topic Re: First Flu Shot - YAY! in Wellness

First Flu Shot - YAY!

HonnyBrown — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 22:02:19 GMT

I got my first flu shot today. I think it was my first; I get vaccinations because of my non-medical profession. Maybe one was thrown in there in the past.

I haven't gotten them in the past due to, what I now know is, allergy season and symptoms. Prior to that, I lived in Los Angeles and the flu shots were marketed to targeted(?) groups.

So, I say all that to say: get your flu shot; wash your hands frequently; and hand sanitizer does not kill viruses or dirt!

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

ChynnaBlue — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 22:35:36 GMT

Congratulations! I get a flu shot every year after getting the flu once in my 20s and not feeling right for a month or more.

Hand sanitizers with alcohol DO kill the flu virus if they are used correctly. From the CDC website:

What kills influenza viruses?

Influenza viruses can be destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics) and alcohols are effective against influenza viruses if used in proper concentrations for a sufficient length of time. For example, alcohol-based hand rubs can be used in the absence of soap and water for hand washing.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/preventing.htm

Better to wash hands with soap and water, but if you can't, a hand sanitizer is a good thing. I use a big blob, rub until it's gone, then repeat and let air dry. They are handy in an office where you can't always get to a sink when you'd like or after putting a restaurant menu down when you can't leave the table before eating.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

Nonametoday — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 22:39:54 GMT

@HonnyBrown wrote:
I got my first flu shot today. I think it was my first; I get vaccinations because of my non-medical profession. Maybe one was thrown in there in the past.

I haven't gotten them in the past due to, what I now know is, allergy season and symptoms. Prior to that, I lived in Los Angeles and the flu shots were marketed to targeted(?) groups.

So, I say all that to say: get your flu shot; wash your hands frequently; and hand sanitizer does not kill viruses or dirt!

Hand sanitizers are better than nothing and do kill about 95-99% of the bacteria. Viruses are dead, do they must be destroyed. The influenza vaccination teaches the body how to fight the flu.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

Kachina624 — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 01:02:52 GMT

Heard today that flu shots might be less effective for people who take statins. No other details given...like which statins.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

Reba055 — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 01:13:58 GMT

@Kachina624 Wow, haven't heard that. I did hear from a nurse friend that they are expecting a bad flu season this year. So good move @HonnyBrown. I'm ready to get mine but have to wait a few days since I was injected with iodine today. That's enough to deal with for now. And no wait for flu shots at Walgreens today, darn.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

debcakes — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 01:52:20 GMT

Congratulations, you will be happy you got it. The flu has already been going around my area.

You won't believe where I got mine. Terminal 3 at O'Hare. I was walking toward my gate and noticed that the Illinois Medical Center conveniently had a booth where they were giving flu shots. Well, I had nothing to do but wait for my plane, so I got one. It only took about 5 mins. including the paperwork. What a great idea!

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

Kachina624 — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 02:18:15 GMT

Don't forget to get your Prevnar 13, shot too if you're a senior. It's the second pneumonia shot that covers the types of pneumonia the first one didn't. I think most pharmacies are giving it too.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

HonnyBrown — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:59:10 GMT

@ChynnaBlue wrote:
Congratulations! I get a flu shot every year after getting the flu once in my 20s and not feeling right for a month or more.

Hand sanitizers with alcohol DO kill the flu virus if they are used correctly. From the CDC website:

What kills influenza viruses?
Influenza viruses can be destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics) and alcohols are effective against influenza viruses if used in proper concentrations for a sufficient length of time. For example, alcohol-based hand rubs can be used in the absence of soap and water for hand washing.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/preventing.htm

Better to wash hands with soap and water, but if you can't, a hand sanitizer is a good thing. I use a big blob, rub until it's gone, then repeat and let air dry. They are handy in an office where you can't always get to a sink when you'd like or after putting a restaurant menu down when you can't leave the table before eating.

Thanks for the info, ChynnaB!

I had the flu once, in my 20s, and it knocked me out. I remember laying in my bed, fully dressed in flannel and shivering. It was awful. Even still, I never got a flu shot until now.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

HonnyBrown — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:02:34 GMT

Reba, thank you! I'm glad I did it.

Does Walgreens give them out for free? My coworker told me, but I forgot.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

HonnyBrown — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 01:05:03 GMT

@debcakes wrote:
Congratulations, you will be happy you got it. The flu has already been going around my area.

You won't believe where I got mine. Terminal 3 at O'Hare. I was walking toward my gate and noticed that the Illinois Medical Center conveniently had a booth where they were giving flu shots. Well, I had nothing to do but wait for my plane, so I got one. It only took about 5 mins. including the paperwork. What a great idea!

debcakes, the airport is a great idea! When I traveled for work, I always got stuck next to a sick person, even in first class.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

40nu20 — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 23:49:01 GMT

best thing you can do to prevent the flu is to take good care of yourself and keep your immune system functioning well. Get plenty of rest, dont put junk food and sugar into your body, supplement with vitamin D, zinc and omega 3 krill oil. As many of you also stated...wash your hands often.....also.....keep your hands out of your mouth and dont rub your eyes or nose with your hands. Another obvious thing.....stay out of crowds like the mall or shopping centers....and stay away from sick people. The flu shot only provides protection from the strains that the vaccine is made from. The flu virus mutates quickly and changes even within the same flu season. My point is....there is no substitute for healthy lifestyle. I hope everyone stays well and remains happy and healthy throught this flu season.

Re: First Flu Shot - YAY!

HonnyBrown — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 15:39:10 GMT

40nu20, this is excellent advice! Thank you for sharing it.

Another word of advice: if you are sick, please don't go to work!

One year, a coworker came back from vacation very ill. He spread it through the office. A lot of people called out sick because of whatever he had. Everyone except for him. At the end of the fiscal year, he was happy because he had a perfect attendance bonus.

I think some of the other engineers waited for him in the parking lot after work that day.