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

[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'!