Bugs...

[DDT (12)]

                                                              ‘Bugs…’

Do you get Flu shots? I do. I haven’t always, however… I got my first one while in the Army, and I got at least one each of those three years. I could count on a mild case of the flu each time I did, too… For that reason, I stopped getting them once separated from active service.

Fast forward a couple of decades… I was retired from work and divorced from matrimonial bliss, and I was living a dream… Riding around the continent with no plans, no destinations, no time lines or commitments… Just ALI and yours truly wandering and wondering at all there was to discover… and I started getting the flu every year.

I labored under the assumption it was better to rely upon my own immune system to combat that distraction, than it would be to let it atrophy by relying upon external ‘chemicals’ to do the job. I was persistent… and I suffered each year, once usually each year, but then twice…

This was a major inconvenience to say the least! I not only felt really bad, I was forced to just stay put for several days at a time while trying to recuperate… It was torture to have to go to a drug store and buy over-the-counter products… and meals, when I was actually able to eat, became a major undertaking… Something had to give.

In time, I came to buy a house in Alabama, and my life returned to a more traditional regime… but no change in the predictable annual flu bug episodes. It all came to a head when I came down with pneumonia.

Napper took me to the emergency room of a local hospital, and four days later I was allowed to go home. That was it! From then on, I got an annual flu shot, and things definitely got better for this non-medical person… no more bouts with that dreaded malady… (Got pneumonia shot too.)

I’m currently in No-Head City, NC, visiting with my cousin/brother. Last month he had some back surgery, and all went well. I’d expected our visit would be a celebration of surgical success, a renewal of our life-long friendship, and the overall wonderfulness of life… Not quite…

Shortly before I arrived here, Nick came down with a roaring case of the flu… Despite the fact he gets annual flu shots like I do, he somehow became really ill. Our time together has been me driving him back and forth to doctors, running errands, cooking – I even made some chili for the first time ever… really mediocre stuff, but that’s often the outcome whenever I stand at a stove… No celebrations this time, just suffering for him and patient care for this presently idled trekker…

We’re now waiting to see if the antibiotics he was prescribed will enable him ‘to turn the corner’. He’s really discouraged and tired of feeling bad… He’s lost weight, has no appetite and no energy. I can’t blame him, and I can surely relate to his condition…

Neither of us are particularly sanguine learning the hard way that flu shots won’t make us bullet-proof. Must be some truth to the information that there are indeed different strains of that ailment, but the shots usually only combat one strain… Spooky, but… I’m just mighty glad I haven’t come down with any flu-like symptoms myself… so far!

I need to get back on the road, and I do need to return to Florida soon to start rounding up information to file my taxes. Before I will do any of that, however, I want to see this through.

I’m glad I get those flu shots nowadays, and I will continue to do so. I’m rocked back on my heels, however, at learning there is no guarantee I’ll be free of that illness in all cases. Life is risky, and the best we can do for ourselves is to tilt the odds in our favor as prudently as we can… then to deal with what actually comes our way. It’s also true that all ‘bugs’ can’t be destroyed by riding a Valk…

DDT

[scooperhsd]

I'm generally opposed to getting flu shots and most others nowadays as well - inspite of my within the last 4 years diagnosis of Type II diabetes  - my immune system is "bugs bite me - they die" still (with the exception of sinus infections - I'm sort of in a perpetual state of some sort of sinus infection - it's just the degrees that changes). Even if I do get a real flu case - its generally "one night misery where I'm freezing to death"  then the next morning I'm ready to go again. And forget trying to get blood out of me -  my doctor is REALLY good at it -and HE has trouble with me - I've been known to clot in the needle - and totally forget me trying to donate - during Gulf war I all the officers in my department went to the blood drive - they had to stab me 3-4 times before they finally got one unit out of me ( as in - that's when I noticed I had developed this "issue").  Needless to say  I've been on low dose asprin ever since.

[hubcapsc]

Sorry your bother's got the flu. Flu and Pneumonia suck more for us older guys,
than for younger people. I probably haven't had the flu since college... bleghh...

-Mike "I whine enough when I've got a cold..."

[Pete]

Had the flu in the late 1960's, and for a few years took the flu shot.
I have not had either for 30+ years.

I suspect not having it involves not being in crowds and getting exposed.
More so than anything else.

[Jess from VA]

I think if you associate with lots of humans (and public places), getting the shots is a good idea.

It's also a good idea if you are around old or sickly folks you might infect and kill.

