Retirement is a week filled with Saturdays and Sundays interrupted only occasionally by a holiday.

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Friday, October 19, 2007

A Stab for Health

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen…it’s that time of the year when young children and senior citizens roll up their sleeves and get pricked by the Flu Shot Fairy. Now, for as many years as I can remember, my doctor has tried to talk me into getting a flu shot. At the beginning, her reasoning was that I worked in a public library exposed to all the nasty germs shared by patrons. Then, when I retired, her tactic changed and now I was over the age of 50 which somehow made me suddenly susceptible to the flu bug. Through all the nagging, I managed to avoid getting the shot. What can I say…I’m injection phobic.

Anyway, yesterday I took my mom to our HMO for her flu shot. After suffering through my 3 week virus siege in September, I’d been toying with the idea of finally allowing myself to be vaccinated against this year’s supposed strain of influenza germ. What can I say…I seem to catch every little bug that makes the rounds these days. So, with my mom there to comfort me (I always cried when getting an injection as a kid), I finally went ahead and let them jab me with their syringe. Phew…that wasn’t so bad.

Now for the amazing part of the story. When I got home from the HMO, Rick suddenly decided maybe he too should get his first flu shot ever. I’m not sure why he suddenly decided to relent. Maybe he was feeling left out since I’ve been telling him how our niece and nephew have already gotten their shots and Lynn and her hubby were scheduled to get flu vaccinated soon. And now I’d gone ahead and joined the group. Whatever the reason, he and I went over to the HMO this afternoon and now he too is a member of our flu safe family.

So…have you gotten your flu shot yet?

15 comments:

Renee Nefe said...

Nah. we just get regular colds around here.

meno said...

Not yet, but i am planning to do so. Good for you. very brave.

Mary said...

My doctor makes me get the flu shot every year and every year I try to talk him out of it. However, since I am diabetic he insists and I give in. Which reminds me, it's that time of year.

ms chica said...

Nope, I mock the flu virus year after year, but if they offered a vaccination for sinus infections, I'd be first in line.

Betty said...

I've never had a flu shot, and probably won't get one this year, either. My doctor hasn't mentioned it, and I don't remind him.

Carole Burant said...

Nope, and never will! lol I've never had a flu shot and simply don't believe in them...every time my mom has gotten hers, she's been so sick afterwards for weeks. Touch wood but I never get the flu, just regular little head colds once or twice a year:-) Congratulations on the awards, dear Joan, very much deserved!! xox

rosemary said...

I'm off on Monday to get a flu shot and eventually a pneumonia one this year as well.....I have had a rough summer and fall and really don't want to take a chance anymore. Good for you. Good for Rick.

Renee Nefe said...

did you notice how most of that stuff on my list is NOT crossed off yet? ;)

I think my plan is mostly the organization stuff until about Nov 9th-ish...then I'll start panicing!!!

Joan said...

Renee: With all your cold weather, you're lucky to only get the common cold. And don't worry about your chores list...I have faith that it'll get done in time.

Meno: Thanks for letting me know I did the right thing.

Mary: This year our HMO is recommending the flu shot for ALL patients...those with medical issues and those without. I'm wondering if they're expecting a tough year.

Ms. Chica: If they offered a sinus infection vaccine, I'd be elbowing you to get to be first in line.

Betty: Truthfully, it was a tough decision this year. We'll see if it's the right one as flu season gets into high gear.

Pea: I seem to always get the flu...those darn germs must really love me. And thanks for the congrats.

Rosemary: I was thinking about the pneumonia shot too but I think I don't yet meet the age suggestion...but that day will come soon.

Anonymous said...

My daughter works for an allergy clinic so she gets the shots for herself and family free. I gave Dom his and he gave me mine. For not having any training, he did a good job. We get them every year. And we've never gotten the flu.

Patti said...

No, I haven't but I think I should. I know Ralph should get one.
That's good that your family is all vaccinated.

Mom said...

Good for both of you! a small prick is far better than a nasty flu.

Joan said...

Lynne: Wow...I'm impressed...you must have taught Dom well. I don't think I'd let Rick come near me with a needle.

Patti: It sounds like it's time for a visit from the Flu Shot Fairy...at least for Ralph.

Mom: Having had the nasty version of the flu, I sure do agree with you.

Pam said...

I've gotten them on and off over the years and am not convinced either way of their effectiveness. But I was so sick last year with lung infections that I will get a flu shot this year -- like you, I feel a bit more susceptible. Also, a friend's nephew was among those who died from influenza last year...

Michele said...

I had the flu shot once with my job when they were handing them out for free but after that I switched jobs and now they cost money and I thought, nah, I'll just grin and bear the flu if I get it.

I have a special Sweet Treat Award for you on my blog when you get the time to swing by.