As most of you know my mom is fighting breast cancer. One of the first things her oncologist had her do before she started her chemotherapy was to go and get her flu shot.
Which of course started me thinking about this very shot.
There is so much conflicting data over the effectiveness and side effects of the flu vaccine that one cannot help but be confused.
This year’s shot is especially troublesome to me as it is a trivalent shot that included the H1N1 Vaccine, influenza A and influenza B.
I am a firm believer in staying as healthy as possible to keep my immune system in good shape to help my body fight off seasonal bugs…yet as my mom’s caretaker this year I am weighing my options.
I want to start a discussion with this post…I want to learn more about this before I decide.
Here are some links I have found about the flu shots
Against
Dr. Mercola with ‘proof’ as to why the flu shot does not work
Doctor recommends vitamin D instead of flu shot
For
CDC a video on children lost to the flu (warning, tear jerker)
Flu.gov the government’s flu website
*****
Do you get the flu shot? If so why. If not, why not.
If you have any blog posts or links please feel free to share them.
As a healthcare worker, I’m required to get one because of having direct patient contact. There is a system that we can use at the hospital to opt out if we have really strong feelings, but I get it. I figure that every little bit can’t hurt. As long as it does me no harm.
Hi there,
I don’t personally get the flu shot. I don’t trust the additives in them and I do believe my body is capable of fighting them off. However, I’m youngish, healthy, physically active and eat well.
If, on the other hand, I was caring for my mom who’s immune system was compromised by chemo, I would get the shot. More because I would feel much worse if I infected her and caused her to suffer, than I would if I got sick from the vaccine itself.
I have heard before that vaccines may be less effective in people who are unwell when they get them, so your mom’s shot may not protect her as well as yours would protect you and therefore her by extension.
That’s my 2 cents,
Danielle
A very close friend of mine is an immunologist who did his doctoral dissertation on the flu virus and spent more than ten years researching it. He never gets a flu shot because he doesn’t think they’re effective–viruses mutate so fast, and the vaccine is necessarily based on the virus as it was constituted at least a year ago. He advocates almost OCD levels of hand washing, with regular soap (not anti-bacterial soap or sanitizers, which start him off on a whole other rant on the development of resistant strains of bacteria).
I’ve never taken the flu shot due to an allergy to eggs, but I’ve rarely (knock wood) come down with the flu. For the record, I’m generally a proponent of vaccines for public health, especially for childhood diseases. There is no doubt that over time millions and millions of lives have been saved as a result. I just have my doubts about the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.
I second Danielle’s post. I agree with her 100%. I got it last year for first time ever and I got it this year, too. I am 67. I just think it’s smart. I have always had a great immune system, at this age, I’m going to give it some help. Also, I am more than a little put off by the “science” (or lack thereof) of most of the vitamins-only sites.
Sorry, silly me, I meant that I agree with Daniell 100% about your getting it to protect your mother.
I think a lot of concerns about “safety and effectiveness” of the flu shot are completely unfounded–unscientific and not grounded in the practice of evidence based medicine. The vaccine is very safe, and very effective.
An unfortunate drawback of the influenza vaccine, like all vaccines, is that they don’t protect everyone from contracting the disease–for a variety of reasons. Focusing on this fact, however, misses the point of vaccination. The reason why helthcare workers (and you! and everyone you want around your mom this winter!) should have the flu shot is that the more people are vaccinated, the statistical likelihood of the virus coming any where near your mom—its called “herd immunity.” A more simple way to put this is that “if fewer people in the herd are able to carry the virus at all, those who CAN be infected (ie, your mom) are lless likely to ever encounter the virus or become infected.”
Well, I have a compromised immune system. Both last year and this year I intended to get the flu shot and then got the flu before I could get the shot. Last year I had a really bad time of it and took months to recover. I generally avoid doctors unless I’m really in need of help, but am in favor of most vaccinations because they so often work as intended. If I had a normally functioning immune system and was not responsible for anyone in a high risk group (immune compromised, ill, very young, elderly), I probably would not rush right out to get the flu shot. However, it is so very easy to very quickly go flu->pneumonia->dead that in your particular situation I would encourage the shot. It might help and probably won’t hurt.
