! If you won’t get one for yourself then get one for the people who can’t them like babies and the immunocompromised. They need our help in protecting ourselves from spreading the flu to them! Do you want to be the reason your baby or other loved one gets the flu? I don’t think so.
Some people will tell you that they got the flu after getting the flu shot but it’s not true. You won’t get the flu from the shot itself but it takes one to two weeks to fully protect you and if you were already exposed then you were going to get it anyway, shot or not.
You say you don’t like shots? Get the nasal spray. Works like Flonase or Afrin and is perfect for kids and those weenies who are afraid of needles. #SorryNotSorry
Want more info on the vaccine, potential side effects, and what strains are in this year’s shot? Check out the CDC’s Flu Vaccine page. It has tons of useful information.
I do hope that you will protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu by getting vaccinated this year.
Do you get the flu shot??
Have you gotten yours yet this year??
I have never gotten a flu shot because I have never had the flu. Sure, I get colds, but I don’t personally see the point of getting one – I would rather take my chances :) I am a risk taker.
You are brave, I am soooooo not a risk taker…LOL!! But I also have a job where sick people cough in my face all day so anything I can do to decrease my chance of getting the flu is worth it to me!
We get the flu shot here in Colorado too! Waiting for the Drs office to get them in. So glad they have the nasal mist for the little ones.
The last time we got the flu shot we actually all got sick LOL. I am a little wary of them, but I am not against them, I decided each year if we should get them or not.
My hubby has an auto immune disorder so he gets one every year. We don’t and so far when we’ve gotten it we’ve not shared it.
I’ve never had the flu and I’ve never taken the flu shot. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had a cold, either. My mom and dad get one every year.
I rarely get the flu too! The last time I got the flu show I had an extremely bad reaction and 3 bouts of flu that year! OMG!
It is so important to get a flu shot, especially for us moms and teachers. We are around germs non stop and definitely need an extra layer of defense.
Yes!! I think anyone who is around a lot of people should get one!!
I had my flu shot the other day and it was pretty painless. I had the flu a few times as a child and I don’t want to go through it again.
Good for you!! I had the flu one time in high school and I never want to experience that again!! I think once you have it and know how bad it is you will do anything you can to prevent it!!
Thanks for the reminder! I forgot to get mine last year, so I am definitely going to be on the ball to get one this year!
You’re welcome!!
Prevention is better than cure so great job! Your smile is really contagious Ricci, I always smile when I am reading your blog.
Thank you!
My family makes it a point to get our flu shots every year. It gives me the peace of mind that no one will be seriously sick. Prevention is always better than cure.
I feel like every time I get a flu shot I get the darn flu! I know plenty of people get them though and kiddos definitely need them with their weak immune system… I just can’t stand that flu! Thanks for all the info!
Oh no!! I used to feel achy and flu-like for a few days after but then I started taking an Aleve or Tylenol right before I got my shot and I don’t feel bad after now.
I am with Robin- we skip the flu shot. I have never had the flu either. I appreciate your perspective, it’s just not a vaccine we do.
My kids and I have been sick for more than a week. My kids had fever and I am not feeling well right now :(
Oh no!! I hope you feel better soon!!
My kids had their vaccine last week, this is great news. I’d like to spread this. Thanks.
Yay!! Glad y’all are all protected!!
I don’t get a flu shot because I rarely get sick. I make sure, though, that the hubs and the kids get their shots.
I only had the flu shot once in my entire life and my arm hurt for days. I don’t think I will be doing it again though.
My arm is always sore for a day or two but I would rather have a sore arm than the flu.
I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a flu shot (maybe once) but I rarely deal with the flu. I think we’ve all gotten the flu maybe twice in 12 years… where we actually threw up and were sick. It never lasted more than 24 hours though so I just look at it as an extra way to strengthen my body up. Beyond normal routine vaccines, I’m not a fan of shots.
I get my flu shot every year. It is important to protect yourself any way that you can.
I always make sure we all get our flu shots. Usually I have scheduled an apt for all of my kids by now. Thanks for the reminder, I need to get on it!
My husband works at a hospital as a respiratory therapist. WE are blessed to get our shots for free through them. Thanks for reminding me to get the family scheduled.
How awesome that your husband is an RT too!! I’m glad you are all able to get your flu shots for free!!
I need to go get mine. I would be up a creek if I got the flu. I was miserable when I had it in 07. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia now. My kids are already sniffling so I hope it’s just allergies.
I don’t get the flu shot every year. I have been lucky to get through without it every year. I will get it when I get older or if I ever become immuno compromised, but until then hopefully my luck will hold!
I was just thinking I need to get this years. Can’t say that last year’s worked, but better be safe than sorry!
I’ll admit it…I’m not a huge fan of flu shots! But then again, I don’t easily take medications!!
Very interesting that you can take the shot through using a nasal spray! Thanks for sharing this info!
We’ve not gotten our flu shots yet but they are on our radar for sure. Rumor has it that this winter will be harsh.