If you got sick the very next day, then you already had the flu virus in you before you got the shot. The injectable vaccine contains killed virus, which cannot multiply and cannot make you sick with an influenza infection. Its not just propaganda, its science.

I used to get the flu every year. I started getting the flu shot annually in 2009 (the year there was that H1N1 freakout - I got both that and the regular vaccine then), and haven't had anything remotely close to the flu since then.

It probably wasn't the flu vaccine itself causing the soreness, it was probably the needle being injected into the subacromial bursa, which is a non-muscle area under your deltoid that contains synovial fluid (basically joint lubrication). The person giving the injection was poorly trained. But the same injury could…

That is how I see it. Oh it only prevents roughly half of the flu virus going around? Yeah I would rather have that than preventing none of it. The flu sucks, I would gladly take 30 minutes out of my day and a small prick of a needle to avoid it.

Oh look, humblebragging comments from super-awesome people who have never gotten the flu and have never gotten a flu shot! Congratulations on being lucky, I guess

If I can get a shot and it even gives me, say, a 1 in 4 chance of not getting a disease then I am getting that shot.

Those of you who "got sick" after getting the vaccine... that isn't the flu. It is impossible to get the flu from the vaccine. What you are experiencing is a completely normal immune response. Not everyone gets this, but it is to be expected. Your body doesn't know the difference between the dead virus/virus…

Also, actually contracting the flu just about guarantees four or five days of absolute misery. Fortunately, most people who think they've caught the flu are really only experiencing the minor symptoms of an insignificant viral attack, like a minor head cold or a stomach bug. If you actually contract influenza this…

Many are saying, "I'm not a baby or elderly so I don't need it!" Be warned that some flu strains will kill YOU first.

You know who has a high rate of fatality from influenza? People older than teenagers. Don't forget, senior citizens are at a higher risk than the average adult. But even knowing that won't make you feel any better if you get the flu, give it to your nana, and she dies from it.

You and I can get the flu, take a couple days off work, and be right as rain. The problem is that we're contagious before realize we're sick, and can pass that along to someone who *is* in a high risk group

Good point. But like all vaccinations, when you are immunized against an infectious disease, you are helping to prevent its spread to others. I have patients that don't vaccinate and I don't harass them for it or guilt them, I just think a lot of people don't see the big picture. Again, like wearing a seatbelt, any…

Except that, unlike with Ebola or HIV, the vast majority of people who contract the flu don't die from it or even require hospitalization. If you're not in a high risk group (elderly, children, etc.) the potential ineffectiveness of the vaccine is something that can rationally be weighed as part of a cost-benefit…

You're not a monster (or are you...? :). But by you getting the flu shot, you help spread herd immunity. Fewer healthy people with flu means fewer immunocompromised people with flu. Also, as I mentioned in another post, you are likely at low risk of dying from influenza, but think about it like wearing a seatbelt. You…

The most important thing is: get a flu shot. Everyone should get a flu shot. Everyone. Even if the scientists miss their guess. We can't control that but every single person should get a flu shot. That's all there is about it. I'm glad you put that line in all caps.

If you get the flu shot and it works for you, it actually does prevent you from getting the flu illness. When your body comes into contact with the influenza virus, your immune system prevents an in infection. There might be a few viral particles hanging our for a bit, but they never have the chance to cause a…

I'm an MD and deal with this issue/conversation daily. 48% may be below our expectations, but imagine if we had an Ebola or HIV immunization that effective. At risk people would be lining up to get it. The thing about influenza is that a lot of people don't think they're at risk (e.g. all the "I only get sick once…

Here's a question that I haven't necessarily seen an answer for.

"If you don't have an iPad and want an iPad, this is the best iPad there is. [...] But for $450, the previous 32GB iPad Air will suit you fine"

I think the real upgrade option here is the iPad Air, not the Air 2, on the refurbished apple store. $439 for a 64gb wifi model compared to $600 for the Air 2.