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Flu Shot?

post #1 of 18
10/15/08 at 1:36am
Thread Starter 
So I had an appointment with my OB today, and they sprung the flu shot option on me. I never get one, but the nurse and doc kept urging me that it was the right thing to do for my baby. I kind of feel like I got badgered into getting one, and still don't feel 100% confident with my decision to consent. : Afterwards I practiced yoga, and felt awful. Couldn't sit still, couldn't get in to my breath, just not at ease at all. I've been extremely irritable all night.

Is anyone else planning on getting a flu shot?

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post #2 of 18
10/15/08 at 2:46am


I hate it when they gang up on you. :
post #3 of 18
10/15/08 at 9:45am


That is not cool that they pressured you into getting one.


I will not be getting one... I never do. I really don't beleive in them. My docs have pressed me for years to get one as I have fibromyalgia, and therfore a somewhat "compromised" immune system... but I know lots of people who get the flu shots and still get the flu... there are tons of strands of the flu, and one shot isn't going to protect against them all...


I'm really sorry they all ganged up on you and made you feel like you'd be hurting your baby if you didn't. What a tough spot to be in. I want to slap those docs.
post #4 of 18
10/15/08 at 10:04am
I find it ironic that they want to give a flu shot full of toxins including mercury in many cases to immunocompromised people and people in a weaker condition already. Personally I find no value in the flu shot and think it causes more harm than good. (I've seen a lot of research and presentations on vaccines in general. One that stands out in my mind, is that having a flu shot five years in a row, increases your risk of Alzheimer's substantilaay. I can't remember the exact statistic, but it was startling.) I just think most vaccines are harmful to us and of little or no benefit. My personal feeling is that there is just so much money in it for the the darn drug companies. (End rant!

By the way, I respect others who do their own research and make a different choice than I do.

I am so sorry you were pressured to make a choice you are uncomfortable with. (Please don't be scared that one flu shot is going to cause you or your baby problems.)
post #5 of 18
10/15/08 at 10:20am
I hate that feeling. I have never had a flu shot nor have my children. I know people who have gotten the flu in spite of the flu shot. I say skip it. Just make sure you boost antioxidants and drink lots of water, wash your hands, and if you get sick you get sick. You arent elderly or have a disease that is lowering your immune system enough to keep you from fighting off the flu. Being sick while pregnant sucks but it sucks far less than doing something that could potentially harm the baby in utero. And what if you have a bad reaction from the flu shot? I know lots of people (espcially children and pregnant women) who have bad reactions.

Its totally up to you. Its your body but if you do get the flu shot... be 100% sure its thimerosal free! (thimerosal is mercury, which has been linked to autism) as long as it is mercury free, it should not cause a problem in the long run.

And tell them to back up off of you or you will scream. That actually gets results!
post #6 of 18
10/15/08 at 10:21am
I hate when they gang up on you, : that usually is my first clue to decline whatever it is they are offering...They did that at the dentist office when I declined flouride for me and my kids...they went crazy with that one...
I will at times when they are pushing stuff say that I will check into it and let them know at my next appointment just to give myself some time to make a truly informed decision.
post #7 of 18
10/15/08 at 11:43am
It's interesting you brought this up because I just came over to this DDC to post about starting vaccine research.

As far as taking care of yourself, be sure and load up on Vit C and drink lots and lots of fluids. Absolutely stay away from any fever reducers (which strain and inhibit the liver's function). I'm sorry you were bullied, especially when pregnant. :

In order not to hijack your thread, I'm going to start another thread with info on the flu shot. For the record, neither me nor my husband would ever get one or allow one to be given to our children.
post #8 of 18
10/15/08 at 12:20pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks everyone... of course, I still feel terrible about my decision, but what's done is done. And in the future, I know to stand up for myself.

I'll be so mad if I still end up with the flu...
post #9 of 18
10/15/08 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jennasuz View Post
I'll be so mad if I still end up with the flu...
I know it's not right but it seems to me that if you do end up with the flu you have grounds to sue them.
post #10 of 18
10/15/08 at 2:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by quietserena View Post
I know it's not right but it seems to me that if you do end up with the flu you have grounds to sue them.
I second that! They PUSHED you into it. You were made to feel uncomfortable and they told you it was for your own good.

