Hidden12 years ago

No - it's an urban myth. It doesn't give you cold or a mild dose of the flu. Well

That's what my nurse told me and I felt fine apart from a heavy arm but I also got pneumonia one too.

Marie

196812 years ago

Ah thanks for that, should I be getting a flu jag and pneumonia, doc only said about the flu one.

David 1968

angie12 in reply to 196812 years ago

Hi Davis definitely have flu and pneumonia jab s but ask if you can have them at different times.

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Hidden12 years ago

Do you mean flu jab David? I get one every year - everyone over a certain age or certain condition should have one. It has never given me a cold or flu or anything. And I haven't had flu for many years so well worth it. xx

196812 years ago

Sorry it must be the Flu JAB, the doc said it was Jag?

I will go and get it.

Thanks for all who replied.

David 1968

Gordon57 in reply to 196812 years ago

The Jag must be a posh version - I always get a jab....

The NHS Choices page is at nhs.uk/conditions/Flu-jab/P... if you want to read more.

It isn't supposed to give you the flu, or make you ill, but it is made from a mix of sterile flu viruses, which convince your immune system to make anti-bodies. It can cause a mild fever and/or make you ache a bit.

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Eviex12 years ago

I have to disagree here, I've been having the jab/jag for a few yrs now and did get flu like symptoms. In fact I was always a pretty robust person and never caught colds and such until I started having the jab.. or maybe I'm just an awkward git..lolo

derrylynne12 years ago

I know from past posts you only have very mild emphysema David but an offer of a flue jab is good to me. I have had these yearly jabs for years now and never once have I had a reaction from them. But they have probably saved me from getting the flue. On a serious note everyone with a chest complaint should ensure they get jab. Catching flue will if like me you have very severe copd land you in hospital, and may well cost you your life. As said by a previous poster these reports of the jab giving you flue, or a cold, is an old wives tale.

1968 in reply to derrylynne12 years ago

Thanks fr the great advice I will bok one now.

Hope yuo are keeping well and thanks again fr the reply.

David 1968

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Jo_BLFHelplineBritish Lung Foundation12 years ago

Hi 1968

The annual flu jab will have the vaccines to the flu strains most likely to cause problems in that winter flu season. The last couple of years has seen the addition of the swine flu vaccine. I haven't been able to find anything specific for this season yet, although there should be information coming out soon.

The flu jab is really advised for people over the age of 65, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic condition. If you have an underlying condition such as Asthma, COPD etc catching flu can cause the virus to go onto your chest and potentially cause problems such as Pneumonia.

As soon as we know anything about the 2012/13 season you will of course see it here first!

Best Wishes

Jo

Hidden in reply to Jo_BLFHelpline12 years ago

seems that people have the flu jab offered, and not the pneumonia one ... is this usual ?

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downfield in reply to Hidden12 years ago

Hi Julie, I understand the pneumonia vaccination is routinely offered to the over 65s.

My doctor recommended that I have it because of my chest problems. I had it a few months ago.

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196812 years ago

Thanks to every one who was filled me with god advice, Thanks.

David 1968

sassy59 in reply to 196812 years ago

Worth getting the jab I would say but Pete varies from year to year as to whether he has a reaction or not. One year he will, the next two or three he won't. Worth having though. (Jab not reaction!) xx

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downfield12 years ago

Hi David , I used to have the flu jab when I worked .

I have also paid to have the vaccination in early October at Boots the chemist, it cost £12.

Now I have been diagnosed with chest problems I am eligible to have it from the Dr and will be first in the queue but if it means waiting till late in the Autumn I will go back to Boots and pay. I don't want to risk waiting too long to be vaccinated after the health nightmare of the last three winters.

The worst reaction I have ever had has been a sore arm on the site of the vaccination.

People often blame flu like symptoms on the vaccination when in actual fact they were probably incubating an illness when they received the vaccination.

amagran12 years ago

I am 64 and have never had the flu jab or been offered it. But I have had a few really bad cases of flu that knocked me out for days, and I had pneumonia that left me still weak 8 weeks later, so if you can have the jab, take it. Richard has always had it.

sassy59 in reply to amagran12 years ago

I feel, as Richard's carer, you should have the flu jab for free automatically. It may vary from practice to practice but I have the jab each year. A doctor a few years back recommended that I get jabbed too.

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artiste in reply to sassy5912 years ago

Guidance is that carers should have the flu injection

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zaney12 years ago

I have the flu jab every year and have also had the pneumonia jab which i understand is only given once not yearly , so far i have not had any adverse effects and i have severe copd .I think most people needing the jab would be called in by their doctor or i may just be lucky with my doctors . Su.

Lynne195512 years ago

I have had a flu jab at Boots for the last couple of years as I used to be eligible at my GP's because of my job, then suddenly I wasn't.

This year, I am on the 'register' because of COPD so will get my flu jab and the 'one time only ' pneumonia jab.

I have never had side effects apart from a stiff and swollen arm. I have been told that if you get flu-like symptoms it's because the virus is already in the body.

Get it done, it's worth it!

Lynne x