I decided to get my flu shot a few weeks before I go to Paris. The fact that I did it nearly four weeks before my departure date was a blessing - or good luck - because I had a bad reaction to the vaccine, i.e., about a week of flu symptoms. I'm feeling fine now, and I am glad of it. I have two weeks to go before I leave.
Posted by
Chicago
8049 posts
Just got ours today -- we leave this weekend. Fingers crossed. I figured flying around the world is the optimal way to get exposed to pretty much anything so makes sense to get it -- until you have your experience.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7297 posts
Patrick, did you consult your doctor, or is this a non-professional opinion? Just asking.
Posted by
DALTON, MA, USA
172 posts
Had flu shot 2 days before Paris trip a couple of years ago, and the person who injected me put the serum right into the bursa....not good. Could not move my arm/shoulder for 10 days while there and had 6 weeks of physical therapy when I got home. Leaving for Italy soon, and I'm waiting until I get home this time. Won't take the chance something won't go right.
Posted by
Sunnyside, New York, United States
439 posts
We leave in 5 weeks, we got ours on Sun. I think I heard some where it takes 2 weeks to actually work.
Mary
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2015-2016.htm
Excerpts:
What You Should Know for the 2015-2016 Influenza Season
...Most seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and
May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between
December and February....People should begin getting vaccinated soon after flu vaccine
becomes available, if possible by October, to ensure that as many
people as possible are protected before flu season begins. However, as
long as flu viruses are circulating in the community, it’s not too
late to get vaccinated.It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop
in the body and provide protection against the flu.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
Adding to what Edgar posted, I always get my flu shot as soon as they become available, usually in Sept or Oct.
I go to Europe every year and thank goodness I have never had a reaction.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8374 posts
So, just to be clear- you are suggesting that a person should not have the vaccine right before their trip just in case they have some sort of reaction? You are not suggesting that they not have a flu shot only try to have with a little cushion before the trip.
Posted by
OP
45 posts
My doctor diagnosed the reaction. The point of my post is to encourage a little cushion, so you will have time to deal with any side effects before you leave.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5835 posts
Beyond a cushion for adverse reactions, the CDC notes that it takes about 2 weeks for the body to develop the antibodies.
Also consider frequent hand washings, fist or elbow bumps in place of hand shakes and avoid touching your face. (In Asia bows in place of touching). No hugging.
Other vaccinations to consider see the CDC recommendations for travel to France:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/france
Routine vaccines Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines
before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox)
vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.Hepatitis A Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and
sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the
US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in
France, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is
right for you.