Sqad - Advice Please.

[Ann]

Is it reaction or is it 'flu?

I had the pneumonia vaccine jab on Friday afternoon and I was told there were no side effects as it's not a live vaccine etc etc - just a sore arm and maybe a bit of a headache. I was absolutely fine (not even a sore arm) until Friday evening when I got a mild headache, took paracetemols and it went away. Then yesterday lunchtime (Sunday) I started with a very dry cough, non productive, no sore throat, which was continuous all day, all night and on and off today. My headache returned with a vengeance (maybe due to coughing and hardly any sleep?) I had 3 bouts of diarrhoea early today but ok now but just have no appetite and feel nauseous on and off (but haven't been sick yet) I had a few mouthfuls of porridge for lunch then 2 ginger biscuits for tea (can't fancy anything else) I feel very *** headed and my headache is only dulled with taking paracetemols every 4 hours. I'm sleeping a lot too.

If only the headache would go I would feel better - should I try something stronger bearing in mind my tummy is "off". Could (in your opinion) it be a reaction to the jab or is it just a coincidence and I have flu or even migraine or even hay fever?

Any advice would be welcome please Sqad (or anyone) Thanks very much.

[PeelerPal]

I don't have any advice Ann apart from I wish you a speedy recovery.

[PeelerPal]

Oh and judging by your previous posts I would say you seem to be very unlucky...

[Ann]

No Peeler, it's just that Sqad is brilliant at giving quick advice, I don't usually book a doctor's appointment at our local surgery as it is usually 2-3 weeks wait!

[PeelerPal]

Ann I wasn't criticising you in any way. I hope you get well soon.

[Ann]

Forgot to add I feel very shivery, and can't seem to get warm .....

[jennyjoan]

Ann for what it is worth - sista got this vaccy a cuppla years ago and she came over to me the following Sunday coughing, spluttering and tension in the head - she did become better a few weeks later.

I told her not to bother getting it ever again but she has. I certainly wouldn't touch it.

[Ann]

Thanks Peeler :)

[Ann]

Thanks Conne - wish I hadn't now but usually ok with the flu jab .........

[Buenchico]

Possibly worth a read:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/flu-vaccine-side-effects.aspx

Get well soon, Ann!

[Psybbo]

Ann, please see your GP, a very nasty chest infection is doing the rounds. Ours hasn't completely cleared since January in spite of steroids and antibiotics

[bednobs]

my thoughts are it doesn't matter a jot which one it is - as the pnemonijb is one time ffair, it's not like you'll ever have to decide whether to hve it again or not. the most important thing is to deal with your symproms. Take paracetamol every 4-6 hours,a nd intersperse with ibuprofen when you can eat.

[bednobs]

god, i hope you can read that post - i hve a sticky a key!

[woofgang]

I have a theory and it is only a theory that people go and get these jabs and mix with people they don’t usually mix with....so any bugs they pick up, they are not likely to be resistant to so they are more likely to come away with something....which they blame on the jab. If you have had the runs, you may be dehydrated which can cause a headache. Don’t worry about eating if you don’t fancy it but do drink something bland and sugary just a sip at a time. If you need to sleep then sleep. Can you get phone advice from your surgery? If you don’t feel any better by tomorrow then give them a ring but it does sound like an unrelated virus to me.

[Ann]

Thanks everyone! I can cope with everything else but the constant headache is really getting me down now ........

[jennyjoan]

Ann I am off to bed now - but you will read this in the morning


Get a long scarf as thin as you can - perhaps tights - tie them round your head - it will give you some relief

[Sqad]

Ann, I have just seen your post as last evening AB played second fiddle to the snooker and football.

I have read you OP and cannot say with certainty, if your symptoms were a reaction to the vaccine......my guess is that it probably was.
My main concern is your headache and if you get any stiffness around the neck, difficulty at looking at bright lights and/or vomiting, then seek a medical opinion. Unlikely, very unlikely but monitor your headache today.

Your other suggestion of migraine is also a good shout and I support the advice of bednobs 21.35.

[Ann]

Thanks Sqad, I'm at last feeling a bit better today. I used some rehydration salts and the headache finally eased so it must have been caused by not drinking enough after the tummy upset. I now have a heavy cold, so have had the complete works - gastric flu, cough, cold, headache, no appetite etc etc.

Nobody can convince me this wasn't a reaction to the pneumoccocal vaccine! I have spoken to others who have suffered similar reactions after one, so why do they just say that you could just get a sore arm. Due to having an autoimmune condition - Sarcoidosis in the past (which now seems to have burnt itself out!) I have been advised to have another booster jab in 5 years - I probably won't bother! Some good my holiday in Lanzarote did me, I felt so healthy for a week afterwards until I had this! Only benefit is, I have lost 5lbs through not eating!!

[dannyk13]

Ann did you have the pneumonia vaccine or the flu vaccine?

[Ann]

The pneumonia jab Danny, I have the flu jab every year with absolutely no problems!

[dannyk13]

I've had that, (which is a once only jab) without any side effects. It sounds like you may have caught the flu, but Sqad should be able to help you.