To urge you to get your flu jab…

[sundriftwanderer]

i got flu over Christmas and it’s genuinely been the most poorly I’ve ever been. It hit me out of nowhere on Monday night and I’ve been so unwell. Night sweats, fevers, diarrhoea, the most horrendous cough, sinus congestion, a three day headache. I tested positive on Wednesday (I only tested because my dad had it), but I knew before that I had it.

Im at the point now where I slept until 11am today, had a bath at 7pm and I could go back to bed now and probably do another fifteen hours. It’s been horrendous. I’m hoping I’ve turned a bit of a corner, but I can’t imagine how it would be if I hadn’t been vaccinated.

My dad tested positive on Monday and had to have an ambulance today, thankfully he’s not gone in to hospital but he’s been asleep for pretty much five days now. He’s also vaccinated and I dread to think what would’ve happened if he wasn’t. I think we could’ve lost him.

It’s been awful. Please get your vaccine, it could’ve been a lot lot worse.

Also just going to provide a picture of the test for anyone who says it can’t be flu because I’m on my phone (something I’ve heard from my family a few times!), it’s the flu!

I think these ‘public information’ type posts are useful if they remind even a few people to check their eligibility for flu, shingles, pneumonia and covid vaccines.

These infections can manifest themselves as horrible diseases for many, with long term complications.

I’d even say if you can pay for it, do it. I’m totally healthy, and it’s completely floored me. As in, sitting up from lying down leaves me breathless. It’s absolutely horrendous

I've had my jab and haven't had flu but I've heard the jab is a different strain to the one which seems to be rife at the moment. Not sure how true that is. Also how do you get tested if you think you have it. I haven't seen that before. Hope you and your dad are better soon X

Whatever about posting several paragraphs on Mumsnet, I’ve never heard of anyone with a genuine case of ‘flu taking a bath, just saying.

It’s a flow flex test off Amazon, the same brand as the Covid lateral flows. You can also get combined Covid and flu tests. AFAIK the jab isn’t 100% effective against all strains but it does protect you in general, that’s how the paramedics made it sound today.

You can say what you like, but I’ve literally tested positive. You can have a mild case, or a very severe case.

I had mine at the start of September. It’s probably useless by now!

All very well saying this but I've been trying to get mine since October. There's just nothing available in my area. My sister is on her 4th week of being unwell with it so I completely agree people should get it. It's just not that easy.

If you've got chills and joint pain bad enough you'll do it.

All of the information in the world at our fingertips and some still choose to spread stupidity.

It’s the only thing that’s kept me even somewhat comfortable. Also the only way I can wash my body after sweating all night, because I just can’t stand to shower.

I've done it towards the end. The pressure of the water was the only thing that helped the pain in my legs and neck.

For anyone who had theirs in September (I did) it most certainly isn't useless. It should be approx 73% as effective as it was 2 weeks after vaccination as it drops around 9% a month.

This years flu jab was manufactured too early to provide cover for the super flu everyone is contracting apparently.

They also sell them in my Tesco

It's not unusual to take a bath when you have flu, on account of the shivering.

I don't know why more people don't have the jab, I have to say.

I think the big push towards giving it to people with certain illnesses or certain ages gives everyone else the impression that they don't really need it. Some workplaces will pay but people still don't take it up.

I paid for mine privately, £16 from Tesco. I haven't been ill this season, DC get there's at school and haven't been unwell either. That could be complete luck but almost every family around us has been floored at some point in the last month, I'd rather prevent it if I can.

Not eligible. Despite having mild asthma.

Everyone is. You can pay for it.

Last time I was really ill I had a bath because I couldn’t stand long enough to shower 🤷🏻‍♀️

Anyone can pay for a flu jab, eligibility is only to get it for free

I don't know how much it costs though

We paid for it, as even a small help with immunity can make a big difference.

The only year I had a flu jab, I had a flu so severe that I had to be carried to the bathroom (couldn't hold my weight at all for a week) and had post-viral vertigo and severe fatigue that lasted 6 months afterwards. I had never been so ill before and haven't been since. I hope everybody does the best thing for themselves with regards to shots. If you'd like one, have it. If you have a reaction like I did, best to avoid.

It does make me laugh sometimes. All week my family have insisted I couldn’t have flu because I was texting, because I had a bath or because I made a meal (soup from a can), yet I tested positive yesterday. I think it’s one of the biggest misconceptions about flu.