Wellness

[hckynut]

(thread title)

@Karie2022

IMO? Yes is the answer. I have never and will never live my life with "what if's". Everything in life can be a risk if one chooses to look at the full view.

You say you are "generally in good health", and you have some things "you want to do this weekend"? I say "get out and do 'em"!

 E.T.A.  Changed my mind, but I do think you are over thinking and being much more cautious than I would ever think of being. If you know your body, you should have your answer, I've stated how I choose to live, but I am more than likely in the minority, when it comes to old men like myself.

hckynut(john)

[CelticCrafter]

We both had our flu shots but I think I'm staying home for the duration and if I do have to go out, will buy some hand sanitizer to keep in the car. 

I skeeve grocery cart and door handles to begin with so I am really going to have to remember not to touch my face.

We were thinking about going out for a late lunch/early dinner tomorrow but I'm second guessing that.  As much as I would like a break from cooking, it's not worth it.

[QueenDanceALot]

I'm going to a dance performance tonite where there will be a big crowd, something I've been looking forward to for weeks.  

No way I'm missing it because of flu concerns.

But everyone has to make decisions they are comfortable with, I guess.

[goldensrbest]

No your not being paranoid,at all i ambeing very carefull, it is just myself and 3 dogs,if i get the flu  if it is anyway like i have had in years past,no one to take care of me ,or my dogs.

[Trinity11]

I had the flu last month even with the vaccine. I have to exercise because of heart disease and diabetes. If I stay in too much, it is just too much inactivity for me, so I have always gone out.

I just got back from the mall where I had lunch and went to the beauty parlor. The place was packed. My husband mentioned he had never seen it so crowded.

I am a lot like @hckynut.....I am not too much of a risk taker but I do not worry about what if's in life.

I do understand, though, everyone has a different comfort zone. To each their own....

[Karie2022]

I stayed home today, except for a great walk with dd and my dog...my family looks at me like I’m nuts, I have two teenagers, husband, and pets....I guess the only ones not looking at me strange are the pets🤪 I don’t ever remember a time where I felt nervous about going out due to illnesses that were going around, but I do, so I’m sticking with my plan of only going out when I need to...Will go for another walk tomorrow...hopefully this will all pass soon...I think what started it was hearing of that precious little boy from Ct that died, I don’t know if he had the flu shot or not, just broke my heart...

[kelsey17]

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@Vivian Florimond wrote:

In my opinion it is NOT paranoid to fear exposure to flu. I too had flu years ago, the one year I didn’t get the vaccine. I almost died and missed a trip to Paris with my husband, who had to cancel his business trip. I always get a shot now, but I know that this year’s vaccine is not entirely accurate. I’ve been home sick with a serious intestinal infection but after I recover I must return to PT for my knee replacement recuperation. I have aleady been thinking about flu exposure there. I’m even thinking of wearing gloves as I use their exercise bike and other equipment. An NBC report on bacteria-infested exercise equipment, this time at health clubs, was a real eye opener, not in a good way.

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A couple  years back i got a skin infection on my arm and had been going for PT for my arm for a  couple weeks before (and no where else) and it was the only place i had to wear a  tee shirt w/short sleeves  for my therapy......i have no doubts that is where i caught the infection...so yes...i would be leery of the equipment also...

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Tribesters wrote:

@Karie2022

You’re just being cautious. I actually had the exact thoughts this morning about taking my 81 year old Mom to the casino tomorrow. She loves to go & she had a flu shot but I am thinking maybe we shouldn’t go. She’ll be disappointed but think of all the germs on those slot machines...

I only had the flu shots twice in my life & I got so sick after them I vowed I’d never have another. Second guessing myself on that one too- my son’s are pharmacists (one specializes in infectious diseases) & they both urge me to get the shot. I’m wavering... I just read the shot only reduces your chances by 10-60%? I seldom get sick- even though I’ve got people constantly coughing, sneezing around me. Probably just jinxed myself...

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@Tribesters

I'm skipping the flu shots and just avoiding crowds until this thing blows over.  I have sevral books to read and a couple indoor projects I've been putting off.

I have had 3 flu shots in the past 30 years and will probably never get another.   In each case, two to three months later, I got the  d&#%m  flu!   Go figure.   It wasn't immediately afterwards and I don't think I "made" myself get it ... but it didn't escape my physician's notice, either.   

Every year since I've stopped getting the shot ... no flu.   

Knock on wood.

[Moonchilde]

No, I don’t think the OP is being paranoid.

I don’t go out a lot/everyday anyway, so I’m not as exposed as some to start with, but I do think about it when I go out now.

Pretty much, that’s all I do though - think about it, and maybe use extra hand sanitizer. I’m reasonably healthy, I’ve had a flu shot. I don’t personally need to totally freak out over the possibility of being exposed. 

I will go out when I need to, or just to go out if I’ve been home so much I start getting stir crazy. I figure que será, será. Sitting in a doctor’s office, which I have to do in a few weeks for a routine visit, may have me wearing a mask.

[ID2]

Heavens to Betsy YES you all are being insanely paranoid!! So the flu is out there, it always is. You just have to follow the golden rule of always washing your hands. I had an eye doctor appt last week and sat there with a waiting room full of elderly folks. No one was paranoid. I survived. I have a physical on Monday and will of course be going. I'm certainly not going to stop living because of a sickness that is always among us. Don't worry, be happy.