why are so many of you getting the flu?

[TheProject]

I haven't had the flu in years, and don't trust flu shots. I've just talked to too many people that have gotten flu shots, and gotten the flu as a result, even though "that never happens".

 

[JJFigure]

If I could just avoid those little ones, I don't think I'd be getting sick either. Luckily, January's usually a down period for my type of consulting, so I've gotten to take it nice and easy - LOTS of sleep, back on a regular eating schedule, reading books in bed...I have to remember these periods of downtime when I get stressed out and start hating consulting.

 

[spatts]

Bmom, Project, I've had your luck. Like I told W6 last time he suggested the shot, I never get the shot or the flu...yet everyone around me has been sick. I'm not suggesting anything one way or another about the flu shot...just my experience.

 

[spiderwoman]

I vomited 9 times last sunday night and got the flu shot early monday morning. It knocked me out for 24 hours and it took me 4 days to fully recover [no headaches or stomache cramps]. It also knocked my kids and husband out. It was HELL. My squat went down [maybe dehydration??] and my knees hurt this week. I HATE being sick.

... my sympathies for those who are ill now...

 

[JJFigure]

Sure it wasn't the football game? The Eagles weren't playin' all that hot on Sunday...

 

[SteelWeaver]

I've only had one cold since I quit smoking 2 years ago. No flu. I hate shots, even vit B, lol. Another reason to think really hard about whether to use gear or not, heh heh.

If I see someone sniffiling and sneezing, I turn around and walk the other way, holding my breath. Although that's quite hard to do on a packed commuter train.

 

[takniteasy]

Try working in very high exposure environment, such as a medical clinic full of elderly children. (I call them that because they act like kids 99% of the time.) And I did get the flu shot on the reccomendation of my boss. Mild symptoms for about a week. HOwever, the crap that put me down and out last week was not the flu. And although it is not as bad, this stuff just hangs on and on and on. More aggravating than any thing else as it is more in the chest and I have a hard time with shortness of breath when I try to work out now.

 

[wateengedoe2]

Too many and too long heavy workouts combined with a cutting diet and not enough time to rest can impair your immune system. Your body needs proteins so desperately then, it starts using antibodies.

 

[Puddles]

I don't get flu shots because I don't normally get the flu. I do get colds though and have had one lingering since Christmas day. I think it's actually a second cold on top of the first one. My husband didn't get the flu this year for the first time in about 5 years. He doesn't get the shot either but he probably should. I don't know why he catches the flu and I don't. We both work together in retail, so during the holiday season we come in contact with a lot of people and we're exposed to more stuff than usual.

 

[Bikini Mod]

MrsPuddles the duration of a cold is only 4-5 days so it is several colds back to back. Sounds like your immune system is imparied. Are you getting enough sleep? enough good food? I went through years of one cold/upper respitory/ear infection/bronchitis and even walking pneumonia. All because of lack of rest (overtraining), lack of sleep and not eating nearly enough.

I don't overtrain anymore as I have zero desire to compete. And I am making a very conscious effort to sleep more (granted I have to take sleep aides, but at least I am catching zzzzzz's) and I do try to eat enough good food. But by far my downfall is that fact that I don't eat enough good food....