I sit in a quiet house, and I’m not really sure how I feel about that! My introverted self usually embraces quiet, craves it, really. But the last 3 weeks I have been around those I hold most dear, my 3 girls and husband, pretty much 24/7! We had a wonderful, 2 week family vacation to Orlando Disney, but brought Influenza A back with us, so we have spent the last week together in this house trying to get healthy. We have had lots of sweet time together, which makes being alone feel strange.
It has been a really long time since I have had sick kids. They used to be sick ALL THE TIME, but changing our eating habits and taking supplements have really kept them out of the Doctors office for years. They have had a cold here or there, but it was gone quickly and they would barely skip a beat. Our last 3 days at Disney, we ate a whole bunch of junk & I got out of the habit of making them take supplements, AND we all shared a water bottle each day at the park. Enter Influenza A.
Influenza A = a very humbled Amy.
My word, this sickness hit us HARD and fast. High fevers for 4 days is just miserable in itself, but add body aches, sore throats & THE COUGHING! I had to laugh at times listening to the sounds of my home–duets, trios and quartets of coughs. It was nuts!
I have to admit that I was pretty surprised my immune system didn’t kick in faster. It made me realize I can rely too much on doing what I think is important to stay healthy instead of putting my faith in God to keep us healthy. It also reminded me that yes, I am a home remedy girl, but I believe there is a time and place for medication.
I was going on day 5 of high fever, and Doctor decided prescribe Tamiflu for me since I am high risk of complications due to radiation to my chest area. My fever broke just a few hours after taking my first Tamiflu, and I felt so much better once I was on that medication. It was such relief. Honestly, I felt like Influenza was laughing at my herbal tea efforts…it didn’t make me feel better at all. Echinecea tea is great for colds, I’m sipping on it right now for a secondary sinus infection, but Influenza is a whole different ballgame.
Another example of medicine being necessary was for my Lil One. She was the first with symptoms, poor thing had to fly home with a fever of 103. Anytime she gets a cold or allergy, she immediately struggles with asthma. She had RSV as a baby and has always struggled with breathing when sick. She came out of the influenza quite well, 4 days and she was doing good, except for a lingering cough. It was an asthmatic cough, deep and constant. It made no sense that this cough was so bad when her fever had been gone a few days, so I took her back to the Doctor, and we found out she had an pretty nasty ear infection! This is what was causing drainage which was triggering her asthmatic cough. I agreed, reluctantly, to antibiotics…and I am so glad I did. My baby had relief within 24 hours of taking them. Her cough stopped, she slept through the night, and was able to go to school today.
{pause} I know I have readers that would be horrified that I gave my child antibiotics. I also know I have readers that would be horrified if I didn’t! Just know I am grateful for ALL my readers and look forward to the comments on this post. {unpause}
So, I believe there is a place for medication. I am extremely thankful for our Doctors, nurses & their expertise. I also believe there is a place for alternative ways to treat illness, which I am using now (and will write more about in a future post) for a secondary sinus infection that I have developed. I have a Doctor appointment tomorrow and will have her prescribe some antibiotics just in case, but I have a feeling that I won’t need that prescription. I am quite convinced that I am killing this infection with some awesome home remedies. I don’t want to speak too soon, but there are some things that I am doing that seem to be working! We shall see…and I shall share, soon!
I saved the best for last.
The Flu Shot.
Quite controversial.
I had (and still might have) a belief that high enough levels of Vitamin D in our bodies are just as protective as a Flu vaccine, and safer. Because of this belief, we have not had flu shots in over 5 years, and we have never had the flu, until now. But, we also got the flu it when our Vitamin D levels were low, due to not supplementing while on vacation.
I have to be honest with you and tell you, I have no idea if we will be getting the flu vaccine next year or not. I DO know I never want Influenza A again, or to watch my kids suffer through it. I will also say, that a couple other things made me pause and reconsider my beliefs.
Our kids had to wear masks in the Doctors office after we were diagnosed. The nurse who came in also had one on. When the Doctor came in, she did not, AND she didn’t flinch when fact to face with my girls examining them, and they were coughing all over her (masks were off.) I said she was brave, and she looked at me and said…”oh no worries, I have had the flu vaccine.” Here is a lady who has been a Doctor for years, who is around Influenza, the beast, all the time, and was not worried a bit. Made me pause.
