Flu Jab

[DeniseT]

Has anyone had a flu jab before and if so, was it effective do you think? Any side effects? I'm considering it as last winter was one virus after another and I know it won't stop it but if it makes it less severe, surely worth it?

Thanks!

[shaws Administrator]

Personally, I don't take the vaccine as I have two autoimmune diseases and don't want more stress on my body. This is an excerpt:

Does the flu vaccine work the same for everyone?

No. While the flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu, protection can vary widely depending on who is being vaccinated (in addition to how well matched the flu vaccine is with circulating viruses). In general, the flu vaccine works best among healthy adults and older children. Some older people and people with certain chronic illnesses might develop less immunity than healthy children and adults after vaccination. However, even for these people, the flu vaccine still may provide some protection.

How effective is the flu vaccine in the elderly?

Older people with weaker immune systems often have a lower protective immune response after flu vaccination compared to younger, healthier people. This can result in lower vaccine effectiveness in these people.

cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccin...

[DeniseT in reply to shaws]

Thanks so much - that's really helpful. It's a bit of a minefield so thanks for replying. Denise.

[Marz in reply to DeniseT]

I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole ! Have a look around the net and have a read on the sites that give you the gruesome facts The BCG has given me a life long health issue - why would I invite more c*** into my body !

[greygoose in reply to Marz]

Totally agree with Marz! Neither would I. Do you know what's in those vaccines? Of course you Don't, they Don't want you to know.

In any case, the vaccine will only be active against one strain of virus - you'll still get all the others. Far better to up your vit C and make sure your thyroid levels are optimal. And, what's more, if your immune system is weak, it could even give you the flu.

Check out the Health Ranger and Dr Mercola on vaccines. They wouldn't touch them, either.

[spongecat]

I don't bother with 'flu vaccines. I don't think they are appropriate for me at the moment and quite frankly the mutations are always ahead of the latest batch....

What I do observe though is hand washing procedures. Wash frequently (proper washing with soap and recite Happy Birthday...twice...in your head otherwise people will think you are crackers!

When out and about and touching door handles, grab rails, products in the shops etc. try not to put your hands near your mouth or nose or at least be aware because it's such an automatic movement.

Alcohol handrubs are OK but not 100% effective (well what can be!) but yes I do wash my hands thoroughly, several times a day and I have been very fortunate in that I think I have had one cold in around 7 years....and certainly not 'flu or norovirus.

Touch wood.......I've probably gone and cursed myself now, lol!

[DeniseT in reply to spongecat]

I started doing that when I got ill so my family wouldn't catch it - it worked - so now I'm going to shut the door before the horse has a chance to bolt ... Thanks!

[Hidden]

I have one every year, I am 63 so pay for it. For me it works and it is worth every penny. Have a chat with a healthcare person if you are considering having one.

[DeniseT in reply to Hidden]

I have an appointment with my GP today so will raise it as well before I say no categorically. Thanks for the advice and glad to hear it works for you.

[Angel_of_the_North in reply to Hidden]

How can you tell it works? You can only tell if it doesn't work! You might not have got flu anyway. I've never had a jab (I was tested at school every year and was allergic every year) and never had flu.

[greygoose in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

I was going to say the same thing.

[minus in reply to Hidden]

I had the flu jab yesterday it protects me from 3 strains of the flu and I don't regret it. I wish thy didn't pu mercury in vaccines and other crap. However I ad a severe cold the other week and that's why I decided to go to it, I get it free with NHS occupational health.

[nightingale-56]

I have read that this year's vaccine only has a 30% chance of working. Not good odds I think!

[Marz in reply to nightingale-56]

...and that is when they have looked into their crystal ball to see which virus is on the horizon...just another money spinner for Big Pharma methinks. Also modern medicine is about creating fear in people so they succumb to their nasty potions Better to up the VitD

[Trixie64]

During the 7 years when I was unknowingly hyperthyroid (undiagnosed - "all psychological", made to take antidepressants) I had no colds or flu. After becoming hypo I started getting colds and bad throats again and after having a flu jab I developed a really nasty cold and cough. I'll never have another jab. It could be that you are undermedicated.

