There. Now stop asking me!
Yes, I have the flu. Thankfully it is not the barfy variety. Or the other kind either. It’s just the symptoms in the middle: fever, chills, body aches and massive, massive, unrelenting headache.
I got it approximately 20 hours after getting home from skiing in Colorado. And I am so thankful I didn’t get it sooner and ruin my trip.
Many of my savvy friends have suggested that perhaps it’s not the flu, but just the aftermath of a sloth like me spending three intense days skiing with SuperDave.
Ha. Ha. Ha.
It’s those same friends who like to remind me I’m a conscientious objector to the flu shot.
It’s true. I am.
I don’t get the flu very often. Though I’ve been sick more than usual this winter, I’ve only waved the white flag one day and laid on the couch. The rest of my illnesses are simply set-backs to my normal productivity. Nuisances.
Not this time. I’ve been laid out flat since Wednesday night. Today is the first day I’ve even been able to read or work on my computer. And yet, I’m far from well. And frankly, this stinks! Well, except for my previously well-fed belly which is currently looking nice and flat, if not taut…
To think that I actually wished for a sick day in bed not that long ago. I think I forgot that when you are truly sick, you can do nothing but lay with your eyes closed and moan.
Or is that just me?
Anyway, here is my theory: Occasionally getting sick — like getting the knock-down flu every 4 or 5 years — is good for you. It super charges the immune system. So that’s why I don’t get the flu shot.
Yes?
No?
Let’s debate this in the comments!
Kathy Murnane says
I’m sorry Jennie, I can not respond in fear of jinxing myself!!!!
MIke Stephan says
Debate the Flu or the Flu Shot… Okay.
First things first. I just finished reading Malcolm Gladwell’s 4th book titled, “What the Dog Saw”. I mention that because one of his chapters influences the comments that I have to share.
Comparison.
Getting a flu shot is similar to other things that we do to protect us from bad things. Start with your ever-loving Chevy Suburban. It has airbags, anti-lock brakes and other safety features that are designed to protect you from getting in an accident or the results of an accident. However, in doing so it also allows you to drive faster, more careless, more distracted or whatever. Therefore, the net result is a more dangerous driver due to the so-called, “safety net” of safety features.
So, I suppose, I agree with you that getting the flu every now and then is a good thing for your body and immune system. It’s kind of like the growth that comes after a prairie fire.
With that said, I get a flu shot every year.
Strange how things work and how we do things that counter our own logic.
admin says
Oh Kathy, what a superstitious ninny! Of course you get the flu shot. You think I don’t know that? I don’t have spies, mind you, I just think I know you that well. Be sure to throw some salt over your shoulder, too!
Mike: I don’t disagree. Though, I like to think of the flu vaccine more as throwing a dart at a moving target. I just wish someone would tell me once and for all: is there any validity to my beliefs? I mean, for small pox and polio and all those things we’ve traditionally vaccinated for, we were saving lives. I suppose you could argue that the flu also kills the elderly and immuno-compromised. But then, so does everything. Getting the flu is more of an inconvenience. For kids, their parents, schools, etc.
However: does getting the flu BENEFIT our immune systems and help us ward off future illnesses?
I still am under the belief that it does. And until I start falling ill every year, I won’t be getting the shot. I say that though while I STILL lay on the couch. Someone just told me I might have strep. Could that be? Stay tuned.
The Nerger says
Funny! Except for the sick part. I am never getting a flu shot until I am really decrepit. I agree, let the immune system get a good work out. Otherwise, it’ll get all saggy, and who wants that? There’s enough sag going on these days.
Kathy Murnane says
Wrongo Jennie….I have never ever gotten a flu shot…thats all I’m going to say about it, cause yes i’m still afraid of jinxing myself….as I’m knocking on wood!
admin says
@Kathy: Really! So, we are alike after all!