Another thing that made me rethink my stance was a comment from a reader. She said she worked in the medical community for 15 years, got the flu shot every year, and has never had the flu. One more example– my Mother-in-Law gets the shot every year and has never had the flu.
So, what are your thoughts? I am eager to hear your opinions in the comment section. Do you get the flu shot? Have you heard flu shot controversy?
I know we will have diverse opinions, because New Nostalgia’s readership is quite diverse, so let’s all be respectful and learn from one another.
Cotton Bottom Mama
November 20, 2012 at 2:01 pmAmy, I think most moms are just trying to do what’s best for their kids, and there’s no absolute right answer. I’m sure you will find anecdotes to support either side of the issue, but I always try to find actual peer-reviewed research for these decisions. I also try to evaluate vested interest on both sides, especially when research is funded by people with vested interest in the outcomes. In the case of vitamin D and flu shots, there was a study in Japan in 2010 that found vitamin D to cut the risk of influenza A about in half (asthma reduction was even more dramatic. Most studies on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine have been inconclusive or show a very slight effect. Vitamin D does not seem to have an impact on influenza B, which is apparently less severe. I have never had the flu, and I was only vaccinated twice. I have declined the flu shots for myself since learning more. I have not given the flu shot to my child. And the flu shot safety/efficacy has hardly been studied in many populations. Good luck with your decision!
Bethany Nash
November 18, 2012 at 4:53 amI’ve never had either a flu shot or the flu. I know people who have had the flu with and without the shot. I really don’t think it’s effective, and I’m not willing to compromise on the ingredients of the vaccine for something that doesn’t even prevent the flu.
Hannah Elise
November 14, 2012 at 6:36 pmJust wanted to throw this out there, as I believe it falls -between- the realm of “home remedy” and “conventional medicine” – and that would be TriLight Health’s herbal remedies. I wouldn’t call them a home remedy simply because in my mind, a home remedy is something that you make at home, whereas these are glycerin-based tinctures (gluten-free and vegan, for those who need to know those things… we’re gluten-intolerant, so this was an important aspect for us). I first used their products when I was nutritionally-deficient after my gluten-intolerant diagnosis – I used their Original Herbal Minerals liquid multivitamin and their Tri-Iron supplement, as I was testing low for iron, and have since added products like Scout Out (an herbal “antibiotic”), LymphaRub (a topical rub that helps flush out the lymph nodes), Hear No Evil (which can be used topically or in the ear for ear infections… just be prepared for a strong garlic smell!), and Wild Cherry Coffaway (which is one I -haven’t- had a chance to use yet, but wanted to have on hand in preparation for cold/flu season because it’s an all-natural cough syrup that I -know- is gluten-free and safe for my son).
Anyway… a lot of people haven’t heard of the company, and I wanted to throw their name out there for those who might be interested in supplements that are more bio-available than your synthetic multivitamins, etc, being herb- and plant-based, so your body recognizes them as food… so there CAN be a step between home remedies and having to go to the doctor.
Dee D
November 9, 2012 at 2:44 amI know people of both- several who still got the flu after the shot and those who don’t. Then again, I know those who don’t get it even without the shot. I think that the flu is cyclical, meaning most healthy people get it every 5 years or so, and then are immune the next few years, because they got it. As miserable as it is, personally, I think it’s good for our immune systems to get stuff naturally every once in awhile. 🙂
The flu shot keeps 1.5 out of 100 people, who would have gotten the flu, from getting it. It’s just not worth it, in my opinion. 🙂
Amanda B
November 9, 2012 at 2:00 amI had never caught the flu virus before in my life. Then one year my employer was offering the flu shot for free through our insurance. I had the flu one week after the flu shot. I thought it was a “flu-ke” so I got the shot again the following year. Without hesitation, I had flu-like symptoms a few days later. Needless to say I will never get the flu shot ever again. I have also had many doctors tell me that flu shots are actually making influenza strains even stronger and less likely to respond to vaccines….I am very blessed to have doctors that believe in a blend of western and eastern medicine.
