Flu jab

[enigma]

Is there an alternative to the egg based flu jab ? I am asthmatic and therefore in the risk category for flu and it is recommended that I have the flu jab but I can't get it because I am allergic to eggs. I have been ill for over a week now with flu and I am struggling to breathe at times. I am coughing so much that my chest hurts now and I know that I shouldn't be puffing on my reliever inhaler so much but i'm not sure what else to do. I'm going to try to get an appointment with my GP for tomorrow but I don't fancy my chances. I just wondered if anyone knew of any alternatives.

[drestie]

I don't have an answer for you, but I do know that if you already have the flu, the flu jab won't do a thing to help you.

Your GP may be able to give you another inhaler for the symptoms, but I don't think he will give you the flu jab, even if you only have a cold.

[enigma]

Sorry Drestie , I didn't word it very well. I meant to say that I was meaning for future reference as opposed to my current bout of flu. There's not really a lot I can do at the moment but I just feel so awful that I don't want to have to continually suffer like this. I have been taking full body shakes , fevering etc and I am worried about the effect on my chest with my constant racking and coughing.

I was only advised a few years ago that I qualified for the flu jab but because I was pregnant , I couldn't get it. When it was mentioned again I was pregnant again but following a recent medical at my new doctors surgery , I was advised that I can't have it at all because my medical file showed an allergy to eggs and the jab is egg based. (This was never picked up on before) When I asked what I could do I was advised by the practice nurse to just 'be careful'. (?) With all the best will in the world , I still get the flu sometimes. I will ask my doctor if he can give me anything else to relieve my breathing difficulties. Thanks for your answer.

[flump1]

Hi enigma, , I am sorry to hear you are feeling so wreched, and I hope it eases for you soon. I thought the current flu jab was egg based,and when I asked the nurse who administered mine it is not the case. The culture is grown on eggs, but does not have any egg in it, It might be that you are able to have one, Ask your gp. Meanwhile take care, Keep up those fluids ! X

[skyep]

enigma - A few years ago my son was in the same position. In the end, his injection was arranged so he could have it in hospital as a day case, with the reassurance of medical people around him in case he reacted to it.

[enigma]

Thanks for your kind words Flump. I've hardly eaten in days but I am drinking plenty. It's just not easy to get much rest when you are running about after young kids - especially when they are sick too ! Hubby is swamped under at work but helping when and where he can. Never mind , hopefully it'll pass for us all soon. It's been a bit of a washout of a Christmas with us all ill. First stomach bugs , then the flu. Just our rotten luck lol ! Here's hoping the New Year will bring better luck , for you as well .... oh and to everyone of course x
I will check what you said with my GP. Didn't manage to get an appointment today as I thought but hopefully next wednesday. Thanks for your help x

Skyep - That sounds very sensible but I wonder if they only did that because of your son's age. How old is he , if you don't mind me asking ? Would they do that for an adult ? The reason why I ask is because it has never been offered as an option to me. I was basically told by the practice nurse to 'be careful'. As if I can prevent getting a bout of flu. If I knew how to block flu , then I would be a very rich woman lol ! I have just been left to get on with it but I worry when I can't breathe properly and can't control it adequately with my inhalers.

I have taken all comments on board which were most appreciated and I will raise these matters with my GP asap. Many thanks to you all for answering x

[skyep]

enigma - Sorry, only just re-read your question. He was of school age at the time, but it is worth asking about with your GP. Can you afford to have it done privately? I would think if you have an egg allergy, they should provide an alternative. Good luck!