Yes, sometimes I get the pneumonia shot too. I guess it works. I haven't had pneumonia since I was 26.

Mercury is a strange one. I know it can affects developing children much more than adults and it can be a serious toxin in adults due to repeated or prolonged exposure. But I know too, that it used to be given for certain stomach problems, orally. The amalgamate used in common dental filings contain up to 40% Hg with no "apparent" ill effects in adults. Strange stuff mercury. There is a lot of it in my area. There used to be active mercury mines here and my grandfather worked in one for a short period of time back in the early 30's. He used to have a piece of cinnabar that you could just shake and the mercury would fall out of it. No noticable ill effects there either. Cigarets killed him in '64.

As for migraines (thank you Gargoyle)MSG is a big trigger for mine and I stay away from it as it usually means a trip to the Dr. or the ER. I've done elimination diets, etc. to try to discover what triggers the rest of them with no clear picture. I just get them: often! The one's you mention are quite well known. I can tolerate them in small amounts but if I get to greedy with say, the cheese or wine, yes, it will trigger one.

But this flu shot is definitely NOT that sort of headache. It is like the flu but without the fever and all the nasty stuff that goes with it. I'll live but it's crazy that one time it doesn't bother me in the least and then the next, POW! It knocks me for a loop!

You bring up a good point Janie. If flu is dangerous in and of itself, the secondary conditions it can foster can be more deadly than the original condition. One should always consult a physician if they have had a history such as your's with the flu. Don't take chances.

Personally, I'd rather take my chances with a tad bit of mercury (which can be chased from your system with vitamin C ) than be hit with a potentially deadly disease like influenza.