[DeniseT]

I was recently found to be both iron and D3 deficient so I'm wondering how far back that may have gone - I felt truly awful Feb - June but only went to see an Endo in July. I've been on supplements for two months now and in fact a lowered dose of thyroxine and hoping that the levels will be better levels before winter really kicks in ...

These are such interesting and valued replies - thank you. I appreciate the time you have all taken and I think I know which way to go on the flu jab now - sounds like a no go so thanks for the advice ... Denise.

[Angel_of_the_North]

It seems to be one of the most pointless vaccinations. Doesn't work for most people. Only works about a third of the time for last years viruses. Not tested on unhealthy people, the elderly, pregnant women or children. Apparently, about 3 people in hundred get flu (real flu, not bad colds or "flu-like illnesses") in a given year, Vaccinations cut this to about 2 people in a hundred. So pretty pointless really.

[Barrister]

I had the vaccination last year but unfortunately still got flu. I've had the vaccination again this year, because I am taking biologic drugs which knock out my immune system ( I am officially immunosuppressed) and I would rather try as much as possible not to get flu. I know what it's like to have the "real" flu which I got during the epidemic in 1989/90 whilst I was pregnant and also last year and I do not want to feel like that again if I can help it. Clemmie

[Hidden]

Echinacea and bee propolis can help the moment you feel a sore throat coming on, or even if you have been exposed. It doesn't always completely prevent it but can be much milder. I managed to avoid swine flu a few years ago despite the rest of the family succumbing....

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Echinacea is not really recommended for hypos, I'm afraid.

[Hidden in reply to greygoose]

oh, I didn't know that - why not? I wonder if that applies to bee propolis also, as it is an immune system stimulant.

[greygoose in reply to Hidden]

Well, to be honest, I've just had a read around, and now people seem to be saying that echinacea is good for Hashi's! And others are saying it dépends on whether you're Th1 dominant or Th2 dominant! I know it isn't good for me, but I Don't know if I'm Th1 or 2! lol

But, to be honest again, the sites I've been reading are not really sites I would put much faith in - all hippy-happy-hoppy - and recommending iodine with no mention of selenium!

So, I guess it's another one of those things you just have to try and see how it affects you.

Nobody seems to know much about bee propolis - except on a bee-keepers daughter's site, who says oh yes! Bee propolis will restore you thyroid function! But I Don't think I trust that one very much, either. lol

[MidnightBlue]

Olive leaf extract is a great anti viral. I personally would not have the flu jab as I understand the heavy metals it contains (mercury has been replaced by aluminium) can cause gut problems, and I believe auto immune issues often begin as gut problems. I would find it difficult to talk this through with a health professional as

1. They don't read the research and

2. I believe they have targets for the number of people to vaccinate.

[MariLiz]

I have had the flu jab since I was diagnosed with asthma. For me it has definitely made a difference to the number of illnesses, chest infections, etc... during the winter months. I used to go from one to another, and was often on antibiotics.

It is a personal choice. MariLiz

[Glynisrose]

I used to have the flu jab until I realised not only was it doing me no good on the flu front I was getting everything else ax it was sneaking in whilst my poor body was trying to make anti - virus .

[BeansMummy]

I don't trust doctors to look after me when I'm ill, so I certainly don't trust them with any suggestion that the 'flu jab is a good idea for me.

It has been suggested I should have it, but I don't want anything else swanning around in my body ready to muck it up any more than it already is.

[Natj123]

I've had it past 7 years and whereas I've always had a very nasty bout of flu, yearly , since having the jab I have only had a dose of summer flu once,

Only effects from this years was a sore arm, last year mind it made me quite unwel but they change it yearly xx