Flu shot(s) before upcoming cruise?

We are going to be starting our Caribbean cruise in about 16 days. As you all may know, the current flu vaccine is barely effective, and my husband and I are on the fence about getting the vaccine.

As a side,....my 92-year old mother lives in an assisted living facility and I am over there EVERY day. Over the past month, the majority of the residents and even the staff have had or have some type of cold; cough; etc...and my mom is recovering from bronchitis. Perhaps I’ve developed an immunity (I’m a former teacher) but my husband and I have only had a mild case of the sniffles but that is all. We are both in our early 70’s; healthy and active. I’d like some opinions from the readers, please.

We are going to be starting our Caribbean cruise in about 16 days. As you all may know, the current flu vaccine is barely effective, and my husband and I are on the fence about getting the vaccine.

 

As a side,....my 92-year old mother lives in an assisted living facility and I am over there EVERY day. Over the past month, the majority of the residents and even the staff have had or have some type of cold; cough; etc...and my mom is recovering from bronchitis. Perhaps I’ve developed an immunity (I’m a former teacher) but my husband and I have only had a mild case of the sniffles but that is all. We are both in our early 70’s; healthy and active. I’d like some opinions from the readers, please.

Why?

Isn't this a question better answered by the MDs who know your medical histories?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Opinions?

Get the flu shot

You should discuss with your primary care giver, but as a Stage 4 cancer patient, I feel a flu shot is never a bad idea for you and for those around you. And it is also not "barely effective" - we are only hearing about the deaths. It saves more lives than not having the population vaccinated.

My opinion is not only should you have already gotten it, but going on a cruise is not the sole criteria for it.

This year's flu is especially wide-spread and causing many deaths all over the United States as well as many other countries. Yes, the vaccine is only about 35-40% effective, but it does cut down your chance on contracting the flu. Plus, medical specialists say that even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, you will not get it as badly and there are fewer complications. Healthy and active has nothing to do with whether or not you will get the flu, though it may make it less likely that you would develop complications. There are new stories every day about young, healthy people in their prime dying from flu complications. If it were me, I would be getting the shots TODAY since it takes a couple of weeks for your body to develop the immunity. Why not provide as much protection as you can?

Even if the flu vaccine is largely ineffective (my wife and I both came down with mild cases four days after Christmas - probably thanks to a visiting grandson who developed symptoms on 12/26) in spite of receiving the shots in October as we do every year - that 10% effective rate means you are somewhat less likely - and every little bit of immunity helps.

Then too, since there is the likelihood that your symptoms may be less severe if you do get the flu.

It strikes me as simply foolish to fail to take ANY precautions.

Opinions?

 

Get the flu shot

Agree!!! And that opinion has only been blasted all over the place by every scientific source (like the CDC) for the last several weeks.

Get the flu shot

Sent from my SM-J327R4 using Forums mobile app

Unless you are allergic, why would you not get a flu shot? this is not yet the peak of flu season... We ss till havae February which is peak. . If you get pnueumonia, hou could regret ngt having t he flu shot. I have heard no medical profession al give a good reason othe r than allergy to not get a flu shot this year. It just seems so obvious to me. :shrug: Speak with your doctor.

Why wouldn't you get the vaccine if recommended by your PCP? Flu season typically runs from October to May. I wouldn't wait.

I wouldn't say that the current vaccine is "barely effective". Just imagine what the flu outbreak would look like if people had not been vaccinated. Vaccines are usually effective, especially if we can get the benefit of herd coverage.

Not having herd protection is the reason measles and other "childhood" diseases previously eliminated are back .

Even if the flu vaccine is largely ineffective (my wife and I both came down with mild cases four days after Christmas - probably thanks to a visiting grandson who developed symptoms on 12/26) in spite of receiving the shots in October as we do every year - that 10% effective rate means you are somewhat less likely - and every little bit of immunity helps.

 

I think I read people who get flu are most cont agious before they show symptoms.

 

 

Then too, since there is the likelihood that your symptoms may be less severe if you do get the flu.

 

 

It strikes me as simply foolish to fail to take ANY precautions.

