The best defense against getting the "flu" is to get inoculated against the most current strain. I went for my flu shot yesterday, it was a bit late as I generally get mine when they become available in October.
Things I have learned....
1) you do not get the flu from the flu shot
2) it takes 10 - 14 days to build your immunity after the shot
and...if in that time you do come down with the flu, more than likely you came in contact with the virus in some way...handle of a shopping cart, touching an elevator button or in the direct path of a sneeze or cough.
I started getting the flu shot when my sons were little. They would bring home everything going from school and daycare. There always seemed to be a steady flow of snot. Of course, they only got the sniffly snorts. But Mom, that being moi, would be knocked flat on my back for days. One particular trip to emergency I eyed a beautiful white snow drift on the walkway leading into the clinic...and really contemplated sticking my head into the bank of snow. "just dig me out in the Spring". That winter was bad...felt good for a week and back to my bed for another ten days or so...repeat...repeat!
So I am on the side of "pros" in the list of pros and cons when recommending the flu shot. I highly recommend it. Granted you don't miss all the colds and viruses but the immunity you build up helps you to have less severe symptoms and you can at least function.
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