Oddly, I get a flu shot each year…but not to protect me from the flu so much as to protect me from bronchitis or pneumonia. This is utterly unscientific – I don’t know why it seems to work for me – but I do know that I was getting bronchitis or pneumonia pretty much every year until I started getting flu shots. I have only had 3 respiratory infections in the last 17 years, and 2 of those happened before I had my annual flu shot. Last year, I got regular and H1N1 shots and still got beastly sick for a week in March, so maybe it’s all in my head.
I don’t think a flu shot causes much harm to adults (the things I’ve read show that the flu itself is more dangerous than the shot), and I don’t think it leads to resistant viruses and internal side effects the way prophylactic antibiotics can, so it seems a minor enough a precaution for me to just get the shot. My husband never does, and he rarely gets the flu. So who knows?
On an potentially more helpful note, what would happen to your mom if you got the flu? Would she have care? Would isolation be a problem? If you think it would be a major inconvenience or hazard for you to get sick, why not just get the shot?
I never get the flu, and I never used to get the flu shot. However, because I come in contact with hundreds of children (coach at an after school sports program), I am considered a “first responder.” As such I have a duty not only to protect myself, but also to make sure I am not a vector.
Therefore, I now always get the shot. So what I would say, like others above, is that whether or not your mother gets that shot, the people in frequent contact with her should get it in order to reduce chances of infecting her, however remote.
Thanks for all the helpful comments. Kim
Every year I have got the flu shot, I got the flu. The doctor said, “imagine how much worse it would have been had you not!”
Yet, every year I have NOT got the flu shot, I stay healthy. Last year I did a self experiment with elderberry syrup, three days of three Tblsp each day when the first person in my home got sick. The result was that I stayed happy and healthy and able to take care of them and never got sick.
Elderberry syrup has been used to treat the flu and other viral infections.
“Elderberry constituents neutralize the activity of the hemagglutinin spikes found on the surface of several viruses. ”
from http://www.fluwiki.info/pmwiki.php?n=Consequences.Elderberry
This year my whole family will use the elderberry syrup instead of flu shots. Next year we will harvest our own from our timber and make our own syrup.
Everybody’s body is different. I know that mine reacts poorly to things injected in. I also know that the flu shot only guards against 3 known strains, those can mutate and there are at least 15 other common strains of flu they don’t cover. Perhaps a combination of shot and preventative and treatment and immune strengthening would be in order?
My mom and I don’t get the flu shots because we both get sick when we get them. Within a week we will get severe flu symptoms, but it’s not the flu. I think it’s our immune systems reacting to the vaccine, in overkill mode. But neither of us thinks it’s necessary for us to go through flu like symptoms for a week to be protected from possibly getting a year old version of the flu for a week.
As far as your mom – has she had flu shots before? what did her body do? Is she exposed, herself or through someone else, to a high likelihood of getting the flu? (for example, I’m continuously exposed to things because of my school age child.) In the end only she can make the decision.
Well I understand the previous comment about creating resistant bugs and how the viruses change so quickly…but U are taking care of your mom and as long as you don’t have a problem with it I would get it just to be on the safe side. As to whether ur mom should I don’t know to much about the effects on cancer patients. I do know that food based bioavailable vitamins will help anyone. I can’t get the flu shot. I am not sure why because I am not allergic to eggs but everytime I have gotten it I become really sick…like throwing up sick. Weird I know. Good luck with your decision…whatever it may be I know you’ll be feeding your mom lots of yummy veggies =)
I got the flu as a young child and that wasn’t fun. last year was the first time I’ve gotten a flu shot and I got one this year. my system is a tad comprmised…. going through chemo for a brain tumor that was removed but was cancerous. the shot didn’t bother me last year and hasn’t so far this year.
