Flu Jab

[Netty7]

Had my flu jab today but how, if it's made from the previous years virus, does it protect you against the next one, cos it would build up antibodies against the previous virus surely?

[Baboonboy]

This is true. Having the flu jab doesn't protect you from new strains of a virus. Your own body's defence mechanism does this. It does, however, protect you from any previous viruses that are doing the rounds. My father swears by the flu jab and it seems to work for him. I've never had one myself and I had flu (the real thing, not man flu) 3 years running but, touch wood, haven't been affected for 8 years now. I think if it works for you then carry on having it. Have a flu free christmas and a healthy new year!! BB

[kwicky]

As you hear so many people catching flu after a jab come back to this site to let us know.

[Netty7]

This is only the second year I have had the flu jab, the only reason being that I take my mum & dad to have theirs (both are in high risk group). I was offered one as I help them out with every day tasks so I suppose it lessens the risk of me passing it on to them?

I've only ever had flu once, about 9 years ago, and I've never felt so ill (certainly don't want that again!) I'm never one to go to bed if under the weather but I just couldn't physically move for 3 days. It was horrendous. Have heard some people say who've got a really bad achy type cold that they've got flu and it makes me laugh cos if they had flu they wouldn't be standing in town talking to me!! I don't think you realise how bad it is until you've had it.

The jab must do some good because as more and more people take advantage of it, the flu season seems to affect fewer people - don't know statistics though!

[wappytoo]

Hope these help:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthA ndSocialCareTopics/Flu/fs/en

http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/article.php?id= 48