Flu shots

[Janith]

I haven’t had a flu shot for many years nor have l had the flu for many years. However, my husband keeps bugging me that l should get one. I have read so many negative things about them? Should l? Shouldn’t l? I have been feeling kind of not perfect ... sort of like l am coming down with a sniffle ... he then says, l told you ... go and get a flu shot!! I’m afraid that it might trigger afib or something?

[Thomas45]

In 2013 eleven thousand people in the UK died because of the flu. Last year there were fewer deaths.

In itself AF is not life threatening although it may feel different when you're having a particularly bad episode of AF.

You should do all in your power to protect your heart and your health. You owe it to your loved ones and the NHS to have preventative medication like flu jabs.

Which is worse, an unwanted episode of AF, which in all probability won't occur if you have a flu jab, or death from influenza?

[CDreamer]

Up to 2 years ago I refused the flu jab but in the last 2 years I had several virus’s that left me with chest infections so I think if your doctor agrees, then it’s probably a good idea but do check which jab it is and the ingredients.

Certainly in the UK, everyone who is thought to be vulnerable will automatically be invited by their GP to take the jab and it’s a walk in, walk out affair as they do it as a clinic, pre-ordering the vaccines.

I had my first one last year and yes, I had fewer and less chest infections so it struck me that it had helped. This year it was a similar strain+some and I had a reaction which I posted about about a week ago. In the larger scheme of things it wasn’t a huge reaction, but it did worry me a little but all seems to have subsided now. I was told that I might have a ‘bit of sore arm’. I had an red, inflamed and very painful egg on my arm for 3-4 days and from the replies I got, so did a few other people although most don’t have any reaction.

Obviously only time will tell but I know my local hospital is already stretched to the limit so heavens knows what it will be like in flue season (Jan/Feb here) so my thinking was if I really do catch the flu - I’m not sure I would survive!

I had flu once in a flu of about 1978? I was young, fit and healthy and I literally could not move for 3 weeks. I had 2 small children who had to be taken by grandparents for 6 weeks as my husband came down with it a few days after I. I can still remember how ill I felt and just how long it took for me to recover and I hope I never, ever go through that again.

I think with all the hype around against vaccines it is always a difficult decision but the vaccine over here does not contain ‘live’ virus so it should not trigger AF - but more often than not a virus infection will.

[irene75359 in reply to CDreamer]

That date sounds right for a horrendous strain going around. We had it as well. My husband had it first, was in bed, and all he could whisper was 'call the doctor', who just said give him paracetamol. I could barely lift his head off the pillow to dose him up. Then I got it, and I have never felt so ill in all my life. The comment 'I work through it' gets a hollow laugh from me, I was literally waiting to die. Fortunately we didn't have it as long as you, I honestly don't know how you managed.

I was in early pregnancy and my daughter was born with a serious congenital heart condition that wasn't discovered for 20 years. This is the first time I have considered there may have been a connection. The vaccine wasn't offered then.

[CDreamer in reply to irene75359]

I also laugh when people say they have flu and say they ‘work through’. If you can work - you don’t have the flu - is now my reply!

[Desanthony in reply to CDreamer]

Absolutely. I have had flu just twice and it poleaxed me for two weeks each time - flu is not just coughs and sneezes it was dizzy sick and fainted once so glad that we now have a flu jab to hopefully keep it away. My wife has been having the flu jab for longer than I have as she is asthmatic (at least 30 years) and has only once had a small reaction to it which meant she took the afternoon off work.

[10gingercats in reply to CDreamer]

In my early thirties I had flu and crawled to the door on my hands and knees to ask a passing tenant to get me something to drink. That is how flu makes you feel. Do not risk it and have the injection.

[Hidden]

Had AF for 20 years and the flu jab since then as well, no problem at all and never had flu either (shouldn't have said that!). Sometimes I've had a sniffle afterwards, but that was just coincidence I guess. It hasn't stopped minor colds, just had one in fact.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Janith

Two years ago I had what we in the UK called the Aussie flu, it was rife that year. I lost a stone in weight over two weeks and then took a third to get my appetite back and pick up. I really wouldn't wish that on anyone. However, I'm still against having drugs (poisons) injected into my body. So they may help prevent flu, but do they have an effect on other parts of our bodies? Who knows? A friend who had the inoculation developed a more minor bout of flu at the same time as me.

Of course some people will claim that it has no side effects, but I just don't believe that.

I would never advise anyone on whether having the jab is the right or wrong thing to do, as it's all down to personal choice. You either trust medication or you don't and after having my thyroid damaged by drugs I don't.

Jean

[CDreamer in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I cannot disagree with anything you have said Jean - it is always a personal decision and the usual risk:benefit assessment for your personal circumstances apply. Everything will have an affect.

5 years ago - no way would I consider it - now - I think the possible risk is worth the probable benefit.

