First off, flu is a 3 letter word, so it wasn’t easy to search for. Sorry if this is a repeat.
I’ve never had a flu shot before, and I’m not in a position where I would likely need one. The shots are provided free at work though. I get colds relatively easily, but I rarely get really sick. Is it better to get the shot, or just let it be?
I’ve gotten it for years and not regretted it. My husband caught the flu really badly a few years ago. I had gotten the shot, he hadn’t. I nursed him the whole time, and never got sick. Ultimately, it’s up to you, but I think it benifits most people.
I’ve had flu twice that I know of - once during the epidemic of 1969 when I was 9 (I don’t remember much except that I didn’t feel too good) and once in 1998 - That one was despite having the flu shot - the shot is no guarantee, if the strain isn’t the “right” one for that year.
I felt wretched for several days - chills and fever that ibuprofen bare touched - I was double-teaming and also using acetominophen. That’s in addition to the secondary infection - I have asthma and a bad cold nearly always turns into bronchitis. You may not be at risk for that part of the fun, but the several days of chills and fever are no treat. Nor was the week or so of feeling wiped out afterwards.
I remember the worst part was, I had 2 young kids at home. We had a nanny, but the kids wanted nothing to do with her since Mommy was in the house. So there I was, really hoping someone would break in and shoot me, with 2 toddlers in the room, and I was too sick to evict or murder them.
Honestly, especially if it’s free and right there at work, I’d go for it. They don’t use a live-virus vaccine so you can’t get flu from the shot, though IIRC if it’s your first flu shot, you’re more likely to have a day or two of minor aches and pains.