Flu jab.

[ummmm]

If you've never had the flu and were offered the flu jab (for whatever reasons) would you take it?

Or would you think it's a bit pointless?

[lcg]

i've had swine flu 2 years ago (entertaining for the neighbours when the dr came in a hazmat suit) and that was bloody awful - i really did think i was going to die. also work in a hospital (which is heated to a temperature similar to that of hawaii) so any help i can get there is appreciated. as i already have mental health problems and chronic arthritis (and i'm only 35) i know i'm knackered anyway. flu really is the last thing i want. get a jab! only £7 from asda...x

[China Doll]

Yes.I've never had the flu in my life but I had the flu vaccination this year because I am going on to paediatric wards, out-patients and the A&E department a hell of a lot more these days so it's more so I don't put patients at risk. Left to my own devices I would not have had it done though. I think it depends who you are likely come in contact with in terms of whether you would bother or not.

We had a healthy 30 year old fitness fanatic in intensive care last year cause of swine flu so I don't think it's that predictable in terms of how healthy you have been.

[cathfromsaron]

i have had flu and would still not have the jab!

and i can have one free at work! x

[jamesnan]

We have been offered the flu jab for the past 5 years or so, but since we do not put ourselves in the at risk category, nor do we usually suffer from many colds etc, we feel that it is not worth having it.

[EvianBaby]

I'd only have it if I was already unwell in some way.

Since my Dad had his stroke they keep offering it to him but he just says he doesn't see the point - somethings gona kill him at some point.

[ummmm]

I think I'd have it done in your Dads circumstances Evian.

[daffy654]

I get offered one every year but never bother getting it.

[EvianBaby]

I've tried to tell him to but he's quite stubborn. The morning he had had stroke he didn't bother asking me to take him to hospital until I'd be up about three hours because he knew there was something wrong and I'd notice. He just sort of doesn't care anymore.

[Chaffinch]

My Company pay for all staff to have a flu jab, I never bothered till I had flu 2 years ago, having never had it before. Now I have the jab, well worth it.

[maggiebee]

This is the first year I've been offered one, but have decided against it.

[rsvp]

I've never had a flu jab - haven't ever had flu that I can remember and am generally very healthy - however, an 'invitation' to have one dropped on the mat with the explanation that as I was now 250 years old my immune system may not be as good as it was - I gave it some thought and decided that as I had a five week overseas trip booked for early February it was maybe an idea to have the jab. Never felt anything when I had the jab, had absolutely no side effects whatsoever and am glad I did it. Had I not been going overseas though, I wouldn't have had it.

[ummmm]

I will ponder it some more :-)

[marg14a]

Yes definitely - had mine

[jno]

he didn't escape, OG, he killed himself... can't think why...

[ethandron]

i don't think it's a waste of nhs resources. if you were offered the jab and didn't take up the offer and subsequently got flu, you could end up costing the nhs a whole lot more than the jab.
i'm not offered it...yet...but if/when i am, i'll defo have it.

[jno]

you can get it at Boots anyway, ethandron, though you have to pay. (Some people, like asthmatics, may qualify to have it free.)

[arwyn]

Ive been offered the jab for a few years now but I would never ever have it. My Nana and Mother always got flu even though they had their jabs, flu 4 times in 1 year in My Mams case..

[Euphemia]

I have had it for the past couple of years and no problems.

[joko]

i get it free every year due to asthma. ive only had true flu about 3 times and it was horrendous...and the lingering chest infections last for weeks

someone once said to me, the way to know if someone has true flu or just a bad cold is if they were sitting in bed looking out on the street below and saw a £20 ... only the one with the cold would go and get it...