Nikki
November 8, 2012 at 2:23 amI struggle with this every year because everyone thinks I’m crazy, but nope, no flu shots for anyone in my house and we never get the flu. I’m going to go knock on wood now. 🙂
Anonymous
November 7, 2012 at 11:54 pmFlu shots weren’t available when our family was younger so we experienced a few bouts of flu during their growing up years. The absolute worst bout of flu resulted in serious complications for one of our children: a mastoid infection that required emergency surgery with a second follow up surgery. Once the specialist began the surgery, it was discovered that the infection had already moved into the brain. This in turn triggered long term mental health problems. Amazingly, hearing was not damaged but the long term mental health issues is not anything that I would wish on anyone.
Regular antibiotics hadn’t touched the flu infection and it was only when the area behind the ear was starting to swell that pain was experienced. So even though the doctor had checked this child on two occasions (because there was a lingering fever that would come and go), there was no outward indication of what was brewing. I know that child—now grown—-would have been glad to avoid not only the flu and resulting infection and surgeries but especially the heartache of mental illness. I know a flu shot isn’t 100% effective but if it reduces the severity and/or occurrence of flu, I am for it.
(PS: I now have a health condition which would not do well if I became ill with a respiratory / chest infection. So I have the annual flu shot (and pneumovax shot every 10 years) to avoid getting sick and so far, it has worked.)
SusanD1408 Crochet Addict
November 7, 2012 at 2:35 pmI have the flu shot as I have cfs and asthma. It’s too dangerous not to. I have also had the one time only pneumonia shot. My son doesn’t have it as his immune system is really good and I try and keep anyway from anything like that and antibiotics where I can with him as I don’t want him to end up like me where my immune system can’t handle anything.
Anonymous
November 7, 2012 at 1:24 amI realize that there are many opinions on the flu vaccination. However, I would like to point out that in the US alone, approximately 36,000 people die from the flu every year. Also, over 200,000 people are hospitalized. I have had the flu a few times and have never been sicker. I would suggest that you visit the website familiesfightingflu.org. Influenza is a very serious disease. If you choose not to vaccinate, please call your doctor as soon as you have symptoms. I saw that you were prescribed Tamiflu. It is most effective (and actually indicated) for use within 48 hours of onset. It will significantly reduce the duration of the illness and because it attacks the actual virus, will make you start feeling better sooner. I hope this helps.
Misty
November 6, 2012 at 12:59 pmI have a grad degree in public health. I currently work in the health and medical field. I previously ran an immunization clinic (before having kids). We do not get flu shots nor do I immunize my children against most of what the CDC recommends. That explanation could be a day long conversation involving politics, biochemistry, immunity, politics…. : ) However, REALLY do your research about how influenza vaccines are made (decisions too far in advance to know what is prevalent in season) and also the politics and revenue generated by that program and others. It is not all crazy conspiracy theory “stuff”. We also embrace natural health but use conventional medicine when it is more appropriate.
Bethany Nash
November 18, 2012 at 4:49 amThanks for this, Misty… really balanced.
Cassie
November 6, 2012 at 5:25 pmA couple years ago I had a big scare. My feet went numb, and I started to think of all of the bad things it could be. My doctor ran some blood tests, and found my Vitamin D to be pretty low. She put me on prescription strength vitamin D, and a month later my feet were back to normal! It’s amazing the things that can happen to your body when you lack certain vitamins. I’m curious how much Vitamin D do you take every day?
karlamcurry
November 6, 2012 at 1:30 pmI only got the flu shot once while I was pregnant so the baby would be immunized, being more susceptible to sickness when born.
We do an alternative vaccine schedule with our kiddos – saying no to most of them, considering the crap they put in there these days, and the records they won’t release about the ingredients and potential side effects – and we’ve been mostly healthy. In fact, our youngest – who has had the least vaccines – is the healthiest of all of us. Of course, I think you need to rely on good nutrition as well!