[Auriculaire in reply to CDreamer]

One of the reasons that viruses strike us more in the winter and worse as the winter progresses is because our vit d declines in the winter and is at it's lowest in Feb/March. Having an adequate level of vit d has been shown to protect against respiratory illnesses including asthma. If people were educated about this and encouraged to supplement adequately ( not the ridiculously low amounts they are told by public health bodies they need to take) they would have better immunity against respiratory tract infections. The vitamin d researchers like Holick and Cannell take large amounts in winter ( 5000-10,000 iu a day). Vit d absorption varies enormously between individuals and the only way to know if you are getting enough is to have the levels tested. The NHS will not pay for this usually but I think one of the best things one can do for one's overall health is to pay for a test and supplement according to the results.

[Coco51 in reply to Auriculaire]

Good idea

[LaceyLady in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I’m still in two minds about starting to have flu jabs. The hospital over dosed me for AF in May🙄 My Cardiologists eyebrows disappeared over his head. I have had various experiences with the medical lot, trust???

[Coco51]

I have had flu twice. 1988 and 2000. I was in bed 5 days both times, sky high fever, unable to eat, painful suffocating cough and felt debilitated for a fortnight afterwards . Ironically in 2000 I had had the jab! Obviously the wrong strain? So the jab is no guarantee against the flu but I have it to lessen the risk.

Also agree with CD above, if you can "work through" flu it wasn't flu.

[Hidden]

I had flu a couple of years back - had the shot, but of course the variant that made it to the UK wasn't in the mix. I'd never before understood how flu can kill, but we were so ill... My vocal cords were damaged from all the coughing and it took a year for my voice to get back to normal. I didn't go into AF but I had more attacks than usual the year after. I'd say have it, if you can.

[Hidden]

This article suggests that a flu shot may make AF *less* likely; although I take it that the article is referring to people who have never had a diagnosis of AF, it would seem reasonable to suppose that it would potentially benefit those who only have it intermittently. I have had two flu jabs since being diagnosed

with PAF without any problems, although this is only anecdotal evidence. It seems that more research is needed in this area.

webmd.com/heart-disease/atr...

[Amcech]

I have a flu shot every year, probably for the past 20 years. Only had mild soreness in the arm. If I had the flu after getting an injection it was mild. The injection has never caused AF to flare.

[Janith]

Thank you everyone ... l am leaning toward getting one. Although l am kind of torn ... why get it if year after year l never ever get the flu ... l take tons of supplements and elderberry syrup ... but l also go to the gym each day and l notice lots of people sniffing and coughing and this concerns me. My husband says that it is filled with germs! I will keep you posted!

[JaneFinn]

Hi Janith, I remember after being diagnosed with PAF having the same dilemma over whether the flu jab itself might trigger AF - and if I was better to leave well alone!

I did have the flu jab, on the advice of my GP, and I had no reaction other than a slightly sore arm. So each year now I get it without a second thought, because I am more concerned that if I got flu itself, the high temperature/ fever/illness might trigger AF. Let alone the serious potential effects of the flu itself. (However I do also have asthma, so it does stack the decision further in favour of being vaccinated.)

I agree no one else can decide for us. It’s a leap of faith to trust the meds we’re offered, isn’t it? Especially tricky when we have to make a close judgment call. My husband (non AF, just asthma) steadfastly refuses his flu vaccine each year. I, on the other hand, ring the surgery at the earliest possible date to book mine!! And I’ve never regretted it 😁

Good luck with your decision x

[MazzyB]

Not had mine yet but will definitely have it! Sorry I agree with your husband, I have never had any side effects from it.

[Janith]

Thank you!

[Janith]

Thank you!

[7Helena]

I have never had a 'flu shot' but do take homeopathic nosodes and have never had the flu and hardly ever a cold. I am very wary of the vaccine contents especially mercury.

[Janith]

Me too. However, l would probably choose not to go that route. I only take many supplements along with elderberry syrup during the winter. l too never get the flu or a cold. However, of late, my inner voice is telling me to rethink things? We will see. I will call my cardiologist in the morning and discuss it with him.

[perkman]

I had a friend who recently died from the flu. He was adamant about never getting the shot. Will never know if he would have lived if he had gotten it but he sure did die without it.

[Janith in reply to perkman]

Thank you ... l’m going today ... after speaking with my cardiologist and l know what he will say.

[Hidden]

I have not had a flu shot and not had flu either for many years. The last time I had flu was when my kids were small and they are now in well into their thirties! I just went to bed for a few days and had a good rest and the doctor who visited when I hadn't asked but because he was passing-(those were the days!) said I was doing the right thing. Don't worry, we'll be fine!

[Janith]

I just did it ... l felt nothing ... l will keep you posted ...

[Janith in reply to Janith]

Hi ... no issues with having the flu shot three days ago. Zero pain in arm ... zero swelling ... no afib ... so far so good!