I probably should have asked this question before I got the shot. Xandria, your story is frightening. I did look up the information on the internet, and it mentioned the very "rare " Guillain-Barre Syndrom". But, they say it can strike anyone, at any age, and is not just the result of how the immune system attacks the flu germ, after the serum introduces it into the body. Most patients recover, but others, like your Aunt, succumb to the great weakness and breathing problems. It seems in the worse of cases, it can interfere with the function of our major organs. Existing health issues and age play a major part.
I read all this and said to myself "I don't know one person who has ever gotten this syndrom", and so I felt safe. Having read your experience, it sure makes it a scary thing, doesn't it?
I went to my doctor to get mine and it cost the co-pay of $15.00 (Trigon). I just got back from some errands at lunch, and noticed that Giant was offering them for $25.00. By the way, Elsewhere, I like your "signature"...with the mythology being the teachings of the WTBTS, of course.
Gumby, like you, I got my last shot at 50, which was six years ago. When I got it, I then got a virus, and even though it was coincidental, I hadn't got one since. My husband is also 48, and he has to get it due to his diabetes. So, in order to tdo my part to keep the bug from getting into our home, I went ahead and got the shot because he asked me to.
I suppose in life, everything we do is "chance". I'd really hate to get the bad flu, because I'm in good health, and rarely get sick. But, I remember it well. Jack2, your description,ahhhhhhhh, how I remember laying around, with the fever, chills, weakness, and thinking to myself "will I ever be normal again?". It's so awful. Well, at least the flu I had. There are so many types out there.
I understand how Concernedmama and Jgnat feel, and I know it's benefits far outweight the negatives--but, still, it does make you think.
We are going on two airplanes trips in November, and airliners are notorious for spreading germs, because their air is just re-circulated over and over. (I hate to think about it) So many folks in the airports and planes in close quarters. Travelers are advised to get the shot as well. Oh, well, it's done.
The tylenol works fairly well, in keeping the pain and stiffness at bay. The first signs of the syndrom is when your muscles and nerves become suddenly weak, and your bod wants to shut down. So, in the earliest stages, the signs can often be mistaken and/or go undiagnosed. Since I suffer from bouts of extremely painful and dibilitating Fibromyalgia (a muscle and nerve disorder, as well), I wonder how I would know the difference...........And, maybe they diagnosed me wrong in the first place, and I had the syndrom instead? I better stop this, I'm getting a bit paranoid here.
Wasn't there something about how the borg didn't think these immunizations were good? Seems like I remember that from my active years. Something about a blood component in the serum....Do any of you recall that?
