Thank you all so much for your comments regarding the flu shot. I really appreciate the insight.
The years I taught in the public school system I never took advantage of the free shot offered to teachers. Luckily, I never got the flu. However, last winter my baby boy (7 months old) did get the flu and it was the scariest thing my husband and I ever went through. With a temperature up to 103, I rocked him all day and night, constantly keeping a cool compress to his forehead and body. My husband would wake up every-so-often to refill the water bowl, replacing the fever-hot water with fresh cool. As a new mother, I was terrified. Holding what seemed to be a life-less body and with constant tears streaming down my face, it was hard to block bad thoughts of "what-could-happen". We had a lot of prayers going up for that baby. He pulled through with no harm.
Thanks Be To God.
Not wanting to take that chance again, we decided to give him the shot this year. I know it only protects against certain strains, but we wanted to protect him as much as possible. We also trust our pediatrician, who highly recommended it.
Visiting in and out of the hospitals, my husband opted for the shot this year, as he does every year. As for me, I can't decide if it's stubbornness, ignorance, or just not wanting to pay the $32, but I've opted out of getting one. So here I am again, crossing my fingers for yet another flu-free year. Mommies should come with flu-free resistance because we just can't afford to be sick...EVER! That would be a nice comfort, huh?
Thanks again for all your insights! Your opinions were of great value to me!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Flu Shot Inquiry Follow-Up
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2 comments:
I could imagine that being very scarey to see your baby with the flu. I was always told not to use a fan or anything to cool down a body with a fever because the fever was the body fighting the infection. I remember one year I was really sick with the flu and I would get hot and sweat. My gramma told me not to put the fan on me b/c my body needed to be warm to fight the bug. Maybe an old wise tell but I've followed it. Maybe something I should google now that we have every answer at the click of our fingers.
The trouble with you not getting the flu shot, is that if you do end up getting it (and you can be exposed at Church, grocery store, Drs. office etc.) you then are bringing it into the house where your little guy would be more vunerable to get it - with you being in so much closer contact with him. I'm glad your hubby got the vaccine. It is not a live vaccine, so you should not be afraid to get the shot.
Glad your little guy was OK last year - flu is a frightening thing to get when you are little and vulnerable.
If you change your mind, it's not too late to get the flu vaccine.
Hugs. Ruthie
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