Flu jab?

[Vicky88]

Hi, I was just wondering what people's opinion/experience with having the flu vaccination was? I am offered it for free at work, but as person with fibromyalgia I am worried this could cause problems opposed to helping! What do people think?

[Janet28]

Hi Vicky88 I recently had a flu jab, the 1st one ever and I have Fibro & Polymyalgia & it had no effect on me whatsoever but I have seen members posts saying they haven't felt to good after it, so it really is difficult to say really because everyone is different arn't they. I just thought if it did effect me, it would probably not be as bad as having Flu with Fibro etc,

Decisions lol only you can decide xx

[Vicky88 in reply to Janet28]

Thanks! Yes it is a tough discussion! I am very against any medication doctors have given me in the past as they always cause more problems and I suspect this is what caused my fibro. So I guess I am scared of not having anything unless it is necessary and will help me! Just lately at work lots of people are ill with the winter weather and I am scared of getting anything as it takes so long to shift! I will think carefully! Thank you for your reply xx

[Hidden]

Are you prone colds n flu? Are they nasty that turn into cough n cattarh? If yes then have one..they are not live vaccines and will only kick in If you come in contact with the virus,as a fibro sufferer the flu probably hurt your muscles and linger also flu is s killer..hope this helps..

[Vicky88 in reply to Hidden]

Hey! I usually am, but this year has been a bit weird, I start getting the symptoms then they go away! but its been very up and down and my chest is so wheezy and sore all the time lately. I also feel the cold really bad and it takes me a long time to recover from colds. But yes in the past I have spent months with bad colds which turn into chest infections

[My-chinaman in reply to Vicky88]

Oh goodness I had the flu jab in September and have been ill since ....chesty mucus cough feeling ill don't know if it was the actual jab or something else but it's lingering whatever it is ....

[Hidden in reply to Vicky88]

then I would say snatch their hand off because if you are not on your g.p,s "at risk" group you would have to pay for a jab.

[bluebell99]

I have a flu jab every year after an attack of flu which lasted for three weeks. It is not a live vaccine so you should be okay but don't have it done if you are on antibiotics or have a cold at the time.

Some people have felt a little "off" for a couple of days after and others have felt fine.

If you look to the Related Posts on the right hand side in blue you will read of other members experiences of the the jab.

If you are immune compromised, taking steroids, or have asthma or other conditions I would definitely recommend it, and quickly too before the flu season gets going!

Kay

[Scottish-piglet]

Hi

I've had a lu jab now for years and only once had any ill effect, that was due to me being a bit under the weather when I got it.

If you have ever had flu then you would take the flu jab over that every time xx

[ladyhm]

I have fibromyalgia, had the flu jab and took an allergic reaction to it, I ended up in hospital overnight so I won't have another one. Doesn't say it will affect you though we are all different. Xx

[angiesmith50]

Hiya Vicky88 I find a very mixed opinion on this. I myself refused it because my Gran was always really ill with it. However, my Grandad was fine. I took the view as I don't get many colds, I've been fine since my slight stroke last year and at 50 I didn't see it as necessary. The one thing that really annoys me though is when people have a cold and they class it as flu. You know when it's flu when you can't get out of bed. It really is a personal choice. Take care xx

[sangje]

I am with you - re medication - same dilemma - its really hard. I had flu jab this year and had bad arm (least of our worries I know) for a few days - but it seemed to 'set me off' and was in a full flare for two days -however took it easy and it righted quickly. I had meningitis after a flu 2 years ago and am still in recovery so on balance seems worth it. On the other hand my 80 year old mum has polymyalgia, chrone's and pernicious aneamia and was totally fine !

[peck]

HI Vicky88 , I have it and that's one of the reasons...could not take FM and the flu. I have had good results with it, my arm stays sore for a while but other than that , no flu.Thank God,......Best wishes on whatever you decide. Peck 🐤

[Hidden]

Hi Vicky I've had flu jab for years now as have asthma it's never bothered me nor this year since diagnosed with Fibro - and it's far better to have jab as I've had flu in past before asthma kicked in and by gingo was I floored by it couldn't get out of bed for 3 days. Hope this helps take care🤗🤗😘😘

[Joyia]

Likewise I dislike taking prescribed medications including the flu jab, there has been controversy about the ingredients which have been discussed on this website in the past therefore I have avoided the jab these last few years. Sadly I have to report that I went down with the flu a month ago and I felt very unwell, I am just recovering thank goodness but still get tired easily. After this horrible experience I will in future have the jab and take pot luck as to any after effects, I certainly do not want to feel so unwell again due to the flu especially as I am now of an elder age, I feel I am lucky to have not ended up in hospital as I felt that bad.

[Sheila-Squirrel]

I have CRPS and I'm not supposed to have needles unless very controlled. I have had the flu jab this year and found I still have got snuffles. It's not been as effective as previous years but it's difficult for them to know which strain is going to be most prevalent. I'd say on balance the pros outweigh the con. If you did get flu it would take a lot to recover from.

[Mackembabe]

Hi

I have had them for years as am asthmatic and a cold would always go on my chest but since having them I very rarely get a cold, they say the more you have them the more resistance you build up, only reaction I have had is a sore arm a few times, got my husband to have one this year and he has just picked up a cold but then his boss coughs and sputters all over the place so not surprising, he will eventually build up more immunity.

So the choice is yours what ever is best for you. They will ask you if you are allergic to eggs and do not have it if you are under the weather.

Love & Hugs

[everlife]

I had flu jab and had a sore arm for a few days hope this helps.

[fibrojan]

Hi, I have a flu jab every year and only get a sore arm for a couple of days. I think its worth it as I have COPD so need to protect my lungs every year. I do have friends who wouldn't dream of having one as they know others that have had reactions. Catch 22.... But if you decide to have one = do make sure your feeling well and am not allergic to eggs. Take care, Jan

[Vicky88]

Thank you so much for all the replies! All are very helpful MJy only question - allergic to eggs?? I am very sensitive to dairy which makes me very sick and i tend to avoid eggs as I heard they are bad for people with fibro?

[fibrojan in reply to Vicky88]

Hi, just read your post and you would have to check it out but I did hear years ago that the vaccine is incubated in eggs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or something like that........... I personally do not have problems when eating eggs............... but as you will see from all the postings that each person's fibro problems are very varied....... So all in all this post isn't at all helpful. Sorry about that, Take care, Jan

[Shazzzy]

Have had this for years and no flu. I have asthma and it got very bad when I did have flu. Sometimes fibro affected for day or two but worth it.

[TheAuthor]

I have one every year due to asthma and COPD and never had any issues with it. I have missed this years as I was ill at the time. Please take care of yourself.