Should I have a flu jab?

[Strumpetpumpet]

I’m not eligible to have the flu jab on the NHS but Mum & DH think I should consider it. Can anyone advise?

I had what I think was flu over last Christmas & New Year & it was horrible but I recovered. Went back to work after a week but probably took about 6 weeks to feel properly “better”.

I’m 50, healthy, not overweight. DH has a heart condition so is eligible for a flu jab. I work in a school. We have 2 healthy kids. Is there any point me having the jab?

Thanks for any advice

It costs about £10 and reduces the chance of you getting flu, which as you say can be very unpleasant. Why don’t you want to get it?

Where I live (not UK) everyone over 6 months can have it for free, and we are v much encouraged to do so. To protect others as much as ourselves.

DH and I have one every year. We have no health complaints.

Chemenger I’m just wondering if there’s any point, given the effectiveness of the vaccine, and I suppose I don’t want to take up a vaccine I don’t need if it would deprive someone else? I probably just don’t know enough about it tbh :-)

I qualify for the free NHS jab but everyone where I work gets offered it (paid for by the company) and pretty much everyone has it, regardless of health etc. No-one wants flu so anything that risks the risk is welcomed.

Lots of reasons to have it if you can - as well as reducing the risk of catching flu yourself, you will also reduce the risk of being a 'carrier' and potentially infecting someone else, who may be weak and vulnerable - old, young, pregnant, compromised immune system. Although it's not 100% effective, it significantly reduces risk & saves lives- the more people have it the better for the general population.
On a personal note, last winter my SIL developed Guillame Barre Syndrome following regular flu & was desperately ill, & signed off work for 4 months (she's only 38). She could've died & we were so worried - since then I'll be having flu jab every year please!

I will say that your recovery time from your last flu bout was relatively short... you were lucky! I ended up with two perforated eardrums and permanent hearing impairment in one ear.

It's £10. It's not anywhere near 100% effective but usually around 50-60%. Plus if you have young kids, work in a school, and elderly parents you are more at risk. Really, I'd do it. It's a total no brainer for me much like brushing your teeth 2x a day. Dimple, cheap, preventive action.

Hahaha! Simple!