Hey!
Coming up to flu season now and I can't decide if I should get a flu vaccine? I'm 25 years old and I've only ever had flu vaccines when I was a child. Obviously with COVID around I'm trying to be extra safe, plus I've already had the flu once when I was 16 and I experienced swine flu in 2009 which was equally unpleasant.
The main reason which puts me off are the side effects. I know the vaccine doesn't give you the flu - but I'm worried if I get a fever I'll panic and think I have COVID. I'm really battling with my anxiety over this one...
I know my doctor will say I should have one. But I'm intrigued by those who are anti-vaxxers and their reasons.
Thanks
Hi
I have had it twice and once there followed a flu like illness but I do not know if this was linked.
At age 25 you could likely cope very well with flu and Covid so its up to you but I am sure many people get it without problems.
When I had it done I felt guilty that if I didn't I risked being hospitalised and that this was selfish.
We do know that if your immune system is low or compromised due to age the vaccine isn't always effective anyway (as can be seen from the spikes in excess mortality in various years) so continued hand hygiene and avoidance of large crowds is always wise in the flu season for the very vulnerable.
I am now reluctant to go in and have to be masked up to receive it so may give it a miss this season.
My kids are all vaccinated to the hilt so I am not an 'anti vaxxer' just someone who is feeling a little sceptical of advice from our current cohort of Chief Medical Officers and Bill Gates who as far as I know doesn't even have a first aid certificate.