When you get your flu shot this year, ask about getting a Pneumovax as well.

[Redstone]

when I asked our son's pediatrician how he manages to not get sick after being around so many sick kids, he swore that it was because he had the Pneumovax shot and attendant boosters over the years.

And I'm inclined to believe him; he's a terrific doctor and one of the most intelligent people I've ever met.

I followed his advice 5 or 6 years ago when he told me that, and I really have noticed a decrease in those annoying URIs I used to get every year.

Note: You arm will hurt a LOT worse after a Pneumovax than it does after a flu shot, but don't be a wimp: a week of feeling like you've been punched in the arm is a small price to pay for not getting sick three or four times a year.

Redstone

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Never heard of it. I did get a flu shot yesterday, though,

and it does feel like I got punched in the arm.

[Redstone]

2. That doctor told me that the Pneumovax helps inoculate you against a variety of

diseases caused by bacteria - pneumonia among them (as opposed to the flu shot, which inoculates you against this year's VIRAL strains of flu).

Hey, here's a guy who is in intimate contact with about 50 snuffling kids every day, and rarely gets sick, so I'm damn sure going to listen to his advice.

Seems like not many prople know about Pneumovax, and there are questions as to whether you need the booster in five years or ten, but it's worth investigating...especially if you have young kids who might be bringing home ear infections (or other bacterial stuff).

Redstone

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Interesting.

I'm not around little kids, so I probably don't need it, but I once got a really spectacular case of viral flu -- thought I'd have to get better in order to die -- so I always get flu shots. They make them available at my job for $20, of which almost all is covered by our insurance. I never want to get that sick again.

[emilyg]

6. Everyone needs one.

[Redstone]

9. Care to explain why you said that? It might help encourage people to get one.

Redstone

[emilyg]

15. Sorry. Everyone 65 and over.

[Window]

10. I get the flu shot every year, and

the pneu shot every five years. Never get sick any more.




Peace:thumbsup:

[Redstone]

12. So it's ever five years, then. Guess I need another this year.

Redstone

[knitter4democracy]

4. That reminds me--I forgot to get mine this year.

Normally, I refuse the flu shot (I have odd reactions to things), but with my asthma not under control, it's time to test the waters. The kids need them, too. I'll call tomorrow.

[Bitwit1234]

5. Yes it last a while. I got one five years ago and my doctor said I didn't

need a booster yet.

[Redstone]

7. I'm curious - did your doctor say that because of your personal situation, or

because the boosters are a ten-year thing for everyone?

Redstone

[MissB]

8. Wouldn't Black Salve work just as well?

[Redstone]

11. I suppose it might; just dilute it an inhale it, and it'll kill all those viruses and

bacteria in your lungs and airways...if it doesn't dissolve those lungs and airways themselves, first.

But what the hell, if the Evil Medical Establishment doesn't approve it, it MUST be a Miracle Cure, yes?

Thanks, missb, yet again.

Redstone

[MissB]

13. The number one reason why my dear mother never

gets to see my children outside of my view is that she has a tendency to shovel Liquid Silver into any adult/child/animal that she can corner. It is the snake-oil cure-all. I tend to have a slightly jaded view of shit like that.

I'll talk to my doctor next month about the vaccine. :)

[Redstone]

14. That "liquid silver" has been cropping up on DU a lot today. I don't know anything

about it, but based on the hype, I'd not let ANYONE give it to my kids.

Redstone

[emilyg]

16. What is Black Salve.?