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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not have the flu jab?

11 replies

ArendelleQueen · 23/09/2015 17:05

I have fairly complex health problems and I am on medication that suppresses the immune system. I am very pro-vaccination and would never usually consider even questioning it. I've had it for years without any trouble. However, over the last few years, I've had horrible reactions to the flu jabs. I don't know if it's relevant but this was the same time as my health took a nosedive. I'm talking hugely swollen arm that I cannot move properly and feeling unwell; weak, shaky and feverish for a week or so post-jab. Earlier this year, I had a tetanus jab following a cat bite and was so ill that I ended up taking nearly a month to fully recover.

I've just returned to work after a period of sickness and they are concerned about my health. Becoming so unwell that I'd need time off again at this point will not look good. Equally, I know that getting the flu would be a big issue in terms of work and health too.

This isn't an easy decision, especially given that the one and only time I've had flu, it triggered an autoimmune disease that has left me physically disabled and chronically ill.

OP posts:
specialsubject · 23/09/2015 17:13

you sound like one of the people that the rest of us need to have the flu jab to protect!

(hmm...sentence could be better arranged but you get my point!)

Badders123 · 23/09/2015 17:16

Wow. You poor thing.
I sympathise, but I think given what you have posted it would be much worse for you to actually get flu than the side effects it gives you.
I understand your concerns wrt work too, but, again, you would have much more time off if you actually got flu.
I think all vaccination is on a pro and con basis.
I think from what you have posted the pros outway the cons.
Good luck whatever you decide.

Wolpertinger · 23/09/2015 17:20

It is up to you to decide and it does sound like a miserable reaction.

However FWIW I don't have any immune problems and last time I had the flu (the one year I didn't have the jab) I was bedridden for 2 weeks, felt like death and it took several weeks before I was fully functioning.

Which has left me very much in favour of the jab - especially as I got into a whole heap of trouble at work for sickness as well.

Badders123 · 23/09/2015 17:29

Flu is an awful illness.
I had it a few years ago and it floored me.
I also blame a nasty dose when I was younger to me going onto develop me/cfs.
Worth doing whatever you can to prevent it IMHO.

ArendelleQueen · 23/09/2015 17:52

"Worth doing whatever you can to prevent it IMHO."

I don't disagree. After all, a bout of flu was what got me into this physical mess in the first place. However, I am seriously concerned about needing time off work post-jab.

My thoughts were that I could have the jab and pre plan some annual leave. It's not a nice way to be spending my precious leave but it's better than risking being dismissed altogether. It's a busy time of year but I might be able to squeeze a few days leave and then hope for the best. I don't know. I am dreading it. :(

OP posts:
Badders123 · 23/09/2015 17:59

I was going to suggest that actually.
If you can use some annual leave if you have a bad reaction that would show work you are being pro active.
I feel for you. Difficult.

pointythings · 23/09/2015 18:03

That's a horribly difficult situation to be in. My gut feeling is that getting flu would be far worse for you than your body's reaction to the jab - real flu is massively debilitating even for a healthy person, and for someone with compromised immunity it could be life threatening. Last time I had real flu it took me 6 weeks to recover fully because I developed viral bronchitis as a complication - and I have a healthy immune system. I just wouldn't chance it.

Given how unsupportive your work are being, taking leave to cover the time is probably your best option, I'm sorry to say.

Mistigri · 23/09/2015 18:46

I think you should talk to your GP.

You probably have another month or so to decide what to do, as the flu season hasn't started yet (is the vaccine even available yet? I usually get mine in October).

The vaccination doesn't give 100% coverage - in fact last year it was a poor match for circulating flu viruses, and many people who'd had the vaccine still got flu. So there is a conversation to be had with your Dr about the risks of getting the jab versus not getting it.

potap123 · 23/09/2015 18:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mehitabel6 · 23/09/2015 19:06

It is a personal decision- I have no intention of ever having one.

Libitina · 23/09/2015 19:24

I agree with talking to a healthcare professional, but not necessarily your GP. They have a vested interest (monetary) in you having it. Seek independent advice if possible,
Disclaimer: I am pro-vaccination, but anti-flu jab.

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