First Flu Shot - YAY!

HonnyBrown · ‎11-23-2013

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!

Get your flu shot...because I didn't.

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

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.

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Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

@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.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

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

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Reba055 · ‎06-23-2014

@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.

debcakes · ‎03-11-2010

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!

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

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.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

HonnyBrown · ‎11-23-2013

@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.

Get your flu shot...because I didn't.

HonnyBrown · ‎11-23-2013

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

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

Get your flu shot...because I didn't.

HonnyBrown · ‎11-23-2013

@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.

Get your flu shot...because I didn't.