I hope you dont get the flu! Its a good thing you are eating like a pregnant woman because you are less likely to get sick!
post #11 of 18
10/15/08 at 2:54pm
No flu shot for me, they haven't mentioned it yet either. I also plan on changing providers to a MW soon. Which reminds me I have to call her ASAP.

DS doesn't get one either. We don't do regular check ups and his Ped was NOT happy about that. That's what I have to say to that!!

so sorry you got bullied into taking it. Try not to beat yourself up over it.
post #12 of 18
10/15/08 at 3:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jojo F. View Post
DS doesn't get one either. We don't do regular check ups and his Ped was NOT happy about that. That's what I have to say to that!!
:

Thats why we found a new ped. And she actually told me that as long as she sees my kids at least once a year, I dont need to bring them in unless there is good cause. She said she respects my parenting ability adn trusts me to do what is best because I have a good mom instinct. AND ITS TRUE!

Just like prenatal care. You dont need a doctor for prenatal care. You are the one who takes care of you. Not them. They are just supposed to check in from time to time to make sure all is well.
post #13 of 18
10/15/08 at 5:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by acory23 View Post
:

Thats why we found a new ped.

Just like prenatal care. You dont need a doctor for prenatal care. You are the one who takes care of you. Not them. They are just supposed to check in from time to time to make sure all is well.

That's what I need to do, darn procrastination!!

And agree 100%
post #14 of 18
10/15/08 at 10:37pm
On Monday I had my 28 week checkup, and got the whole flu shot lecture too. I asked if they have the mercury free shot and the nurse said, Yes, but it has to be brought up from the pharmacy. She was really nice to me but made a point to tell me that they have had a couple of maternal deaths due to not being vaccinated for the flu. Ugh! Whey do they always throw that card in? Just to scare us.

Anyway, when she was done she just stood there and waited for me to answer and I just looked at her with a blank stare and said, "I haven't made up my mind." Interestingly, my doc didn't push it at all. The medical community really frustrates the heck out of me on all fronts not just prenatal care.
post #15 of 18
10/15/08 at 10:50pm
I got it and my dp, ds, and dp's friend all came down with flu symptoms the same week. I've never gotten it before but I've heard it doesn't really work. Last time I'm getting it.
post #16 of 18
10/16/08 at 12:04am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mimimamaiam View Post
She was really nice to me but made a point to tell me that they have had a couple of maternal deaths due to not being vaccinated for the flu. Ugh! Whey do they always throw that card in? Just to scare us.
I bet anything that she completely made that up. The chances of a woman of childbearing age dying from from the flu are very, very tiny.

Additionally, the flu vax only covers 3 strains of flu. Last year, 2 of the 3 strains were already obsolete by the time the vax launched. With hundreds of flu strains in circulation and constantly mutating, what's the chance of contracting the ONLY ONE covered by the vax? Especially when that strain was harvested nearly a year prior (hence has had lots of time to mutate).

Oh, and there's absolutely NO proof that the vax actually works! Most studies of vax efficacy show no impact on flu rates whatsoever.

Honestly, if anyone tries to pull that on you again, ask him/her for specifics and ask which strains of flu these women supposedly had. I feel it's important for each of us to take a stand to stop this kind of fear mongering and bullying of women.
post #17 of 18
10/16/08 at 12:03pm
:
I don't get the flu vaccine for the various reasons the poster above me has listed.
When I worked in the hospital as an RN with my first, it was my employers, rather than my doctor, who did the vaccine pressuring. I'm sorry you got bullied into having it.
Did your doctors practise really have two maternal deaths due to flu? That seems like a LOT! I wonder if she was pulling obscure flu deaths (of other practises) in order to scare you.
post #18 of 18
10/20/08 at 8:38am
no shots, here.

If I'm in a situation like you describe (feeling pressured), I opt out saying I'll think about it and let them know at a later date if I want to move forward.

That way, I have time to discuss it or think about it and put the responsibility on myself to do something, if anything, more. It sucks to feel pressured!

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