flu shot

[Gennysmom]

My work is scheduling flu shots, and having just gotten over a monster cold that was 3x worse than anyone else who had it, I'm wondering if I should get one.  I usually do, but I also know that my immune system is knocked down.  Anyone else dealt with this?  Thought I'd ask you guys before I check with the doc.  Thanks!

[Joef]

Funny thing  I just got email about the flu shot here at work too !!!! .. I signed myself up!

[Sheryl]

I have always heard that you should not get the flu shot if you are "currently" ill.  If you were quite miserable with that cold and still feeling washed out, I would opt to wait if you have a choice of dates that the shot is being given. 
Sheryl

[Joef]

Yeah, in fact the sheet they emailed to us said, that if your ill at the time of the shot, you should NOT get it ...

[Gennysmom]

I'm finally done with the cold, I was just wondering if there was any problems just having surgery 3 months ago and having it.   

[Kathleen_Mc]

I don't think you need to worry about having the flu shot 3 months post-op, I'd be more worried about getting the type of flu they're vaccinating you against than having the shot. Ask your GP what they think.
Kathleen

[Brendalu]

My doctors insisted on the flu shot and pneumonia shot. 

[Larry]

Didn't know you could get a pneumonia shot. Still recovering from pneumonia and wouldn't recommend it! If the shot works, go for it.


Laz

[Sheryl]

Pneumonia shot only works for certain strains but still definitely worth it.  Used to be it was only recommended for 65 and over but now they are reconsidering especially in people with other medical situations.  Also there is some controversy as to how long it is effective - heard you need another in ten years???
Sheryl

[Raydean]

Chet has the flu shot yearly. In fact his doctor gave  him priority status when the flu vacine was in short supply.  He also has the pneumonia shot which is good for at least  5 years.  Once a person has pneumonia it's easier for them to come down with it again.  Both shots are well worth it, especially if there are other medical conditions.  Since the flu shot is not immedialtely effective in your system it's usually considered better to receive your shot earlier in the season then waiting till later in the season.

kathleen, probably best to ask your doctor for the go ahead.  Larry glad to hear you're feeling better.

Best to all
Raydean

[Battyp]

Last year the flu shots were in major demand here and there were very strict protocol as to who got them.  I didn't make the list but my doctor gave me one anyone and said SHHHH don't tell anyone where I got it  LOL  didn't want me to take a chance being so close post surgery.

[Brendalu]

I was told that I would need to get the pneumonia shot every five years. It was really nice not having it this past year.  First time in ten years.
BrendaO

[Gennysmom]

Thanks all, I'm getting mine this Monday 10/16.  Figure I'm better safe than sorry, just making sure that nothing weird happened to anyone having it so close to the surgical date.  Well, 3 months post, but that's still kinda soon.  I scheduled it for late in the day so I could get it, go home, and fall over if need be.

[nancyann]

hi there - i go by some simple rules: if you tend to get colds,  other viruses, etc., i'd get the shot.  otherwise, unless the nurse who administers the flu vaccine comes knocking at my door at work, i probably won't get the shot.

[Jim Scott]

I'm almost 5 months post-op and earlier this week asked my PCP about getting a flue shot.  He said I should - but his office didn't have any available - and he didn't act very concerned about it.  I guess I'll have to go without a flu shot unless I see an opportunity to get the inoculation elsewhere, like at a public clinic - or something.  I'm quite healthy so I'm not overly concerned as I haven't had a flue shot in years and have survived flu season just fine.  However, if the vaccine becomes available to me, I'll take the inoculation, just to be safe.