But since I retired in early 2010 (and became single), I have not had one single cold or flu or virus of any kind.  And I have not had one shot.  I'm not afraid of shots, it's just we got them at work (and the USAF) for free, and now I would have to hunt someone up and pay them for it, and I'm not so inclined.  I don't have contact with one fiftieth of the humans (or public places) I did when I was working.  My immune system at 63 should not be as good as in my youth, but it must be OK.

I don't think I went 7 years without a virus any other time in my life (probably not even 6 months).  

Just another good deal about the solo life style.

And after two tours in the Middle East, I returned to the US and within two months was ordered to get my shot record up to date for a possible (immediate) return.  Well guess what, every single shot required was expired, so they gave me 7 at once in both arms (like typhoid and both halves of yellow fever).  Next thing I know, I'm passed out on the floor slobbering on myself and being told I'm setting a poor example for the troops.  Well excuuuuuse me!    

Of course, I didn't have to return, just another military Chinese fire-drill.

[msb]

I'm not generally one who has been prone to picking up the flu bug on any type of regualr basis, and can't even remember the last time I would've come down with an actual case (knock on wood). I've never had a flu shot...not a fan of injecting things into my body that I'm not really sure are all about. I do however, swear by daily doses of Vitamin D in particular, and also take some B and multi-vitamin supplements that my certified vitamins & natural health professional (my bride  ) insists I take on a daily basis. I travel a lot with work, so lots of planes, airports, and hotels ...which are prime flu or other virus-catching traps. Along with drinking lots of water and eating plenty of raw veggies & fruit, this seems to work pretty well for me.
Especially now that I am in my 60's, I don't want to waste any days being sick when I perhaps could have prevented it. Flu shots work great for some, not so well for others.... I say do whatever works best for you in order to keep doing the things you want to do.

[..]

Don't get the flu shot.

This year I may have regretted it. Just getting to the end of a week of feeling like crap.

[Oss]

I only seem to get the flu or cold on weekends.    

Coughin up nasty stuff and headache for a few days now and my voice is hoarse.

But I am around thousands of people every work day, with lots of em coughing and worse in Housing Court

Dont take the flu shot, but I will take a bulb of garlic in some hot water before going to sleep and that usually gets me ok drink the water then eat the garlic.  It also keeps the wife away for a day.  No vampires have come to my house either

Good on ya DDT for helping family, the taxes will wait

[Wizzard]

I have never had the flu so I figure why get a shot for something I have never had or get.
My Dad was 92 when my mom convinced  him to get a flu shot. He got one and it nearly killed him. He is now 95 and not a shot since.

[MarkT]

I have not had the flu in ages.  Don't recall getting it once in CO and I've been here 30 years now.  I have gotten the flu shot sometimes but have not sought it out - just if my doctor offered it.  I attribute my good health to

1. No exposure to children - walking petri dishes.
2. Keep my hands VERY clean and NEVER touch door handles or other items handled by the public w/o using a disinfectant wipe or tissue - like grocery carts, faucet handles or towel dispensers in public bathrooms, or soda dispensers at burger joints.  I wear a vest all the time and use it to open doors if a paper towel isn't handy.  Wash hands frequently. Avoid hand shaking and wash hands or use a alcohol wipe soon if I do - maybe the ONLY thing good about Obama IMHO is his bringing his "dap" aka "fist bump" into the popular culture. It's much safer germwise.
3. Never fly anymore.  Not since before 9/11.
4. Avoid crowds.  That is, malls, theaters (have a home theater instead), stopped my Best of Broadway subscription - at the theater complex downtown Denver.  Attending the GOTF will be a major exception. Still will avoid close proximity to breathing close to others.
5. My work, and the wife's, are home based. No exposure to germs brought to the workplace.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Bruce, I hope your cousin/brother is doing better. I think I've only had the flu a couple times in my life. But I sure wish they'd come up with a shot for the common cold. I seem to catch one or two a year. I think the older I get I'm becoming more pussified. Just starting to get over one now. Here's hoping you get lucky in "No Head" NC. 

[solo1]

I'm up to date on flu and pneumonia shots. A few years  ago, I got shingles and now I've done the shngles shot.  You DON"T want shingles.

No problem with the flu shots.  Every year the flu shot is redesigned for, hopefully the latest strain but it's a crap shoot.

As you reach the 'warantee runs out" age (75 ) you need all of the help you can get., trust me.

[cookiedough]

no thanks, will go to the dr. if I ever get deathly ill.

Have had only one flu shot that I recall ever.  

My luck I will get a flu shot and then get the flu immediately after.

knock on wood, do not get sick much but once I do, it is a doozy.

