Something as simple and common as a cold is described as having "flu-like symptoms," which I feel really downplays the severity of the flu itself. I know I didn't think much of the flu or flu...
Something as simple and common as a cold is described as having "flu-like symptoms," which I feel really downplays the severity of the flu itself. I know I didn't think much of the flu or flu shots until I actually came down with it. Thankfully mine was a more mild case than the one in the article, but it was so much more powerful than I expected.
I spent several days in bed, virtually unable to move. I lived alone at the time, in a new city, before I'd started a new job. It was downright scary because I was unable to care for myself and do basic things like eat and drink water, and I didn't have anyone I could call to assist me. I remember wondering, at multiple points, whether to call an ambulance or not, because I legitimately feared I would die in my apartment and nobody would know for weeks.
Ever since then, I get the flu shot every year. It's not an experience I want to relive.
I haven't had the flu since 1992 and I've never had a flu shot, but somehow, thanks to this article and a few other factors, I find myself considering it for this year. Maybe it's just that I'm...
I haven't had the flu since 1992 and I've never had a flu shot, but somehow, thanks to this article and a few other factors, I find myself considering it for this year. Maybe it's just that I'm getting older (53), maybe it's the fear of passing it on to others, or maybe it's a kind of superstition that I've cheated the flu for so long and surely it must win in the end and find me if I don't protect myself? I'd better stop believing I'm invincible and just get the darned shot.
I'm lucky in that I haven't gotten the flu since I was a kid (and I was young enough that I don't remember it, I've just heard the story from my mom). Since I never got the flu, I never really...
I'm lucky in that I haven't gotten the flu since I was a kid (and I was young enough that I don't remember it, I've just heard the story from my mom). Since I never got the flu, I never really bothered with getting a flu shot...until this year. Got mine a week ago. Quick, easy, and free (at least for me, paid for by insurance). Don't see any reason not to get one every year now.
Something as simple and common as a cold is described as having "flu-like symptoms," which I feel really downplays the severity of the flu itself. I know I didn't think much of the flu or flu shots until I actually came down with it. Thankfully mine was a more mild case than the one in the article, but it was so much more powerful than I expected.
I spent several days in bed, virtually unable to move. I lived alone at the time, in a new city, before I'd started a new job. It was downright scary because I was unable to care for myself and do basic things like eat and drink water, and I didn't have anyone I could call to assist me. I remember wondering, at multiple points, whether to call an ambulance or not, because I legitimately feared I would die in my apartment and nobody would know for weeks.
Ever since then, I get the flu shot every year. It's not an experience I want to relive.
I haven't had the flu since 1992 and I've never had a flu shot, but somehow, thanks to this article and a few other factors, I find myself considering it for this year. Maybe it's just that I'm getting older (53), maybe it's the fear of passing it on to others, or maybe it's a kind of superstition that I've cheated the flu for so long and surely it must win in the end and find me if I don't protect myself? I'd better stop believing I'm invincible and just get the darned shot.
I'm lucky in that I haven't gotten the flu since I was a kid (and I was young enough that I don't remember it, I've just heard the story from my mom). Since I never got the flu, I never really bothered with getting a flu shot...until this year. Got mine a week ago. Quick, easy, and free (at least for me, paid for by insurance). Don't see any reason not to get one every year now.