Thread: From now on I will be having flu jab

its been running around adelaide

took our half our office and knocked them over quite hard.

glad to hear your back on deck. Can I ask you age? and Perhaps how would you rate your general fitness.

At 42 I don't give it any thought, but I am starting to realise I'm not as bullet proof as I like to think I am.

been having them every 2nd year for the last 20 years and been seen friends who don't have them laid up for days at a time crook as a dog but mention a flu jab no way known

Added bonus is 45% reduction in heart attack/complications for those >45 years old too!

Ha! I had one in February 2013 and I have had serious flu once since in July and I guess a bad cold as well in August.
You have to be exposed to the exact strain that you had the needle for.
You get it free over 65, but it only is effective if you are exposed to an unmutated strain.
Regards Philip A

The generic flu jab probably wouldnt have helped anyway.

Originally Posted by newhue

glad to hear your back on deck. Can I ask you age? and Perhaps how would you rate your general fitness.

At 42 I don't give it any thought, but I am starting to realise I'm not as bullet proof as I like to think I am.

Last time I visited my GP for a blood test in preparation for cataract surgery, she tried to talk me into a flu shot. I am old enough to be eligible for the free jab.

When I argued that I am pretty fit and healthy for someone my age as I regularly compete in 20km kayak races, she said it made no difference being fit. I don't know whether she meant it makes no difference to the likelihood of catching the flu or the severity of the symptoms, but she seemed quite convinced that it would be in my best interests to have the jab.

So I did what you would expect any male to do. I ignored her advice. I have made it this far through the flu season without succumbing. I guess some time in the near future, I won't get through the season unscathed and will understand why she recommended it.

The flu is a lot rarer than many people think - what most people think is the flu is just a bad cold - in a lifetime most people will get the flu only once or twice.

The flu can kill and it does - if you get it you might be lucky and have to spend a week or two in bed at home but most people who get it need to be hospitalised.

The flu does not discriminate - young or old - get a jab and help stop it spreading and reducing the chances of getting the flu even further.

The other shot that older people should consider is the pneumonia jab - lasts 5 years but you can only have it twice in your lifetime so timing is critical.

Garry