gillkin said:
You're right Carol, it doesn't stop you catching colds because colds & flu are two completely different things. "proper" flu can make you seriously ill, a cold although not very pleasant usually doesn't. I've had the flu injection for years now (as well as the pneumonia vaccine) and never had a problem other than a warm red patch and a bit of discomfort for a day or so, but that's just me.
Some people say that having the flu jab gives them flu which is impossible as it doesn't contain the flu virus, what actually happens is that the vaccine takes roughly two weeks to work so you can catch something after having the injection but before it starts to work, this is why people are encouraged to get it before the flu season starts.
Good post, Gillkin :thumbup: .
Flu is really very very serious. I've had it twice in my life, last had it in 2008 (pre-diabetes) and it very nearly killed me (or it felt like that!) - despite having had the jab! Must have been a different strain.
They like diabetics to have the jab because flu causes chaos with our blood sugars, and normally it's impossible to eat anything, or even take much fluid, 'cos someone has stuffed your throat with spiky golf balls and you can't swallow :shock: (my last experience anyway).
It's worth having the jab because it really is best for us not to have flu. If you react badly, maybe reconsider for next time. If you work with children or old people, it's best for them if you have the jab, too.
If you catch something directly after the flu jab, you probably picked it up in the surgery waiting room - most unhealthy place on this earth :lol: !
Viv 8)