Quote:
Originally Posted by Suzi
It is untrue that doctors and nurses mostly avoid getting the flu vaccine. First, it would be dangerous to care for patients and carry the flu to them. After all, they care for compromised patients. Secondly, who in this day and age can avoid crowds for 6 months. Eating well and plenty of sleep is always good. Hand washing is a very good idea as viruses can remain transmittable on surfaces for a long time. Also, avoid touching your face. If you feel ill (including if you have a sore throat, feel like you are getting a cold, feverish or chilled, achy) please stay home. Don't expose everyone else including children, elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
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>>The Cochrane paper, “Influenza vaccination for healthcare workers who work with the elderly,” found
“that vaccinating healthcare workers who look after the elderly in long-term care facilities did not show any effect on the specific outcomes of interest, namely laboratory-proven influenza, pneumonia or deaths from pneumonia.” Thus, even in the most high-risk health care population and scenario,
there is NO evidence that influenza vaccination protects patients. In fact, vaccination may actually increase risk because the health care provider, feeling that they are protected by the vaccine, may be less likely to carry out the behaviors that do protect patients.
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A physician takes his flu vaccine under protest