[Mom2M&S]

I have been considering the regular flu shot since my last OB appt but now am reconsidering yet again.

For starters, I don't know how or why but every time I have ever received the flu shot, I have been in bed very ill for 3+ days, literally not able to function at all. This of course has made me cautious on getting it again, esp while I am pregnant. BUT my last OB visit my doctor was explaining to me that if I get the shot now, my baby will be born w/ antibiodies from me to hopefully keep her from getting the flu after she is born...this is the 'regular' flu shot btw. That made me really consider it and I've been planning to get it done as soon as I decide I'm feeling brave enough.

Fast forward to today...during lunch we were watching CNN (I think it was CNN) and they were talking specifically about the regular flu shot and had experts on there saying that it was basically useless to get it because ALL of the cases that are being seen and treated right now and are expected ARE the H1N1, NOT the regular flu.

*sigh* this is so annoying.

[AngelaMarie]

I always get sick from the seasonal flu shot. Every single year I've gotten it. I had the H1N1 shot and was fine. I had a stuffy nose and a few minor headaches but that was it. I'm still shocked as I was expecting to be very sick afterwards. I know my Mom had the same experience. I hope you're able to make a decision you are comfy with. I know it's a tough choice!

[mommawhitney]

This whole flu shot thing is really really irritating me!!!!!

Im tired of hearing this and that and what the hell is the truth??????? But then again what does the truth matter in my case, not a single doctor office has any to give me or my child (they have them for medicaid patients or the college has them for the students and faculty and different businesses have them for their employs) but me the tax paying insurance paying middle class citizen cant find a single shot in town, even though Im pregnant and my daughter has a immune system deficiency and asthma! Go figure!!

*sorry for my mini vent there .... Ive spent all day on the phone with doctor's offices looking and Im really frustrated!

[Nicole1110]

It's so hard to decide what to do. I have never had a flu shot, have never had the flu and am not at risk for getting the flu. The problem for me is, I have to go back to work towards the end of flu season and I don't want my baby being at risk. The only way to protect him, is for me to get the shot. I don't want or need it but I do need to protect him which is why I will ask about it at my next appt. The jury is still out on the H1N1 though. I still don't know what to make of it. It all just frustrates me!

[*Izzy's*Mommy*]

I've heard that it's pointless to get the reg flu shot, that it's best to only get the H1N1 shot. I think I may end up just getting the one....

[KtKuKi]

I've read so much about how they can't really tell how many people have H1N1 and not just regular flu. They just treat it all as H1N1 so people think its all over the place. SO, I got the regular flu shot and am not getting the other. I'm happy with my decision.

[C&K'sMama]

I think that the "all" thing is hype. My dad ended up with regular flu just a couple weeks ago (H1N1 test came back neg, but flu test was pos). If you were planning on getting the flu shot and you think it's best for you and baby. Than get it. Don't let them talk you out of it cause they don't predict it being a problem. Carrie got the flu at 4 months and it SUCKED!

[DsMommy]

I understand your frustration. I did end up getting the H1N1. I was originally against it but after getting a "low-grade" virus and being really sick from that I didn't want to risk H1N1, and also wanted to protect the baby who will have to be in day care. My doctor was also recommending it strongly. I ended up feeling happy with the decision. At that point I also decided to get the regular vaccine since I can get it at work next week, but hadn't heard that some people are saying its useless.

The bottom line is I am begining to agree with many of you ladies - I think the most of the information we are getting from the news and even CDC is not fully accurate. It's so frustrating. I don't know if people just like to get everyone hyped up, are too lazy to find out the real information, or just won't tell the truth: that they don't know. I take some comfort in the fact that pregnant women have been getting the flu vaccine for years now and there hasn't been any real link, with evidence, to show bad effects, and my dr. said the shot is the same every year except for the strain of the virus that goes into it (same goes for H1N1).

I hope you make a decision that you are comfortable with, and (seeing as I probably will get both vaccines) that we have not been lied to!

[KatieLove]

I have never had a regular flu shot before. And have not been sick in about 2 years or so. I really do not want to take a flu shot, even if it is the regular one.
I will not be taking the H1N1 shot, simply because I do not know the outcome for our girl. What if something happens (like me being ill because of the shot, even though every single doctor told me it is a 'dead' virus in the shot and it will not make you sick) to our girl, what if she gets any problems through out her life because of the shot? What if (well there are about 100 questions in my mind).

So I decided not to take the shot. If I will get the flu H1N1 and be very sick I do not want to take any medicine either. Again because it is barely if not tested on pregnant woman and I do not know if it can be bad for our girl. If it turnes out I am to sick and have to go to the hospital I have already gave my bf premission to decide for me, but I told him I wanted to let her be born and give me the medicine afterwards. I know this sounds extreme, but I am just very afraid of what it could do to the baby.

For now I am not sick, and hopefully it stays that way.