1. Get the Diabetes Forum App for your phone - available on iOS and Android.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. Guest, we'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the Diabetes Forum Survey 2021 »
    Dismiss Notice
  3. Diabetes Forum should not be used in an emergency and does not replace your healthcare professional relationship. Posts can be seen by the public.
    Dismiss Notice
  4. Guest, stay home, stay safe, save the NHS. Stay up to date with information about keeping yourself and people around you safe here and GOV.UK: Coronavirus (COVID-19). Think you have symptoms? NHS 111 service is available here.
    Dismiss Notice
Free Forum App Feedback Reminder COVID-19: stay safe
Dismiss Notice
Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community »

Getting a flu jab

Discussion in 'Diabetes Discussions' started by Wookie1974, Dec 1, 2020.

Page 1 of 3
  1. Wookie1974

    Wookie1974 Type 2 · Active Member

    Messages:
    43
    Likes Received:
    67
    Trophy Points:
    78
    Hi, does anyone have any info on whether getting the flu jab is necessary. From my last Hba1c (45) I am in the pre diabetic range and my finger prick readings are good. Cheers.
     
    #1 Wookie1974, Dec 1, 2020 at 7:54 PM
  2. Daphne917

    Daphne917 Type 2 (in remission!) · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,163
    Likes Received:
    7,896
    Trophy Points:
    198
    I’ve had a non diabetic Hba1c for approx 7 years and still have a flu jab.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    #2 Daphne917, Dec 1, 2020 at 8:01 PM
  3. Mrs T 123

    Mrs T 123 Type 2 (in remission!) · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,479
    Likes Received:
    3,065
    Trophy Points:
    198
    I've had non diabetic HbA1c for approx 3 years and still get offered/have flu jag
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #3 Mrs T 123, Dec 1, 2020 at 9:04 PM
  4. Lamont D

    Lamont D Reactive hypoglycemia · Master

    Messages:
    12,946
    Likes Received:
    15,874
    Trophy Points:
    298
    I have had normal hba1c for seven years and still get notified when it's due.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #4 Lamont D, Dec 1, 2020 at 9:13 PM
  5. Wookie1974

    Wookie1974 Type 2 · Active Member

    Messages:
    43
    Likes Received:
    67
    Trophy Points:
    78
    OK thanks everyone for the quick replys. It all helps greatly.
     
    #5 Wookie1974, Dec 1, 2020 at 9:23 PM
  6. Bluetit1802

    Bluetit1802 Type 2 (in remission!) · Legend

    Messages:
    25,195
    Likes Received:
    30,655
    Trophy Points:
    298
    I have had the flu jab for years, long before I was even diabetic.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
    #6 Bluetit1802, Dec 1, 2020 at 9:31 PM
  7. Sarah69

    Sarah69 Type 2 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,208
    Likes Received:
    245
    Trophy Points:
    123
    You don’t have to have a flu jab it’s entirely up to you. I have never had a flu and been diabetic over 20 years!
     
    • Like Like x 3
    #7 Sarah69, Dec 3, 2020 at 12:11 AM
  8. Andydragon

    Andydragon Type 2 (in remission!) · Moderator
    Staff Member

    Messages:
    2,732
    Likes Received:
    3,608
    Trophy Points:
    198
    Well clearly no one is forcing anyone to have it, but it’s more about the fact that being diabetic means flu is a greater impact onto you than if you weren’t.

    I don’t understand your argument I’m afraid
     
    • Like Like x 2
    #8 Andydragon, Dec 3, 2020 at 7:06 AM
  9. JoKalsbeek

    JoKalsbeek I reversed my Type 2 · Expert

    Messages:
    5,004
    Likes Received:
    3,693
    Trophy Points:
    198
    I got the jab for other reasons long before diabetes rolled around. Considering that blood sugars rise when ill, and we can get hit with that sort of thing harder than those who don't have it... It's up to you, really. But that's the stuff that should carry weight when you make a descision.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #9 JoKalsbeek, Dec 3, 2020 at 7:33 AM
  10. Wookie1974

    Wookie1974 Type 2 · Active Member

    Messages:
    43
    Likes Received:
    67
    Trophy Points:
    78
    OK thanks everyone. Not been in this position before being diagnosed, it's all a bit confusing and the Gp surgery, although being very good seems ready to throw medication at everything. I like to find out as much info as possible before agreeing with what they say is best for me. It's the conspiracy theorist in me;)
     
    • Funny Funny x 2
    #10 Wookie1974, Dec 3, 2020 at 7:47 AM
  11. TeddyTottie

    TeddyTottie Type 2 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    353
    Likes Received:
    237
    Trophy Points:
    103
    As a diabetic you are probably entitled to pneumonia jab too. This is a one-time-only thing, unless you are immuno-compromised in some other way.

