Flu jab or nasal spray or at all? - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,245 members66,872 posts

Flu jab or nasal spray or at all?

swimmer profile image
9 Replies

hi again

Am in the process of, very slowly, recovering from a pneumonia type chest infection (I have bronchiectasis, since 2012). I have received the usual letter from my GP's surgery asking if I would like to get a flu jab. I have had such letters in the past, but having heard horror stories from various people, combined with the fact that the vaccine is sometimes ineffective as it is based on a prediction from the scientists rather than evidence - I have never had one. Also, I was told, by a medic, that the nasal spray is more effective as it follows the path any infection would be likely to take through a natural contamination - i.e. through the nose or mouth. Any words of wisdom gratefully received, as always.

Swimmer

Written by
swimmer profile image
swimmer
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
2greys profile image
2greys

The latest flu vaccine is recommended to be given via an injection, the spray is NOT as effective. I have had mine and had zero issues with it at all. Unless you have an egg allergy it would be rather foolish not to have it. It is reported to be effective against the flu strain that has run rampant down under.

swimmer profile image
swimmer in reply to2greys

hi 2greys

many thanks for that. I too have heard of the aussie bug that could be on its way over here...

best wishes

swimmer

I am a lifelong bronch. I have been having the flu jab since 1978. No problems and no proper flu. I would say get it and use the First Defense nose spray to protect yourself from other people's colds and various other viruses.

swimmer profile image
swimmer in reply to

Thanks littlepom. Am still concerned as I have heard conflicting stories and err on the side of extreme caution having been prescribed many meds in the past which have hindered rather than improved my health. Will do some more research..

best wishes

swimmer

in reply toswimmer

It's funny how our perceptions of erring on the side of caution differ from person to person isn't it. I would rather be protected by a dead vaccine than run the risk of catching the live one which in turn will inevitably mean a super risk to my life and condition and my having to take very strong chemicals ( the abs). Happy research

Badbessie profile image
Badbessie

Had my jab on Friday. Absolutely no problems whatsoever.

swimmer profile image
swimmer in reply toBadbessie

thanks for your reply Badbessie - great name, by the way.

It's good to hear 'both sides of the argument' so to speak.

best wishes, swimmer

undine profile image
undine

I have had the flu jab for the last 3 years and as other have suffered no side effects. Better to be safe than sorry - flu can be a killer for us. xx

swimmer profile image
swimmer

Mmm - sometimes I feel like my quality of life is so poor that allowing nature to take its course seems like a viable option....

best wishes

swimmer

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Flu Jab

I have never had a flu jab though I have been eligible for a few years. I wasn't convinced they...
Aingeful profile image

Flu jab

I went into the dr's to collect more antibiotics and ended up with a flu jab too. I was confused as...
Davita profile image

Flu jab!

Hi all. Been for my review with a new surgery today,nurse was exceptional,nothing was too much...
Fantasy3 profile image

Flu Jab

Take up of the flu jab has dropped which is a worry when more people can get the flu and spread it...
amster profile image

Swine Flu Jab

Hi, could anyone tell me if they have had problems with the swine flu jab. As I my claim with the...
Robhill profile image

Moderation team

See all
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.