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Flu jab - any opinions?

I got scared off the jab a bit after my mum had it and ended up being really ill. I was offered one, but declined as I haven't had so much as a sniffle for years. By the "law of sods" I will probably get it this year! Am regretting a bit that I declined. No one can tell you what to do but an idea maybe have it this time, if it doesn't cause any side effects have it every year, if it does, weigh up side effects versus risk :)

Oh also I'm not sure how correct this is, it's a long time since I studied but there are several flu strains, the jab will only protect the most prevalent strain for the current year, so it's not 100% guaranteed you won't get I'll but greatly reduces risk.

Also another consideration about vaccines is the likelihood if you were to become infectious, the risk of passing it on to other vulnerable people you are in close contact with :)
 
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Offered one every year but I have never had one and don't want one.
Just my personal choice.
 
Much against my gp's advice of not needing flujabs for 1 bout of flu in 40 years I did get nabbed by a nurse this year. I had 4 horrendous colds in 4 months afterwards. I had 10 days clear of colds in 4 months... I don't know what caused it but something made this happen as normally I am fit as a fiddleand don't getanything... This time I will stick to my gp advice and not have it!!

The only thing that stopped the horrendous colds washabing ultrastrength x 2 different antibioticsfrom my dentist... They did nothing for gum and still had infection when tooth removed.. But they got rid of cold... Been all clearnow for 3 weeks. Despite my hubby nowgetting one...


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I had 4 horrendous colds in 4 months afterwards. I had 10 days clear of colds in 4 months... I don't know what caused it but something made this happen as normally I am fit as a fiddleand don't getanything... This time I will stick to my gp advice and not have it!!

The only thing that stopped the horrendous colds washabing ultrastrength x 2 different antibioticsfrom my dentist
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Flu and the common cold are two completely different things, and both being viruses your dentist's antibiotics couldn't possibly have done anything either.
 
AMBrennan said:
Flu and the common cold are two completely different things, and both being viruses your dentist's antibiotics couldn't possibly have done anything either.
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I agree with your statement totally, however I often find that even a cold can result in a bacterial infection as well as the viral one. I too have had antibiotics from my dentist which have helped me get well more quickly.
 
As I see lots of people during the course of my work and visit many of them in their homes, I've felt more at risk of catching 'flu than I might otherwise, so I've had an annual 'flu jab for many years now. My work offers it free (and so does the GP) so that's not an issue and I've never had any reaction to the jab or had 'flu during that time.

I did have 'flu when I was in my early 20s and it was absolutely horrendous. It's different to a cold as full-blown salmonella food poisoning is to an 'upset tummy'. I ended up ill in bed for over a week and off work for two and a half, I lost 20lbs in weight, suffered hallucinations, initially had daily visits from the GP and took 3 months to feel right again, with what seemed to be relapses every week or two during that time. That was as a fit and healthy young adult.

I've no wish to go through anything like that ever again, let alone now I'm in my 60s. (I had salmonella once, too, and that's every but as devastating as 'flu, BTW). We're obviously all different but I'm happy to carry on with the jabs as long as they want to offer them to me.
 
AMBrennan said:
Flu and the common cold are two completely different things, and both being viruses your dentist's antibiotics couldn't possibly have done anything either.
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I so totally agree, but something this year totally destroyed my immune system to any cold. Normally, working outside I am fit. When I say 4 months of colds.. I was literally wiped out for all but 10days of those 4months.
I also have never believed in going to get antibiotics... But something in those two times double doses kick started my immunity back to norm.. But did nothing for gums..

Just totally weird.. Never had a year like this and all after a flu jab. Sonething caused my immune system to go down hill..



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Having experienced the flu many years ago.
I would recommend the flu jab to everyone that can have it. If your a healthy person, best stay that way with a little help from a flu jab.
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No way.. Sorry. No more for me after this year...i will not have another flu jab until I'm 62.. 40 years after my flu experience...


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I've had flu exactly once in my life and it sucked. In general throughout my life I have never suffered much with any illness. When people around me have been falling like flies I have maybe been ill for a day and then fine.
Officially my worst infectious illness was chickenpox when I was a kid and I had a temperature and came out in a rash but felt fine. I have Dr's pestering me for the flu jab each year and I must admit I did have it this year for the first time ever. Didn't feel any issues at all.

But I always seem to have had a pretty good immune system, even talking to the specialist they agree that I probably do have a strong immune system and this is probably why I have T1 and a bunch of other Autoimmune issues on file. It's really strong.. just not very smart and tends to get carried away.

I think this question like a lot one that does not have a general answer since we are all different. If you have historically been susceptible to infectious illness in the past then maybe it is good for you to get it. If you struggle to manage your BG when you are sick and end up in hospital then again, maybe it is worth considering.
If you are seriously on the ball and can manage with sick day rules and take care or yourself or have a partner that is really engaged and educated to the point they can help you too, then again.. maybe you can treat it as a personal choice.

Not a lot of help if you are after a Yes/No answer I know but unfortunately things don't work like that a lot of the time... as much as I wish they did.. it would make life SO much easier :)
 
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