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Original poster

Anyone else feel rotten after a flu jab?

67 replies

Sparrowlegs248 · 28/09/2018 21:08

I have one every year and have done for a long time. 2 reasons, I work for local government and they like to avoid us being off sick, and I have other health issues.

In the approx 16 years of having it, I have never felt so awful as I do now. Had it Thursday. Had a really sore throat last night which I still have along with swollen glands, bunged up nose, and my head feels like it might implode. I could go to sleep now, which I will shortly. Is it just me or has everyone/others been Affected?

OP posts:
EwItsAHooman · 30/09/2018 08:57

Over 65s are being vaccinated against three strains, under 65s are being vaccinated against four. It's because the strains they're vaccinating against this year are of increased risk to the over 65s so they need a boosted jab, it doesn't mean the jab being given to under 65s isn't as good, it's of equal effectiveness and just has a different composition is all.

I always feel ropey after my flu jab, it's my body's immune response and is normal, it's still better than getting the actual flu. The vaccine takes up to three weeks to be fully effective and you can catch flu in that time and there are loads of cold-like viruses going around this time of year which the flu jab cannot protect against, a bad cold can feel just as awful as the flu which is why lots of people confuse the two and think "well I caught flu anyway so what's the point?". Last winter my DM did catch flu despite being vaccinated, confirmed by the hospital where she was treated, and they said that having the flu jab meant she got a "mild" case and lowered the overall risk to her life. That mild case kept her in hospital for five days and she was poorly at-home for another 8-10 after that.

GloGirl · 30/09/2018 09:15

I've felt fine this week apart from a mildly sore arm. I did have a hint of a sore throat one night, this thread reminded me but I often do with my asthma inhalers.

I get every cold and sniffle going and spend winter up to my armpits in tissues, never once had an adverse reaction to a flu vaccine. The year they immunized against swine flu I remember my arm was a wreck for 2 days but other than that it's been fine.

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 30/09/2018 09:26

I’ve had flu jabs for years because of asthma and always have a sore arm. Had it yesterday and have he sore arm, but also sniffles, headache and tiredness. Not had that before. DH is the same without the sore arm.

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MasonJar · 30/09/2018 09:39

Over 65s are being vaccinated against three strains, under 65s are being vaccinated against four. It's because the strains they're vaccinating against this year are of increased risk to the over 65s so they need a boosted jab

Thanks Ewits - where did you find this information? Can't find it on the NHS site which just says that the adjuvented vac will improve immune response in older people.
Just thought I'd prefer to have the improved immune response one as jab hasn't been successful for me when I've had it.
Once ended up being very ill with flu and then hospitalized with pneumonia.

Windmillsinsummer · 30/09/2018 09:45

I'm due to get mine soon i hope the side effects aren't too bad. I thought i knew best last year and didn't get it I came down with flu (confirmed by swabs) which meant a cancelled op rearranged for 2 weeks later tamiflu and i pretty much slept for the 2 weeks and just got better for my next op date. It can't be worse than that i suppose.

42andcounting · 30/09/2018 10:00

That's interesting about the over 65s vaccine - now I know why there were two separate queues at the flu clinic! Smile

I had it yesterday and have woken up today with a very sore and tender arm from shoulder to just below the elbow, but no other side effects as yet. Still better than getting the flu though, even if it does make you feel ropey for a few days I think. Last time I had flu I hallucinated that people had broken into the house and were standing over my bed Confused

EwItsAHooman · 30/09/2018 10:03

MasonJar, the GP told me Smile

Got definite 'dead arm' feeling this morning, right the way down to my hand.

Theorbo · 30/09/2018 10:35

This year I wondered if I’d just dreamed I’d had it. No sore arm at all and felt completely ok. Usually my arm is red and very painful and I feel a bit crap. I’ve been having the flu shot for over 10 years and at least have a hot and aching arm.

twinklz · 30/09/2018 10:59

When is the best time to have it?

twinklz · 30/09/2018 11:00

Is the best time earlier the better?

MasonJar · 30/09/2018 11:24

Is the best time earlier the better?
Perhaps not, it depends on how your immune system responds to the vaccine.
It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to work.
Effectiveness can start to decline after a few months.
The peak time for flu in the UK is usually Feb/March so immunity may have worn off if jab has been given in September.
May be better to wait till end October, and hope you don't catch it before then.
At least we've had a good summer so vitamin D levels should still be high which may give some protection.

Stupomax · 30/09/2018 13:05

The masses have been well and truly brainwashed.

I think my doctor who studied medicine for many years isn't really brainwashed, no.

How about you - what are your qualifications?

serbska · 30/09/2018 13:15

People have the flu vax so they won't get sick yet so many people get sick from it, kinda crazy when you stop and think about it isn't it?
The masses have been well and truly brainwashed

I’m not brainwashed. I’d just do almost anything to not have flu again.

Easynow · 30/09/2018 13:23

This is advice from NHS website ;

"After theflu vaccinationyou may get amild fever and slight muscle aches for a day or so.
If youhave a sore arm afterthe vaccination, try thesetipsto ease the discomfort: continue to move your arm regularly – don't let itget stiff and sore, take a painkiller, such asparacetamoloribuprofen– pregnant women shouldn't take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends and prescribes it"

I still have it every year though Envy

Heidimay · 30/09/2018 13:36

I felt very ill for a few weeks after having one, so you are not alone OP. I also became very unwell after having a Tb vaccination when I was young. My general health isn't very good, so perhaps it affected me more than it would have done someone who was fit. I don't know why this happens, but it's clearly the case for some people. I would say if you know this is the case for you, think very carefully about having vaccinations which aren't obligatory/completely necessary.

FoldyRoll · 01/10/2018 01:02

Floplady you're talking balls. The flu jab doesn't prevent you getting flu, but it drastically reduces its effects. I've had proper flu twice. Once as a fit and healthy 25 year old. It was horrendous. The poorliest I've ever been, with such bad pain and fever it caused hallucinations. The second time as a 45 year old undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so pretty weak with a shot immune system. Because I'd had the jab the second time, it felt like little more than a heavy cold and didn't even require hospitalisation. Without the vaccine it could easily have killed me.
Nurses I spoke to told dreadful tales of the effect of flu on people with compromised immune systems that could so easily have been avoided. I'd strongly urge anyone at risk to get vaccinated.

Enervator · 04/10/2018 07:01

Had my jab Monday, feel totally fine except for a sore wittle arm.

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