[mechanical_fish]

Let's review your calculation here:

Odds of getting the flu, feeling like absolute crap for a week, losing a week of work, being shunned by everyone I know for two or three weeks because I'm a carrier of the swine flu, but accidentally giving some of my acquaintances the flu anyway, thus prolonging the epidemic: 35%.

Okay, stop. I'm going to the pharmacy for my vaccine right now. [1]

My only fear is that I'm already too late. I'm not feeling so well today.

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[1] Not that I think it's in stock yet, or anything. But maybe I'll call them.

[NikkiA]

Odds of getting the flu, feeling like absolute crap for a week

The few people I know that have had H1N1 reported that they actually felt like crap for more like a month, The initial 'flu symptoms' passed after a week, but they were left feeling weak and 'drained' for another 3-4 weeks beyond that.

Personally, I'm tempted to get the shot, and I've never bothered with flu shots in the past out of fear of the side effects (I have a barely functioning immune system).

[ikitat]

I have a barely functioning immune system

That is why you should ask your doctor if you should get the vaccine. Immunosuppressed are on the high risk list and are encouraged to get the vaccine.

[dunstad]

I agree with you here; those are all valid reasons to get a shot. My issue was with the use of the death rates as justification, which is much less reasonable.