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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask if the flu jab actually does anything?

140 replies

itwasnevermine · 03/10/2024 11:31

Started getting the flu jab last year because my work pays for it, it's kind of expected that we do get it.

I've never had the flu (I'm 25), and spent all of last winter with pretty heavy colds anyway. So does it actually do anything? I don’t know anyone who's had true flu, I'll get it cos it's free but what am I actually getting it for?

OP posts:
robinsnest1967 · 03/10/2024 15:50

I'm 57 and had flu 4 times in my life. Each time I begged to die because it is the worst feeling I've ever had. The pain in my body was unbearable, only a scalding hot bath took the edge of it. Last time I had flu was 2 Christmas's ago and I ended up with pneumonia and coughing up parts of my lung and blood. The doctor said you know when someone has proper flu is when they are begging to die. I felt this.

Barleysugar86 · 03/10/2024 15:52

SmileyHappyPeopleInTheSun · 03/10/2024 11:47

It just gives you protection from most likely flu viruses that year.

So if they get match wrong or you get an uncommon flu strain that year you can still get flu that year.

Some flu virus in some people can appear more cold than proper flu but nearly always colds are cause by other viruses - like 200 types of virus can cause colds.

I get it due to having asthma - flu would be worse in me than someone else - our parents get it due to age - again flu carries greater risks. Some industries like medical for example NHS offer it - as what to reduce infections and the work force has high risk of contracting it due to job so offer it but take up levels vary.

At 25 with no underlying condition I don't think matter that much if you get it or not.

To avoid getting so many colds - take vit D supplements - possible magnesium and zinc as well and wash hands more and try and avoid getting run down.

Interestingly they don't necessarily pick the three most common strains for the year and there is a bit more underlying strategy than just picking the most common. A friend who works in the field explained to me (and apologies if I garble this for any scientists reading) that some flu strains can provide protection for other strains, so they will take into account that letting some of the milder strains circulate instead of including them in the jab was beneficial as that would help provide immunity for the more serious rarer strain in the population (of which only a % will be vaccinated).

SmileyHappyPeopleInTheSun · 03/10/2024 16:09

@Barleysugar86 - I agree it's interesting and I knew there was quite the science behind picking strains and ultimately some years predications and protection offered are spot on and other years things happen to disrupt expectations and it's often a bad flu year.

Borgonzola · 03/10/2024 16:11

When I had flu last, it wasn't coughing and sneezing, ohhh I feel a bit rough, for a few days. It was an entire week of not being able to get out bed plus completely congested nose and throat and a heavy chesty cough. Then a few days of being able to get out of bed for an hour or so before having to go back to sleep. Then a few more days of dragging myself around at home to get basic tasks done. Then a week of just feeling rubbish but just about functioning. And I was 19!

SickOfThisSht · 04/10/2024 07:34

ManchesterLu · 03/10/2024 12:40

Because colds and flu aren't the same symptoms for a start. A cold will be streaming nose etc. Flu is more fevery, body aches, complete lack of energy.

A cold is NOT just mild flu! People who seem to keep insisting it is are bloody ridiculous.

You cannot contract flu but only experience a cold. That's not a thing.

Show quote history

Cold and flu symptoms can overlap, both can cause congestion, runny/stuffy nose, cough and sore throat. Of course flu can then go on to cause more severe symptoms that a cold does not like fever, body aches, lack of energy etc. But not everyone will experience it the same way because, this might comes as a shock, people and their immune systems can differ from one another.

TeaMistress · 04/10/2024 19:42

Whilst it's absolutely a personal choice for adults whether to have a vaccine or not, whether that be for flu or covid or something else, I will always opt to be vaccinated. I am a carer for a vulnerable relative and I ensure that both of us are vaccinated to give us as much protection as possible before flu season really starts. We had our covid and flu jabs together yesterday, one in each arm, Yep I have felt a bit shivery and some muscle aches today but I would much rather have some mild symptoms now than face full blown covid or flu again. I wouldn't try to guilt trip anyone into doing anything they don't want to do as it's their body and their choice but my choice is definitely to protect myself and my family and try to limit the spread of bugs that can make people extremely ill.

user86345625434 · 04/10/2024 19:49

I’ve had flu once.
It was the most ill I have ever been, and I've had sepsis!
It was 10 days of feeling like I was dying. Fever, hallucinations, coughing. Honestly couldn’t get out of bed unaided. Then 6weeks of feeling tired and exhausted. Took a good 6 months to get totally back to normal. I’m always first in the queue when the vaccine becomes available - never want to get it again if I can help it!

Balloonhearts · 04/10/2024 20:15

It's not going to stop you getting colds. 😂 Flu is not a cold. A bad strain of flu can kill you if you're vulnerable. They're two different viruses.

