Flu shots

[Evie55]

Who is getting one? Who isn't? And why are you or aren't you getting one? I'm trying to make up my mind if I want to or not.

The nurse at my drs asked, she said that if she didn't have the job she had, she wouldn't be getting one, and said it was up to me, but made it sound like my Dr will want me to get one.

I've read good things about getting one and how if I breastfeed, the baby is covered for the 1st 6 months of its life. But I've never got one before and last winter I didn't get sick. But I think that might be cuz my hubby got the shot and didn't bring anything home to me from his office. Lol.

Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

[Evie55]

Thanks. I did get my flu shot today after talking with my Dr and hearing her story a out the one time she didn't get the shot and got so sick, couldn't breath, had to stop every few feet while walking to try to breath and she said it felt like someone was ripping her chest open. I had a flu like that a few yrs back, I don't want it now.

And my mum and I talked about it. We work in an office with people that are always sick, and with people coming into the office off the street to see us. It just made sense.

[JazmineF]

I got it but I had to because I'm in the military and they makes us! But it hasn't caused any harm

[mgevans]

Another poster mentioned two versions of the shot. My Dr gave me one that was specifically for pregnant women. Not sure if just for us or also for other groups of immunocompromised people. I got mine as soon as it was available. To those who say they got sick right after having it, generally it takes about two weeks for the immunization to build up in your body, so chances are you were already exposed to a live virus that made you I'll and the shot was too late. It can't give you the flu. You could however, have a reaction to some of the ingredients. I work in retail with over 80 people on a daily basis, touching everything like phones, doors, keyboards, shopping cart handles etc. Our store sees 1500-2200 customers per day. There's no way I wouldn't get it. My husband never gets it and this year I made him because I'd be exposed or the baby would and he handles money at his job. I got it about a month ago, and am 33+4. You have to make your own decision, but keep in mind there is a lot of ignorance out there so do your research and good luck mama!

[ctmommy2015]

I've always gotten a flu shot. I'm also diabetic.  I got my flu shot in October.  I'm 27+4 today. There is no possible way you will get the flu from the shot - it's a dead virus. The nasal spray you can but that's why pregnant women can't get the spray.  There are alot of health complications for your baby if you get a fever. I would personally never risk it.

[UniquelyMoi247]

I've had mine, it didn't contain the live virus so I was perfectly fine. My arm was sore for a day or so but that's it. I'm forever picking up colds/viruses so wanted the protection for my baby :)

[lenlen28]

The first time i was pregnant (10 yrs ago) i was never told by any doctor or nurse about getting the flu shot then i was fine never even caught a cold. im now pregnant with my 2nd baby and i wont be getting the flu shot i was fine then ill make sure im fine now. I eat more fruit and veg and mantain a balanced diet. Ive come to think every min docs want to inject you with something for some reason all the time.

[Bsharp84]

I got the flu shot at 3 months pregnant and I was fine. However, at the suggestion of a nurse I got the Fluzone and not Fluvarin. Fluzone has been tested in pregnant women while Fluvarin has not. It's worth noting Fluvarin is not contraindicated for pregnant women but has not been tested either. I'd rather be safe than sorry personally.

[kellybigbelly]

I have never got it and extremely leary of getting the flu shot. It doesn't protect from all strains of the flu and it's putting the dead flu virus into your body and they say pregnant women's immune systems are already compromised because of pregnancy. I disagree when people say you cant get sick from the flu shot. I witness my bEstfriend get extremely sick 3 hours after his first flu shot. I just try to stay healthy by washing my hands, eating right and exercising.

[LeslieTate]

I got mine today and came home and have been throwing up ever since!!!!! I feel like crap I can tell you that much. I'm nine months pregnant and didn't want to risk getting it though. I've never gotten the flu shot before until today. And wish I wouldn't have feeling like this

[Evie55]

Thanks everyone. :)

[amethyst1103]

I got mine this year, bc of being pregnant....I work at a hospital and last season two pregnant woman got the h1n1 virus and were about five months. They spent about 3 months in the hospital hookedup to Echmo (spelling) machines having to have their blood circulated and oxygenated....they both lived and babies healthy but scary....

[knufrio]

Queeny01 yes there is flu virus in the vaccine, but it is only part of a protein from the dead virus. This is how almost all vaccines work, not just the flu.

[Skittles_2_1_15]

Wyattsmom when did you get it how many months where you..?

[Queeny01]

Well I will not be because they inject the flu into you.. so when you body do get it could know how to fight it off.So this is why I won't

[wyattsmom2015]

I already got mine. There is no way as a mother I would risk my kids getting the flu or my new baby being around people who have not gotten their flu shot. It won't protect against all strains of the flu but any protection is better than nothing. Flu while pregnant is unthinkable, I would be so miserable and could not imagine going through that.

[Skittles_2_1_15]

Had to reread you said as a pregnant woman there is no way I'd skip it ohh ok.. lol I read it to quickly.. I thought I read there is no way to skip it...

[yenio]

I got one, and so did my boys...

[knufrio]

I never said you were mandated? I said I personally would never not get it.

[Skittles_2_1_15]

Even though everybodys immune system is different.. I'm still nervous..

[Skittles_2_1_15]

Knufrio you are not mandated as a pregnant woman to take the flu shot.. doctors could advise you but its up to the mother if she wants to get it or not.. I'm 7months + and I have yet to get it I'm still thinking if I want to do it or not... Due to the fact everyone I know that got the shot got sick... And I don't wanna get sick..

[knufrio]

As a nurse myself I always get the flu shot, and as a pregnant woman there is no way I'd skip it. The flu shot will not give you the flu, contrary to myth, it is not possible. Also all these people who say they get "the flu" I wonder if they have actually been tested or if they just get sick and assume it's influenza. Also breastfeeding your baby won't keep them protected for 6 months. Breastfeeding helps baby out for the first two months or so, until baby starts developing their own immune system. After the first two months the amount of antibodies that baby is able to absorb through breast milk declines drastically. Also being pregnant, you ate at an increased risk for contracting the flu due to a weakened immune system, and the likelihood that you'll need to be hospitalized is pretty significant.

[chickade84]

I don't get them. Use to have to because of my job as well. They only cover the 3 strains they think they will have problems with. So it is a matter of if you want to get it or not

[perks71]

I haven't had one since right before my pregnancy with my daughter who is soon to be 9.  That year during my pregnancy I got the flu 5 times.  Haven't had the shot since then or the flu.