I hate flu shots...

[liz_marcs]

I got the flu shot yesterday morning (for the regular flu, not the H1N1 since that won't be out until October), and I remember why I haven't gotten one in several years.

I always get flu-like symptoms when I do because my immune system always goes batshit bananas when DA FLU (even a weakened version that's used in vaccinations) breaks through the defenses.

Me and vaccines have never got on. It's like...here's the vaccination (for any disease, really) and there's my immune system going, "KILL KILL KILL KILL!" And then there's me going, "Siiiiiick."

But this...usually I'm down for the count for a few hours and then fine. It's a day later and I still feel like I'm on the verge of getting the full-blown flu.

I'm going back to bed. I feel like holy hell still.

I'm not even sure this post makes a lick of sense. I just felt like whining.

Comments

[entrenous88.livejournal.com]

*pets*

Sorry I'm not closer -- I would bring you tea and toast!

[kurukami.livejournal.com]

:( *hugs* I so want to come and make you some healthy chicken noodle soup or something now. Hope you feel better soon!

[aadler]

My wife reports the same thing, from the same cause and for the same reason. Hang in there.

[texanfan.livejournal.com]

Yuck! Hopefully this is better than getting the actual flu? No matter what, take care of yourself and feel better soon.

[yanagi-wa.livejournal.com]

Last time I took one I was in bed for three days. Full blown flu. Hubby's Dr told me I needed to take one because of his heart and so on. No! No way. Not a chance!

[painfulblue.livejournal.com]

People keep telling me that the virus in flu vaccinations is a "dead" virus, and if you get the flu afterward it's because you already had it when you got the shot. I don't believe them. Hope you feel better! I recommend potato soup, Sprite, and lime sherbet. :)

[devohoneybee.livejournal.com]

Next time, see if your doctor can work with you to do the shot in 2 divided, watered down doses a week or two apart. I had a friend who did that, because of that kind of reaction, and it worked well for her. *passes you virtual chicken soup*

[primroseburrows.livejournal.com]

I'm not getting either shot this year. Trying the whole "wash my hands a lot" thing instead.

[lee-rowan.livejournal.com]

I've been getting the shots for a few years now, and always pick up a bottle of echinacea or astragalus extract. My acupuncture doc said that those are both useful to support the immune system. It seems to help. The echinacea shouldn't be taken for more than 2-3 weeks running, though. (Apparently the immune system can get dependent on it.) Astragalus tastes better.

There are some herbal teas that have echinacea in them, too. Traditional Medicinals has one. They taste better, though the extract is (for me) less fuss.

[midnightsjane.livejournal.com]

*sends some hot homemade chicken soup*
Go back to bed, drink lots of fluids and get better!

[hendrikboom.livejournal.com]

That's how some vaccines work. They contain dead molecules that have a number of the same binding sites as the real virus, so that it stimulates your immune system to make antibodies -- and yes, it can make you feel sick, since that's part of your immune reaction. But the vaccine doesn't reproduce the way the real virus would, so it's limited, and doesn't kill you. the way the real virus might.

[ponders-life.livejournal.com]

Ah, so that's why you didn't make it brunch. Feel better soon!

[pinkdormouse.livejournal.com]

Feel better soon, you.