Sad, but true. Against my better judgement and personal preference, I took a flu shot in November.
In late April, I caught the second strain. With my immune system busy reacting to the first strain, I was unable to fight off the next wave. Within three days I had pneumonia as well. I struggled to breathe and passed out, hitting my head on the edge of the bathtub. I got carted out on a gurney and taken to hospital where I remained on O2 and IV fed for 10 days.
I haven't been able to work but a few days a week part time because it went into post viral syndrome, sort of like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia in one. I have no stamina, no appetite, lost most of my sense of taste and smell, am depressed, can get up no motivation or interest in anything, including spiritually. Going to Mass involves a one and a half to two hour drive one way, too exhausting at this point.
My Dr. has instructed me to take the next 5-6 weeks to rest up as much as possible. He strongly advises me against a flu vaccine and, thank God, will write a note to my employer indicating it is medically contraindicated.
If, by mid-September, I cannot meet my job requirements, I'll have no choice but to file for disability. That can take years, especially since I don't look all that sick to the casual glance.
I'm afraid I'm going to end up financially dependent upon my elderly parents.
If your employer tries to force you to get a flu shot or any other undesired medical treatment, just don't do it. Thank God they couldn't compel me to take the mmr as a booster. Fortunately, I had those diseases as a child, thus have lifelong immunity.