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Ferfichkin · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 140

Hey everybody, I'm leaving for Taiwan in three weeks and I'm just wondering if I should get a flu shot now or wait until I get to Taiwan, or if I should even get one in the first place? I'm thinking maybe the strains aren't the same and I'll wind up getting innoculated for a strain of flu that doesn't even exist in Taiwan.

Any thoughts?

fich

Supercords · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 11 Location: Utah for now

A surefire way to get the flu is by taking a flu shot. I prefer to take my chances with the real thing.

Munchen · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 76

As one who has gotten flue shots regularly over the last ten-plus years, my recommendation would be to get the shot here in the US at a reputable medical facility if you can get one. If there is a shortage and I've heard rumors of that possibility, it may be difficult to get one, especially if you are not in a risk category, age, condition such as diabetes, etc.
The remark in the previous message about getting a shot as a surefire way to get the flu is almost pure fallacy. Although it can happen, cases are very rare in one getting the flu from the flu vaccine itself.
In receiving the shot for at least ten years, I have never once gotten the flu, plus the fact that I have noticed an improvement in getting common colds. I asked my doctor if getting the flu shot can help with colds, and he told me it definitely can.
Depending on the strains in the vaccine, you may feel flu like symptoms for a day or nothing at all. At best might be a soreness in the arm at the injection site for several hours if even that.
As it takes up to a month for the antibodies to build up after the shot, I would still recommend getting it here so that you would have protection by the time you go overseas and possibly run into flu there.
The bottom line would be, get it now if its available to you. One less thing to worry about after getting to Taiwan.
Hope this helps.

Munchen · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 76

As a postscript, I reread the message which doesn't reveal country of origin. I apologize if it is not the USA, but basically, my advice would be the same.

timmyjames1976 · Joined: 26 Jan 2005 Posts: 148

im not a doc, but woulndt a flu shot from the US be more geared toward north american flu strains thus limiting its effectivness in Asia?

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

A flu shot in the US may not work. The flu takes several months to migrate to the US from Asia and vis-versa.
When a vaccine is made in the US or Europe it for the flu that has already happen in Asia (last years flu). Chances are that if you survived the previous flu season you already have an immunity to the coming flu in Asia or there is not yet a vaccine for the current flu because it is too new.
There is no vaccine for the pandemic bird flu.
Get it here in Taiwan.
It is also cheaper.
Please read this,
10 Steps to Success on Taiwan!
Good luck!
A.

Munchen · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 76

Interesting points. I would want to make sure if one would receive the flu shot in the country in which they are residing at the time, to be sure the source that one receives the shot is a reliable medical facility.
Also, those in the US can check with a source like the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA as to whether it would be worth getting the shot here or abroad for reasons that have been discussed here.