<p>I got a flu shot about 3 years ago and felt really strange for 20 minutes or so afterwards.<br>
That worried me. </p>
<p>Tuesday I got up the nerve to get a flu shot at my doctor’s office because she said she would keep an eye on me for a while after it. It went well but then I got home and my arm turned red about 3 inches across. Three days later it is a 3 inch by 7 inch red, slightly swollen spot and is starting to look like it is getting a little better. I was also really tired for a couple days but I am feeling good now. </p>
<p>I did get the flu many years ago and had a really bad headache and don’t want to go through that again. Guess I am unlucky.</p>
<p>I read that 90% of the strains they are seeing this year are covered in this year’s shot, so it is good news for those of us who get them. We all had ours several weeks ago.</p>
<p>I got mine about a month ago. I’ve gotten one every year for about 5 yrs or so. Every yr. my H has to coerce me. I don’t know why. I don’t mind shots and I have had no side effects other than a sore arm for a few days, as others have said. Maybe it is the acknowledgement of winter coming!</p>
<p>Anyway, the flu is NOT like getting a cold. It is so much worse. The shot is definitely worth it. And The shot can not give you they flu.</p>
<p>VeryHappy has it right. One case of real flu and you will be a believer. Got my shot back in Oct. I never ever want influenza again. Thirteen days totally flat out unable to do anything at age 32…very humbling and scary. Thank g** we developed vaccines before I got it again.
And I think we ought to be able to collect $1 from every co worker who won’t get vaccinated and then says “vaccines don’t work for me” because we are the reason they don’t get sick.</p>
<p>Just got one today at CVS - took less than 15 minutes in and out. They can’t make the process any easier, so no excuses not to go, especially because our area is seeing huge increases in the flu. I feel fine - no pain in the arm at all.</p>
<p>Apparently, H3N2 is making a comeback this year, and per some sources, the curent vaccine is well matched, so if it is indeed the case, it does make sense to get a flu shot. However, some say the opposite is true.</p>
<p>Oops, pardon my iphonese. I started typing, got distracted, and pushed the “submit” button too soon, so my previous post does not make sense. I read some news articles that state that the current vaccine is not well matched to the flu strain mix, and the shot may be ineffective. I still think it is worth to get a flu shot.</p>
<p>I have a “chronic, predisposing condition” and received phone calls and letters from my doctor’s office and insurance company reminding me to get a flu shot. Prevention is cheaper than treatment! I got mine at a local pharmacy, no after effects. Now if I could convince everyone else in my family to get one.</p>
<p>My arm was less sore this year then it has been in past years. I usually have a day after the shot where I feel kind of blah, last year was worse, this year, not so much. Use your arm as much as possible to lessen the soreness.</p>
<p>I agree, one case of influenza and you will be a shot convert. The problem is, a lot of people THINK they have had the flu and it’s ‘no big deal’ when they have just had a cold or if they get a stomach virus and think that is influenza.</p>
<p>When S1 was 15 years old, he got the flu. His comment to me: “You mean there was a shot to prevent this and you didn’t get it for me?!!” I felt like such a terrible mother . . . . .</p>
<p>Wife and I don’t get flu shots. I get nervous every year, think I am tempting fate. Just spoke to a nurse last week whose pediatric office was swamped with flu cases.</p>
<p>Just returned from our local clinic. In and out in 20 minutes (for them, a record.) Because I didn’t need to see a doctor they took me right away. No problems. Nurse said they hadn’t had any cases of the flu yet (this is a fairly popular clinic) so I think I may have made it in time before it hits our area. Now I have to get my husband in tomorrow.</p>
<p>needle phobic, and just got my first flu shot ever yesterday, at CVS, free with insurance info, took 15 minutes.</p>
<p>When I heard that the “flu” vaccine matched this year’s strain, and that there were unsually high early cases, I reconsidered my obstinate refusal to ever get one.
We are getting on a plane in two weeks, and need protection.</p>