Side effects after flu jab or the beginnings of a lurgy??

[MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack]

I had my flu jab yesterday. I've never had side effects from these jabs previously and felt fine all day yesterday, not even a sore arm. But I've woken up today feeling a bit achey all over and with what feels like the beginnings of a cold/sore throat.

It isn't a big deal in itself, but I'm a carer for my elderly dad, who has compromised immunity, and I don't want to pass anything on to him if this turns out to be a lurgy. I'm supposed to be going over there today. He will manage if I don't go, but with difficulty. I would usually ask DH to go in this situation but he has other commitments today.

WWYD? How likely is it that me feeling crap this morning is the after-effect of the jab and not the beginnings of an actual illness?

I wouldn’t risk it as you can’t know for sure that it’s side effects rather than actually ill with something. I felt a bit weird after mine but it was the same evening and more feeling a bit warm than the start of a cold. Gone by next morning.

Although seen he’d be on his own if you didn’t go. So I really don’t know what I’d do. Sorry!

Thanks, I'm so torn. I think you're right that I can't be certain either way, but he will struggle if I don't go.

I think I'll leave it for a couple of hours and see how I feel later.

Could you not pop on a face mask when you visit your dad?
If your dad was willing/able he could put one on as well for the time you're there?
That's what I would do if I felt unwell and had to be in contact with someone.

Yes, potentially. But my understanding is that, unless they are the clinical grade masks (which I don't have), then they aren't actually very effective? Or is that wrong?

I should think you'd be able to pick up n95s or even a box of clinical grade masks at the chemists?
A good idea to have on hand if you are the caretaker for your dad, with cold and flu season while underway.

Thanks, I'll try and get some.

I hope that you feel better soon, and the symptoms you have are just side effects from your jabs.
The main thing is to protect your dad and it sounds like you're doing everything you can to keep yourself, and your dad safe.
If you both wear face masks and practice hand washing etc, You're doing the best you can.

Can you keep your distance from your Dad and do his jobs or do you need to get close to him e.g. lifting him. If you can distance, I'd go and wear a mask and open windows while you're there. It's likely to be the jab but you can't be certain I guess. Each vaccine can be different as they are developed each year for different strains so you might have felt fine before but not every year.