Patient Comments

While reading a doctor's commentary on how flu shots are practically harmless and have few side effects, I decided to read the comments posted in response to the doctor's statements and saw some very different opinions. There were complaints of severe muscle pain that disturbed or prevented daily activities, headache accompanied by neck pain, and fatigue. There was page after page of comments such as these. The comment that stood out most was from an RN who was subjected to a mandatory flu vaccine. She said, "I had never had a flu shot, had flu maybe every 10-15 years, am very healthy, no chronic illnesses and I take no medicines. I am only allergic to penicillin, nothing else. I was forced to get flu shot for the first time this year as I am a registered nurse. A few hours after the shot, my arm started getting wheals, then itching, burning, swelling to 7cm circumference, plus burning and itching of eyes/nose/throat. It's been 3 weeks and I still don't feel right. I needed a week of prednisone. My employer told me only Guillain-Barré syndrome and anaphylaxis "count” as a reaction. So basically you have to stop breathing or be paralyzed to be excused. I missed a whole week of work. I can't afford to make myself sick every year and miss a whole week of work. I don't want to do this again." I don't knw about you but this does not make me want a flu shot. As always I encourage you to read it for yourself. Here is a link to the site: http://www.medicinenet.com/flu_vaccination/patient-comments-859-page2.htm

Opinions and Facts

Big business would have you believe that you are alone in your opposition to receiving the flu shot. Well, you are not! There are numerous websites that express disdain for the vaccine. These sites may simply be opinions or opinions derived from facts. As I was doing a little research for myself I stumbled across many pages of opinions but, I particularly liked the way the one below was written.

http://www.activistpost.com/2013/01/5-reasons-why-ill-never-get-flu-shot.html

When going to sites be sure to come to your own conclusion with the information available. As we all know not everything you read on the internet is true. Happy hunting!

This blog is intended to be a safe outlet for all of my nursing friends. So, I ask that we be courteous and respectful of each other in order to promote open conversations and to stay informed. Sharing is encouraged, please feel free to post at any time.

Thank you!