“Flu Shots…”

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Shared by Kristina Smedley

“Flu Shots…”

I’m not sure if I had flu shots as a kid, but I know for certain that I’ve only had one flu shot as as adult. It was my first year working at Boeing and flu shots were free.

We just had to walk over to the cafeteria and basically stick out our arm.

I really hate shots… the long needles, unknown liquid being injected into my body. The whole thing freaks me out a little.

But free is free. And I wanted to take advantage of all my new, working professional benefits.

“Kristina Smedley” the nurse called.

I’m sweating a little, but find my way over to this nice older man dressed in a white lab coat.

Seems kind enough. 
This should be no big deal. 
Positive self-talk.

I sit down and remove my jacket.
He small talks with me as he cleans my upper arm with an alcohol wipe, but I don’t hear him.

I just see this big, long needle sitting on the tray next to me.

“It’ll be over in an instant,” he reassures.
“Free. Free. Use your benefits. Free. Free.” I’m repeating in my head.

Then he picks up the needle and quite literally winds up for the stabbing!

It was as if he didn’t know if the needle would pierce my skin, so he got some extra momentum and came at my arm like a dart thrower with a strong follow-through.

The impact hurt! And scared the crap out of me.
I didn’t know how to react or what to say, but my right leg did.

Before I knew what was happening, I kicked the guy straight in his shin.

“Owww! Be careful!” he says with a needle still stuck in my arm.

“Owww is right!” I’m thinking. Who taught you to give flu shots!

My arm hurt for a few days!

And that was that. My first and last flu shot… ever!
Or so I thought.

Last week, after 12 years of never getting the flu shot and never getting the flu, the streak has ended. I experienced the pure misery of getting the flu as an adult.

The raging headache and unbearable body aches.
It hurt to just run water on my hands.
Hours of sleeping, until just laying in bed hurt too.
Every single cold symptom… at the same time.

Absolute misery.

I would rather do just about anything than experience the flu that I had this last week. Especially since I didn’t have my mom close by to rub my head, tuck me in, and bring me soup like I did as a little kid.

So, you know where I’ll be next year when flu shots are released.
In the front of the line, shirt sleeves rolled up, ready for the dart shot.

And I’ll try my best not to kick the lucky nurse who calls my name.

 

#MindfullyEvolving

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