Take a shot, avoid the flu blues | Nuttman

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? If you haven’t, you may want to expedite that procedure along, before it will be worthless.

I’ve gotten a flu shot every year for the past six years, and the last time I didn’t get a flu shot, I regretted it.

Seven years ago I decided not to get one. I got the flu, felt awful for six days, then felt even worse for three more days. All in all, nine days of missed work and nine days of torture.

Since that time, I’ve gotten one every year and never looked back. But there can be some drawbacks.

Can I tell you how inconvenient it is to get the flu two weeks after getting a flu shot? Yep, it hit me on a Friday night and decided to stick around and invade my body with fever and his pal the chills, followed by more body aches than normal and a lingering cough.

Right after the flu shot I did have some side effects, like a sore arm and some minor fever and chills. And then on a Friday, big brother struck back, with his usual pain and suffering.

I couldn’t eat anything but toast. Gatorade and water were my new best friends along with some aspirin and a little whiskey to sleep. I couldn’t sleep with the wife on account of not wanting to keep her up all night, too. I had to sleep with my dog, in the man cave. She didn’t mind, only when I hogged the blanket.

But even after two days of the flu I am forever grateful for getting that shot. For the past six years, I have gotten the flu right after a flu shot, only to watch my symptoms dissipate faster that normal. Last year, right after a shot, I felt terrible for two days, but was back to my cantankerous self on day three.

If you’re curious and have questions about getting a flu shot check out the CDC’S website at www.CDC.gov. You also can ask your family physician or even call one of the many local stores and drugstores that offer them. I’m sure they can answer any questions you might have.

Please get informed and get a flu shot if you qualify.

It sure beats a steady diet of Gatorade, toast and sleeping with the dog.

And you’re on your own if you hog the covers.

Todd Nuttman is a regular contributor to the Kent Reporter.