I don’t get the flu shot. I would most likely end up with a case of the flu if I did. When I got a tetanus shot, I had all of the obscure side effects and ended up in bed. I was sick for a week!
Oh boy, do I have something to say on this one. I just happened to see this on Anke’s blog Our little piece of heaven off to the side. My father has liver cancer, or rather tumors on his liver that are cancerous, plus a little bit of Parkinsons which we are debating on. Now last year my father had three surgeries, too much for anyone, but they were trying this new thing at a hospital here in the south. When he went to his regular doctor the nurse gave him a flu shot. Boy did this really mess him up. My aunt who works for a company that researches medicine first mentioned it, and then with more research this is what we found out. People who are in that type of condition should not get a flu shot. It will usually interfere with the medications. My daughter checked with our local pharmacist and questioned her about it. The pharmacist was not sure, but while my daughter was waiting she went and looked it up. She gave my daughter the print out sheet on it. The pharmacist could not believe it was actually shocked, and as she said here they have been giving people flu shots when they should not. Now, this might not apply to everyone, especially healthy people although if you really, really researched it there are things that would make you think twice. In the case of my father it was bad. Thank goodness it is now a year later, and he is still with us. I will say that now my father refuses flu shots, and after telling the doctor about it they won’t give it to him. There are so many medications that can interfere that we don’t even think about it. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of good from modern day medicine, they saved my daughter’s life last year when she got blood clots from, yup, birth control pills.
I don’t know if you’re still looking for comments, but thought I’d put my 2 cents in anyway. I got a flu shot this year, for the first time willingly. Up until now as a reservist I didn’t really have a choice (although I suppose I could have lied and claimed allergies). Now that I’m out I actually had to choose!
As a teacher of at risk youth (most of whom have kids and are sick frequently due to poor diets, etc.) I felt that if it has a chance to work, then I should do it to err on the side of caution (not for me, but for them). I’ve heard that shots can increase metallic whatnot in the blood so I’ve debated doing a detox, but haven’t gotten around to it. I doubt I will since I feel alright as is.
Although I try to live as close to the ground as I can, there are still nasty things that I can’t escape from. What’s worse? A flu shot or KFC dinner? On long road trips I’ve been known to break my diet…
Anyway, hope you post your decision. I’d be curious to find out what you decided.
I’m with the others here, for yourself you don’t need it. But to protect your mother when her immune system is down, it’s a good thing to do.
If you can, have it done at least two weeks before she starts chemo, because you can get the flu from the shot. So, best give yourself time to get over it.
On a side note, thanks for giving me the kick in the pants I needed. Your links were very informative. =)
I’ve hunted down my daughters vaccination records to prove that she’s been vaccinated within the law of my state. The school wants her to have two varicella (chicken pox) shots, and by law here, she only needs one if she does it between her 1st and 13th birthdays. (she had it done when she was 1, before I knew better!)
Wish me luck arguing with the school nurse tomorrow!
I’m so torn about this. I don’t get it as I’m not exposed to too many people. My husband gets because it is required by the hospital where he works. My son gets it as he is susceptible to bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia. So far, I’ve been very lucky not to get too sick. Both my parents get it as their doctor recommends it due to their age. I think that I’m healthy enough to avoid it for now.
I worked hospitals for more than 10 years & never once received the free flu shots offered. In those days it was because i have a strong needle phobia (still do) but these days it is because i do not feel it is healthy for anyone.
First off, the shot bypasses our natural immune system.
Second, the number of serious allergies, even in adults, is on the rise. Vaccines are often developed with egg, peanut, or other oils which can then become a target of the body.
Third, i simply don’t believe it is very effective.
When i was working hospital, we dreaded when the folks in our department would get shots because they ultimately had to be out for about 2 days, sick with flu symptoms. Most of them DID eventually come down a flu, anyway. I never got the shot, & as far as i can remember, i had the flu maybe once in the time i worked hospital.
I have only had the flu 2 or 3 times in the past 15 years. I do believe in building the immune system, & if i do get a cold (which i do have cold &/or allergy issues at times) i treat at home with herbals & Manuka honey.
