Flu jab or nasal spray or at all?

[swimmer]

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

[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 in reply to 2greys]

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

[Hidden]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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

[Hidden in reply to swimmer]

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]

Had my jab on Friday. Absolutely no problems whatsoever.

[swimmer in reply to Badbessie]

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]

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]

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