Flu

[Mywalti]

Hi everyone. Just wondered if any of you are getting worried about this nasty Aussie flu. I read that the flu jab doesn't cover this strain, but wondered if this was right? Might just become a hermit until about March!

[ElizabethC]

I understand it does cover that as it was known about way back last year. Its just a more virulent flu so maybe will still catch people even with the jab.

I would still get the jab anyway if you've not already got it.

[Mywalti in reply to ElizabethC]

Hi there, I had my jab way back in October. You've put my mind a rest knowing that we are covered though 😊

[CEC47 in reply to Mywalti]

The flu jab is only covered for three months I believe

[Holly89 in reply to CEC47]

It’s effective up to 12 months, but by that time the strains have normally changed

[CEC47 in reply to Holly89]

I was told it was three months by my GP so I have had another flu jab a week ago.

[Holly89 in reply to CEC47]

Must have been a different vaccine then, I was told 9- 12 months

[M-D-F]

If you can still get it then go for it, even it only half works, then roll your sleeve up and pretend the needle doesn't hurt.

[Littleriahen]

I had the flu jab in October but I’ve had Australian flu this past week. I was only diagnosed with asthma a year ago, so I’m really struggling to know what is ok or what I should be looking for as danger signs. It’s been really bad with shivers, teeth chattering, aching joints, headaches but on top of those, it seems to have attacked my chest. Im coughing like I’ve smoked a hundred ciggies but it doesn’t get me anywhere. (I am a non smoker btw) I started to feel like I might survive yesterday so I rang the surgery to bring forward my asthma nurse appointment to Wednesday. Im hoping that’s ok cos every time I breathe it sounds like someone is opening a very creaky old door! 🙄

[CEC47 in reply to Littleriahen]

Get well soon

[Littleriahen in reply to CEC47]

Thank you 👍🏻

[Mywalti in reply to Littleriahen]

The sooner you see the nurse the better. I'm amazed that you have managed the flu without ending up in hospital xx

[Littleriahen in reply to Mywalti]

Thank you, I have felt pretty awful but I hate to cause a fuss. I’m going to ask my asthma nurse what to do in future. I think I had warning the day before it all started. My chest felt like there was a ton weight on it and I couldn’t get full breaths. My inhaler wasn’t really helping. Being new to all of this, I didn’t know what to do. Anyways, thankfully I’m feeling a bit better today. You’ve made me feel like at least I wasn’t being a big baby. Thank you xx

[Mywalti in reply to Littleriahen]

Glad you're feeling a bit easier x

[ameljoelmarcus in reply to Littleriahen]

Like you I had the flu injection in early Nov but it did not prevent hospitalisation critically ill 5 days that was January 5th this year and even now i am on more steroids and antibiotics 5-6 course this year although i also have copd along with asthma the doctor has now decided to refer me to a chest clinic as along with aching ribs etc i now feel as if i can not get my breathing correct I am also on fostair200 plus relief one i carry around with me I try not to get despondent but like everyone else this winter it has certainly been a long one.I do hope you recover and feel like yourself very soon

[Jessiepup]

This year's vaccine does not cover it. My lung consultant told me this in November

[Thommo90]

Yeh I’m definitley feeling a little uneasy. I’m trying to keep it in perspective as I know the media tends to sensationalise things when it’s slow news... I’m going with this anyway so I don’t end up hibernating with some anti-bac gel

[Mywalti in reply to Thommo90]

You are right about the media. I sometimes read the daily mail online, and they are quite partial to a little over reaction🚑