The reason flu is not as widespread as it once was is simple. Herd immunity. Flu jabs are commonplace now. Cases will be back on the rise as stupid people stop vaccinating themselves and their kids. Just like TB.

thursdaymurderclub · 04/10/2024 20:20

i've had one for many years now... and never had flu in all those years so i guess the answer is 'yes it works'. i've had flu before and its nasty! add that now to the added bonus of covid and anyone getting it is in for a bumpy ride.. i'm happy to pay for my flu vaccine every year

Cityandmakeup · 04/10/2024 20:21

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EBearhug · 04/10/2024 20:22

It's not going to stop you getting colds. 😂 Flu is not a cold. A bad strain of flu can kill you if you're vulnerable. They're two different viruses.

More than one virus in the case of volds.

Cityandmakeup · 04/10/2024 20:23

So many seem to think a cold is flu 🤣. Good luck when you actually get it

DearRussell · 04/10/2024 20:23

lifebyfaith · 03/10/2024 11:51

Flu is bloody awful. I've had it 4 times in my life.

Trust me, you don't want it.

Many people are shocked when they actually get flu and realise it wasn't like the colds they always had.

Flu makes you want to die.i couldn't look after my pets with it, so I get the jab.

This is totally it. It’s a terrible illness affecting your lungs. It’s not a bad cold. It’s the closest to death I’ve been.
im glad to see people here understand it too

i need to pay for mine. Work won’t cover

Original poster
itwasnevermine · 04/10/2024 20:25

@Cityandmakeup definitely not a troll. I've said multiple times im happy to get the jab (and did get it!) I just wondered what it actually does as I've never seemed to need it. I have had my eyes opened and that's surely good?

OP posts:
Fraudornot · 04/10/2024 20:47

I’m in early 60s and never had a flu jab and had flu 20 years ago as the last time. Does that mean I build up natural immunity over the years? As what I’ve heard is the flu jab makes you more vulnerable if you don’t get it every year.

ridl14 · 04/10/2024 22:21

Getting the jab this year for pregnancy. I have habitually paid for it though since about 7 years ago when I caught a proper flu over Christmas that turned into some kind of lung infection. I was on my own in my flatshare, couldn't eat anything but vegetable stock with a spoon for days, airways constantly filling with fluid so I had to sleep propped up with lots of layers and scarves on so I didn't block my airways in my sleep. Could barely keep my eyes open. I had to go to A&E to have my lungs scanned for fluid on them after two rounds of steroids and one round of antibiotics hadn't kicked it. Not joking when I say I thought I might die. Never want to go through that again! Even a bad cold has nothing on the flu.

Longma · 04/10/2024 22:31

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Longma · 04/10/2024 22:32

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Rhayader · 04/10/2024 22:33

Of course it does something. The government would not pay for millions of people to get it if it did nothing at all…

blackheartsgirl · 04/10/2024 22:37

I’ve had flu probably 2 or 3 times in my life, I was floored for weeks as a fit 18 year old student, I was so ill and it took a couple of months before I felt proper well again.God knows how I’d cope as a nearly fifty year old with kidney disease and a heart condition. Therefore I am offered the flu jab every year

yeah get the jab

MargaritaPracticallyCan · 04/10/2024 22:44

I was a very healthy 42 year old who contracted flu and ended up in hospital for five days with pneumonia and sepsis.
I never had the flu vaccine before, but I pay to have it every year now. Odd things can happen even if you're young, fit and healthy. Take the vaccines if you're offered them.

Evilartsgrad · 04/10/2024 22:48

SmileyHappyPeopleInTheSun · 03/10/2024 11:54

If you are in a uni environment - may well be worth getting or if you work with public.

I had flu in second year of Uni - you have more people coming in with more viruses in population that mixes more so things spread - same with public facing roles if that's applicable.

Having said that DH works in HE and has never had flu - though MIL is one of those people who avoided all childhood illnesses and rarely been ill - solid immune system.

In addition to vit D supplements can also try Sambucol Black Elderberry - supposed to reduce cold symptoms for small of cold viruses and you can get it with added vitamins - I was skeptical when we first tried it but does seem to help.

Show quote history

Or instead of wasting money on woo, get the jab

Tumbleweed101 · 04/10/2024 22:53

I found flu worse than Covid. I was weak and pretty much bed bound the first time I got it. Second time I got it was a day or two after getting a new puppy. Taking a pup out for a wee every hour while shaking with fever is not fun! I’m eligible for the flu jab due to my asthma diagnosis a few years back and haven’t had flu since.

HighHeelsOnCobblestones · 04/10/2024 23:38

My husband gets it free because he has asthma. One year, the DC got flu. They felt awful and just when I thought I might have escaped, I came down with it too. Horrendous. DH was the only one in the house that didn't get it. He'd been flu jabbed and didn't even have a single sniffle. I paid to have one for a while after that. Taken my chances the past few years but I might try to book one again.

Anon9839399720 · 04/10/2024 23:54

Every year since I had flu whilst I was at uni, I will never forget how unwell I was, I was in hospital and honestly thought I was going to die.
My son also had flu when he was 3, alongside invasive step a in his blood, that absolutely terrified me to my core. So glad he can get the flu spray this year!

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