Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

[Ralph Baer]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Do you guys get a flu shot? I don't. Never have. Wasn't planning to get one again this year. My cousin, who just had her second baby, texted me to ask me if I got one. She said the baby's pediatrician told her that the baby can't get a flu shot till her 6-month birthday, that everyone who will probably hold the baby before then should probably get one. Then I get a text from my sister-in-law telling me I need to get one in order to be around the baby. I am thinking of texting her back saying a) it's not your kid, b) I didn't get a flu shot when her first kid was born and nothing happened, c) I'm not stupid enough to hold a baby or try to get close to a baby if I thought I might be coming down with something and d) I'll just not go to the christening if it's an issue. I really hate being told I have to get one. I don't want one. What would you do if you were me? How would you respond? It's obvious that after my cousin texted me, she texted my sister-in-law. My sister-in-law texted me and my brother. My brother is going to be the baby's godfather so maybe he needs it more than me.

I have been getting a flu shot every year since the Swine Flu scare in 1988.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I get a flu shot every year on advice from my doctor due to my emphysema.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Do you guys get a flu shot? I don't. Never have. Wasn't planning to get one again this year. My cousin, who just had her second baby, texted me to ask me if I got one. She said the baby's pediatrician told her that the baby can't get a flu shot till her 6-month birthday, that everyone who will probably hold the baby before then should probably get one. Then I get a text from my sister-in-law telling me I need to get one in order to be around the baby. I am thinking of texting her back saying a) it's not your kid, b) I didn't get a flu shot when her first kid was born and nothing happened, c) I'm not stupid enough to hold a baby or try to get close to a baby if I thought I might be coming down with something and d) I'll just not go to the christening if it's an issue. I really hate being told I have to get one. I don't want one. What would you do if you were me? How would you respond? It's obvious that after my cousin texted me, she texted my sister-in-law. My sister-in-law texted me and my brother. My brother is going to be the baby's godfather so maybe he needs it more than me.

Bear with me... [warning canned speech I give at work]
Flu shot is about 70 % effective.
If you get flu after getting immunized you are less likely to get very ill and less likely to shed a lot of virus (less spread).
Because babies cannot get immunized until 6 months the goal is to protect the baby by immunizing the herd around them.
People who have good immune systems may not show symptoms as much and still have the flu.
You can shed virus and give people the flu before you are actually symptomatic.
For this area the flu peaks from mid January thru late Feb.
You have a job that, by its nature, potentially exposes you to the flu at all times as you see people from all over.
With all that exposure you may have a lot of immunity and be one of those who sheds virus without many symptoms.
The people most likely to die from flu or have bad sequelae, even if they do not have other health problems, are young infants and older people.

Flu shots are no longer live virus.
You cannot get the flu from the shot.
You can feel slightly off after getting it because your immune system releases a chemical called interferon when you get the shot. This chemical amps up the immune response.
When given as a medication interferon can give people the same sx they get from the flu.
If you get these symptoms they should be transient.
If you are ill or getting ill when you get the flu shot your body has to fight the immunization and the sickness. You may get sicker than you would have without getting the shot but the shot DID NOT cause the illness.
Many people go to 'flu clinics' where they are exposed to a bunch of people out of their normal germ pool, catch something there and blame the flu shot.

If you are someone who is not exposed to people who could be at risk from the flu or work in an area where getting the flu would not stop you from going to work the not getting one is a personal choice to assume risk.

If you are around people who would be at risk from the flu [immunocompromised people- very young, very old, pregnant women, people who have chemo or other chronic illnesses] then you risk being a vector and passing the illness to them, even if it does not give you severe sx.

I have taken care of very fit, healthy individuals (one was a marathon runner!) who have landed in the ICU with flu. If you get a bad case of the flu it can make you ill enough it will take weeks to recover

The antivirals are not particularly helpful. They are not recommended for the healthy population despite what the ads on TV say.

I will leave you to make your own deductions

 

[melmac]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I don't know about the flu shot, but I know recommendations for a TDaP abound due to the increase in pertussis cases. I had to get one for each pregnancy, and those closest who would be around the baby were strongly encouraged to get one.