The other day I ran into a mommy friend who had just gotten the fly vaccine and it made her sick.
reneeb
November 6, 2012 at 12:04 pmYou might not get the flu but who knows what you are causing to happen in your body by injecting all that garbage into it. I used to work in a hospital and was given the shot but still got the flu one year. It does not seem worth the chance. I have a friend that is a doctor and was told he had to get the shot but still got the flu this year.
Brenda
November 6, 2012 at 5:33 amOh, man. There is so much I’d like to say, but I’d need to research all the references and I don’t have time. I just can’t inject myself with unnecessary chemicals when the CDC said the shot is 0-14% effective most years lately and it’s only 3 strains if it does work. I’m glad this is an area where there is freedom of choice in healthcare. (unlike the friends above, I know lots of people who get the flu right after they get the shot.)
Chara
November 5, 2012 at 10:20 pmI am so glad to hear you say all of this because I really struggle with this. My kids have had the flu shot every year, but I never have had it. I’ve also never had the flu. I’m torn. I don’t really want to give my littles the flu shot, but I’m not sure if it’s because I think it’s unnecessary with good diet and supplements, or if it’s because I’m (fyi this makes me blush a little, as a 32 YO woman) really freaked out by needles, in addition to all the junk in vaccines.
Janet
November 6, 2012 at 3:24 amI am an RN, so I tend toward vaccinating. I have a flu vaccine every year and my kids are also vaccinated yearly. We never get the flu. The other very important thing to consider is that the more people in a community that ARE vaccinated, the less flu virus there will be circulating. That really helps protect people who CAN’T take the vaccine (like babies under 6 mosnths and those with allergies to eggs or some other contraindication). So, by vaccinating, the person who is vaccinated is protected but is also helping the community.
Lana
November 6, 2012 at 3:16 amI teach 3 and 4 year olds. I get a flu shot almost every year. I skipped last year. I just didn’t get around to it. Two weeks ago I received my flu shot at about 10 am. By 7 pm I began with the achy body, chills and low grade fever. It lasted 24 hours. Then I was fine. I have never had a reaction to the shot before. Granted it wasn’t a 4-5 day flu but it made me wonder if I had made a mistake.
I just pray that it does its job and protects me from the real nasty stuff. It really is a tough choice.
Kristy
November 6, 2012 at 3:04 amWe never get the flu shot or any for that matter. I’ll never be convinced that putting neurotoxins and carcinogens in my body will make me healthier. Seems like an oximoron to me. We eat healthy, get adjusted regularly by the chiropractor, and take our wonderful juice plus. I’ve never had the flu and my husband has had it once. My kids have never had more than a small cold, and they were premies so much more susceptible to things. Our bodies were made to fight off infection. It’s an inconvenience yes but it doesn’t last forever.
Ritsumei
November 6, 2012 at 2:43 amI don’t get the shot. I have some very mixed feelings about immunizations in general, but the flu shot in particular, I’m not convinced about. If I’m not mistaken it *may* offer *some* protection, and that just doesn’t seem good enough to justify it to me, though we do the bulk of the standard immunizations. I’ve never had the flu, either. Another reason why I’m wary of the shot is that the last time Mom got it, she had a nasty enough reaction to it that I believe her doctor advised her not to get any more, in spite of her being a teacher.
Stefan, Sarah and Lukka
November 5, 2012 at 7:44 pmWe’ve been on both sides. My kids (from very small–infant!) would get a bad stomach virus and/or the flu a number of times each winter. From staying in the nursery at church, to playdates, to just contacting it anywhere, and I never gave them the flu shot. Last year, after a year of living in a rental with (undocumented, but the symptoms were all there!) mold, and dealing with extreme sickness with them just about every month there…I decided to get it. It’s amazing. I would have never guessed, but really, my kids have yet to get sick since that time. Of course, moving out of that place was a huge blessing, but I honestly think the flu shot helped, as my son seems to be fairly prone to catching everything, and was not sick at all last year! It changed my mind, and just today, ironically enough, we went in for this year’s shot. Thank goodness our pediatrician gave the kids the nasal spray this time, sparing them from tears! 🙂
Sarah M
Janet Beckwith Macy
November 6, 2012 at 1:20 amI have been a registered nurse for 45 years. I’ve taken a flu shot every year that it has been available and have never had the flu. I’ve taken care of hacking coughing dying flu patients and never caught it. I’m a firm believer in taking the flu shot.
