QuestionDear Margot,
My 73yo mother is ill with emphysema, and on oxygen most of the time. I live 100 miles away, but go visit every month and stay 3-5 days each time, doing cleaning and anything else that Mom needs.
Last year was the first time Mom agreed to get a flu shot, and she had a pneumonia shot at the same time. We're not sure if she will get another flu shot this year, though she had a doctor's appointment a week ago and the subject didn't come up.
Obviously I do not go visit if I am feeling unwell, but want to know: Should I (or any of my brothers and sisters who goes to see Mom and then stays a few days) have a flu shot? Would doing so protect Mom in any way? Does someone who gets the flu shot "shed" the virus or anything that would make Mom sick? Should the shot be given a certain amount of time before visiting?
I don't know if I've ever even had the flu, though I've had some extremely bad colds that may have been the flu. The only flu shot I ever had was way back in the late 1970's in college, and that was the "swine flu" vaccination that most people got at that time.
Thanks for your time and any help or suggestions. It is greatly appreciated!
AnswerHi Linda and thanks for writing,
Most doctors advise that those who are frequently exposed to seniors do get the Flu Shot to protect themselves and the seniors - but I personally do not believe in the shot and never get it. In 20+ years working with seniors, including working during several flu outbreaks, I've never got the flu, I also know many seniors who get the shot also get the flu, and many who don;t get the shot don't - of course the opposite is true too.
My advice is to use your common sense, don't go if you are sick, and wash your hands well when you do visit. No you don't share ("shed") the virus if you do get the shot, it'll stay in your system, but if you feel ill in the first 48 hours after the shot, then you may be a little sick and it would be wise to stay away just to be safe.
I hope this answers your question, all my best,
Margot
