Flu Shots

     Reading in the paper today I thought it annoying how they are still trying to convince people to go out and get the flu shot yet again this year. Flu season is never really over of course it just gets worse in the winter. It's sad that recently a little girl passed away from what they believe was the flu. What kills me about that story is that she had gotten the flu shot. Her mother probably thought she didn't have to worry about the flu. Which supports me when I say what is the point of getting the shot? There are many different strains of the flu that go around and around and it changes all the time. No one shot can protect you so why bother. Do the doctors tell you this before you get the shot? I highly doubt it. I have never gotten the flu shot, not even when pregnant. My kids have never gotten the flu shot save Emily who got it by mistake one time.
     We had recently moved into our new home and our first visit to the new doctors office was in December, prime flu shot time. It was a regular well visit as she wasn't two yet. Also prime time for vaccinations. As my experience had been with the boys and vaccines they have you sign for them and then give you all the paperwork about them. Not being one to say no to vaccines I just signed and didn't even look over the paperwork, just put it in my purse for later perusing. The doctor came in and gave the shots. She got three or four that day. After Emily had calmed down I learned she had gotten the flu shot also. I was not happy but not about to make a stink in the new dr.'s office. Off we went and I let it go. That is until she got sick. I can't say for sure she had the flu as we never had it tested but she was quite ill on the couch for a few days. I was quite pissed and convinced it came from the shot she should never have had.
    There is no way of knowing or proving if the shot has protected you. Maybe you never would have gotten the flu without the shot anyway? Who knows. It's a chance I'm willing to take after Emilys experience. If the shot can give you mild flu symptoms why get it. Why suffer yourself or your children. We have all been lucky enough to never have had the flu. Maybe if anyone ever does I'll change my tune. For now there will be no extra shots for us.