I've had influenza exactly one time as an adult. It knocked me completely on my you-know-what for two solid weeks, just in time for Christmas and for my (then) fiance (now husband) to propose. It was so bad that I haven't missed a flu shot since, nor do I plan to anytime in the near future!

Vaccinations can be a controversial issue, especially flu shots, which aren't mandated for school attendance. But recent estimates done by Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices say that flu shots reduce the number of times children are hospitalized or seen by a doctor for the flu. Not only do flu shots help to prevent flu infections, they also reduce the likelihood of secondary infections sometimes seen in children who have the flu. And, explain health experts, there's also the protection of "herd immunity." When kids are protected, fewer get sick, so there isn't as much flu bug going around.

Keep in mind that flu shots only protect against influenza, a primarily respiratory virus. The stomach "flu" is not the same as influenza and can not be prevented by getting a flu shot. If you choose to get flu shots for some or all of your family members, keep in mind that October and November are the best times to be vaccinated.