Do you get a flu shot?

Lynn, that's probably the best approach - to keep healthy so the bugs don't get you. Sometimes it's hard though, to resist the peer pressure when everyone around you is getting the shot!

I don't get a flu shot even tho I am considered to be in the category ["old"] of persons needing it.

I keep my immune system in shape with food based supplements and vitamins - and when all else are ill - I am not :-) .

I am in the high risk group but, I do not get the flu shot. The last time that I did get one I had a very bad reaction. So, now during flu season I avoid getting out (more than I have to), keep anti-bacterial sanitizer with me at all times and I bump up my vitamin C.

Apparently, despite the issues with the flu vaccine not working too tell this year, the five companies that produce it are making 3 million more doses for next year, compared to this year.

Read more about it at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/05/09/flu.vaccine.ap/index.html

Check out this link from CNN.com: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/04/17/flu.season.ap/index.html

Apparently, the vaccine didn't work too well this year. This article gives interesting insight into how they come up with the flu vaccine each year.

I do not get the flu shot. I haven't gotten the flu in over 10 years and rarely even get a cold.

I haven't had a flu shot in years. But this year I've heard of more people than usualy getting the flu, so I may consider it if the risk for flu, for some reason, is increasing. Does anyone out there think that instances of the flu have increased? Could where you live increase your chance of getting it?

I get the flu shot every year. But then again, I am in a high risk group (asthma and chronic bronchitis). I still will contract the flu every year, but generally a less nasty strain. Keep in mind that the vaccines are developed based on what strains the science folks think will be the nasty ones coming through the next season. So you can have the shot and still get the flu, but for a variety that wasn't part of the vaccine. It took me several years, but I finally convinced my sister to start getting the shot, and she hasn't gotten as sick since then. Again, we both still get sick each year, but not as severe, and for a shorter duration. I still find it beneficial for me, and will continue to get the shot each year.

If you are someone who never gets sick, then I wouldn't worry so much about the flu shots as you either have a fantastic immune system and/or you aren't exposed to nasty strains. :)

You know, I have never had the flu shot but I had so many illnesses this past winter that I am considering it for next year. Though I'm doubtful that it will actually work (how can it prevent the flu when there are so many strains?), I'll have to look into it, ask around to see how it rated this past year, and make a decision based on that and what my doctor thinks.

Another year down, no flu!

No. When I was a medic in the Army, none of the Nurses or Doctors took them, nor did I. This was 30 some odd years ago and lots has changed since then, but I still am reluctant to do so. This was back in the mid 70s.I have had the flu once in 30 years. (1983)Now that I'm 57, it may be prudent to do so as my bodies natural defenses decline with age. Over the years, when asked I've always recommended under 10 and over 60 get a flu shot annually. Age is an important factor when making the decision to take or not take the flu shot. Flu can be fatal for those with compromised immune systems and typically those are young children and the elderly.Over the years I've used multi-vitamins, extra vitamin C and B vitamin complex to bolster my immune system. It is a regimin that has worked well for me.

You know, I used to get a flu shot every year and then I just stopped.

The reason for stopping is that I don't like a shot. They hurt. And when I weigh that against the chance that I'll be sick and achy and pukey - or not - it's worth it to skip it.

The first year I skipped, I got the flu. The second and third years, I did not. So, I feel that it makes me tougher to let my body fight it naturally.

That said, it depends on the severity of the flu. If there was an article that said the flu would just debiliate and crush everyone that season, you bet I'd get a shot. What's a quick prick compared with crushing debilitation. You know what I mean?

I've never gotten a flu shot, and I haven't gotten the flu since I was a kid. I think if you're in a high risk group (over 65, or under 2) then it makes sense to get a flu shot. From what I hear, the health industry wants everyone to get a flu shot just to make sure demand for the shot is high, which will drive down the cost for those who really do need it (anyone over 65 and under 2). But for me I'd rather skip it.

Up until about five years ago, I was totally opposed to flu shots. Then someone in my family became gravely ill, so we were all mandated to get them. Ever since then, I've gotten one every year and haven't caught a bug - the worst has been a sore throat that I treated naturally (tea, soup, all that good stuff.)

At this point, I think the shot I get every fall is more of a placebo, and my mind doesn't "let" me get the flu! I think there are natural alternatives to pretty much everything. Topmost being really careful.

I don't believe that getting the flu shot is healthy at all. The best way to prevent getting the flu is through a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle...and some good quality supplements like vitamin c, zinc and any of your favorite immune boosters like noni, reishi, or echinacea.

I don't know about the flu shot, but many other shots like the ones given to children have toxins in them such as mercury.

I never get the flu shot & haven't gotten the flu yet. I don't believe it's worth the risk!

I don't get it either. I think it's interesting that in this community of health conscious people, there is an anti-flu shot sentiment. If I worked at a school or in healthcare I'd probably do it, but so far that's not the case.

The last time I went to the doctor with my son for his skin allergies, we were advised by our doctor to get flu shots. I actually refused because our whole family has been taking UMI (Immunity Booster), EXO (Antioxidant), MIN(Vitamin & Minerals) supplements in a gel form (which made it easier for us to take on a daily basis). We have been doing this for the last 6 months, and have been fortunate to skip the flu season, which was not the case before. When I get the first symptom of a cold (i.e. sneezing), I do grab these gel packets, and they surely help stop something from progressing into some kind of a sickness.

No. I just try not to do anything 'unnatural' to my body. I take a lot of vitamin C, other liquid vitamins in my water and tea and get exercise and rest to try and stay healthy. Besides, I DON'T LIKE NEEDLES!

No. When I was younger, I got the flu shot a couple of times, but still got the flu. I hate getting shots, so that's the main reason I don't get them, but also because I don't like the idea. The past few years, my mother has been getting the shot, but still gets the flu and I don't get the shot or the flu! It's better to try and stay healthy the natural way.