Ouch!

[strange_complex]

Just had my 'flu jab for the year. I've regularly been using my asthma as a passport to 'flu-free living for about the past four years, but I think the government are actually starting to insist that all asthmatics have it now, anyway. Sensible them: I had it over Christmas about five years ago (i.e. just before I started the regime of regular annual jabs), and the coughing was definitely not good for my lungs. I don't think I would realistically die of it just because I also have asthma, as mine isn't that severe. But I can see how it could trigger severe breathing problems for some asthmatics, and I am certainly keen to get the jab each year rather than have 'flu.

Incidentally, just for clarification here, I am talking about real influenza, with a raised temperature and severe hacking cough. Despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly common for people to say they have 'flu when they actually just have a bad cold, the difference is real and significant.

I didn't really expect to get jabbed for it this morning: as far as I was concerned, I was just going to my local practice to complete the process of registration by being seen by a doctor. But when I mentioned that I was asthmatic and wanted to get a 'flu jab, he just whipped one out and zapped me.

I do hope it doesn't make me ill itself, though. Last year, I was offered a pneumonia jab at the same time as the 'flu one, and said yes... but then ended up with a temperature the next day, and a swollen and infected upper arm. I'm pretty sure it was all the fault of the pneumonia jab, as I'd had one injection in each side, and that was the side that swelled up. But still I'm a little nervous about the 'flu one this year. Having just had an evil cold which, combined with a heavy workload, has left me utterly exhausted already, I really don't need another mini-illness to add to the problem. *Cross fingers*

Comments

[kate-r.livejournal.com]

The majority of deaths associated with 'flu but secondary bacterial infections that can't be fought off due to the impared function of the lungs associated with 'flu. This is why asthmatics are encourage to get the jab if they can and other 'at risk' groups. I'm glad to see it's working for you.

[avaritia.livejournal.com]

A few years ago I had a nasty chest infection after having the flu. I was really stubborn and refused to see the doctor for ages. Then when I did go, I got a telling off and a course of antibiotics.

Since then I've had yearly flu jabs too and they do seem to help.

[strange-complex.livejournal.com]

Ooh - a fair warning not to get lax and miss jabs in future! I agree that they definitely seem to work though: I certainly haven't had 'flu since I started getting them.

[meerium.livejournal.com]

i also have an extreme hatred of people using 'flu' when they mean 'bad cold'. mostly blokes, i've noticed.

but i'm glad the jab works for you. i think my brother gets one too, for the same reason.

[ladyguinevere83.livejournal.com]

I've noticed a lot of men do it as well, and I hate it too(whoever says it).

I don't think I've had actualy flu more than once or twice in my entire life. Bad colds, yes, but rarely flu. most times people say flu, they mean colds.

Which is why I started using the term, 'Man-cold.'

[strange-complex.livejournal.com]

Yes, similarly, as far as I can remember I've had real 'flu twice: once, five years ago at Xmas and once when I was 18 (so ten years ago). It's possible I had it when younger, but if so I can't distinguish it in my memory from the usual round of childhood illnesses.

I like the term 'man-cold'!

[firefish.livejournal.com]

Heya! I think I'm going swimming with you and Tam on Friday so just thought I'd say hey, plus I have been sneaking in to get flu jabs for the past few years as well. I find that if you have asthma and then you get the flu well basically it's absolutely awful. But I had to pretend that the doctor had referred me even though he hadn't. The nurses would just look at me qustioningly as if I didn't deserve flu protection! :)

What a ramble. I'm sorry!

[strange-complex.livejournal.com]

Hi, nice to meet you (virtually for now)!

I've always found if I just said I had asthma, I was sent straight in for a jab with no questions asked, but then I have been at a very generous surgery for the past few years. I had no trouble getting it here either, though.

I think flu is pretty awful even if you don't have asthma, but either way, since I do, I find it a great excuse to avoid the flu!

Anyway, see you on Friday, then!

[firefish.livejournal.com]

Yeah the flu is nasty. I've gotten it or another horrible virus every single year for the past 8 years! I have an awful immune system obviously :P