    I have had both jabs this year, my BG is good and I don’t want to upset it by being badly ill!
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #11 TeddyTottie, Dec 3, 2020 at 8:11 AM
  12. NicoleC1971

    NicoleC1971 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,094
    Likes Received:
    1,864
    Trophy Points:
    198
    It seems flu has been trumped by the new boy in town this year judging by flu levels ... Doesn't mean you shouldn't have the jab if you are vulnerable e.g. age and diabetes. It is a personal decision and you may want to consider your general health too e.g. how are your blood sugars, how well do you cope with colds/chesty virus things?
    I think the pneumonia jab only goes to the over 70s but stand to be corrected.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #12 NicoleC1971, Dec 3, 2020 at 8:40 AM
  13. Andydragon

    Andydragon Type 2 (in remission!) · Moderator
    Staff Member

    Messages:
    2,732
    Likes Received:
    3,608
    Trophy Points:
    198
    Well reducing human contact is likely to have had impact on other transmitted infections and diseases, so not surprising really

    I am aware a few people who started the flu jab after then had it once and realised how much it impacted them. Purely personal but since becoming diabetic, I found when I get a cold or similar, it hits me a lot harder than before. So I take the judgement call that I’d rather be vaccinated to reduce the risk. I have also had the pneumonia jab

    It might be that it doesn’t impact when you get ill, hopefully so! Or it might be that it becomes a significant illness as your body doesn’t work the same way

    If you should always investigate carefully. Doctors do tend to throw drugs at diabetics. I do take some and have taken more but pushed back on some such as statins so your body and you need to be informed. That’s my view
     
    • Like Like x 2
    #13 Andydragon, Dec 3, 2020 at 9:21 AM
  14. TeddyTottie

    TeddyTottie Type 2 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    353
    Likes Received:
    237
    Trophy Points:
    103
    Dunno, you could be right, but they offered it to me and I’m 56 and 11/12ths :cat: and my GP practice is not renowned for going above and beyond! ;)
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #14 TeddyTottie, Dec 3, 2020 at 10:52 AM
  15. NicoleC1971

    NicoleC1971 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,094
    Likes Received:
    1,864
    Trophy Points:
    198
    Happy nearly 57th then! Will see what happens when my mileometer turns over to 50 next year.
     
    #15 NicoleC1971, Dec 3, 2020 at 11:28 AM
  16. LaoDan

    LaoDan Type 2 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    928
    Likes Received:
    593
    Trophy Points:
    153
    I get one every year on my own dime. Interestingly, Singapore has two flu seasons, I only get it when the northern hemisphere is active.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    #16 LaoDan, Dec 3, 2020 at 11:43 AM
  17. Lamont D

    Lamont D Reactive hypoglycemia · Master

    Messages:
    12,946
    Likes Received:
    15,874
    Trophy Points:
    298
    I think the age that your allowed the flu jab is sixty, unless you are in the at risk group.
    I had the pneumonia jab in 2015.
    As always there are those that are eligible.
     
    #17 Lamont D, Dec 3, 2020 at 1:03 PM
  18. Bluetit1802

    Bluetit1802 Type 2 (in remission!) · Legend

    Messages:
    25,195
    Likes Received:
    30,655
    Trophy Points:
    298
    My husband and I always go together for our flu jabs and are in the same room with the same nurse at the same time. When he was 70 he was offered the pneumonia one alongside the flu. I wasn't. I asked and was told I was only 69. I had to wait another year. A bit daft as we were both in there together.
     
    #18 Bluetit1802, Dec 3, 2020 at 1:25 PM
  19. lessci

    lessci Type 2 · Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    855
    Likes Received:
    708
    Trophy Points:
    133
    Having had "real" flu, I would have one even if I had to pay for it. If I can avoid being that ill again, I'll do it, I ended up on steriods and was a hairs breadth from being admitted to hospital
     
    • Like Like x 3
    • Agree Agree x 3
    #19 lessci, Dec 3, 2020 at 1:36 PM
  20. Lamont D

    Lamont D Reactive hypoglycemia · Master

    Messages:
    12,946
    Likes Received:
    15,874
    Trophy Points:
    298
    Postcode lottery?
     
    #20 Lamont D, Dec 3, 2020 at 1:41 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 1 of 3
Style
Red
Language
English (UK)

  • Meet the Community

    Find support, connect with others, ask questions and share your experiences with people with diabetes, their carers and family.

    Did you know: 7 out of 10 people improve their understanding of diabetes within 6 months of being a Diabetes Forum member. Get the Diabetes Forum App and stay connected on iOS and Android

    Grab the app!

  • Tweet with us

  • Like us on Facebook