So I was watching this and it kind of freaked me out. A woman was disabled by taking the flu shot and now she can only walk backwards. Apparently there's a one in a million chance that you could develop severe side effects from taking it and she unluckily happened to be that 'one'. What do you guys think of this?

I've seen other stories like this.... it's unfortunate.

My personal philosophy on the flu vaccine is as such:
- I'm a young person with a strong immune system. If I get sick, I'm probably going to be fine
- Therefore, money shouldn't be wasted on vaccinating ME. Money should go to vaccinating those who would likely be devastated from the illness (ie the very young and very old).

There are potential side effects to pretty much every pill, vaccine, tonic, etc. You need to understand them before you submit yourself to taking the medicine.

In the long run, the flu vaccine is more beneficial to society than harmful. Occasional tragedies like these can happen, and that's unfortunate... all it means is more research should be done into preventing side effects like these.

oh my...i'm speechless.

Originally Posted by Taunton

I've seen other stories like this.... it's unfortunate.

My personal philosophy on the flu vaccine is as such:
- I'm a young person with a strong immune system. If I get sick, I'm probably going to be fine
- Therefore, money shouldn't be wasted on vaccinating ME. Money should go to vaccinating those who would likely be devastated from the illness (ie the very young and very old).

There are potential side effects to pretty much every pill, vaccine, tonic, etc. You need to understand them before you submit yourself to taking the medicine.

In the long run, the flu vaccine is more beneficial to society than harmful. Occasional tragedies like these can happen, and that's unfortunate... all it means is more research should be done into preventing side effects like these.

I agree, but only to a point.

Part of getting a vaccine is to prevent you from getting the illness at all, and thereby spreading it. So even if you're healthy, you may come into contact with someone who is not.

Originally Posted by lorend

I agree, but only to a point.

Part of getting a vaccine is to prevent you from getting the illness at all, and thereby spreading it. So even if you're healthy, you may come into contact with someone who is not.

Yes, but I'm a young person with a strong immune system. I can handle being sick. If all of the vulnerable populations were immunized, then younger people like me can get sick, handle it with no issues, and everyone is ok.

Originally Posted by Taunton

Yes, but I'm a young person with a strong immune system. I can handle being sick. If all of the vulnerable populations were immunized, then younger people like me can get sick, handle it with no issues, and everyone is ok.

While this is usually the case, H1N1 has been found to be pretty dangerous to young people (not kids, people our age). Scientists are still trying to figure out why b/c normally, the flu doesnt cause serious problems to people in our age group.

Originally Posted by aani

While this is usually the case, H1N1 has been found to be pretty dangerous to young people (not kids, people our age). Scientists are still trying to figure out why b/c normally, flu doesnt cause serious problems to our age group.

Actually a study came out just a couple of days ago that shows H1N1 isn't actually all that different from regular flu.

Originally Posted by Taunton

Actually a study came out just a couple of days ago that shows H1N1 isn't actually all that different from regular flu.

Yup, I've read that already...at the same time, H1N1 is disproportionately affecting young people-so there has to be something different about it- could be anything, so perhaps you're right! But I just wanted people to be aware of that fact and not underestimate the flu (doesn't mean I condone getting the flu shot- I personally have not).

Originally Posted by lorend

Part of getting a vaccine is to prevent you from getting the illness at all, and thereby spreading it. So even if you're healthy, you may come into contact with someone who is not.

Which makes staying home when you are sick, whether you think you can cope with work/school/whatever, all the more important.

ITT: Old news and people who don't know that several doctors think her problem is psychogenic and not caused by the flu shot.

I tend to be of the camp that feels that the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks. It's important to inform one's self with good information, and not hysteria or heresay when making decisions. Be *well informed*.

Originally Posted by Taunton

I've seen other stories like this.... it's unfortunate.

My personal philosophy on the flu vaccine is as such:
- I'm a young person with a strong immune system. If I get sick, I'm probably going to be fine
- Therefore, money shouldn't be wasted on vaccinating ME. Money should go to vaccinating those who would likely be devastated from the illness (ie the very young and very old).

There are potential side effects to pretty much every pill, vaccine, tonic, etc. You need to understand them before you submit yourself to taking the medicine.

In the long run, the flu vaccine is more beneficial to society than harmful. Occasional tragedies like these can happen, and that's unfortunate... all it means is more research should be done into preventing side effects like these.

I'm glad we agree on this. My best friend from back home showed me this link yesterday and I said to him EXACTLY what you posted and he got SO offended/pissed off.

Edit: Then he proceeded to go with the usual question of "I don't know why you're so unsympathetic. What if it happened to you?" To which I replied, "it wouldn't, because I'm not about to buy into all the media propaganda that every sickness IS TOTALLY GOING TO AFFECT ME AND TOTALLY GOING TO KILL ME."

Not that it's really related, but this sort of thing is why you don't get the first wave (or even second) of a vaccine. Remember Thalidomide?

As for me, I don't get the flu shot. It's for old/young/immuno-deficent people. Besides, I go to school unless I'm actually throwing up (no skipping for colds or anything), so it's not like I'm saving myself a day.

Originally Posted by britb

Not that it's really related, but this sort of thing is why you don't get the first wave (or even second) of a vaccine. Remember Thalidomide?

This vaccine is directly related to the seasonal flu shot, which is why they got it out so fast. It's not really much different, as far as anyone knows.

The flu shot in general has a very very low incidence of extremely serious side effects.

Originally Posted by britb

Not that it's really related, but this sort of thing is why you don't get the first wave (or even second) of a vaccine. Remember Thalidomide?

As for me, I don't get the flu shot. It's for old/young/immuno-deficent people. Besides, I go to school unless I'm actually throwing up (no skipping for colds or anything), so it's not like I'm saving myself a day.

Nope, what's thalidomide? o_O

I also don't get the flu shot. I practice proper hygiene. I'm young, and healthy. Worst comes to worse, I get sick. Nothing could be worse than when I was in grade 4 and got "Whooping Cough." I'm ready for a flu, lmao.