Flu Shot or Not To Flu Shot

Fall is a great time of year.  A time to watch the trees change and shed their leaves.  A time to buy mums, a time to sit with a nice cup of hot chocolate, a time to celebrate Halloween and a time to fall behind.

A time for so many things.   But is it really, a time for your flu shot?     Have  you noticed that everywhere you look you see signs telling you that this is the time to get a flu shot.

When I  went for my annual physical my doctor, who I love, asked me to take the flu shot and when I turned the shot down, Dr. Youn looked surprised.  She said, “WHY?” Answer ,”‘I don’t do flu shots.”

Yes, I know that the CDC recommends the flu shot for Americans older than six months and  for people who are at high risk of flu complications.  People at high risk include those with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, HIV and kidney or liver disorders. People who are age 65 and older, pregnant women, and health care professionals are also at risk for flu complications.  I can understand why peopel who are at high risk may need to get a flu shot, but since I don’t fall into these categories I would think that it would be unnecessary to waste a shot on me.

The flu shot is also a hot topic at the office.  Gone are the days when you gather around the office water cooler and asked, “How did your weekend go?” Now I hear them ask, “Did you get your flu shot?” 

Don’t understand it. The jury is still out on whether the flu shot really is necessary for ALL to have.   Interesting!

“There is some controversy surrounding whether or not the flu vaccine is a good idea,” said James Wilde, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician at Georgia Regents Health System in Augusta who has spent much of his career dealing with flu and prevention. “Personally, I am not a big fan of the flu vaccine,” he said. “I don’t think the flu vaccine is a bad thing, but I do believe it’s only necessary for high risk populations. I don’t agree with the national authorities that say everyone should get a flu vaccine.”

RIGHT ON DOC”

Why would this doctor think the flu shot is not a good idea?  What I’m afraid could happen is  the national authorities, whoever they may be,  will eventually make this another mandated health item to all children and adults.

Got your flu shot?  Fine! 

Not ME!

mb