Monday, January 21, 2013

The "V" Word- Vaccinate!

I am going to admit here that I have not yet gotten a flu shot this year.  Nor did I get one last year. The last year I truly remember getting a flu shot was in 2009. I do know that the last time I had the actual flu was in the spring of 2010.  It lasted about a week and I remember I was really, really miserable and missed 2 days of work.  Because I am independently employed, when I am sick, I don't work and when I don't work, I don't get paid.  So, you'd think I would rush out and get immunized immediately right? well, maybe not... Let's weigh the pros and cons.

We'll start with the cons.  I am not one of those that fears the possible side effects of vaccines.  Although, there is plenty to fear - seizures, brain swelling, fever, rash, pneumonia,  hepatitis, and more, according to the CDC.  However, all of these are rare and all are usually not serious.  I do not believe vaccines cause autism or other such claims, but you will find these claims on the internet and in publications.  I don't completely discredit the claims, but it seems very unlikely. However, when one rarely gets any type of illness (colds or flu in my case), these side effects seem an unnecessary risk or possible annoyance.  Is it really necessary? I guess the question here is, is the risk of the side effects greater or less than the risk of actually getting the flu?

Then there's cost.  My insurance doesn't cover my flu shot.  Not sure why.  So, I have to go to the clinic or to the local pharmacy and pay for my vaccination.  Alright, it is $30 and I can most likely manage that, especially if it prevents the loss of  income for a day or 2 of work, right?  Maybe, but there seems to be a bit of a gambler in me and the odds of NOT getting the flu are in my favor, according to the history of my past 10 years.

Finally there's the pain.  Sometimes there's not much to it and other times, I feel it every time I lift my arm!  I really have to steel myself for the actual shot which is way more effective than the nose inhaler and much more available.  Rumor has it that the inhaler is no longer available in my area anyway.  Something inside me, maybe that 2nd grader who had to stand in lines at school with the talk and the fear and the distress, is saying NO!  Maybe it's time to let that 2nd grade fear go....

The pros are pretty well balanced with the cons.  There is little chance I will get the flu this year, if I am immunized and little chance of any side effects.  Of course, various strains are out there and they have to predict what's possible and make the vaccine months in advance to have enough supply, so this isn't an exact science.  I still could get some other strain.  If I don't get sick, I don't miss work, I don't lose income.  Plus, I don't have the misery of being sick!  It goes back and forth like this in my head.

Where things go astray on my pros and cons is that vaccines prevent the spread of the flu.  This isn't just about me, my health, and my income.  Thousands die every year from the flu.  This number ranges from 3,000 to 49,000, according to the CDC.  The severity of the strain varies each year.  Those with compromised immune systems due to illness and chemotherapy, plus the elderly and infants can not get immunized.  Preventing the flu from being contracted, prevents its spread.  This means one person at a time.

There are various ways to boost the immune system through supplements and healthy foods. Supplements are pricey and so might undo the cost factor argument I made earlier.  Healthy food is a definite must, but how much is enough?  Washing your hands also works, but make sure you are 100%.  It just takes one exposure.  Dr. Andrew Weil recommends weighing the risks, the lifestyle factors, and the concerns each individual has and make your decision.

I am still undecided, but I feel like I am leaning toward yes, I will get myself immunized.  If you have yet to get your flu shot, ask yourself these same questions and make a decision that is best for you and those around you!



   

1 comment:

  1. There is mercury in Flu shots unless you get preservative free. CDC says it's safe but some others disagree.

    ReplyDelete