Kristen
November 5, 2012 at 7:17 pmI’ve gotten the flu shot the last five years, but not so much for me as those around me. Between visiting my grandma in her retirement home (she has enough medical problems already), other elderly grandparents, and my very young nieces, I do not want to be responsible for transmitting a potentially fatal disease to vulnerable populations. Despite the fact I prefer herbal remedies, do my part to boost my immune system, and haven’t gotten the flu in 10+ years, I know not everyone takes the same precautions. On this one, I’ll take the word of medical professions and do whatever it takes to reduce my risk of transmitting the flu!
Kristen
November 5, 2012 at 7:09 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Patty
November 5, 2012 at 10:35 pmGET THE SHOT!!
Amy
November 5, 2012 at 9:54 pmSO sorry you all were sick..especially after a wonderful vacation! Your vitamin D had to be up since you were out in the florida sun. I’m a pediatric physical therapist and my husband is a pediatrician. As he talks with parents…he uses a seatbelt rationale. You put your child in a seat restrait/belt everyday..Why? To protect them. You don’t plan on getting into an accident but you alway want to protect your child. Same thing goes with the flu vaccine or any other vaccine..you don’t plan on getting it but best to be protected if exposed to it.We all get vaccinated for the flu…since my hubby or myself, could bring it home to all of us. Our own personal feelings are that the good far outweights the bad especially if you have a comprised health condition or anyone in your family. Good luck with your decisions and talk to your health care provider. Hope your family feels 100% in the very near future!
Amy Bowman
November 6, 2012 at 1:40 amNice name! 🙂 I don’t think our levels were up without supplementation, b/c quite a bit of skin needs to be exposed to get adequate levels. The last week we were at theme parks, not the beach (beach only 2 days) We were in jackets, and most attractions were indoors. Sunscreen on the face…so…no, I don’t think it was good levels of Vit. D from the sun.
I just had a friend send me this video on Vitamin D and how most people have very low levels. Loved it…super informational! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH1rB-Ya2UQ
Amy
November 7, 2012 at 2:44 amWhat a bummer you didn’t have the bright florida sun 🙁 You’re levels wouldn’t have been up. I always apply sunscreen to my face no matter where I’m at. Hope to save on wrinkles later in life 😉
Cat
November 5, 2012 at 9:20 pmI want to say it all depends on your individual immune system. The last time I had the flu was when I was pregnant 8 years ago. Even when my son had the flu and strep twice in 6 weeks I never caught it. Everyone else did but me and I didn’t get the vaccine. We did get them the past two years because of me being pregnant and then our daughter was premature, we just didn’t want to take the risk of her catching it. My husband gets the flu every year even with the vaccine. He is a firefighter and comes in contact with sick people from time to time. I also believe his immune system fails him due to his lack of rest and stress related to his type of work. The only times I have been ill due to a virus has been when I was pregnant or within the year after giving birth. Any other time I can have my kids coughing, sneezing, and drooling all over me and I never catch their colds. So if you have an awesome immune system that can kick butt I would skip it. Since, my little one is high risk for complications if she gets sick we will all get shots just to be on the safe side.
Busy Mom
November 5, 2012 at 8:38 pmI understand the controversy – I want to be as holistic as possible, but I also work in a hospital – around many babies with weakened immune symptoms. I didn’t get a flu shot for years, and never got the flu- even working in the infectious disease unit. I felt that good handwashing and isolation would keep me safe, and it did – until one year when the flu ended up in my home and I got it also. It turned into pneumonia and 6 weeks of trying to recover. I still did not get the flu shot very often, but now I work in a NICU and they have no one to protect them except us. We can’t let them get sick. My hospital now requires it for everyone, which makes some people very upset. But there are ways to be exempt. I choose to get it for the babies though.