 

[Scarlet]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I get all that les, and honestly, I was hoping you would respond. And in all honesty, your post is so thorough and clear, if I do get it, it will be because of it. I just hate being told like that. I don't need my sister-in-law, who is not even related to my cousin, texting me and telling me I have to get a flu shot in order to hold the baby. She said the same thing (as did my cousin and my aunt) when my cousin was getting ready to give birth to her first. And I didn't get it then. I even drove my aunt to Michigan to see the baby. I don't think they were going to get all "Did you get a flu shot??? ZOMG you can't touch the baby!!!' after I drove 12 hours. And it was all OK. If my cousin said that she really wants/needs any of us that will be around the baby to get one, I'd seriously consider it. But she was having a side conversation with my sister-in-law, asked me, I said no, obviously told my sister-in-law, and then I get my sister-in-law yelling at me to get one seemingly out of the blue. It really annoyed me. To the point where I really don't want to get one just to spite them both. Which is childish I know, but I don't feel they get to dictate that. I am able to get one through our health center at work (for free, I think) but if I do acquiesce it will not be till I'm done with my travel this month.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I've never gotten a flu shot in my adult life.

What's really kind of funny, is when the "real" flu hit my workplace last year, I was one of the very few who didn't get it. Now, I only had contact with others in the main building a couple hours a day during that time, but it was still contact.

 

[St. Clown]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Good Morning, Lodge!

I have been with my hubby for over 9 years and all of a sudden my in-laws want to take me out for a birthday lunch/dinner. This has never happened. Knowing them, they are down here to see their friend and if she shows up, I am going to go into my w(b)itch mode and raise hell on this Halloween. On the plus side of that, I decided to go to Valley Taphouse (in Apple Valley for you locals) because they have good food and 2 for 1 happy hour on some good beers.

Valley has an excellent veggie burger. I ordered it by accident once, not paying attention while talking with my nephew, and it turned out to be a pretty good meal. It was filling and had a very enjoyable taste. It could've used a little more time on the grill and it would've been perfect.

HHT! How it feels so good to sweep instead of being swept like last weekend.

They're so much better at home, and when they're on the road they've been historically dreadful when playing east of Ohio. It's so weird.

Do you guys get a flu shot? I don't. Never have. Wasn't planning to get one again this year. My cousin, who just had her second baby, texted me to ask me if I got one. She said the baby's pediatrician told her that the baby can't get a flu shot till her 6-month birthday, that everyone who will probably hold the baby before then should probably get one. Then I get a text from my sister-in-law telling me I need to get one in order to be around the baby. I am thinking of texting her back saying a) it's not your kid, b) I didn't get a flu shot when her first kid was born and nothing happened, c) I'm not stupid enough to hold a baby or try to get close to a baby if I thought I might be coming down with something and d) I'll just not go to the christening if it's an issue. I really hate being told I have to get one. I don't want one. What would you do if you were me? How would you respond? It's obvious that after my cousin texted me, she texted my sister-in-law. My sister-in-law texted me and my brother. My brother is going to be the baby's godfather so maybe he needs it more than me.

I get the shot when I remember to do it. Mixed bag, mixed results.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I get all that les, and honestly, I was hoping you would respond. And in all honesty, your post is so thorough and clear, if I do get it, it will be because of it. I just hate being told like that. I don't need my sister-in-law, who is not even related to my cousin, texting me and telling me I have to get a flu shot in order to hold the baby. She said the same thing (as did my cousin and my aunt) when my cousin was getting ready to give birth to her first. And I didn't get it then. I even drove my aunt to Michigan to see the baby. I don't think they were going to get all "Did you get a flu shot??? ZOMG you can't touch the baby!!!' after I drove 12 hours. And it was all OK. If my cousin said that she really wants/needs any of us that will be around the baby to get one, I'd seriously consider it. But she was having a side conversation with my sister-in-law, asked me, I said no, obviously told my sister-in-law, and then I get my sister-in-law yelling at me to get one seemingly out of the blue. It really annoyed me. To the point where I really don't want to get one just to spite them both. Which is childish I know, but I don't feel they get to dictate that. I am able to get one through our health center at work (for free, I think) but if I do acquiesce it will not be till I'm done with my travel this month.

Glad it helped. When it comes to babies people are not always reasonable. More than that, involve a baby and people lose their usual good sense because they feel the stakes are so high. When I see women when they are first pregnant I tell them to be prepared for folks who feel free to tell them all sorts of things that are none of their business and be completely unreasonable when they are doing it. Babies can bring out the best in people but can also make people complete social idiots.

(really tried not to voice an opinion but didn't quite make it. Can't help myself )logically it would make more sens to get the flu shot before you go off into the great germ pool of life.

I've never gotten a flu shot in my adult life.

What's really kind of funny, is when the "real" flu hit my workplace last year, I was one of the very few who didn't get it. Now, I only had contact with others in the main building a couple hours a day during that time, but it was still contact.

You are probably one of those vector people who spew virus and never get bad sx.

