There is a big difference between a common immune response to the flu vaccine and being infected with influenza (which can hospitalize & kill). So it’s Apples & oranges I guess. I get flu-like symptoms from the tetanus vaccine too, but I sure don’t want to get tetanus. I’ve seen the end result of getting tetanus , not a pretty picture.You're correct--I never got tested as to whether or not it was the flu that I was experiencing after the vaccinations, or just experiencing flu-like symptoms. Immune response? Perhaps. But that is why I don't get them, because they don't protect me from the symptoms I experience. Ditto my brother.
As far as the other option you present, it is Leroy Jethro Gibbs who said "No such thing as a coincidence." (I don't know if the character is spelled Leroy, or as my dad spelled his own name, LeRoy.)
Anyway, I don’t advocate for anyone to get any vaccine, it’s your call. Get it or don’t, doesn’t bother me. I only commented on the all too common misconception that we hear every flu season. Best of luck this season.