Should we get a flu shot?

[Autumn C.]

Here's the backstory:

My Littlest was born at 36weeks was 4 pounds. She caught a cold after being home for about a week. She is now a healthy 6month old.

My Peanut went back to school (germ factory) and is a 9 year old boy (germ factory on constantly moving legs). He is the reason my dd got sick so early. I am concerned about this flu season. This would be the first time any of us got a flu shot.

I have a house rule that says "everyone must wash hands when coming inside." This is not a new rule, it has been around for years. I have taught my son to sing a song to time how long he should be washing his hands. I have also explained that the most common way to get sick is to touch your face (eyes, mouth, nose) with your hands.

But is that enough? He usually gets sick several times. What risks am I taking if I decide we need flu shots? What risks am I taking if I decide we don't need them?

Help!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Flu shot contains mercury so no way would I get it. Flu shots are also a crap shoot they put the strains in they "think" will be circulating this year but it isnt exact at all. Last year for example the flu shot was basically useless since the strain that was going around wasnt in the shot.

There was a study I read that said that under 3yo the shot didnt work anyway but I cant remember where I read it.

[leila1213]

No.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I think the prudent course of action is to take steps to increase everyone's immune function. Try to focus on bringing in more of the good bacteria/viruses/germs/whathaveyou through diet and --believe it or not-- good ol' fashioned dirt. You need to eat really well if baby is EBF. Eliminate toxins in the house. You're not using antibacterial soap, lysol, bleach, etc, are you? You can use vit C to help with acute colds or flus, herbs, tons of stuff. I'm just saying, stop looking at germs as the enemy and take a holistic approach to make everyone healthy, not just "not sick," kwim?

[JBaxter]

My brother and sister are currently working in different ER's as RNs NEITHER of them will get the flu shot and will freely tell you they dont work. On a good year when they guess the "current" flu strains right AND they dont mutate before flu season the think ( CDC) is 30% effective. They have done studies ( british medical journal) that under the age of 2yr the flu vax works ONLY as good as placebo.

Last year there 3 strains NONE were the strains that were making poeple sick ( ok 2 completely mutated before flu season ) There are 4 strains in this years shot ( I think)

[Fyrestorm]

Originally Posted by JBaxter

Last year there 3 strains NONE were the strains that were making poeple sick ( ok 2 completely mutated before flu season )

And yet they were still telling people to get it...even after they knew it was the wrong stains?

Things that make you go Hmmmmmm

[k9sarchik]

Don't bother. The flu shot is a crap shoot and you could just end up getting sick from it anyway.

[hmkrueger]

I am trying to find a link to the Lancet letter and or Jefferson's study...does anyone have one?

Thanks!

[peainthepod]

Originally Posted by Fyrestorm

And yet they were still telling people to get it...even after they knew it was the wrong stains?

Things that make you go Hmmmmmm

They have to make their money back somehow...

[Murihiku]

Originally Posted by JBaxter

They have done studies ( british medical journal) that under the age of 2yr the flu vax works ONLY as good as placebo.

I don't get it-- how could the placebo effect work on someone under the age of 2?

[Murihiku]

I live in Ontario so the following article is of interest to me as I make my decision about whether or not to get the shot this year. (I've had it for the past seven years, no reactions apart from sore arm, last year I caught the flu anyway, and yes, we all wash our hands but not with anti-bacterial soap).

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/126891.php

Good luck in your decision!

[momto l&a]

I have heard to many people IRL say that after the got the shot they got sick. Or course it couldn't be the flu because they had the flu shot even though the the symptoms they describe are the exact same as the flu : I wouldn't get the shot we just take selenium.

[Marnica]

Read this

http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller27.html

Avoid this useless and dangerous shot!

[JBaxter]

Originally Posted by Murihiku

I don't get it-- how could the placebo effect work on someone under the age of 2?

half were given a placebo half were given the flu shot each group hand EQUAL cases of the flu... there was no placebo effect it just proved the flu shot was not effective on the group that got it.

[Murihiku]

Originally Posted by JBaxter

half were given a placebo half were given the flu shot each group hand EQUAL cases of the flu... there was no placebo effect it just proved the flu shot was not effective on the group that got it.

Oh right, thank you. I need to look up the definition of "placebo" I think!

[Sileree]

I would supplement with vitamin D instead if you want to prevent your kids from getting sick. Studies have shown it is more effective than a flu shot.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/51913.php

[Sileree]

Originally Posted by hmkrueger

I am trying to find a link to the Lancet letter and or Jefferson's study...does anyone have one?

Thanks!

Jefferson

Not sure about the Lancet one... Do you remember the title or author?

[elmh23]

My niece has severe health issues (she's vent dependent for example) and has two older half brothers. When the boys are with them, they come home from school, go immediately to their rooms and change clothes and then go wash hands and faces. This was recommended to them by the PICU as a way to keep the germs down.

[hmkrueger]

Sileree, the Lancet ref was a letter from Jefferson to Lancet re: his study? Thank you for the link, that's just what I was looking for!