Are There Any (Good) Reasons to Avoid a Flu Shot?
My cousin won't get a flu shot. No amount of urging or cajoling will get her to take what could be a life-saving step. Though post-menopausal, she also doesn't believe in mammograms or colonoscopies, so suffice it to say she is healthcare-challenged. And to make it all the more ironic, her chosen career is selling health insurance.
How about you? Do you have a reason not to get a flu shot? I recently read a Top Ten list from New Jersey family physician Katharine Garnier, counting the reasons - bad reasons - for eschewing the seasonal needle ***. Here's her collection:
Top 10 (Unwise) Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot This Year
- I'm feeling incredibly lucky this year.
- The vaccine is inexpensive so it probably doesn't work.
- I'm not afraid of body aches ... or headaches ... or sore throats ... or dangerously high fevers ... and I never get sick!
- I like the idea of having a real reason to call out sick from work.
- That cute little paper mask over my nose and mouth is a trendy fashion statement.
- Getting really, really sick is a great way to lose a few pounds without dieting.
- I'm not planning to leave my house, or let anyone in, for the next six months anyway.
- I'm anxious to find out if my insurance company really will cover a hospital stay.
- I went to the county fair and didn't get swine flu, so I must have a natural immunity.
- Getting sick with the flu will give me a reason to visit relatives I don't really like so that I can share the virus with them!
I'm proud to say my flu shot is already a done deal. How about you?