Flu jab? Experiences please?

[Valdoot]

Hi, I qualify now for the Flu jab. I have P AF but luckily its well under control. I'm just asking, without using a doctors appointment, what are others thoughts or experiences with it?. My thinking is, if catching flu will be in any way detrimental to the AF I should have the jab, but on the other hand I hate the thought of more chemicals being put into my body. Its taken me 12 month to come to terms with all the meds I now have to take. Its not sitting easy with me. Experiences any one? Thankyou.

[BobD Volunteer]

Have the jab. You really do not want flu. Had it very year since I turned 60 with never a single issue. Actually had mine just before setting off for Patient's Day. Forgotten all about it till you posted.

[Valdoot in reply to BobD]

Will a bout of flu be worse now that I have AF Bob? I'm just feeling as if I don't want any more toxic stuff pumping into me. Just had the nuclear test, so its all preying on my mind. Ive never had flu, so I'm assuming my defences are good. lolol, I'm wriggling as you can tell.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Valdoot]

Please be sensible. It doesn't matter how healthy you are flu can kill. AF doesn't usually. If you have any heart or breathing issues then flu can be VERY serious which is why in UK anybody with these conditions gets a free jab. The flu virus mutates all the time so even if you had it last year your immunity is worthless. Just seen on TV this evening in Australia where they are just coming out of winter they have had the worst flu epidemic in years and it is coming our way soon. To miss-quote Frankie Howerd "wiggle ye not"

[KelliDoug]

I had my jab 2 weeks ago. Much better than having the flu.

[pottypete1]

I have have had bad flu and when you get it it is 10 times worse than a bad cold.

The flu immunisation is not really 'putting chemicals in your body' it is a way of alerting your body to flu viruses in such a way that it can fight it.

Because I had AF for so many years I was advised to have the flu jab and have been given them for about 10 years now. Having flu on top of AF is not at all pleasant.

During the years I have had the immunisation I have been flu free.

Pete

[Finvola]

A bout of flu will lower resistance generally and my fear would be AF on top of flu. I don't know if AF would make flu worse but certainly dealing with both health issues at the same time would be difficult.

My layman's understanding is that the vaccine consists of inactive virus so that our bodies make antibodies against the virus strain.

I don't think I would consider missing my jab.

PS - I have controlled PAF too and haven't had flu since I've been having vaccinations.

[Hidden]

Always have it when offered just think as I get older flu will be more debilitating .

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Booked for Saturday

[kiki1952]

Just being looking at Afib - Newlifeoutlook on facebook, it said that you are 17 times more at risk of a heart attack after flu. I just had mine, they sent a letter to invite me to go and get it, must be with having this afib as it is the first one I have been asked to have.

[CaroleF]

I agree wholeheartedly with those who have advised having the flu jab, particularly if you have AF. I have had the jab for years both before and after the AF diagnosis without any ill effects.

If making an appointment at the GP surgery is a hassle, then are you aware that many pharmacies offer a 'drop in' system (no appointment needed) and that's free too - if you are eligible?

[Hidden]

I was put on annual flu jab BECAUSE of my AF. Had one every year for the past 14 years. No problems to report. Just had mine a few days ago.

[opal11uk]

People with heart problems are at risk so have the jab

[IanAnderson44]

I think that part of the problem is that a lot of people don't know what REAL flu is!

People think it's just like a bad cold.

It is not! Flu is a totally debilitating illness. Flat on your back, thumping sore head, unable to rise, unable even to eat or drink, high fever (how good is that for AF sufferers?) and can take weeks to get over.

You don't want flu. Get the jab. Hopefully, like me, Koll, BobD and others, you won't even know you've had it!

Go for it - you don't want flu.

IanA

[Heartfelt46]

Hi, Have had af for 11 years and today I am booked to have flu jab. Have had the jab for many years and only once had a slight bout of flu, that was enough to convince me to keep having it. Go for it!

[Maggimunro]

Please have the flu jab. It cannot give you flu (some people think this) but it takes your body about two weeks to develop the antibodies you need to fight this awful infection. SO PLEASE have it ASAP,

I have had real flu and I seriously thought I was dying. And people do die, especially those with medical issues.

