flu jab

[chall1]

work are offering them but wondered whether they are effective and are there any side effects?

[ganesh]

I have it every year and they insist on it at my son's school.
I get a slightly sore area around the injection site but it goes after 2 days. I also feel a little nausea straight after for a few hours but I think that's only me !
There's a leaflet at the doctors (and probably info on the web) which tells you of the possible side effects. I haven't had flu for years so I assume it is effective. I know the virus mutates so it's not guarenteed as the vaccination is 'based' on last years type (sorry-not very technical) but as I was in hospital with complications from the last time I had flu, I think the jab is well worth having.

[chall1]

thanks that was helpful colin

[kiss2u]

my nan had it last year (she's a tough old bird and never gets sick) and she was laid up in bed for a week with 'flu' she said she felt like ****. Obviously she didnt get proper flu but she was affected by the weakened strin they inject into u.

[Neet]

We have them every year at work and it's due this Thursday. I'm lucky that I never get any reaction. A colleague said she missed it one year and came down with flu-like symptoms. Generally, no complaints from people here at work who have it. Can't say if it helps ward off flu, but I still think it's worth it.

[Hans_Olo]

Only protects against influenza virus not the other 100 odd cold viruses - being very ill doesn't mean its the flu a cold virus that you haven't come across before could make you just as ill

[SamWorth]

Effective, they have been for 7 years,.last year a sore arm that went OK in about three days. Other than that no side effects. BUT 2008 - Bloody hell. Sore arm, aching neck (same side), plus runny nose, which comes and goes. All this over the 14 days since I was jabbed. Age 74, in good health till now.
So why?
Well, one answer could be the strain used varies each year and this year three variants are needed in the vaccine according to the WHO. The other possibility is the particular type. I assumed only one formulation was used, however there are presently no less than ELEVEN branded prescriptions this year.
My research has highlighted fast, that there are instances of subjects being very seriously ill, after being jabbed with flu vaccine. Not just a few listed aches & pains either.
I'm going to try and find out whether my jab was any different than last years or previous mixes. There certainly is different 'menus' being used according to the NHS
press releases. I'd be interested in hearing from any other concerned pensioners who now appear to be worse for wear after their flu injection. Incidentally prior to my wife and I having annual jabs, she used to have heavy Flu which often dragged on from November to January - really ill . The Flu jabs have worked, but now just perhaps a cheaper supplier or variant is being used. Let's face it, to us patients, 'a flu jab is a flu jab.' NO it is NOT.