Winter Flu Jabs - for or against?

Same principle applies every year. They research the strains circulating in S Hemisphere, develop suitable vaccine (4 strains this year, instead of the more usual 3) and go into production in time for N hemisphere autumn. A mutation could make less virulent or serious and the vaccine might still offer some protection if it has mutated. If this process did not work to reduce the incidence of winter flu there would not be such a big effort put into it.

We had ours on Monday and as has been the case for the last 15 or more years neither of us has had any reaction or side effects at all.

I think Smithy’s take on this issue just about sums its up....have the jab if that’s what you feel is right for you as ‘there is just a chance it will prevent something’.

Just to say yesterday was hit by joint aches and pains,sore throat and temperature, upset tummy.I googled the flu jab and found they where possible after effects...my first flu jab last Saturday...all cleared up today

Interesting Anya
Perhaps my GP means that research was based on a previous virus. However, I also saw this reported:

Is there an Aussie flu vaccine
There is, but as Dr Chris Steele explained on This Morning, there’s a question over how effective it will be. A vaccine against Aussie flu was developed in the UK in March, made using the virus hitting Australia, but it’s estimated that by time the flu comes to the UK the strain will have mutated, potentially putting ‘huge pressure’ on the NHS. However, he still recommended that as many people as possible, particularly over 65s or pregnant women, get a preventative jab

anno One caveat this year is that there's been a nasty flu virus in the Antipodes which is probably not included in this year's vaccine my GP assured me that it was based on Australian research and should prevent the type of flu being experienced there.

Faye your post is very interesting; having returned from Australia I can second that. People in Queensland have been extremely ill with secondary infections - young people too. One previously healthy young man we heard of has died.
This year's vaccine is based on research done in Australia according to my GP, who has urged me to have the vaccine. Although I have not had the flu jab for three or four years I shall have it as soon as possible.

Had mine 2 weeks ago at the chemist - saved waiting at the docs clinic. No adverse reactions whatsoever. Even if there just a chance it will prevent something, it's worth having.

I couldn't have mine this morning because I've got a cold - booked in for next week though

Quite often I feel fuzzy in the morning. But this week's flu jab not even given me a tender place on the arm.

Woke up feeling odd after my first yesterday,but after breakfast head cleared and have 5year old all day

Had mine yesterday. Feel jaded today, so will take it easy. Went to the library yesterday so a good excuse to sit and read.

Salmond Rushdie “A Golden House” and 4 others.

I'm.off to have mine this morning. First timer so I'll be interested to see if there's a reaction. I was surprised that the surgery offered a Sunday morning appointment but I suppose it'll be quiet!

I had mine a couple of weeks ago when having the annual MOT with the practice nurse. No adverse reaction at all. Last year the Doc did it and my arm blew up like a tennis ball and was painful for days. Nurse gave me a knowing look ....
DD in Oz and her family had very bad 'flu this year and some of her friends were hospitalised, so I think we're in for a bad winter.

Not eligible for the freebie, I meant. Now I've read the full thread and realised how easy and cheap it is to have the jab, I'll get myself done.

DH had his last week, and woke up with a bit of a sore throat and cough the next day. So did I though, and I hadn't had it (would if I could, I'm not eligible).

I’m just getting over the usual ‘give granny a cold this autumn’ bug. Seriously thinking of wearing a mask next time I’m minding a sneezing/coughing child on school runs and after school duty.

We had ours on Monday expecting no ill effects, however we have both felt under par since then, but it is worth it.

Who else was in the waiting room, Coolgran?

Had mine this morning, 12 hours ago at 11.30am.
Have been having these flu jabs for years without ill effect.

Can only be a coincidence that by 5pm today I had a sore throat, running nose, and a cough.
I know it's a coincidence.

Had mine this morning. I have been getting them for years due to underlying health problems. Feeling a bit rotten, but that could be due to exhaustion from childminding three days in a row!
I will continue to get them.

Why are you totally against, Menopaws?

Done. Felt a bit itchy this afternoon but it seems to have settled now.

Done. Felt a bit itchy this afternoon but it seems to have settled now.

Totally against