The Perfect Gift for EVERY Man... Is This "I Survived Man Flu" T-Shirt

Behind every living man... is a woman who nursed him through his man flu.

In general, I hate gender stereotypes. But this one is definitely​ true.

Which is why I was delighted to stumble upon this I Survived Man Flu t-shirt while birthday present shopping today -- it comes in Asphalt, Black, Green, Blue, and Slate.

It would make a great birthday present, just-cause-whatever present... or even a great Christmas or white elephant gift.

While we're on the topic of the flu, I thought I should mention that no, vaccines don't cause autism, and yes, you should probably get the flu shot this year. According to the CDC website, 

New Flu Information for 2016-2017

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications...

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year by the end of October, if possible. However, getting vaccinated later is OK. Vaccination should continue throughout the flu season, even in January or later. Some children who have received flu vaccine previously and children who have only received one dose in their lifetime, may need two doses of flu vaccine. A health care provider can advise on how many doses a child should get.

Can I get a flu vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?

The recommendations for people with egg allergies have been updated for this season.
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• People who have experienced only hives after exposure to egg can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health.
• People who have symptoms other than hives after exposure to eggs, such as angioedema, respiratory distress, lightheadedness, or recurrent emesis; or who have needed epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention, also can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health, but the vaccine should be given in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. (Settings include hospitals, clinics, health departments, and physician offices). People with egg allergies no longer have to wait 30 minutes after receiving their vaccine.

The flu can become serious and kill people -- especially very old and very young people. As well as people who are immunocompromised, including cancer patients. When you have the flu and miss work, you impose a cost on society. An estimated 111 million workdays are lost to the flu each year, sending $7 billion worth of productivity down the drain.  

Other things to keep in mind:

• You can spread the flu virus, even if you don't get sick. (Remember that poor cancer patient.)
• Most of the major drug stores — Walgreens, CVS, Duane Reade — and even Target and many grocery stores now offer vaccination, many without requiring an appointment. So not only do you not have to see your doctor, you don’t even have to go someplace that you’re not going anyway. 
• Your employer might offer a flu shot program. 
  
• Flu shots are either free or cheap -- and you'll end up spending just as much money on ginger ale and anti-diarrheal medicine when you get the flu, anyway.
  
• The flu shot isn't a money-making conspiracy started by big pharma. In fact, the flu shot is makes very little profit for drug firms. Also worth noting: big pharma isn't the one telling everyone to get a flu shot. It’s panels of doctors and public health experts. (For more on conspiracy theories, check out To Everyone Who Seriously Thinks the Election is "Rigged" Against Trump -- I've Got a Video for You! Or check out Suspicious Minds: Why We Believe in Conspiracy Theories, by Rob Brotherton.
  

​Long story short: even if you decide against buying the I Survived Man Flu t-shirt... you should probably still get the flu shot.