Most of us didn’t have a flu shot last year, and yet, we didn’t get the flu, either.  That was one benefit of the Covid-19 pandemic.  No one went out in public, unless they had to.  And everyone wore masks.   We still are in the midst of  a pandemic, but most people we know are vaccinated, and so we’re more relaxed about going places and doing things.  All of which has the CDC worried that the plain old flu is going to make a comeback, so they urged  us to get a flu shot this year.  My husband got his in September, but I put if off until this week. Why?  Because the flu shot packs a wallop.  It always makes me sick for a day or two.

I had mostly forgotten about the flu shot side effects,  and convinced myself it wouldn’t be so bad.  Started the day with a swim.  Stepped  out into the sunlight, and walked along the river.  Felt optimistic that my immune system was ready to take on a flu shot. Bravely walked into my favorite CVS store and bared  my arm to the dreaded needle.  And woke up the next morning with nausea, fatigue, aches and pains that have lasted for two days.

My husband was proud of me for doing my duty; protecting myself and fellow human beings.  He has never experienced a single side effect from a flu shot, and as far as I can remember, , in 33 years of marriage, has never had a case of the flu.

Conversely, I have come down with  the flu  in spite of getting a flu shot, and gone years without getting the flu, even when I didn’t get a shot.  Which brings me to the issue of mandated Covid vaccines.  I can totally understand why people don’t want to get vaccinated, if they have strong reactions the way I do.  I did have side effects from my second Covid shot, but it was not  nearly as bad as how I felt this week.

Why do some people get sick after vaccines and others don’t?  I’ve done some research. Women have more reactions than men,  because of male and female hormones.  Apparently, estrogen promotes a more vigorous immune response than testosterone. , I should appreciate having such a strong reaction.  They say it means my body is  producing lots of  antibodies.

All I know is that– for me– the flu shot packs a wallop.    I have to brace myself for a couple of lost sick days after any vaccination.. But it’s my patriotic duty. That’s what I keep telling myself.