@kasmian Wow! I'm learning a lot from this thread. I didn't know that someone can be a silent carrier or healthy carrier. That's at the same time fascinating and scary. Thank you for bringing that fact to light.

@kasmian Doubtful. And I don't go around touching people and their things. I wash my hands. I don't hang around old sick people and I don't touch children and babies. I'm not getting the shot. EVER!!!

@kasmian I'm rarely around people. I used to be sick all the time when I was a lot younger so I know I would show symptoms if I were sick. The last 15 years or so, I started to eat healthier and work on my stress level. Now I have been vegan for 9 years and I mostly eat food that I make from scratch so I know what gets into my body. I have not had a cold or flu in 12-15 years.

As last year's flu was virulent and deadly, this was a constant source of contention. That the shot was only a low percentile effective. I said this last year, and I'll say it again: I'd rather be 11% protected than 0% protected. I also have asthma, chronic bronchitis, and COPD. When I get sick, it's bad, and potentially fatal. Plus, there's no harm in getting the shot. Think of the Enterprise, when the shields were partially down. They still protected the ship though.

@MissKathleen True, but please see my reply above (so I don't have to type it again ).

@ArgosFriend When a simple change of diet could protect you forever...My kids not only NEVER got the flu, they never even got the sniffles when they ate whole, organic foods, no red meat, etc. They could play in the snow in their shirt sleeves, no problem. Never got sick.

@birdingnut Everyone has different ways of doing things. I guess if that's what works for you, then, well, there you go.

@ArgosFriend It's easier to just eat conventional junk food and red meat then take toxic vaccinations. Most US people do that.

@birdingnut I don't believe that just eating right alone will guard me against all the diseases out there. But we're all different. I don't eat junk food.

You're welcome I'm very into vaccinations because I was a very sick kid (almost died when I was 14 months old).

@ArgosFriend That had to be scary for your parents. I used to get the flu almost every year. I started getting flu shots in my 50's, and haven't had it since. I've known four people including Leon Russell who had polio. Big believer in vaccines.

Awwww, you're welcome. My friend is also allergic to the shot, and so was my mom. I wish they could come up with a different way to make it for those who are allergic to the ingredients. I'm glad your co-workers get vaccinated.

@ArgosFriend It really sucks being allergic to the shot. I would much rather get a $10 shot every year at the pharmacy than hope I don't get the flu. I get real sick, real fast and Tamiflu is $100 bucks WITH insurance that pays.

The weird part is, I'm not allergic to eggs or chicken. I can eat both without a problem. I am allergic to feathers though. They didn't ask me that the one and only time I got the shot. The allergic reaction lasted 3 full days. And that was the first time. I'm not willing to give it a second shot! LOL

@sewchick57 My friend isn't allergic to eggs either. It's weird. I'm so sorry you got so sick. Yikes! I didn't know that drug was so expensive.

Oh no! I'm sorry you got sick. Considering that least year tons of people were being hospitalized and died, perhaps only one week was lucky for you. That's weird, I'm usually not a "bright-side" person...lol. Usually I'm fairly negative.

@ArgosFriend I did not think of that then, but you are right. I was lucky