 

[The Rube]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

First- when it comes to babies people are not always reasonable. More than that, involve a baby and people lose their usual good sense because they feel the stakes are so high. When I see women when they are first pregnant I tell them to be prepared for folks who feel free to tell them all sorts of things that are none of their business and be completely unreasonable when they are doing it. Babies can bring out the best in people but can also make people complete social idiots.


You are probably one of those vector people who spew virus and never get bad sx.

*shrug* I dunno.

The flu hit my work a couple days before I started interacting at the main building, so can't blame me there.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I don't know about the flu shot, but I know recommendations for a TDaP abound due to the increase in pertussis cases. I had to get one for each pregnancy, and those closest who would be around the baby were strongly encouraged to get one.

When I was first working Pertussis was rarely seen. I saw one case in the first 10+ yrs I worked. Then we had the great idiot who did the BS article in the BJM about vaccinations causing autism. Started to see a rise in pertussis cases that is directly correlated to the idjits who assume pertussis is an extinct disease. I haven't gone a yr without either seeing an active case or needing to prescribe prophylaxic treatment to someone in the last 14 yrs. Treated a kid when I first was in practice who ended up vented, in the ICU and had residual seizure disorder from Pertussis. It is a very nasty disease if a baby gets it. Big folk just cough til puking for 6-8 weeks even with treatment.

:climbs off soap box:

 

[The Rube]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Yeah, TDaP is recommended. I am pretty sure Ex got that.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

*shrug* I dunno.

The flu hit my work a couple days before I started interacting at the main building, so can't blame me there.

Didn't say you were the first person, just that you probably are a vector

 

[St. Clown]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Didn't say you were the first person, just that you probably are a vector

What's your vector, Victor?

 

[The Rube]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

What's your vector, Victor?

I need clearance, Clarence.

 

[Scarlet]

(really tried not to voice an opinion but didn't quite make it. Can't help myself )logically it would make more sens to get the flu shot before you go off into the great germ pool of life.

I will call them tomorrow to see when the first available appointment is. I'm only in the office 4 days the next three weeks. And don't apologize for voicing your opinion. A) I asked for it and B) it's an educated opinion that made a lot of sense.

Had stuffed peppers for dinner. I had made them a while ago and froze them. Delicious! And kept a few for lunch tomorrow. I made a small cake, too - dessert!!

 

[gmann]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I'm not a fan of flu shots. I think there is a pharmaceutical con$piracy. However, I get one every year due to little g having a compromised immune system.

Tonight for dinner I smoked a ham. Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade bread and vegetables for dinner. Mrs g made apple crisp ( Apples from our apple tree. Honey crisp fricken delicious) . Warm apple crisp and vanilla ice cream.

 

[Hammer]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Chili for the week here. 2 pounds of meat.

Chicken and biscuits are next. I don't know why I bother to clean the kitchen beforehand, if it's going to look like this when I'm done.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

I will call them tomorrow to see when the first available appointment is. I'm only in the office 4 days the next three weeks. And don't apologize for voicing your opinion. A) I asked for it and B) it's an educated opinion that made a lot of sense.

Had stuffed peppers for dinner. I had made them a while ago and froze them. Delicious! And kept a few for lunch tomorrow. I made a small cake, too - dessert!!

I had cereal for dinner. I think I should have had dinner at your house.

 

[bostonewe]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Hello, Lodgers!
Spent the weekend at Hyde Park, NY with the hubs and my parents. Hubs and I took a tour of the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) on Friday followed by dinner (with no reservation!!!! ) at the student-run Italian restaurant. Saturday we met up with my parents and went over to FDR's house and library before hitting the brewery across the street. Finished the day with dinner at the student-run American restaurant at the CIA. Food was fantastic as was the service. Would really like to go back and to eat at the French restaurant (mom is not that adventurous when it comes to menus). Was nice to see my parents, though my dad spent most of the day on the phone. *shrug* My sister was supposed to come up, but apparently "threw her wallet in the river"? Mom was annoyed as they have a joint credit card account and mom spent most of Friday cancelling the card and the accounts attached to it.

Working a one-off shift tonight so I snoozed after our drive back to NH. Have Monday - Thursday nights off after working tonight (and had Wednesday through Saturday nights off). I am, of course, paying for it on the other end when I work 5 in a row starting on Friday. And then, 1 recovery day before a day-long lecture at the NEOB (New England Organ Bank).

Haven't really gotten invested in hockey this season...

 

[The Rube]

Re: Rep Retirement Lodge #180: Holiday Onslaught

Haven't really gotten invested in hockey this season...

WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH 'EWE?

Had to be said.