Question:
This year everybody is getting the flu shot because of the antrax scare.
I am one month post op, is it too soon to get one? I forgot to ask my doctor when I went to see him yesterday. The flu vaccine appears to be in short supply this year and I am afraid if I miss my opportunity to get it, it will not be available later. — Marilyn C. (posted on November 16, 2001)
November 16, 2001
I'm not getting one, for two reasons... one, I've gotten them five times in
ten years, and have had the flu exactly once, in a NON shot year. Two, they
contain mercury, which is a potent brain poison that never leaves your
body. I'd prefer to keep what few brain cells my daughter's left me. :-)
Oh, and I think the anthrax scare is way overblown. There have been less
than 30 cases out of 300 million people... that makes your chances of
catching it less than 0.0000001%. I think most people should avoid having a
flu shot unless there's a good medical reason to get it, as determined by
your doctor, so that those that do need it will be able to get it. Good
luck with your weight loss!
— Julia M.
November 16, 2001
I got a flu shot. I got the flu, the real
honest-to-god-reported-to-the-CDC flu 3 years ago. One of the first in my
state, 10 days after I got my flu shot. I missed almost 2 weeks of work.
(And I am no wuss). Sheets hurt. My pillow felt it was made of concrete.
I thought my head would explode. I was delerious and halucinating from
fever. I got out of bed ONLY to urinate for 3 whole days. (my honey gave
me a sponge bath, bless him) 20-30,000 people die EACH year from the flu.
I now know why. People often say they have a flu when they have a bad
cold. You don't sneeze or throw up if you have the flu. The flu can be very
serious. (PS - the flu shot is made from a killed virus, it takes about 2
weeks to work, and is not alwys 100%, I was just one of the very unlucky
ones to get it soon after innoculation). I am sure your doc would
reccommend it. You sure don't want the flu if you are still weak from WLS.
— M. A. B.
November 16, 2001
My primary care physician told me once, several years ago, that the ONLY
people who should ever get the flu shot are people under 10 or over 60 (or
people who have a problem with their immune systems).
— [Anonymous]
November 16, 2001
I just saw my regular GP and she said that because I was newly post-op (5
weeks) I would be more susceptible
to the flu. She gave me a flu shot on the spot. I must warn you the next
day I did have mild symptoms of the flu for about 24 hours.
— Mare G.
November 16, 2001
I got my flu shot a few weeks ago because I was nervous about the
possibility of getting the flu and having to cancel my surgery or getting
it soon after surgery and not having the strength to fight it. Ive had the
flu for the past three winters and it was just horrible each time. I wasn't
thinking about the threat of anthrax when I had my shot. And as an earlier
poster said, the percentage of people out of the 300 million who live in
the US who have been exposed to anthrax is extremely small. BUT as a person
who lives in New Jersey and has had the regional post office which services
my town closed on several occassions for testing positive for anthrax, I
personally don't feel the threat was overblown in all cases.
— Donna L.
November 16, 2001
My surgeon considers WLS people higher risk because of our decreased immune
system. Normally, they offer shots there. But the last 2 yrs, they've been
hard to get. I didn't get one last year, but I was OK. This year, I am
around too many sick people, so didn't want to take a chance and got it
today. Ow.
— vitalady
November 16, 2001
Marilyn, got my flu shot last Monday as my PCP considers me high risk, both
from the surgery as well as being a diabetic with pulmonary difficulties.
My husband got one as well so that he doesn't get ill and pass it on. So
far, no problems.
— CaseyinLA
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