To have flu jab or not ?

[toots1951]

Hi - just a bit of advice please. My husband had Ivor L ewis two and a half years ago and doing well. Has had the flu jab for the last 3 years and they made him feel a bit off colour - he is debating this year whether to have it. I feel he should but he isn't sure - any thoughts ?

[chris_usa]

He should get the shot as long as he does not have egg allergy or any of the other contraindications. It is not a live virus vaccine, so there is no risk of getting a mild case of the flu. Some people do get a slight fever, some aches, and upper respiratory symptoms. These all pale in comparison to symptoms of the flu itself, not to mention the risk of spreading influenza to those around you. \wc

[Myrddin]

Getting flu is going to be a lot worse than the normal reaction to the vaccine. All those living in the household should also be vaccinated.

[cherrybailey]

I think he should worth feeling bit off colour than ill with flu. Worked for me low immune system a cold is is like flu for me, good luck to you both!

[AoifeMcC]

I always get the flu jab - 10 year survivor today

[toots1951]

Many thanks for your replies - really helpful, thank you.

[gutlesswonder]

During the IL procedure your Husband's lungs will have unavoidably been damaged, particularly the right one - owing to deflation to carry out the surgery. This impairment will most likely be permanent. His lungs are therefore at greater risk.

By the same token there probably would have been some involvement of the lymph nodes. Even if there had been no obvious metastases of the carcinoma the surgeon will have removed a number for microscopic examination by the pathologist. The lymph nodes are a front-line part of the immune system. Without some of them he is immuno-compromised.

It is vital that he has the jab.......a couple of days of feeling under-the-weather is a very small price to pay.

Equally he would be well advised to have the pneumococcal vaccination against several common strains of pneumonia ---- which is so easy to get from inhaled reflux.

[toots1951 in reply to gutlesswonder]

Hi thank you so much for your advice and helpful points about the lymph nodes - flu jab booked in for next Monday : ) ))