I see advertisements for flu vaccinations EVERYWHERE. Why is it such a big deal? Actually, last time I actually suffered from the flu was the last time I got vaccinated about 8 years ago. And I got it REALLY bad. Ever since then I haven't had it once, not bird flu or
H1N1 or anything like that, the most I've suffered from was the common cold and a slight sinus infection from dry air. Is it just that some people need it more than others? Why is it such a big thing?

Ohsohappy - I'm with you on this topic. I don't intend to EVER voluntarily get a flu shot! It contains more toxic materials than they even admit to. Why would I voluntarily put a bunch of toxic material in my body on the hopes that I won't get the flu? Still scratching my head on that one after all these years. The one flu shot I voluntarily took (now 14+ years ago) I got so ill I vowed never to do it again. Coincidence? Nope.

And yes, I've also noticed the proliferation of "flu ads on tv" and just how easy they are making it to get this toxic material happily into your body.

All I have to say is DON'T DO IT!!

It's very important for a certain percentage of the public to get. Twinkie and I will always disagree on this, but I've seen people die because they didn't get one.

Now, understand, that the people who died had other underlying health problems that the flu exacerbated.

The people who it is recommended to get this shot are: very young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with diseases such as asthma and COPD, to name a few, and those that work in healthcare.

It is a respiratory illness, where most people think the flu is an abdominal illness.

H1N1 for instance (a/k/a Swine Flu)
It is estimated that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic resulted in more than 12,000 flu-related deaths in the U.S.

Seasonal flu...
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

So, not all people NEED to get the flu shot. CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) - Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm)

In Twinkie's case, she had an adverse reaction 14+ years ago. The vaccination has changed since then. Back then the shot contained a live virus, now it does not.

I fall into the COPD and diabetes category and I have gotten the flu shot the last five years. Yes I still got the flu but at a reduced level than before. I will get the shot sometime this week.

Okay that sort of clears up some of my questions. I guess another reason why I don't have as many troubles is because I'm 20 and my immune system seems to be in order. Other than the remissed iga nephropathy (kidney disease) I haven't have many health issues)
https://health.google.com/health/ref/IgA+nephropathy