Deanna
November 5, 2012 at 8:28 pmI haven’t had a flu shot in ten years. The last time I did was in college and that the worst sick I was in the four years there. My husband went without one for twenty years, got one last year, and felt terrible afterwards – so he won’t get another one. Our son has multiple food allergies, seasonal asthma, occasional eczema (more closely associated with humidity levels now), and reacted to the last vaccine he received – so he hasn’t had a flu shot in two years. He’s also on an alternative vaccination schedule due to his sensitive immune system. Two years ago he developed the flu and strep at the same time – his pediatrician prescribed tamiflu and antibiotics. You’d never know that child was sick except that he was running a fever. I know the majority of kids at his daycare receive the flu shot but it never stops the flu from going through the place. In fact, last year after everyone had their flu shots, the majority of the kids and teachers came down with a horrible stomach bug – My little guy never caught it. Soooo…we aren’t doing the flu shot this year either. But his healthcare history is different than most people.
Katie @ Wildwood Creek
November 5, 2012 at 8:05 pmI never got a flu shot…until after the year I got the flu. I had the flu for a week, which then morphed into bronchitis. I never wanted to be that sick again; therefore, every year since I have gotten a flu shot and have not gotten the flu again.
elaineolsen@live.com
November 5, 2012 at 7:39 pmShot takers over here; antibiotics as well. I’m currently on one now.
Glad everyone is finally on the mend. I’m sorry you had to go through this. Take good care of yourself, friend. I know you are vigilant to do so.
peace~elaine
Gracie
November 5, 2012 at 7:29 pmI am so grateful for the flu shot. I wish more people got it. I have a serious respiratory problem. Several times, I have had to be on medication that meant I could not get the flu shot when the season started. Those years I have been sick from October until April from complications after checking the flu from the un vaccinated.
I use a large arsenal of alternative and natural treatments. I am glad to have those options. But the flu shot is a literal life saver for me.
Ali @craftyWImama
November 5, 2012 at 7:25 pmI have gotten the flu shot for the past few years, due to working in a nursing home, and now having little ones at home. It’s not really about me (if I got sick, yes it would suck), but more that flu, and other vaccine-able illnesses can be deadly to the elderly and the very young.
I also vaccinate my kids as the Dr’s recommend. I couldn’t imagine the guilt I would feel should they come down with something like the flu or whooping cough and be super sick (heaven forbid that it requires hospitalization), when it can be prevented.
Glad to hear that your family is feeling better!
Rachel L.
November 5, 2012 at 7:24 pmI work in the healthcare community and have gotten the flu shot for the past 5 years; never had the flu (but also note I’ve never had the flu in my entire life- even before I got the shot). My husband does not get the flu shot and has had the flu 1x (as an adult). I have not done all the research and do question the benefits of it, but being that I’m in healthcare, it’s pretty much decided for me. One thing I noticed- you mentioned that you got the Flu when your Vit D levels were low b/c you weren’t taking your supplements. But considering the amount of time you spent outside, don’t you think your Vit D levels were good b/c of the sunshine? (Even though it’s not summer time, I woudl think spending hours outside would make up for it). Just a thought.
Amy Bowman
November 6, 2012 at 1:38 amWell, quite a bit of your skin needs to be exposed to get adequate levels. The last week we were at theme parks, not the beach. We were in jackets, and most attractions were indoors. Sunscreen on the face…so…no, I don’t think it was good levels of Vit. D from the sun.
I just had a friend send me this video on Vitamin D and how most people have very low levels. Loved it…super informational! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH1rB-Ya2UQ
HeatherP
November 5, 2012 at 7:23 pmIt’s refreshing to hear your thoughts on this topic. So many natural parents are so extreme, it seems, and never want to admit for the need of western medicine. I’m a Nurse Practitioner and very natural. I avoid medications for my family whenever I can but sometimes it’s just needed. My 15 month old just had double ear infections. He was extremely sick and absolutely needed an antibiotic. It killed me to give it but I double his dose of probiotic and am thankful he got better so quickly. We also all get vaccinated. I firmly believe that the benefits far outweigh the risks. Thank god we have things like antibiotics and vaccines! When used properly, they are lifesavers…literally!
