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I've already posted that the flu shot made me very ill years ago, and my arm swelled and was red and hot and I was told not to take another flu shot.

Years later, I had to have a Tetanus shot, became ill, arm swelled was red and hot and was told never to have another Tetanus shot.

If it wasn't for that, I would take the flu shot because I am old and to protect myself during flu season, I stay away from crowds, move away from anyone I see sneeze or cough, stay at home as much as possible, and if I have to go out, I wash my hands thoroughly when I get home and also carry antiseptic sheets in packets to use while I'm out if I have to touch anything I suspect could be covered with harmful bacteria.

I don't wear a tin foil hat about this but I cannot take those kinds of shots without my arm almost falling off and my having fever and chills. No doctor wants me to take those shots.

I also said I am deathly allergic to iodine - I have a permanent deep scar from a doctor checking me for iodine sensitivity with a shot just under my skin - my skin rotted off down through all three layers of skin and that hole had to heal from the bottom up - I will not have IVP dye for an MRI or CAT scan with iodine. Shrimp, crab, clams, puts me in bed for three days with red skin, chills, nausea to the max.

So, I'm not just using some flimsy excuse to avoid a needle containing flu vaccine. For years, I gave myself shots in my leg for severe allergies so I'm not afraid of needles at all.

All that said, I hope so much I do not get the flu this winter and will make every effort I can to protect myself. At 80 yrs. old, I don't want flu.

I've already posted that the flu shot made me very ill years ago, and my arm swelled and was red and hot and I was told not to take another flu shot.
Years later, I had to have a Tetanus shot, became ill, arm swelled was red and hot and was told never to have another Tetanus shot.
If it wasn't for that, I would take the flu shot because I am old and to protect myself during flu season, I stay away from crowds, move away from anyone I see sneeze or cough, stay at home as much as possible, and if I have to go out, I wash my hands thoroughly when I get home and also carry antiseptic sheets in packets to use while I'm out if I have to touch anything I suspect could be covered with harmful bacteria.

For people like you with medical problems that contraindicate vaccinations, it is even more important that people like me who have normal, healthy immune systems receive our vaccines.

I will give you a bit of advice (even though I'm a PhD not an MD). The flu is contagious before people show symptoms, and the virus is airborne. Get some surgical masks and wear them when you have to go out. When you remove the mask, put it directly into the trash and wash your hands. You didn't say if you carry around hand sanitizers, but it's a good idea to have them. Other than that, I think you are doing a good job protecting yourself.