Let's talk about the flu

[Mimi]

This year's flu is scaring me. Being a hypochondriac, it doesn't take much to scare me. But I'm now 50. I'm not an anti-vaxxer by any stretch, but I am, because of the hypochondria, anti-hype and anti-manipulation with fear, but after my health scare last year, I want to fucking live, dammit. Americans seem to be the sky is falling sort of people. Since this board is global, I'm curious how your country talks about the flu, vaccines, and the fear mongering of big pharma. I hate being paranoid, but I also hate not doing anything to prevent something from happening (or, in this case, lessen the effects of it).

[Dr. Medulla]

I haven't heard anything about it besides that it's a tougher strain than normal and that the flu shot isn't especially effective this year (not that I've had a flu shot—not paranoid, just lazy and secretly hoping for death). I'm thinking that my bastard illness back in September—when I regaled the community with a running tally of my vomiting—was that flu strain. Or, perhaps, I fucking hope it was and I don't have to worry about still getting it. Nothing much to say about the pharmaceutical industry other than Ontario might finally get proper universal drug coverage in the next couple years.

[101Walterton]

The flu shot only works against the flu strains it is targeted at which is usually last years flu!!
There are numerous strains out there.
Never had a flu shot and haven’t had flu since I was 11 (remember walking out of school and going home).
No doubt will die from some horrendous flu strain one day.

[BostonBeaneater]

I’ve lived in the gutter and on the moon. Don’t believe anything they tell you. Eat right, pickle your liver, and be angry and you’ll be fine.

[WestwayKid]

The flu shot only works against the flu strains it is targeted at which is usually last years flu!!
There are numerous strains out there.
Never had a flu shot and haven’t had flu since I was 11 (remember walking out of school and going home).
No doubt will die from some horrendous flu strain one day.

Flu shot is a shot in the dark and a fascinating process. They really do look at last year’s flu and try and guess at how it will evolve. This year’s “bug” has proven to be especially nasty and the vaccine off the mark. I also have not had a flu shot in ages, but really - if you’re healthy - you shouldn’t need one.

Several great books about fly pandemic of 1918. Nasty business. Curious fact: we’re all descendants of people who survived that virus and not only that - but Black Plague, too.

[Mimi]

It's interesting to hear different takes on this. I guess some people are a little more panicky than others about it. Maybe I need to quit listening to them.

[JennyB]

I usually get VH, Jr. a flu shot, but I always forget. He had a mild case of the flu that I think would have been a lot worse had he not gotten the shot. I haven't had the flu since I was a kid.

[Spiff]

The flu shot only works against the flu strains it is targeted at which is usually last years flu!!
There are numerous strains out there.
Never had a flu shot and haven’t had flu since I was 11 (remember walking out of school and going home).
No doubt will die from some horrendous flu strain one day.

Flu shot is a shot in the dark and a fascinating process. They really do look at last year’s flu and try and guess at how it will evolve. This year’s “bug” has proven to be especially nasty and the vaccine off the mark. I also have not had a flu shot in ages, but really - if you’re healthy - you shouldn’t need one.

Several great books about fly pandemic of 1918. Nasty business. Curious fact: we’re all descendants of people who survived that virus and not only that - but Black Plague, too.

Healthy people have died this season from the flu, so I disagree with the part I bolded above.

[matedog]

Got my first flu shot maybe ever this year, only because of the little one.

[revbob]

I've not had since I was a kid. My wife works for a hospital and the shot is mandatory for her. She gets sick more often/easier than I. I never get the shot and other than a cold I usually don't get sick other than alcohol induced.

[Kory]

I get the shot when the mood strikes me—it changes from year to year. I did get sick three times in a row already though. I don't know what that means.

[Dr. Medulla]

I get the shot when the mood strikes me—it changes from year to year. I did get sick three times in a row already though. I don't know what that means.

It means you're Anastasia, the lost Romanov daughter!

[Mimi]

Got my first flu shot maybe ever this year, only because of the little one.

Makes total sense.

[Kory]

I get the shot when the mood strikes me—it changes from year to year. I did get sick three times in a row already though. I don't know what that means.

It means you're Anastasia, the lost Romanov daughter!

Like in the movie? Do I similarly get a pet bat named Bartok?

[Dr. Medulla]

I get the shot when the mood strikes me—it changes from year to year. I did get sick three times in a row already though. I don't know what that means.

It means you're Anastasia, the lost Romanov daughter!

Like in the movie? Do I similarly get a pet bat named Bartok?

No. However, a Bolshevik will seek to murder you. Which probably isn't worth it, over all.