I don’t advocate flu shots. While I was nursing, I was required by one company to get one, then ended up violently ill with 104F temp. I’ve had flu about 3 times my whole life! Loads of people DON’T get them and don’t get sick. And if you do get ill after taking it, you are told your immune system was already compromised or too weak for it to be effective! I personally wouldn’t tempt fate by giving a loved one a shot of ‘germs’ when their systems are already under assault by chemo. Good hygiene is a better option.
I have a compromised immune system (type 1 diabetic), am a SAHM to two young children (one in school), and last year I got the H1N1 shot (the non-live one) along with my kids and hubby. Kids were fine, hubby and I were ill (not quite flu but still sick) for 2wks afterward.
I haven’t had the flu since I was a child, and though I’m constantly encouraged by my dr to get a flu shot it’s just not worth it to me. The *chance* of getting the flu vs the guarantee of feeling sick for several weeks and possibly catching the flu, later, anyways.
I support other vaccines – those for non-mutating illnesses – but not cold or flu vaccines. I just don’t think they’re effective.
I have never had a flu shot and never will. I have never had the flu. I never get colds. Both my doctors, an M.D. and a Naturopath tell me NOT to. My cousin worked in this area for over 30 years and said “stay far away from it”. My friends that get the shot yearly now all suffer from severe allergies. I do not.
I would never suggest this to you or your Mom. She is battling far too much already. Add mercury and a list of toxins to it and who knows what the outcome could be. These shots are for the benefit of drug companies. Not us.
There are many things you do for your mom right now in the way of love, care and food that help her healing process more than you can imagine. Stay the course.
Oh, i forgot – if you DO decide to get the shot, stay away from your mom for a few days. You will be “shedding” the flu virus as your body fights it.
I’ve friends who are chronically ill but choose natural things to handle their bodies & illness. They struggle being around other folks & not getting sick during the flu season as those folks who got the shot are shedding the virus.
I wouldn’t get one, I am very skeptical of vaccines, especially ones like this marketed to everyone. If you look through big pharma companies info that they send out to investors most of them talk about the money making in vaccines and how they develop new ones to make money, not for public safety.
I am very skeptical of the extra additives in these vaccines and would be more worried about their possible side effects than the issues with getting the flu. I believe nature’s way is the best, getting colds and the flu and fighting it off is the best way to build up your immune system.
If I were you, I’d seek out a local homeopath and discuss this issue with them. They might be able to give you a gentler option if you do want to take prophylactic action against the flu as some homeopaths do this now.
Again thanks for all the insights and thoughtful comments! You have all given me much to think about. Kim
I have become very wary of vaccines now, after doing some reading. Its a hard position, not sure what I would do in your case. But at the end of the day, whether or not you or her get the vaccine, it still doesn’t guarantee that you or her wont get a flu at some stage. Go with your gut feeling.
As a recent cancer survivor I’m on the list of people who are supposed to get the flu vaccine every year. But honestly, I’ve been pretty darn healthy since I got over the chemotherapy, I think I’m better off without it. And the more I find out about vaccines and additives and other toxins, the more I think I’m better off eating foods designed to strengthen my immune system instead.
I’m a believer in vaccines. There’s a reason that so many formerly common, deadly diseases are a thing of the past…. in this country, at least. With air travel, it’s very easy to come in contact with diseases still active in other countries. I’m very glad my children are vaccinated.
The flu shot is one that I consider optional depending on the circumstances. I’m a daycare provider and therefore I get the flu shot. I protect my children since they’re young. My husband get the shot because of his asthma.
With the modern media being what it is, it’s so easy to become overly terrified of everything. Hearing the worst case senerio is a daily occurance. I try to remind myself to not let every “new thing that will definitely kill your family: tonight at 6.” make me lose any sleep.
I just keep plugging away, doing what I can to give my children and family a reasonable chance in this world…without getting onto the fear bandwagon.