Anonymous
November 5, 2012 at 7:18 pmEveryone in my family (myself, husband, two children) gets the flu shot. We haven’t had the flu since we started getting them. We also supplement with vitamin D, drink green smoothies, and make sure we get adequate rest. I also put faith in God. This is what works for our family. I try not to judge anyone who makes different choices than we choose in our family. Everyone is trying to do what is best for them!!
katanderson61
November 5, 2012 at 7:15 pmI have never had a flu shot and have not had the flu in over 18 years . . . however, if I still taught school or worked in the medical community, I would probably do as your doctor does and get myself protected. Hope you are feeling better soon. I’m looking forward to hearing your home remedies for sinus infections because I think my daughter has one. I’m very hesitant to do go the antibiotic route too often with her since she’s already allergic to several forms of antibiotics.
Sue
November 5, 2012 at 7:12 pmGlad you’re all on the mend. Good luck! I’m someone who never takes a pill unless I absolutely HAVE to, and I hate putting meds into my body if I don’t have to, but since my job has me on the road shaking hands and in and out of airports all fall, I get a flu shot every year and have never had the flu, even though I’m around people coughing and snorting all over the place.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago and this year on the road, had a horrible reaction to the generic med I was taking, (although I hate to, I have to) and so I wound up being given medicinal strength vitamin D, prednisone and the brand-name thyroid drug–I was depressed at all this going into me, but in all honesty, it has made me feel so much better, and I realize that sometimes, we just NEED more help than we want. I originally felt amazingly better with the vitamin D, and was so encouraged that maybe I wouldn’t have to take the prednisone, but then, in the morning, I felt like I’d been hit by a train, and admitted to myself that it was necessary. So I took it, and I feel a million times better than I did before taking these. I was in so much muscle pain that I was taking cranberries/blueberries etc to fight the inflammation my body was feeling, but it just wasn’t enough–I finally broke down and admitted I needed more than that. I’m glad I did.
Hope you guys all feel so much better soon!
The Hojnackes
November 5, 2012 at 7:11 pmWe’ve had H1N1 and Influenza B. They were 3 years apart. We got H1N1 when everyone at church had it 3 years ago (I was 7 months pregnant). We had Influenza B in January of this year. These are the only times anyone in my family has ever had the flu, and we have 4 kids ages 3-11. We had no complications with either flu, and both times we were sick less than a week. With this year’s flu, we took osccilococcinum, a homeopathic treatment for the flu. We also drank elderberry syrup I had made. We never used any fever reducers and no one had a fever for more than 24 hours. I am not a fan of the flu shot. I remember my doctor’s office calling me on Wednesday to offer me the H1N1 flue shot and turning it down. That Friday was the day I came down with it. The shot would have been too late, had I chosen to get it, so it didn’t really even matter. I trust that whatever God’s plan for my family, it will occur without the flu shot. I work at keeping our bodies healthy and strong so we can fight it off. If one of our children developed an infection, then I would probably give them antibiotics, even though I am not a fan of them. I also think you have to take into consideration your risk factors when deciding if you should have a flu shot or other vaccine. Some people are at a higher risk and it might be best for them to get the shot. I am so glad that we have a choice.
robyn devine
November 5, 2012 at 6:55 pmwe all get the shot in our household every year, and haven’t had the flu in almost 5 years (when we started getting it).
but then, i also vaccinate my child according to the schedule my doctor lays out, not varying it or stretching it out.
i’m a big fan of supplements, vitamins, and being all-natural with things, but also trust my medical professionals, and when they say it’s a good idea, we do it.
(of note, there have been several things they’ve openly told us we didn’t need, as far as our 14-month goes, and so we didn’t do them)
Renee
November 5, 2012 at 6:53 pmAmy- so sorry that you’ve been sick. Miss you! I have to say that because of Caleb’s asthma we have gotten him the flu shot for many years now. He’s never gotten the flu since having the vaccine. We are also getting it for Faith, but Michael and I have never gotten one ourselves. I guess I just listen to our asthma Dr.talk about the complications with asthmatic children if they get the flu and I felt like if I could help prevent it I would, although it’s not a 100% guard against the flu… As always it’s wonderful reading your thoughts and heart and I am grateful to hear that you are all on the mends!! Hugs!