These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Bert, age 68: I am in very good health for my age. Still, I get a flu shot every fall. Why take chances? I've seen too many friends end up in the hospital because they didn't take the flu seriously. I urge my kids to get it too, because you never know how nasty this year's flu strain might be.
Starla, age 42: I am terribly allergic to eggs, so I can't take the flu shot. Instead, I take antiviral medicine to help protect me from the flu. I have a family to support, including my dad who has kidney disease. So the last thing I need is to get the flu and bring it into the house.
Betsy, age 17: My grandmother is in a nursing home, and I visit her every couple of weeks. I wouldn't want to risk giving her the flu, so I'm going to get a flu shot.
Quincy, age 25: At my age, I don't see any reason to get a flu shot. I'm very strong, and I hardly ever get sick. I'm not worried about getting the flu.
Credits
| Author | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | September 29, 2006 |
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