To be frustrated by the reactions to the current news stories around the current flu?

[TooHotWaterBottle]

I took charge of my own health and got the flu jab back in October. I get a voucher through work but would have paid it myself anyway.

It’s frustrating to see the panic now people are seeing it in the news given flu is a risK EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.

“I’m vulnerable, I don’t normally have the flu jab but it is bad this year - where can I find somewhere with the jab in stock?” - no-one knows how bad the flu is going to be each year, so you’re taking a risk if you don’t have it when you’re offered.

”why haven’t the government provided more stocks of the vaccine” - probably from the same people slating the covid vaccine

“the flu is so bad this year, I don’t know how ill
manage if I get it as I’m a single parent” - see above. Get yourself vaccinated early if you’re a carer of any sort.

All the laughing emojis on any SM posts about masks being worn in hospitals - why the fuck wouldn’t you want to take reasonable precautions to avoid getting/transmitting the flu/covid in an environment where people are clinically vulnerable? It is a sorry state of the world.

The panic for vaccines (probably from those slating the covid vaccine) - the jab takes TWO WEEKS to take effect fully, meaning it’s not going to be of much help to you right now (though it will be of course for Christmas, so people should still get it if they can)

AIBU to think people should take more proactive and preventative responsibility for their own health for a KNOWN ANNUAL RISK and can’t really moan if they’ve not bothered until the last minute?

YABU

“The panic for vaccines (probably from those slating the covid vaccine)” what is your evidence for this assumption?

Why?

You’re in a position of privilege to be able to fund your own vaccine. Oddly enough, the kind of people who need one but aren’t offered it free are often marginalised , especially those with poor health or disability that doesn’t qualify for any help under the current rules. They can’t just cough up. And if the strain going round doesn’t match this year’s vaccine, then it’s tough luck for a lot of vulnerable people even if they do qualify for the vaccine programme.

I agree with you about the sneering at masks, but I’m not sure your post is much better.

I agree OP, my husband is on chemo and we’ve all had the flu and Covid jab in our house (weeks ago) but all of this in the news is making me feel really anxious for him. Don’t know what else we can do to mitigate, we’re trying to avoid busy places, wear masks and have a low key Christmas to get through it,

There are numerous posts from people who clearly can afford a vaccine (or are eligible for a free one). They just didn’t choose to get it earlier.

I don't think it's that simple. I had loads of trouble booking for the jab privately last year and some years it's not found to be that effective anyway. It seems this year it's particularly important/helpful and people are seeing that now

Again, you’re just jumping to conclusions. I doubt you could point to “numerous posts”

My reaction was to go get the vaccine.

I think this post is based on your self-perceived moral superiority, and a not so subtle ‘told you so’

I agree, I have a chronic condition and am most grateful for it. Haven't had flue for 20 years, last time I was off work for 2 weeks. That was quite serious enough for me, I don't know why people can't plan ahead. It takes 2 minutes.

But aren’t the vaccines not as effective because it’s a very different variant from last year. Isn’t that why the numbers are so high.
I’m pro vaccines btw.

This is why I never ever leave getting my annual flu vaccination until the last minute! I always make sure I've had it by the middle of October. You never know when there is going to be a particularly nasty strain doing the rounds. I am at a loss to understand why some people are so opposed to having the vaccine. Thankfully,I don't really get any after effects now (although I did years ago when I first started having it). When I said to someone that you can feel a bit achy and have a slight temperature for a day or two after having it she said she'd rather take her chances! She actually said 'I'd rather catch the flu'. Believe me,you wouldn't! A day or two of feeling a bit under the weather is nothing compared to full blown flu. This is what a lot of people don't understand. Flu is not just a bad cold,it can really knock you for six for a at least a week. And even after you're over the worst,it can take weeks to feel completely well again. I've had proper flu several times in my 62 years prior to starting having the vaccination 30 years ago, and I really wouldn't wish it on anyone!

Being honest - I do feel a bit like “told you so”! It’s a known annual risk, people who are entitled to one haven’t taken it up when offered and are now panicking and those who can afford it have suddenly decided they need one but have clearly left it too late.

I can understand some of your gripes, but it is human nature to not do things that inconvenience us until it's in your face. Plus there will be complacency if there hasn't been a bad flu year for a while. I personally would always get one if I was eligible on the NHS but I have flexibility with my job and can take time to go to a clinic. It's not always easy to get one privately - aside from the cost, my nearest pharmacy offering it is a 3 hour round trip, longer on public transport.

Speaking as someone who has had two bad reactions to vaccines, both requiring ambulances, in the last five years, I haven't had a flu jab.

Instead I've stocked up on lemsip, paracetamol and tissues. If I have to take to my bed, then I will.

But some people like the drama of it. Let them get on with it.

The news was also saying it would be a bad strain months and months ago.

I never have flu jabs and I've not been properly ill since January 2024

That’s like saying I’ve never worn a seatbelt but it’s ok, the last crash I had was two years ago

I only had the flu jab once while pregnant.

As far as I am aware, there is still no official NHS guidance for non-vulnerable adults to take up the vaccine.

There is a lot of drama on this forum about the flu

Well the vaccine is very ineffective this year for a start (I had mine a month ago cos it's better than nothing but apparently only about 40% effective, whatever that means).

Masks are silly. It's depressing that they've caught some people's imaginations so thoroughly. Opening windows would be good no idea why hospitals are all so compulsorily stuffy.

Only since January 2024?? That's not very long!

Exactly! And proper flu - ie not a bad cold - is a once a decade type illness

And that's pretty much how often I get it!

I can't actually recall which year I had it, but I've decided to have the vaccine this year partly because of the publicity about overstretched hospitals but also because I'm on immune suppressing meds that I expected to have stopped by now.