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flu jab

(138 Posts)
sue1169 Sat 22-Oct-16 16:39:54

I just cant decide wether or not to have a flu jab-not had one before.....

Anya Sun 23-Oct-16 15:18:54

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.

DaphneBroon Sun 23-Oct-16 15:19:33

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 hmm

Jasperis1 Sun 23-Oct-16 15:25:37

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.

Ana Sun 23-Oct-16 15:29:04

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

M0nica Sun 23-Oct-16 15:29:30

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.

Skweek1 Sun 23-Oct-16 16:48:23

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.

Hollycat Sun 23-Oct-16 17:31:24

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.

Gaggi3 Sun 23-Oct-16 18:17:40

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.

rozina Sun 23-Oct-16 19:06:23

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

M0nica Sun 23-Oct-16 19:08:25

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.

Willow500 Sun 23-Oct-16 19:44:43

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!

mags1234 Sun 23-Oct-16 20:15:10

Yep, tuesday

Thebeeb Sun 23-Oct-16 21:36:36

No. Touch wood so far I haven't been prone to flu so will leave alone until I find it a problem.

Jane10 Sun 23-Oct-16 21:51:04

Then it'll be too late thebeeb! Its not a matter of 'being prone to it'. Its a nasty infection that goes around. The fingers crossed method won't save you.

aggie Sun 23-Oct-16 22:01:12

I thought I had Flu before , till I finally succumbed ! I had to lie downstairs on the sofa , I couldn't even crawl up the stairs !

Penstemmon Sun 23-Oct-16 22:06:58

My DH and I once had flu. We were so ill..it was b4 mobile phones. We sweated and slept in the same disgusting pit of a bed for about 7 days, hardly speaking crawling to the bathroom and living on water until we had the energy to get up. I ended up with bronchitis which lasted for weeks. Since then (early 70s!) we have not had flu..seriously nasty colds but not flu.
We now have flu jabs and I had a pneumonia jab 2 yrs ago due to having a chronic condition that jeopardises my ability to fight infections.

Leticia Sun 23-Oct-16 22:27:33

I am not having one. I think my immune system is pretty good. I don't like the list of ingredients. My mother is 92 and has never had one, she has just turned it down this year. My husband has one every year.

4i43 Sun 23-Oct-16 22:28:25

I think everyone who is eligible for a flu jab should have one. Had mine 3 weeks ago, & no bad reactions what so ever. I haven't had a heavy cold for 10 years , which was when I first began having the jab.

Mistyfluff8 Sun 23-Oct-16 23:12:49

Been having my flu jab since I turned 60 before that I worked with pregnant women who all year long had colds etc ..Never had any problems with it and have it done because I am still working with babies .The only trouble is it was really impossible to book a flu jab at our local doctors so I had it done in Boots no problem .Certain supermarkets charge just £5 .

Luckygirl Sun 23-Oct-16 23:21:24

Our practice has a flu party with cakes and tea.

smayed Mon 24-Oct-16 02:07:49

I've been having the flu jab for four years and never had any ill effects, I had the pneumonia jab three years ago and was fine.

Esspee Mon 24-Oct-16 03:08:19

My grandmother died of flu. Had mine already.

Anya Mon 24-Oct-16 06:31:56

4i43 having a 'flu jab won't stop colds hmm completely different virus,

DaphneBroon Mon 24-Oct-16 08:27:33

Isn't the point of vaccination also to restrict the spread of a virus in the community not just for yourself. We vaccinated our children to stop potential childhood "killers" such as diphtheria, measles, rubella polio, whooping cough etc.
So if there is an appropriate immunisation available and on offer, is it not selfish to say "Oh we don't get flu in our family" .
Years ago SIL got swine flu which would have meant DH (compromised immune system) and I would not have seen our new grandson on his first Christmas if we had not had our flu jabs. DD was covered by her pregnancy jab and DGS by being fully breastfed. It could have been a fraught household otherwise!

JanT8 Mon 24-Oct-16 08:42:34

Have only had flu once in my life and wouldn't wish it on anyone! Was still working full time then and had gone to a school carol concert the week before Christmas and it started while I was there with a cough. And so it went on and on, one secondary infection after another. I eventually went back to work in February!! And I've always considered myself a strong person when it comes to illness!
Get it done!!