[Pam296]

I had 'real' flu for the first time last year and actually had to take 10 days off work. I will never miss the flu jab again! Only side effect was a sore arm!

[Fastbeat]

Already had this year's flu jab,been having it since I was in my 50's due to need because of asthma and PAF, so for about 20 odd years never any problem and touch wood no flu.

[Nan1]

Valdoot, I have put off having the flu jab for years and have always found a reason not to have it for fear of the side effects. Went to the doctors on Monday for a check up and before I knew it I was talked into having jab. All I can say to you is that I am so pleased I was persuaded to go for it and apart from a headache yesterday no problems. Hopefully this will give me the protection against the dreaded flu.

[JaneFinn]

Totally understand your reluctance to put more 'chemicals' in your body- i hate thinking of all the meds I have swilling around in mine!

But I do take my meds because I know they keep me safer. And so it is with the flu jab. (And like others have said, the flu jab isn't chemical in the same way. And it IS a genuine lifesaver. Flu kills all sorts of people, and any chest or heart condition puts us in the vulnerable category.)

I had my jab yesterday - no ill effects and great sense of relief I'm as protected from flu as I can be.

So I'm joining the throng on here saying 'Go for it!'

[Handbaghoarder]

I had a flu jab last week, first time ever. I got flu late last year/early this year and was ill for weeks. It was during the illness that I developed atrial flutter, coincidentally or otherwise. In fact I was diagnosed originally and erroneously as asthmatic and given inhalers and steroids due to the horrendous breathlessness I developed. Also given pneumonia jab at same time. Real flu is horrendous I didn't hesitate to have the jab No problems with it at all so far

[Joynjoy]

Had mine last week, at the pharmacy, no queing, no pain, no sore arm, no after effects. No worries!

[eleanor--1941]

Hello,

I have been having flu jab now for a good 20 odd yrs,and AF,no problem,whatosever.

BETTER THAN FLU HAD IT TWICE IN MY LIFETIME,would not wish it on anyone,drastic!

Eleanor,X

[BobD Volunteer]

Years ago my GP told me the way to tell the difference between a cold and flu.

You are standing at your window and see a £50 note laying in the gutter outside. If you only have a cold you will struggle out and retrieve it. With flu even if you were standing at the window? Sod it I'm too ill to go outside.

Been there almost. Not even the same as man-flu!!!!!! Two to three weeks of total misery where you will really WANT to die.

[nickibmobile]

Have the flu Jab, it's so much better than having flu. I've had AF for about thirty years and the flu Jab for nearly twenty years. Previously I had flu, proper flu and ended up in hospital. I felt so ill it was horrible and was on drips and monitors and barely knew my own name, no to be recommended. I had no idea what real flu was until then. Be safe and have the jab

[Valdoot]

thankyou everyone. Ill book in on Monday. Thanks for your replies. Stay well one and all.

[Hidden]

Its a no brainer - have the flu jab. Had mine in mid September and have forgotten all about it. Have been having it for years. I might add that last year at the same time as my flu jab I had the once in a lifetime pneumonia jab too.

John

[Valdoot in reply to Hidden]

I had it. Thanks.😀

[graemeparsons]

I last had a flu jab 28 years ago when my oldest daughter was born, i had a adverse reaction to it and since then no Dr will give me one. I have CHD, AFIB and other health issues have been told i need one but as i mentioned before can't have one. Prior to the incident 28 years ago i had one every year with no problem.

[CurlyRed9]

Hi All, I'm new to the group, which I came across trying to find out about flying with COPD. I was diagnosed with significant COPD 17 years ago, aged 50. I've been having the flu jab every year for more years than I can remember, with no ill effects whatsoever. I also have many other comorbidities including an 'electrical' problem with my heart and a past TIA. My hubby is very fit, strong and healthy, but nearly died of flu a couple of years ago. It was horrific. All his organs started to fail and he was ill for months afterwards. PLEASE have the jab peeps!

[Dickydon]

As a Type 1 diabetic and 57 I’ve been having the Flu jab for 10plus years and is Free for diabetics as is our prescriptions, and now with a Pacemaker fitted I definately don’t want to miss this years one so mine’s being done on Saturday at my Surgery. Never had side effects either.