Covid and Flu injections- yes or no?

[Sanpanda]

Hi all, I had a successful cardioversion for 100% AF in July, my Apple Watch tells me I’m having AF approx 10% of the time but I’ve only been aware of it once since. Keep getting offered flu and Covid jabs now I’m high risk but don’t want it to trigger another episode? I know we’re all different what are you all doing ? Thank you in advance xx

[Taviterry]

Very much a personal choice, but many (most?) of us in this Forum will be in a category that is specially advised to have the jabs (and, this year, one against respiratory syncytial virus - RSV). I had the usual two a fortnight ago (and wondered if I'd had a mild reaction two days later) and was advised by GP to wait for two weeks for RSV, which I'm having next week.

Some of us have low immunity, and some of us will be visiting hospitals and surgeries (lots of people with germs!) this winter. During my visit to the Same Day Emergency Ward ten days ago, no-one was masked, an elderly lady in the waiting-room coughed several time next to her carer, and the doctor who summed up my condition had his face just two feet from mine.

Last winter I deferred seeking emergency help because it was the "germs season" and the services being in more demand than in the summer.

I used to use the train a lot (just a six-minute journey into town) but recently have been using buses that take much longer but offer a convenient journey to the hospital, though they get very crowded. I may revert to trains over the next few months.

[Quesswho in reply to Taviterry]

Hi Have you thought about wearing a mask when in crowded environments. Hubby and I do. Just a suggestion😷🤓

[Taviterry in reply to Quesswho]

My understanding is that wearing a mask is for the benefit of others, not the wearer. I found them uncomfortable enough when I was fit four years ago, now I sometimes struggle with my breathing. The other day I spent eight hours in the company of medical staff, some of whom obviously had to get very close to me. I can't recall anyone wearing masks, though there was the occasional bottle of hand sanitiser.

[Quesswho in reply to Taviterry]

Hi it sounds like a mask would not be suitable for you. Covid and flu are both air Bourne viruses, when it was compulsory to mask wearing there was a big drop in flu cases. I think everyone has the right to choose what is best for them. Take care ❤

[Sanpanda in reply to Taviterry]

thank you x

[Sanpanda in reply to Sanpanda]

Do you have AF?

[Taviterry in reply to Sanpanda]

No, I had a new heart valve in July 2023 and then developed anaemia. Two weeks ago, I spent eight hours in Same Day Emergency Care, having mentioned breathlessness, among other things. When I called an ambulance, though I was able to maintain a conversation. My breathing-rate was measured at 18 breaths a minute (so within the reference range of 15 to 20), but today I had trouble walking up the hill to my house.

[Sanpanda in reply to Taviterry]

Sorry to hear this, thank you for your help, take care x

[uzininemm]

Had mine Saturday at the GP's, had it last for the last four years, never had a problem, also previously I was susceptible to every cold that was about. I have found since my jabs/heart med I don't have colds as much as I used too (don't know exactly why, but it could be a factor for me).

Personally I would recommend it.

[Sanpanda in reply to uzininemm]

Thank you do you have AF? X

[uzininemm in reply to Sanpanda]

No was originally diagnosed with heart failure, AF never seen as a problem.

[Blackknight57]

yes, don’t take chances not having any vaccinations offered.

I lad mine last year. Felt rough a few days.

[Sanpanda in reply to Blackknight57]

thank you xx