Preventing the flu

[ez]

Well, the kids are going back to school and our area had a very limited amount of flu shots available, so most people have not gotten one. Anyone able to comments on how effective the flu shots from this year were.? I've heard it didn't match the strain, so are people catching the flu even after getting the shots? Also, any good tips for avoiding the flu if you havent been vaccinated? Flu is just hitting our area now, would appreciate anyones experiences, thanks!

 

[luvmydogs]

Good morning ez! My parents, who are both 69, get flu shots every year. And this year they both got the flu (confirmed by lab tests) right before, and during the holidays. However, they were very mildly sick--Dad had it first, then passed it to Mom. I think they were both pretty much over it within a few days. My mom (who will tell you that she broke her foot, when she actually just stubbed her toe ) didn't complain much at all, and that's WAY unusual for her! Neither had any flu-related complications either. They live in PA--don't know if there are any other strains floating around in your area! Hope you stay healthy!

 

[TiggerPiglet]

It is true that the flu shot does not contain the strain of flu that is out there, but if you get the shot and still get the flu, it will not be as bad. As far as trying to avoid getting the flu, probably the best thing is constant hand washing, but even that is not 100%.

 

[helenabear]

It is true that the flu shot does not contain the strain of flu that is out there

We were told that this isn't entirely true. For our location, that really bad strain (the Fujian or whatever which was not covered by the shot) was not what people in our area were coming down with. We were told that one of the strains that was contained in the shot was the main cause for most people getting sick. So those of us in our area who had the flu shot, were more likely to be covered than some places out west. I've not ever had the flu (knock on wood) so I am not sure if it is hte shot that helps or just my own immune system. I'll just keep getting the shot as long as it is available

 

[kessieann]

Luckily we all got our shots and we are hand washing fools right now. I even put anti-bacterial hand gel in my dd's backpack because I am so paranoid about getting sick right before we leave for Disney.

One thing I found out last year when we took dd in for her first flu shot is that kids have to get two shots the first year they get it. It was a month apart. Then after that they just need the one. I was so relieved we did dd's first shot last year because my brother has a friend who got his child the first shot and then they ran out before the child came in for the second one. No one seems to be able to tell them how this will affect their child though.