Flu Jab Yes/No: Hello My asthma has... - Asthma Community ...

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Flu Jab Yes/No

10 Replies

Hello

My asthma has got worse this year and my doctor has increased my morning and evening inhaler.

To date I have not had the Flu jab due to the fact not that bad, however I am having second thoughts this year.

I would appreciate peoples opinions on this and whether or not they recommend it.

Thanks

Bungee

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10 Replies

Hi Bungee and welcome,

I would say yes, definitely! You're in the group which should be automatically receiving it (on regular steroid inhalers - this was from looking at Asthma UK's guidelines), and if your asthma is getting worse then it's definitely worth doing all you can to avoid flu (you probably already know this, but it can't give you flu as it has no live virus...sorry if you did know that but not everyone does and it can be a concern).

Personally I think even 'mild' asthmatics should get it to stop the 'mild' becoming less so. I used to be a mild asthmatic and when I was a teenager it became gradually milder so I began to think I wasn't really asthmatic at all anymore!

Then I caught swine flu, 3 years ago. It wasn't awful at the time (it felt like a nasty dose of flu but didn't land me in hospital or anything) and I'm still not severe, but it did 'bring back' my lurking asthma and made it worse and more awkward so that even though it's not as bad as it 'could' be, it doesn't seem to like being controlled and has been a bit of a pain!

All this is just by way of background to show why I'm very much in favour of flu jabs.

Thanks Philomela, I thought this would be the case.

I also get the flu jab every year - like you for quite some time i didn't bother, that was until i caught proper flu one year. I also didn't end up in hospital or anything but it did hit me pretty hard. Since then i've always got the jab and never had a problem.

Annista profile image
Annista

I would absolutely go for the jab. There are people who will tell you that they had it once and got flu but, as Philomela says, no live virus is used so that isn't possible.

in reply to Annista

I would absolutely go for the jab. There are people who will tell you that they had it once and got flu but, as Philomela says, no live virus is used so that isn't possible.

This is because often people get the jab too late in the season - they've already got the flu when they have the jab, even if it hasn't quite started to show yet. They have the jab, the flu shows itself a day or two later and they blame the jab.

Janna123 profile image
Janna123

I've never been offered it in the past, but the nurse I saw today was telling me about it so I think I'll be offered it this year.

If I am offered it, I'll have it and if not I'll buy it. I would rather have my arm ache for a few days than have flu. Since I pick up everything going I'll probably end up with flu if I don't have the jab since I'm living in halls.

If you have concerns maybe make an appt to chat to a nurse about it, but the nhs would never recommend something so strongly if they didn't see it being completely beneficial.

Absolutely yes! :) As an individual with asthma, you are eligible. I have both the flu and pneumococcal jab (the latter is not every year). I ended up with proper flu, got pneumonia, was almost ventilated in ITU and had five months off work, much of which was in a wheelchair as I was too breathless to walk. My lung function has never been the same since. You are eligible with good reason ;)

Lynda

A big yes , I am first in the queue for the flu vaccination. The last few winters have been a nightmare for me with continuous chest infections. I fear without the flu vaccination things could be a whole lot worse.

54321pugs profile image
54321pugs

yes i have it ever year with no promblems

Hello

My asthma has got worse this year and my doctor has increased my morning and evening inhaler.

To date I have not had the Flu jab due to the fact not that bad, however I am having second thoughts this year.

I would appreciate peoples opinions on this and whether or not they recommend it.

Thanks

Bungeehi,yes i think you should get the flu jab because you dont know how your asthma will be if and when you catch the flu.if your asthma is bad as well you could become seriously ill!

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