Flu Shot or Not at 64?

I'm supposedly old and, by this website's standards, certainly ancient. I've never had the flu shot but in 2018 I had a really bad flu that nearly hospitalized me so, since then, it's been on my mind. What do you think?

I get it nearly every year because I'm diabetic. Never had any problems with it.

I've had it every year for ages - can't remember how long. (I can't remember quite a few things obviously) If I didn't get it my wife would probably kill me so it's probably for the best.

Especially at the moment. Getting the flu and the Coronavirus together would not be good. That's what they were telling us here earlier in the year so I went and got the flu shot before the lockdown.

Depends if you want to increase chances of living to 100 ? or if you're bored now.

In our family we have not had good experiences with the flu shot, I got one in high school and was sick for a few days after. My sister took her kids to get the flu shot and she decided to get one too, just to show them that it was nothing to be scared about - She ended up getting sick (Kids where fine). My grandmother had to take a flu shot when she was in the nursing home and she got so sick that she was hospitalized. At this point we just stick to the chance of catching it.

Jesus, that's terrible. They got really sick?

My wife was always scared of getting it. She has health anxiety. The worst she's had is a red arm - don't think she's ever gotten sick from the shot, even I'd remember that.

I think I've had a bit of a sore arm where they gave it to me for a day or two but that was about it.

Yeah my father died 3 months after getting the jab, he was 52, though he was already pretty ill before, he went down much quicker after getting the flu shot. .

I think it might work better in someone reasonable healthy to begin with, so your body can actually fight the vaccine enough to build immunity.

Yes we got pretty sick from it so It's made us all hesitant to consider getting a shot again, my grandmother was so close to passing that my mother was almost about to return to the Netherlands to go see her, but thankfully she turned around and pulled through. I don't know if we where already somewhat compromised at the time (I'm sure we where healthy) or if we are just weaklings in general.

Don't think you'd be considered weaklings mate. It's probably just some sort of genetic or biological thing in your family that reacts badly to that strain. (not that I know anything about it obviously)

Are you guys thinking you'll get the vaccine for the Coronavirus when one becomes available?

You could be right but I wouldn't know either.

Yes I think we will get the vaccine though how soon depends, I have to admit we are worried about how quickly they are coming out with these things since they usually take a long time to study, and what the side effects are say a decade from now. I was reading an article this morning how Qantas was going to make having a vaccine mandatory for flying, I believe that is in Australia.

No question about it - flu shot.

One of the more dangerous aspects of flu, is not actually the flu itself but the associated conditions that may develop in the wake of the virus. Pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis are the obvious risks. But it can also ravage your cardiovascular system, by weakening your heart and blood vessels, causing clots, heart attacks, arterial ruptures, and heightening the risk of stroke for months after the infection. So, yes, why play a Russian roulette when you can take reasonable precautions and potentially avoid this turmoil.

Coming from someone who's never had a flu shot: definitely get one.

Go for it man! I just got one yesterday. I get one every year. There can be complications I guess but you're more likely to die of the flu than complications from the shot. We need you around here for years to come, I can't be the only one with exquisite tastes in music on the forum ; )

Yeah, I saw that too mate - Alan Joyce the CEO of QANTAS said he was talking with the other airlines as well. I hope they make it mandatory before someone gets on a plane - especially if they're thinking of coming here.

Someone this morning even mentioned insisting on Australians returning home at the moment having a test before they get on the plane in whatever country they're stranded in. Also a good idea as far as I'm concerned. It was hard for us to get rid of it here - they need to keep it out. (if that's at all possible)

Sorry for going a bit off topic there OP.

you may have tilted the scales here, mate.

Thanks Sheska, those are good points. I'm inclined to get it.

Thanks for the feedback, all. I learned a lot as, like I say, I've had no experience with it. Lol @Paul , I like your logic.

I got mine flu shot two weeks ago at the grocery store pharmacy across from home and gifted a $30 giftcard with them as part of their flu shot promotion.

You especially need one at that age.

I've never had one, and I am over 60 years of

Age.