Flu Jab For Low Risk People

[Maydup]

I last had the flu in 1986. I'm in my early 50's and thankfully no medical conditions to speak of. Every year the increased media coverage about the flu jab makes me wonder whether to wander into a pharmacy and pay for the jab, but if I don't need it (or do I?) could it just reduce my immunity to the flu?

[boxtops]

No maydup, it will increase your immunity - that's the whole point of it. You have been fortunate not to catch flu in the last 30 years - but like you, having had it twice in my life, I wouldn't want it again. I wouldn't say you are immune to flu - just you've not caught it since 1986. There is no way I wouldn't have my annual flu jab.

[Sqad]

you are in your 50's and in good health.

Advantages......if you have the vaccine and the right flu virus is the offender this winter, you will have an immunity to it.

Even if you do get the flu and it is the "correct" virus" then your symptoms will be ameliorated.

Disadvantages:

The flu vaccine offered does not immunise you against this years strain and your injection will be for nothing.

There are side effects of the flu vaccine which range from mild to serious although the latter is very rare.

There has been some questioning concerning the efficiency of the vaccine, even if it contains the antibody to the prevailing flu virus.

The virus to attack the UK this winter is guesswork.

In your circumstances i would not have the vaccine.

it is your call.

[woofgang]

In addition to squads clear medical risk benefit analysis, its worth considering what would happen if you did get the flu. I am not talking about health risks but things like have you got anyone to take care of you? do you take care of anyone? Are you self employed so no work means no money?

I live alone with two dogs (well so not alone but no people is what I mean) I have had flu twice and its most unpleasant but the reason that I have the jab is that being so ill with dogs to care for would be very difficult indeed.

[Maydup]

..... I hear the advantages and the disadvantages, thank you all so far.

So far the disadvantages are that I might have a rare reaction to the vaccine or that it might not work. Any others?

[woofgang]

bruised arm? costs money?

[thegreens]

Until a few years I would not have the flu injection even though I have diabetes as I didn't believe in it. But I contracted an awful chest infection whereupon my GP stuck one into me about putting myself at risk. For the last 3 years I have had the injection and whilst it may be a coincidence, I have only had mild colds and not the humdingers and chest infections I had in previous years.

[alexanderd]

i had a bad reaction to the flu jab last year. a rash down my arm ad severe pain when I tried to move it. When I went to the docs I was told a few people had reported this reaction, also the jab does not cover all strains of flu. No one knows what this years strain will be so I will not be having it.I am a bit(ok a lot) older than you by the way