Life has its odd moments like going to a dr. for a somewhat routine surgery that may or may not need to be done but is suppose to better your health in the end and in retrospect, it kills you.  Know of a young 30ish year old guy in town who had minor surgery fit as a fiddle and being put under killed him.  Bill Paxton the actor who died a few days ago also comes to mind going in from what should have been a somewhat routine heart surgery and not making it out alive.  So sad...   

My one surgery 8 years ago being put fully under for a routine torn meniscus tear on my left knee had me really worried, not for fear of the knee issue, but surgery being put under in general.  One just never knows when it is your time and if I can avoid drs. and surgery until it is a near must need,  I will go that route instead. 

[threevalks]

            Off topic, but Solo 1's statement (As you reach the 'warranty runs out age) Reminds me of what a Surgeon told a friend of mine after removing a aneurysm near his heart. John asked when he would need to see the surgeon again. The surgeon told him that he gave a lifetime guarantee on the surgery and he would not need to see him again, just make an appointment with his heart Doctor.

[The emperor has no clothes]

The only flu shot I remember getting was in 76 or 77. Everybody was freaking out about the Swine Flu. I'm sure the Navy gave me some, but I don't remember. You just lined up and took your chances. It wasn't like you had a choice what they did to you.

[old2soon]

The V A Clinic I go to keeps me updated on all needed shots and such like. And as Wayne so kindly pointed out the age of Seven Five AIN'T carved in marble!  Go on ahead and ask me HOW I know dat!  I'd rather have the shot-yup a crapshoot-than get the flu. With the problems I already have coughing is a bitch with my effed up lungs! In my case up to this point in time anywho the tradeoffs appear to be working for ME.  I am in NO way shape or form Required to take those shots-I CHOOSE to receive them. RIDE SAFE.

[Pappy!]

I had shingles in '08 and from that point I have not had as much as a cough....... until last April.
Everyone at work got a wicked flu. Worst I have ever had and one of my co-workers died from it a couple days after it hit me. I still will not get a flu shot.

[John Schmidt]

Wayne, warrantee runs out at 75??  Sure hope I'm not now living on borrowed time.    I've had the shingles shot(which is only 50% effective against shingles), get a flu shot every fall and the pee-numonia
every 3-4 years. So far, so good. Hated the flu shots they gave us in AF, it wasn't a dead solution and I got the flu every year. Didn't get a shot until I was in my late 50's, pretty regular since and I've not had the first hint of flu in at least 35 yrs. or more.

[DirtyDan]

Warrantee ? What's that

[DDT (12)]

I've just read all of your responses to my post, and several thoughts came to me... First, I sincerely appreciate everyone sharing personal experiences and thoughts on the subject... It's amazing how vastly different those are, too. All are based upon honest reflection upon what has happened to each one, and upon logical conclusions reached accordingly. Nobody chose to 'poke the bear', though... I very much appreciate that!

The members of our club have so much experience in all areas of life... and every bit of it is different from anyone else's... we are indeed unique and so is our individual journey along the path of life. It's not through 'converting' others to the same view we have that strengthens us... it is through the sharing of those disparate perspectives that we can all gain a fuller idea of 'the whole' of life and grow as individuals.

This thread is a wonderful example, in my view, of how things can and should be. Diverse ideas and beliefs expressed and responded to, yet no acrimony or arguing. Nope, each person respectfully offering his/her own thoughts and considering those of others. No attack launched and no capitulation sought, just different experiences and opinions shared and considered. Y'all really make me proud, ya know that?

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

In all fairness, I think it's how you set the tone with your posts. 

[msb]

I've just read all of your responses to my post, and several thoughts came to me... First, I sincerely appreciate everyone sharing personal experiences and thoughts on the subject... It's amazing how vastly different those are, too. All are based upon honest reflection upon what has happened to each one, and upon logical conclusions reached accordingly. Nobody chose to 'poke the bear', though... I very much appreciate that!

The members of our club have so much experience in all areas of life... and every bit of it is different from anyone else's... we are indeed unique and so is our individual journey along the path of life. It's not through 'converting' others to the same view we have that strengthens us... it is through the sharing of those disparate perspectives that we can all gain a fuller idea of 'the whole' of life and grow as individuals.

This thread is a wonderful example, in my view, of how things can and should be. Diverse ideas and beliefs expressed and responded to, yet no acrimony or arguing. Nope, each person respectfully offering his/her own thoughts and considering those of others. No attack launched and no capitulation sought, just different experiences and opinions shared and considered. Y'all really make me proud, ya know that?

DDT

Bruce - I read and enjoy all of your posts, and this one is right up there as one of my favorites, in terms of the eloquence and truth that always seems to populate your stories and messages.