I, too, am a healthcare worker, and my first-line motivation is to protect the critically ill people I care for. My second motivation is to avoid getting the flu myself; I had it once about 30 years ago and was down & out for 2+ weeks — miserable! I don’t have time for that… And last, on a personal level, I never knew my paternal grandmother because she died (in her 30’s) during the flu epidemic of 1918, leaving her husband with 5 young sons. Do I think the vaccine is perfect? No. I really wish it didn’t have thimerosal in it; that gives me the creeps. But I still think that, for me (and most of us), the benefits outweigh the risks.
While I’m an advocate of science, I do not get the flu shot and nor will my family. My husband was one of the few to have Guillain Barre Syndrome after the 70’s flu shots. His body overreacted to the vaccine and started attacking his nervous system, leaving him crippled and with a trach tube for several months. Even our own internist suggested NOT to get the shot until they realize all of the side effects.
Keep in mind that GBS is an extreme and rare side effect. We’ve only met two other people in our lifetime that suffered it; two were pre-schoolers when they encountered it from vaccinations and the other was an elderly cancer patient whos immune system was on overdrive.
I don’t intend to frighten anyone, but like many others I try to balance the actual side effects of a vaccination, medication, vitamin, supplement, herb, food…. versus the illness I’m supposed to be protecting my family from. It’s a difficult decision, but so far none of us have suffered the illnesses that our skipped vaccinations are supposed to protect us from. I’ve opted out of several vaccinations for our daughter, but have allowed her most of the other traditional childhood immunizations.
In the end each person needs to consider the realities of side effect versus the likelihood and side effects of an illness. Kim, I know it’s not an easy decision to make and I wish I could give you the right answer. Are there any other patients you can talk to that are going through cancer treatment and have opted out of vaccination?
Why waste money on something that only has a CHANCE of helping to keep your Mom healthy when it’s been proven that constant hand washing can do just as much if not more.
Neither decision is wrong though, this is just my opinion. Having you and your family close to her and taking care of her and loving her probably will do so much more to make her happier and healthy than anything else.
I get a flu shot every year, but then I have asthma and when I get sick, I get really, really sick. I live in the city and take public transportation so I’m around bugs all the time. That being said, the best thing I’ve ever started taking was Epicor. I’ve tried other natural immune boosters (normally I have a really crappy immune system), but this one really works for me. I very rarely get sick anymore, and when I do it is usually a few days of feeling off, not really full blown illnesses.
Oh boy I am so happy to weigh in on this. I got a sinus infection at the end of September. Nothing unusual for me this time of year, pollen is rampant and my allergies always lead to sinus trouble. I tried to let it run its course, but it was getting pretty bad so I went to see my doctor on October 4. While I was there he gave me a flu shot. I don’t normally get one, but he insisted. Apparently he and I were the only two people in North America who didn’t know that giving a flu shot to someone who is already sick is a bad, bad idea. I was so sick within 2 hours of getting that shot I almost went to the ER, and you can’t get me into a hospital at the point of a gun. I got SICK. The really bad part is I’m still sick and it is now November 10. I have missed so much time from work, bought hundreds and hundreds of dollars in prescription meds, and yes, I have good insurance, paid tons of money in copays for follow-up visits. He’s sorry, he says. Yeah? Well, I’m sorry, too. I’m really sorry I missed the entire month of October this year, laying in bed with fever and chills and such horrible coughing I’ve been having incredibly painful back spasms. I wait all year for October. I am sick of being sick and I am mad as hell and I will never, ever ok another flu shot. Ok, rant over. Thanks, Kim, for bringing it up so I could vent.
Wow Janet I am so sorry for the crappy October…praying that November will make up for it!
Thanks for weighing in…Kim
I don’t get a flu shot because I don’t believe my life would be at risk f I got the flu, and so it doesn’t seem worth the bother, or the risk of a bad reaction. I do get the flu every 5 years or so, and am sick for about a week, but it doesn’t seem like such a big deal to me. If I were caring for an elderly parent, though, I would probably encourage them to get one, as it is so much more dangeorus for an elderly person to get the flu.