flu jab

Yep, tuesday

I've had the jab on an off for several years starting back when I was main carer for my parents about 10 years ago. I had a nurse appointment for something else a few weeks ago and the poster in the surgery listed all the people who should have the flu jab - I didn't qualify for any of them however the first thing the nurse said was 'have you had your flu jab'? I told her I didn't think I qualified but she said with the condition I've recently been diagnosed with I should have it. I did have one last year around this time but at Christmas developed flu and was extremely ill for several weeks. I know it doesn't cover you for every strain but it's slightly worrying that it didn't stop me getting flu. I was going to make an appointment for us both but last year they told my husband off for going saying he didn't need it! He has sleep apnoea and was told he was at risk from a general anaesthetic being classed as having breathing difficulties. I asked at the chemist who were also offering them and when they checked neither of us were eligible. No idea what to do for the best now with such conflicting information!

I was at boarding school with DS, sleeping in open dormitories, when the Asian flu pandemic struck. Teachers and pupils were, as they say, dropping like flies. In the end the school closed down for a fortnight. DS and I stayed fit and well. We got home and the army base where DF worked was badly affected but neither he nor my mother caught flu.

Obviously it would take genetic testing to say for certain whether I was among the 43% naturally immune, but that is nearly half the population, so I think it highly probable.

I've never had one and don't intend to get one. There are too many strains of flu.

I've had a 'flu jab each year for a long time, with no side effects, and, so far, haven't had 'flu, but there's no way of telling whether it was having the inoculation or just luck. Having this year's on Wednesday.

Last has flu in 2001 which turned into pneumonia. Had the flu jab every year since then and have been fine. Also had the shingles vaccine after my daughters neighbour died from it! Yes, really. Take care people.

My family have all had flu jab for many years (we have a number of health issues) and never had a problem, nor have any of us had flu. Having caught it on many occasions, right back to the Asian flu epidemcs when I was a kid, personally I think it's worth having the jab - flu is really revolting and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

I have never had flu, neither has any other member of my family, including my parents. Research at London and Oxford Universities has shown that 43% of the population are immune to the infection, so I am assuming I am in this group. I have a totally irrational reaction that having the flu jab, might undermine my natural immunity. Yes, I know that is ridiculous.

I have, however, had both the shingles and pneomo jabs.

The vaccine is certainly meant to prevent shingles, but if you do get it the side-effects may be milder.

I had my shingles jab couple of weeks ago. Did feel under the weather and had a sore arm but I'm sure it's a wise move to have the jab. Doesn't stop anyone getting shingles but stops the nasty side affects the nurse told me.

Flu jab next Saturday following on from hygienist and optometrist last week, podiatrist on Saturday and mammogram tomorrow. ??
All it needs is a smear test and my cup will runneth over

But if these symptoms last for 8 weeks and are far from mild, or common, this would suggest that for some the reaction is more extreme.

I too am first in line, having had really bad flu several years ago. It was an experience I never wish to repeat. I seem to be one of the lucky people not to suffer reactions to any vaccinations (and I have had lots for overseas travel).

Most of the common symptoms that appear after the jab are because the body's own immune system has learnt from it and is pouring out defences to the dead virus it contains - the same defences that will be able to come into play all the faster if/when they encounter the flu virus for real, and either kill the infection outright or make sure that it isa weaker attack than it would otherwise have been.

Look on the sore arm, the headache and so on as proof positive that the immune system has got the message and is marshalling the troops. Much like testing your smoke alarm regularly to be sure that it will work if you DO need it.

When I had my flu jab a few weeks ago, the nurse said I can have a shingles jab as well but to leave a month between.

I have made an appointment to have it as I know people who have had shingles and they all say it is horrible.

Oh thank you all for your views. Im 64 quite healthy so always declined the jab.am still not really sure but think possibly will have one cos would be scared at my age of getting flu.Had it about 35yrs ago AWFUL and not sure could cope with it now!!!

If you have reaction to the jab just imagine how ill you would be if it was flu!

should read "had my pneumonia jab"

Had my flu jab a couple of weeks ago and had no reaction. Had my pneumonia a few years ago and was very glad as I had a bad dose of pneumonia when pregnant with my youngest (40 years ago). Just received a letter from surgery to say I am eligible for a shingles jab, which I will go and get. DH had shingles 30 years ago and was very very ill so I am taking no chances. Its up to individuals whether they have these injections but IMO its better to play safe than risk a debilitating illness later in life.

I've been having the 'Flu jab for several years without a problem. I also had the one off pneumonia vaccination a few years ago. Again no problem

Would highly recommend that you do both.

I have asthma and am very grateful to get a flu injection each year. I have never had anything more than a slightly warm arm as a result. Rather that than risk real flu, which is a killer, though the injection does not guarantee protection as no one can predict which strain of flu might cause problems in any year.

As the strains used in the vaccine are not live I don't understand why people then 'have a bad cold/feel groggy' etc.
I stopped reading potential side effects of meds because I think I just thought myself into having them. I know I can be suggestible! The other aspect is that the vaccine takes 2-3 weeks to become effective. If people get colds immediately after the jab they were going to get them anyway as they must already be incubating them. Get the jab!

Definitely get one. I work in a shop and customers are always passing germs over with their cash!! I had dreadful flu a few Xmas's ago and was terribly ill. Missed all of Xmas. I have had flu jabs ever since and been absolutely fine.

I had flu about 6 years ago (so did mt BF/Carer) and it was like the blind leading the blind for about 3 months. Both us were so ill we ended up in hospital and BF couldn't work for 4 months. From what I remember, I have never felt so ill. So the flu jab every time for me; I am willing to gamble that they have the right strain this year, as I also have health conditions I get it free, so does BF on age grounds. Jab was 3 weeks ago, felt groggy for a couple of days, but then I often do, so no saying if the jab was the cause.

Never had flu at 76. Rarely catch a cold.
My worst winter EVER was several years ago after a flu jab. Was afflicted with one URTI or another the whole winter Several months of that was enough to put me off the jab for ever