Did you know you can't actually "get" the flu from the flu shot? If you experience some sniffles, low fever, or slight cough, that is actually your body working WITH the shot to rev up your immune system to protect you from something much much worse!
About 15 years ago, our family got the flu right at Christmas time. My middle daughter was the only one who got a flu shot as part of a well-child visit to the pediatrician (her birthday is in December!). One by one, starting with my husband and I, we both got very sick. The cough was unlike what I had ever experienced before and I finally had some idea what the word "delirious" meant. After using the toilet--interstitial cystitis doesn't take a break when the body is sick with something else--I woke up on the floor of the bathroom, evidently having passed out. My husband couldn't even get out of bed to help me, so I crawled back to our bedroom and put myself back to bed. Our oldest and youngest got sick as well. It took us three days to finish opening Christmas gifts because we kept stopping to rest. Our pictures are pathetic of that year. Pale and blotchy faces with dark rimmed eyes.
Ever since that year I have gotten my flu shot. I even stood in line for the H1N1 shot a couple of years ago; although now, H1N1 is included in the seasonal shot. I don't ever want to feel that sick again. I felt like I lost a month of my life.
But it isn't just ruined holidays and missed days of work. Every year nearly 38,000 people die from the flu. That doesn't take into consideration the People with chronic illness are at more risk for death from the flu than generally healthy people. Get your flu shot today, my friends!
For more information about the flu, the flu shot, and the most recent innovation, the flu mist, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate
Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well
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