Flu shot

[Coachgeorge]

Anyone have any thoughts on flu shots? My thyroid symptoms continue as I work my way through the process of the T4/t3 combination. Are flu shots recommended?

[greygoose]

I wouldn't say they're recommended, no. But it has to be a personnel decision - preferably an informed decision.

Every year we get three, four, five questions on exactly the same thing. And, every year we get a divided response. Some people say they have it every year and they're fine, others say it made them feel bad. But whether or not it makes you feel bad, the main question should be: does it stop you getting flu? And that's a gamble, a question no-one can answer.

But, if you want to have a look at other people's opinions, you'll find them here:

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

The results aren't brilliant in response to a search, because the search facility - like just about everything else on here - doesn't work very well!

[MaisieGray]

My Mum used to have them religiously year on year because she was of the generation that revered Drs and did what she was told ...... and every year she came down with flu. Of course the billion dollar question that can't be answered, is would she have been worse without it, who knows. The past couple of years my Surgery has phoned me to say that as I have a heart condition as well as being hypothyroid , I'm eligible for a free jab in advance of the normal age limit; and have been affronted when I've replied that it's for those reasons, that I won't be having a flu jab. The success rate of flu jabs is very hit and miss each year, since they are designed largely based on what strain(s) they expect to be in the ascendency that winter (but don't know for sure, and in any case, strains can mutate) - in 2017-18 the flu jab had only 10% success rate in the over 65s compared with 27% in the under 17s, and in the preceding year the flu jab was deemed "unsuccessful" in the over 65s for instance. So I shall refuse it again this year, but it has to be an individual's own decision.

[bantam12]

I have it every year as does my husband who has multiple health problems, neither of us has any issues with it and haven't had flu 👍

[MaisieGray]

Thanks for posting, a timely reminder about the toxic ingredients - but seemingly the good news is that it will clean up your sexually transmitted diseases for you, as a welcome bonus! 🙂

[greygoose in reply to MaisieGray]

lol

[Coachgeorge]

I get the shot every year and have the flu every year. Doc says it would probably be worse without the shot.

[Coachgeorge]

I’ve been sickly since childhood. I get even bug that circulates. I don’t eat as well as I should. You eat dairy?

[greygoose in reply to Coachgeorge]

Well, you know, it could be that you've been hypo since you were a child. I'm pretty sure I've been hypo since I was about 8. And I got every bug going - especially chest complaints. I was always ill with something.

I've only ever had the flu jab once, when I was 27. The doctor prescribed it because I was always full of catarrh. And it worked. I've only ever had flu twice: once at 23 when I was pregnant for the first time and undiagnosed, and once at 65 when I was under-medicated. Now, touch wood, I never catch anything, and I wouldn't dream of tempting fate and upsetting the status quo by getting a flu jab.

[Coachgeorge in reply to greygoose]

It’s just too much to even think about right now. I’m afraid to put anything in my body but afraid I’ll be more ill if I don’t get the shot. They really push it in the US. I’m not in a good position to make any decisions.

[greygoose in reply to Coachgeorge]

I get a reminder in the post, every year. Same as for a breast screen. I never go for that, either. In the beginning, I used to write to them explaining my reasons for not taking up their offer. It didn't make any difference, so I don't even open them, now. Just put them straight in the bin for shredding.

[Coachgeorge in reply to greygoose]

You’re a hoot!!

[Coastwalker in reply to greygoose]

Same here gg 👍⭐️

[serenfach in reply to greygoose]

I am curious as to why not the breast screening? We have a mobile one here and if anything shows up, we have to go to Swansea, a loooonnnnggg drive. I have been called back 4 times in 12 years - always cysts, but you never know....

Last time was a couple of weeks ago. I think I lost half a stone in worrying, so there is always a plus!

[greygoose in reply to serenfach]

Because I believe it to be dangerous, and more likely to provoke a cancer, than just reveal one. Breast have delicate tissue, and should not be squashed and squeezed like that - and all that radiation! Besides that, there's such a high number of false results, both positive and negative, causing distress and people being operated for nothing. No, I prefer to keep an eye on my breasts myself.

[Coachgeorge]

Good to know. I’ve considered gluten free but it’s all so overwhelming right now. I may try your approach to see how I do.

[spongecat]

I last had a 'flu shot in the 70's. The vet I used to work for vaccinated a client GP's dogs for free in return for free 'flu vaccinations for the vet surgery staff!

I don't think I have ever had 'flu but have had some truly dreadful colds and secondary symptoms.

In 'flu season I get annoyingly strict on hand washing and not touching my nose or mouth if I am out and about ......get home and do proper washing a la surgeon style, not just a glance under the tap! Every little bit helps.

[bantam12]

Lucky you, I hope it doesn't hit you sometime because it's no fun !

[Angel_of_the_North]

Waste of time in my book. They are mostly ineffective anyway (10% effective in bad year) and never tested on unhealthy people like us, or the elderly or young children or pregnant women (the main target groups). Might be good for you personally, might not. It's only possible to prove that the jab didn't work (you got flu after it), not that it did (as no one can prove that they would have got flu but didn't), so really, no good data

[Angel_of_the_North]

Same here, No flu jab ever, as, when I was child they used to do allergy testing and I was always allergic - and no flu ever,