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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Flu jab during pregnancy

49 replies

Melbimp · 28/10/2017 07:50

Hi guys. What are everyone's thoughts on this? I've heard nothing but negative experiences about getting the flu jab during pregnancy??

OP posts:
Vanannabananna · 28/10/2017 07:51

I had mine. Had no ill effects.

OutComeTheWolves · 28/10/2017 07:52

That's interesting because I haven't heard anything negative. I had it three times and was a bit sniffly for a couple of days after but that was it.

Tentativesteps133 · 28/10/2017 07:54

I had mine as soon as I could. Didn’t hurt and no after effects. Catching the flu in pregnancy can be extremely serious and this winters strain is thought to be particularly nasty so I want to do everything I can to prevent it

Tentativesteps133 · 28/10/2017 07:55

Ps it’s not a live virus so anyone who thinks they have caught anything from it is misinformed and likely were incubating something (a cold) from before they had the jab

Gyoza · 28/10/2017 07:57

I had mine at 9 weeks, that was 2 weeks ago and had absolutely no negative effect on me.

ScarletSienna · 28/10/2017 07:59

I’ve heard no negatives and didn’t experience any either. The local hospital are gearing up for a big flu outbreak this year so I was not taking any chances!

LorelaiVictoriaGilmore · 28/10/2017 08:01

Dh, ds and I have all have ours - no side effects at all.

Sophsta · 28/10/2017 08:12

Had mine a couple of weeks ago, no negative effects.

orangeowls · 28/10/2017 08:15

I was sceptical (never had flu) but had mine, glad I did as family all came down with it over Christmas. My nephew ended up in hospital with it. I was the only one of the family who didn’t get it.

Oysterbabe · 28/10/2017 08:16

I've never met anyone who had a bad experience. I've had it both times. There's no reason not to imo.

OuchLegoHurts · 28/10/2017 08:17

I've had mine at 5 weeks. Never heard any negative stories at all.

JackietheBackie · 28/10/2017 08:20

50% of all women who died from flu (the latest years available stats) were pregnant. I see lots of women who have had and very few comment on negative side effects.

LaBelleSausage · 28/10/2017 08:25

Everyone in my NCT class has had it, and everyone in my pregnancy yoga class.
Not one negative experience between us.

I’ve also asked my parents and husband to have it as I’m due in three weeks and I really don’t want my baby getting seriously ill

Original poster
Melbimp · 28/10/2017 08:30

Thanks for the quick responses ladies. I have ulcerative colitis so my immune system is already on the floor. I had swine flu last winter which was awful. Couldn't imagine dealing with my colitis, flu, and pregnancy all at the same time. I'll get my jab this week coming 😊

OP posts:
PregnantBridesmaid · 28/10/2017 08:42

I had it and felt really grotty for 3-4 days afterwards. However, that seems like a tiny price to pay. There is no guarantee that it will protect you & as with any procedure there are risks however in my opinion worth trying to do everything you can to protect yourself and your little one. There seems to be a common misconception on here that flu is just effectively really bad sniffles, however it is really not something to be trifled with. There has been a particularly nasty strain hit Australia and Asia earlier in the year and it is expected to hit the UK hard as winter draws in. I have seen several people (in their prime, otherwise fit and healthy) die from flu. Sadly, that list includes two pregnant women- absolutely devastating.

PregnantBridesmaid · 28/10/2017 08:43

Just seen your last post... good decision!

Monkeypuzzle32 · 28/10/2017 08:49

I was about to post the same thing, I'm 32 weeks and have been offered the flu jab in the last 4 weeks or so and have said no as I don't know too much about it and didn't want to get flu from it-should I change my mind?

HeartStrings · 28/10/2017 09:05

Other than a sore swollen arm right now I’m all good with it Smile

PregnantBridesmaid · 28/10/2017 09:10

Monkey puzzle- you don't get flu from the flu jab. However, you do mount an immune response, which can feel flu-like. However, it'll only last for a couple of days and then resolve. If it happens, then it is not the nicest but all things considered worth it.

NC1990 · 28/10/2017 09:13

I had it and had no ill effects whatsoever, not even an achey arm. No reason not to get it imo and you can't get flu from it!

BluePheasant · 28/10/2017 09:14

It baffles me the scepticism and myths that surround the flu jab year after year. Suspect fb plays a role in this somewhere.

Flu is serious and in pregnancy can be potentially life threatening. Protect yourselves!

tailspin · 28/10/2017 09:18

I think the trouble is that when you search for things on the internet you overwhelmingly find the negative experiences from the vocal minority who think they experienced ill effects.

So for the record : had it recently, absolutely no side effects.

Monkeypuzzle32 · 28/10/2017 09:48

The thing is I haven't been reading FB or similar on the fly jab, I have asked the gp and the doctor t the hospital and said I didn't want to get flu from it and none of them corrected me so what was I supposed to think-I'm old school in the sense I hate taking any medicines etc so I'll look into it-not one of them has really explained the benefits to me and real flu doesn't happen very often, but at this stage I do not want to get flu obviously!

Thanks all.

User1983 · 28/10/2017 10:52

I had mine at the earliest opportunity and had no side effects thankfully. I had the flu 4 years ago and it was the worst experience. I felt like death and was on tamiflu. Aches and pains everywhere, practically quarantined and unable to take food or liquids. I would really worry about the effect that would have on a fetus.

MaryShelley1818 · 28/10/2017 10:54

Flu kills pregnant women - fact.
It's not a live virus and you can't catch flu or anything else from it.
Everyone I know has had it in pregnancy with no ill effects.
No reason at all not to protect yourself and your baby from this.

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