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Original poster

Do I need the flu jab?

23 replies

likeacrow · 22/09/2020 07:08

I work in an infant school and have been offered it for free. I've only ever had it previously when pregnant, that I can recall. Are there any downsides to getting it? I get a lot of colds, throat infections and have had glandular fever, but I'm not sure I've ever had flu. I'm erring on the side of getting it done because why not...?

OP posts:
swimmingc · 22/09/2020 07:12

How old are you, do you have any underlying conditions, do you live with anyone vulnerable. I think all these factors would help my decision

LittleCabbage · 22/09/2020 07:17

I don't usually get it (not eligible as in my 40s with no health issues) but will pay for it this year. An article on BBC website this morning says that risk of death from Covid doubles if you get flu at the same time.

LittleCabbage · 22/09/2020 07:18

Also, you'll be helping to protect othet vulnerable adults that your pupils are in contact with.

pipnchops · 22/09/2020 07:22

I pay for it every year, its about £15 and worth it not to get flu. I'm a SAHM so don't get sick days and the thought of looking after my young DC while having flu is my main incentive.

midgebabe · 22/09/2020 07:32

I have had in for many years now and never had any side effects ( well once I had a small lump at the injection site)

I have had flu in the past, if you have had glandular fever, it was similarly aweful to flu for me.
Reducing the spread of flu is so important this year

bellinisurge · 22/09/2020 07:43

Get it. I've had it - free every year. Drive through. Piece of piss. No queues. No pain. 24 hours on and no negative reaction.

sashh · 22/09/2020 07:43

Get it, you don't want flu and you don't want to give flu to a small child.

Original poster
likeacrow · 22/09/2020 07:49

I'm 38, no underlying conditions, not living with anyone vulnerable. I do see my mum regularly who's 72. She's fit and well though. Thanks for the advice and comments so far!

OP posts:
bellinisurge · 22/09/2020 07:58

My dd had flu last winter. I know it was flu because I didn't get it. Nor did dh (also jabbed). It was fucking ghastly. That AND Covid-19 would be dreadful and possibly fatal. Get it.

Ilikewinter · 22/09/2020 08:02

I would get it, im having it for the first time this year, im early 40s with no health issues but i work in retail so feel it should be something i do!

Fluffycloudland77 · 22/09/2020 08:13

Tbh everyone should get it if they can. It kills thousands every year and not just the elderly.

There’s a lot of myths that people have the jab then get flu which you don’t get with other vaccinations. You never hear anyone saying they had the meningitis jab then got meningitis.

Montybojangles · 22/09/2020 09:00

Yes, get it. The more people have it, the more protection there is for those who are vulnerable.
I have it every year because of where I work (and now also because of health conditions) and I’ve never had an issue other than very occasionally a slightly sore arm that quickly resolves.

Fishfingersandwichplease · 22/09/2020 18:01

I keep wondering this too OP - never had it before but also never had flu before and always thought l am healthy enough so could probably cope with it but now think l probably should have it

WokesFromHome · 22/09/2020 18:02

I would get it. I am getting it for my whole family. If you get COVID and the flu at the same time that will be very nasty according to papers today.

SheepandCow · 22/09/2020 18:04

It's always worth getting the jab.
I had real flu (not a bad cold) in my twenties. Just getting out of bed for the loo was a huge effort.

acocadochocolate · 22/09/2020 18:12

With all those kids breathing all over you I would definitely take the jab. It's very safe and might stop you from getting a horrible illness. I have never had the flu either but 2 of my friends has it a couple of years ago - they both felt terrible for weeks. I was so shocked by how I'll they were, that I have been having the jab since then.

Mumisnotmyonlyname · 22/09/2020 22:43

I practically crawled to the doctor very ill once with what turned out to be proper flu. I drove the 5 minutes home and found a few days later that I had parked diagonally across the pavement.

Fallowdeerhunter · 22/09/2020 22:44

Why would you not? I’ve always paid for it and this year my work is paying for it.

Titsywoo · 22/09/2020 22:49

You may as well. Flu is horrendous - takes ages to get over too.

LeglessGiraffe · 22/09/2020 22:55

I'm 35 and healthy and I've booked mine (only £9 at Tesco). I had proper flu ten years ago, collapsed in a supermarket and then couldn't get out of bed for 5 days and didn't feel back to full strength for about a fortnight- it was bloody horrible.

The idea of having to look after two small children in that state just doesn't bear thinking about.

FlatandFabulous · 22/09/2020 23:58

I would get it, it's Spring here in Aus and they reckon there wasn't a flu season here this Winter as everyone was encouraged to get a flu jab and I think there was a pretty high take up rate.

Torvean32 · 23/09/2020 06:08

I got it for free through work for years. I now pay to get it done at Sainsburys, no problems except a small bruise.

Original poster
likeacrow · 23/09/2020 10:24

Thanks all, I'm getting it. 👍

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