have just received an invite from NHS to have a flu jab - I've never had one in my lfe, last had a cold/flu about 10/12 years ago - consider myself fit and am outdoors a lot in all weathers. Any thoughts on whether or not to change the habit of a lifetime? The 'gumpf' mentioned this was to prevent flu from turning into pneumonia.
I decline the invitation to have a flu jab every year, despite the fact I have emphysema and have had asthma for 20 odd years.
The last time I had the jab I got flu along with my 3 kids and we had a very miserable Christmas because of it.
The jab shouldn't give you flu - it might make you feel a bit duff for a couple of days, but daffy you must have been unlucky and caught a strain which wasn't covered by the vaccine. I wouldn't NOT have it, it's there, it's free, it's given for a purpose, to prevent illness.
..and ps - the flu strain is different each year, so not having it one year doesn't mean people don't get another variety the next. The seasonal flu vaccine since last year also includes vaccine against swine flu, so two jabs in one.
i have had the flu numerous times, poleaxed each time, but no one has sent any notice out to see if you want a flu jab, i don't think i would at any rate.