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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Flu Jab?

28 replies

ExpectingFirst · 20/03/2018 11:29

Hi Smile

I am currently 8 weeks +2 and have just had my booking in appointment, it's still not sunk in that I'm actually pregnant! Can't wait for the first scan Grin

Anyway, I was advised to get the Flu jab but have heard about it actually giving people the flu, although the midwife assured me it didn't. I was just wondering of peoples experiences of this and if it is worth me having the jab?

TIA for any help/advice!

OP posts:
RayM · 20/03/2018 11:32

I had it last October and didn’t get flu. Just a sore arm!

FranticallyPeaceful · 20/03/2018 11:36

It does not give people the flu. It isn’t a thing.
I nearly died when I had flu when pregnant.
Flu when pregnant is a totally different ball game to flu when not pregnant. Honestly, just have the flu jab

Oysterbabe · 20/03/2018 11:41

It doesn't give you flu. Medical professionals wouldn't tell you to have it if it did. I had it in both pregnancies and was fine.

RosieCotton · 20/03/2018 11:45

I missed my flu jab during my last pregnancy and I thought I was dying. Honestly I couldn't breathe, I was on oxygen and IV, the flu jab will not give you flu, hnestly for the sake of a sore arm for a day or two I would get the jab. Its not worth the risk to miss it.

Original poster
ExpectingFirst · 20/03/2018 11:48

Thanks for your replies! You've definitely convinced me to get it! I will book in asap!

Thank you Smile

OP posts:
Anniexoxo · 20/03/2018 12:05

They inject you with flu so your body can combat flu so it technically does give you flu?!
It depends on your body's resistance as to how it reacts, you may/May not get flu however it can cause many people who are carriers to spread flu.

Personally I'm against it but each to their own.

Oysterbabe · 20/03/2018 12:45

What utter, utter bollocks Annie

Wolfiefan · 20/03/2018 12:46

Yep. Complete bollocks.

Utini · 20/03/2018 12:50

It's not a live vaccine, so it can't give you the flu, and you can't pass it on. It can sometimes make you feel ill for a day or two due to the immune response it causes.

cockupparent · 20/03/2018 12:58

It doesn't give you the flu. It can make you feel shit

The flu will make you feel shitter than the Jab though

Personally I chose to avoid it in my previous pregnancy and probably will again in another but not certain. My reasoning being that it does create an immune response and I'm not sure purposefully inducing them is wise in pregnant women for the baby. However, I probably would opt for the Pertussis vaccine (wasn't available in my last pregnancy) but with the flu one - it's not very effective, and sometimes doesn't even get the strains it protects against correct, and if you get a different strain of flu - well you're not protected anyhow etc

Whereas I feel with pertussis one... it's got a better effectiveness rate and at least you know it's likely to offer some protection to the baby

LivLemler · 20/03/2018 13:04

Yup, utter bollocks.

I get it every year due to asthma. Most years I have nothing bar a slightly uncomfortable arm. The odd time I feel a bit miserable for 12-24 hours - get a slight temperature, feel shivery etc. Not a big deal and much better than getting the flu.

Flu can be very serious indeed when pregnant.

FoxtrotSkarloey · 20/03/2018 13:10

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

RLOU88 · 20/03/2018 13:14

Ridiculous. It is impossible for the flu jab to give you the flu, it contains no active viruses. I’m pregnant too and had it a couple of months ago. My arm was slightly achey for a couple of days and that’s it. Truly.

MrsEricBana · 20/03/2018 13:16

Yes it's not a live vaccine and you cannot get flu from it. Fact.

claire7930 · 20/03/2018 13:33

I had it about 4 weeks ago at 12 weeks - I had a bit of a temperature overnight & slightly swollen glands around the top of my leg, but felt fine the next day.

jellycat1 · 20/03/2018 13:40

I had it in my second pregnancy as my consultant told me getting flu whilst pregnant can cause complications to the baby. Zero side effects. Funnily enough nobody mentioned it to me in my first. Maybe different times of year.

Original poster
ExpectingFirst · 20/03/2018 14:18

Well considering everyones responses, you all seem to have the same oppinions and hardly any side effects so I'll definitely be getting it :)

OP posts:
gryffen · 20/03/2018 15:28

Just had it 3 weeks ago all I had was a runny nose but I have a toddler in nursery so explains that lol

Expect a sore arm for a day or so but that's it, well worth it.

pumpkinpieinmyeye · 20/03/2018 16:37

Hmm I had my booking in appt today (10+1) and was told I wouldn't need a flu jab as my pregnancy wasn't in flu season.

Kittypillar · 20/03/2018 16:41

Seriously, don't get involved if you're going to say things that aren't truthful Annie: it isn't a live vaccine, it doesn't work like that. There's always one...

Glad to hear you're convinced OP. Like many have said, it may give you a bit of a sore arm (mine did!) but believe me, having the flu would be so much worse. I felt horrendous when I had a nasty cold during my pregnancy, can't even imagine how awful the flu would feel!

Congrats on your pregnancy :)

Sidge · 20/03/2018 16:51

Better get a move on, it's nearly the end of flu vaccine season!

You may find there is no vaccine left, but if not don't panic as we're at the end of the season so your risk is reduced greatly.

Original poster
ExpectingFirst · 20/03/2018 17:16

They're still adverstising it in the local pharmacy so I will pop in to ask them. The midwife didn't even mention it, it was on my list of questions I had.

I've had a cold for about 4 weeks and it's only just started to clear up completely, so I definitely don't want the flu! Amazing how much worse you can feel when you are growing a tiny person inside you!

OP posts:
GemmaLL · 20/03/2018 18:59

I had the flu jab at 12 weeks and only side effect was a dead arm for about 2 days Smile

WineAndTiramisu · 20/03/2018 19:05

Flu can be very serious when pregnant, can kill both of you. Definitely get the jab (COI - A&E doctor)

zaalitje · 20/03/2018 19:31

Annie is talking garbage.

It's not a live virus, therefore you can't get flu from it.

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