I think I read people who get flu are most cont agious before they show symptoms.

I would get flu vaccine even if it's not that effective.

I'm sailing next month and plan on taking my Clorox hydrogen peroxide wipes. Going to use them on plane tray table and will wipe down surfaces in cabin and also table if I go to buffet.

Also ask your PCP to write you a script for Tamaflu in case you come down with the flu while sailing it will lesson symptoms and reduce duration.

We are going to be starting our Caribbean cruise in about 16 days. As you all may know, the current flu vaccine is barely effective, and my husband and I are on the fence about getting the vaccine.

As a side,....my 92-year old mother lives in an assisted living facility and I am over there EVERY day. Over the past month, the majority of the residents and even the staff have had or have some type of cold; cough; etc...and my mom is recovering from bronchitis. Perhaps I’ve developed an immunity (I’m a former teacher) but my husband and I have only had a mild case of the sniffles but that is all. We are both in our early 70’s; healthy and active. I’d like some opinions from the readers, please.

Does the assisted living facility have flu protocols in place preventing children from visiting, requiring masks or prevent entry to anyone symptomatic? Here, they all do. They are actually suggesting people do not visit because you are contagious before you know you have the flu.

Yes, get the flu vax, and get it every year. How would you live with yourself if you introduced the flu to fragile seniors? The mortality rate is very high.

While this year's vaccine isn't that effective, it will reduce the severity should you be exposed. The studies also show that annual vaccines will boost your immunity.

Get the flu shot.

And keep in mind that it take about two weeks after you get the shot for it to be fully effective.

You regularly visit a seniors home without having had your flu shot??!!?? And they allow this??!!?? Boggles the mind. Around here you wouldn't get past the front door. You're putting every senior you come in contact with at risk.

Get the flu shot. Every year. If not for your own sake, then for your elderly mother's sake.

I would get flu vaccine even if it's not that effective.

 

I'm sailing next month and plan on taking my Clorox hydrogen peroxide wipes. Going to use them on plane tray table and will wipe down surfaces in cabin and also table if I go to buffet.

 

Also ask your PCP to write you a script for Tamaflu in case you come down with the flu while sailing it will lesson symptoms and reduce duration.

Flu can be 'caught' by breathing. There doesno' t havve to be some one coughing or sneezing droplets into the air. Your wipes may help, or not but likely are not totally effective to avoid flu..

Can't do any harm I woulddn't think.

It is irresponsible not to be vaccinated. You not only risk contracting flu, you risk passing the flu on to people who are not healthy and active, including your 92 year old mother.

OP

Please get the flu shot.

This seems to be particularly vicious flu s eason. OP,, Do yourself and those around you a favor , get a flu shot and see to it that your DH does as well.

The flu shot is from a killed virus. It will not give you the flu, and even if it doesn't prevent you from getting the flu, it is likely to lessen any illness you get. At OP's state age I am amazed that their primary care physicians didn't urge them to get it sooner.

A healthy, vigorous, 52 year old friend of mine died from the flu a month ago. So, yes, get the vaccine! It may not prevent you from getting sick, but it will help keep the severe complications at bay.

Hi

As some others have mentioned, in our area most seniors residences will not allow visitors who have not had a flu shot.

Some effectiveness is better than none. Not being protected is how a bad flu season can become deadly.

By the way, OP...being in your 70's makes you very vulnerable and going on a ship with a couple of thousand potential carriers of almost anything, why would you take the chance of not trying to protect yourself. Why don't you just see your doctor and do as prescribed, after all why would you consider listening to anyone on this site in regards to your health?

have a great cruise

A healthy' date=' vigorous, 52 year old friend of mine died from the flu a month ago. So, yes, get the vaccine! It may not prevent you from getting sick, but it will help keep the severe complications at bay.[/quote']

 

 

How sad. I'mm sorrry to read that.

 

A young school teacher in a small town just north of Boston died this week, a few days after having first symptoms.

This is a discussion for your physician.

Keith

One thing I would add is that the shot is not effective immediately so keep that in mind.

Keith