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Original poster

Flu Jab this year for first time

71 replies

PilatesPeach · 09/09/2020 20:50

Am thinking of getting this. Never had it before. Not in a risk group but GP mentioned govt will be advising over 50s to get it and thought of getting it privately next month as would probably have to wait till end of Nov/beginning of Dec on NHS once at risk groups have been done and also subject to availability.

Reading possible side effects - says raised temperature - I teach a gyms - they have a temperature gauge that shows green or red - am concerned that I might be unable to teach now after the jab despite not being unwell.

Does anyone who has the flu jab any experience with a high temp?

Never really bothered with it before - part of the reasoning was also to get the flu jab so I know if I am very ill with fluey symptoms, I will be more likely to have Covid and go and get a test.

OP posts:
Torvean32 · 10/09/2020 04:23

I've had the injection many times. Injection is a little bit nippy. However i have never had any side effects. I'll be at Sainsburys getting mine again this year.

ItsAHardKn0ckLife1 · 10/09/2020 04:29

Sorry for the hijack... my DS5 had nasal spray vaccine for first time last year...a week later he was in hospital with influenza A (swabbed and confirmed). I believe the nasal vaccine is live (??). Could it be coincidence he was poorly or was it a possible side effect? I’m debating whether to allow him to have it this year. Anyone else’s DC been affected like that?

Original poster
PilatesPeach · 10/09/2020 07:20

Great thanks. Re the over 50s - looks like end of November earliest on NHS as they have to do the at risk groups and those in caring/medical professions first. Cost in pharmacy is £12.99. Just thought I'd get it done 1st week of October.

The raised temperature is something I read on NHS website but I guess they list all possible side effects even if very rare.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

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General health
TroysMammy · 10/09/2020 07:25

I've had it for 10 years, a perk of being a GP Receptionist! I've only had a sore arm which makes sleeping on one side uncomfortable and when I had the one with swine flu incorporated it was painful to close my car boot otherwise no other side effects.

Toomboom · 10/09/2020 07:38

I get flu job every year, no side effects apart from occasionally a sore arm for a day or so.
Boots are taking appointments now for the flu jab. I have mine booked for beginning of October.
Flu injection isn't live, but the nasal one is.

Fluffycloudland77 · 10/09/2020 08:29

I’ve only ever had the sore injection site too. I’m booked 5th October with Lloyds & it’s £12.99

TheTurn0fTheScrew · 10/09/2020 08:32

I've had it for the last four years and never had any side effect worse than a sore arm.

Angelina82 · 10/09/2020 08:50

I’ve never suffered with any side affects from my flu jabs, but you could always swallow a couple of paracetamol after yours to keep your temperature down if you’re worried.

Original poster
PilatesPeach · 10/09/2020 08:56

oh yes good idea

OP posts:
Sally872 · 10/09/2020 08:59

I have had it many times as work provide it. Sore arm the next day is the only side effect I have had.

AmelieTaylor · 10/09/2020 09:12

I get offered one every year (T2diabetic) but I have always turned it down.

Like a PP I have read some negative things about it in relation to Covid, but I have read SO much, I can't find it again. Vague idea it might have had something to do with the cytokine storm?! (Is that possible).

The 'invitation' from the Drs this year was quite firm/pushy that people need to do it, to help to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed by flu patients, preventing care for others.

I'm over 50, overweight, T2 diabetic. I feel a responsibility to get it done, but haven't made my mind up fully. (Never had flu & with SD feel it's even less likely this year) but I do feel reassured by so many of you saying the only side effect you've had is a sore arm!

Must go see what I can find about flu jab & cytokine storm...

shinynewapple2020 · 10/09/2020 09:44

[quote RiaOverTheRainbow]@shinynewapple2020 where did you read that? That seems highly unlikely, not least because we haven't had a flu season since covid became widely tested/diagnosed.[/quote]

I don't know! I wish I did because I would then refer back to it and see exactly what it said. That's why I asked if anyone else has seen this

And yes it was opposite to what i would have expected .

Original poster
PilatesPeach · 10/09/2020 10:18

I have never had flu before (nor the flu jab) but Covid has made me re-think - that's why I booked - probably would not get one if not for Covid.

OP posts:
Deelish75 · 10/09/2020 10:24

I’ve had a few, never had a flu like reaction but have had a sore arm for about a day afterwards.
I try to get one in September or October as I have had flu as early as November.

whatswithtodaytoday · 10/09/2020 10:26

I've had it the last few years, I've never had anything more than a sore arm. My dad felt properly ill for a few days last year, but that could have been a coincidence and also he's over 70, so much less resilient than someone younger.

whatswithtodaytoday · 10/09/2020 10:28

@shinynewapple2020

I've had a flu jab, maybe 5 of the last 10 years (don't always remember). A couple of years I had it for free at work and other times have paid around £8 Asda pharmacy . Never had any issues

But , I'm sure I read somewhere that having a flu jab raised the risk that if you got Covid you would more likely get it badly. No idea why that would be . Has anyone else seen this?

I was planning on getting one done this year but that made me think twice .

The government wouldn't be advising everyone get a flu jab if that were the case. They're useless and corrupt, but they wouldn't risk spending all that money on flu jabs just to make the situation worse.
Fluffycloudland77 · 10/09/2020 10:37

You can transmit flu and have zero flu symptoms. Same as you can with covid.

Unless you’ve had an antibody test you have absolutely no idea if you’ve actually had the flu, only that you’ve not been symptomatic.

Original poster
PilatesPeach · 10/09/2020 14:20

Never had flu to my knowledge

OP posts:
MsEllany · 10/09/2020 14:31

I get it free with work, one year it was more sore than others but genuinely have never had any other symptoms. Must have had it at least 6 years on the bounce now.

yolio · 10/09/2020 14:37

Must be one of the few positive threads on MN regarding possible side effects of anything, and no worry warting either. Well done all of you, it will ease the fears of many. That's the spirit!

Sore arm for sure, two paracetemol going to bed after, job done.

Spam88 · 10/09/2020 14:57

I've had it the last 8 years and never anything more than a sore arm.

I have to say though I think it's really irresponsible to recommend taking paracetamol to mask a fever. There's no way of knowing if a fever is a side effect of the vaccine or something else, so should be treated as a symptom of covid.

yolio · 10/09/2020 14:59

Paracetemol was for the soreness in the arm, thanks. Well at least that's what my post meant anyway!

JingsMahBucket · 10/09/2020 15:02

@yolio

Must be one of the few positive threads on MN regarding possible side effects of anything, and no worry warting either. Well done all of you, it will ease the fears of many. That's the spirit!

Sore arm for sure, two paracetemol going to bed after, job done.

I know, I was thinking the same thing @yolio. Whew, it’s such a relief!
Gramgram · 10/09/2020 15:04

I too have the flu jab, I get it at the pharmacy as my DS works there (Lloyds), it is free if you get a letter from your GP saying you need to have one. Only ever had one problem year when I got a sore red lumpy arm, however after a couple of days it was fine. I've had flu, couldn't even stand up and ached all over, the sore arm was nothing compared to flu.

Dowser · 10/09/2020 15:21

@gingertam
But there’s no guarantee you won’t get the flu
As I understand it, top scientists pick about three strains of flu for the vax
What if you get many of the other strains

Please correct me if I’m incorrect