I work in a germ factory. Every day my students cough and sneeze in my classes. I used to get the flu every year. A week of misery followed. But nine years ago I finally got smart and started getting a flu shot every October. Since then, I have escaped the flu despite being surrounded by sick students. My insurance covers flu shots so they’re free to me. Have you gotten your flu shot yet? What are you waiting for?
George, I’m not sure about flu shots for common cold but we have shots (or vaccinations) for air, water, and food borne infections like typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera, and even malaria. I have never taken those either. I guess I trust my immunity, not that there is such a thing.
I usually get my flu shot in October as they’re provided for a nominal cost through the school system where I work, but this year I’m on a short-term steroidal medication and the disclosure states emphatically not to get any immunizations during the time you’re on it. I can’t wait till I see the doctor again and hope I can stop with the steroids and get my flu shot–hopefully before the height of flu season!
Prashant, my immune system is likely to be compromised as I get older. I’m just thankful for the option of flu shots, shingles shots, pneumonia shorts, etc.
Deb, the flu season starts around here in November. Hope you can get your flu shot soon!
True, George. Since Jackie stopped working with those pesky kids she has been a lot healthier. She even got measles one of her first years as a teacher!
Sorry for previously being one of those germy students (at least I did warn you when I was sick, so that you could wash your hands after collecting my test). I usually catch a cold at least twice a year (most recently when the cashier at Wegmans blew his nose, and then proceeded to handle my groceries!), but I haven’t had the flu in years. Actually, the last time I had the flu, was the last year I received a flu shot.
Jeff, Diane built up an impressive immune system being around Second and Third Graders for most of her teaching career. But even Diane now gets a yearly flu shot.
Lauren, trust me: you were not the only student with coughs and sneezes in my classroom! Some of my classes sound like pneumonia wards! I suspect you–like most Western New Yorkers–suffer from seasonal allergies. Hopefully the frost last night will reduce the number of allergens we have to cope with.
We already did it, almost three weeks ago. Flu shots are covered by MediCare and most health insurance plans, so for us it was walk in, get stuck, walk out, no muss, no fuss. I also get a pneumonia shot every five years, and recommend that too for anyone over 50.
The nurse who gave me the shot didn’t look like the one you show, though.
Yes, Mother, I got my shot. And I’m wearing clean underpants.
I’m constantly amazed at how Cap’n Bob can out grouch me.
Cap’n Bob has his own unique style, Rick. And my Cadillac health insurance provides some lovely nurses to administer those flu shots.
Glad you reminded me as I’ve had a busy week and forgot I can get a free flu shot from today through Saturday. I get one every year. Our provincial government runs the clinics in shopping centres and church halls so you don’t have to go to a doctor’s office. If you pick the right time of day, you can be in and out in 15 minutes.
Kent, our College offers free flu shots, but many students fail to take advantage of them.
Grouch? You’re in the company of the King of Comedy and you don’t know it. Pearls before swine, I tell ya’, pearls before swine.