Flu jab

[Doc Alan]

It’s that time of year in the UK when people may consider getting a “ flu jab “. Influenza is a viral disease which usually strikes between October and May. In the Philippines the “ flu season “ is between June and December.


Early each year the World Health Organization assesses the strains of flu virus most likely to be circulating in the northern hemisphere. The 2013/2014 vaccine protects against H1N1 ( which caused the “ swine flu “ pandemic in 2009 ) ; H3N2 ( a strain which can affect birds and mammals, active in 2011 ); and B/Massachusetts/2 ( active in 2012 ).


The vaccine stimulates your body’s immune system to make antibodies to the flu virus. The virus is constantly changing the proteins on its surface, which is why the vaccine needs to be given each year. In future years it may be possible to produce a “ universal flu jab “ which stimulates T cells to respond to the ( unchanging ) core of the virus.


The vaccine is especially advisable for the elderly and others who are at increased risk – through ill health, or health workers. In these cases it’s free on the NHS. Unfortunately in the Philippines the vaccine is only free to a limited number of “ senior citizens “.



A nasal spray flu vaccine is to be made available this year for all children aged two and three years as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.


Health workers in the UK don’t set a good example by having flu jabs – probably less than half actually do. The English health secretary is even trying to link extra payments for hospital A & E departments for those trusts whose staff flu vaccination rates reach 75%. Compulsory vaccination in ANY form is controversial ( about half of doctors approve and half disapprove in a recent BMA poll ).


Health care workers get flu just like anyone else. It would seem sensible and safe to have the vaccine both for self protection and to avoid infecting patients. Ideally EVERYONE with flu would stay at home until they’re better, usually a few days.


Generally having a flu jab is safer than getting flu, for those at increased risk. It’s not necessary, nor is it free, for everyone. People in good general health mostly recover from flu within a few days. Antiviral agents like “ Tamiflu “ ( oseltamivir ) and “ Relenza “ ( zanamivir ) can be prescribed by a doctor to shorten the duration of infection. If in doubt, see your doctor or pharmacist BEFORE the flu season :xxgrinning--00xx3: !







http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/influenza.htm

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/child-flu-vaccine.aspx

http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nm.3350.html

[grahamw48]

Thanks doc...will remind my mum. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I just don't seem to suffer from colds or flu though. :Erm:

[Dedworth]

I'm always a bit undecided on this one - but may well go for it. My late Dad used to swear by them and conveniently forgot a couple of really nasty bouts he got. I guess they predicted the wrong strains those years

[gWaPito]

Last time i had the flu was in june 2009....I started havin the flu jab when James cames along in 2011....I'll be getting my flu jab again in October, same as the previous 2 years...I have mine done at Tesco while making my deliveries:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[mickcant]

I have had the jab every year for the past 10 or so, not herd from the surgery yet so will check I'm still on the list.
Thanks for the reminder :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Mick.

[Michael Parnham]

This is my eighteenth year since I last had Flu or a cold, so I've never bothered with a flu jab. I think I've only had flu about three or four times in my life, but had a few colds when I was in my teens and early twenties but I think that was to do with :Sex: in the wet grass!:hubbahubba:

[bigmarco]

I get it every year now and fortunately we get it done at work via occupational health.
Thanks for the reminder Doc :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Rosie1958]

I'm having my flu jab in a couple of weeks, courtesy of my employer too. There is an en-mass innoculation programme for anyone that wants it, in a bid to reduce sickness levels in the business. This is the first year it has been offered, and hopefully not the last :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[sars_notd_virus]

Thanks for the reminder doc :xxgrinning--00xx3:

NO flu shot for me ...I'm scared scared of BIG needles !!

[KeithD]

Thanks for the reminder doc :xxgrinning--00xx3:

.NO flu shot for me ...I'm scared scared of BIG needles !!

I could mention something about a small prick :cwm24:, but that would bring the level of this thread down to Joe's level :biggrin:

I had my jab a couple of weeks ago, and so far I'm fi.... *cough*....ne :cwm3:

[Pete/London]

thanks for the reminder doc:xxgrinning--00xx3:

.NO flu shot for me ...I'm scared scared of BIG needles !!

I had mine done a couple of weeks ago, visiting the Dr over something else, and she asked me if I wanted a flue jab. I was humming and hawing a bit and said yes ok. Before I knew it she was in and out with the needle, so quick, painless and nothing to worry about.

A few symptoms the following week and a sore arm, but now all ok and protected, I hope.:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

:smile: Thank you for your seasonal reminder, Alan ... I've duly arranged an appointment for mine next Monday - as a precautionary measure - lest flu germs :biggrin: "sprout" in Brussels! :icon_lol:

[Dedworth]

Thank you for your seasonal reminder, Alan. :smile: I have duly made an appointment to have mine next Monday - as a precautionary measure - lest flu germs :biggrin: "sprout" in Brussels! :icon_lol:

There are more than enough Phlegms in Brussels

[Arthur Little]

I had mine done a couple of weeks ago, visiting the Dr over something else, and she asked me if I wanted a flue jab.

Ohhh ... :cwm24: ... for "Pete's" sake ... I'd thought you'd stopped :Smokin: like
a :biggrin: chimney!

[Arthur Little]

There are more than enough Phlegms in Brussels

:laugher: ... n ... (:Rasp:ing cough) ... ice one, Ded!

[Pete/London]

Funny you should say that Arthur, I have been trying to persuade her that I smoke.

[Doc Alan]

• " Seasonal " flu is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person. It circulates worldwide. The best way to prevent infection is by vaccination – giving reasonable protection. This depends on WHO " getting it right " with their recommendations ; and there are many other viruses which cause " common colds " or flu-like symptoms.


• As a " universal flu jab " is unlikely for some time ; the flu virus is constantly changing ; and immunity declines over time ; the vaccine needs frequent " reformulation ".



• World Health Organization / WHO issues guidance in February and September each year, for the northern and southern hemispheres respectively. It takes around 6 – 8 months to produce flu vaccines.



• Recommendations for the northern hemisphere are essentially the same for the 2014 / 2015 " flu season " as last year. The vaccine protects against H1N1 ( which caused the " swine flu " pandemic in 2009 ) ; H3N2 ( a strain which can affect birds and mammals, active in 2011 ) ; and B/Massachusetts/2 ( active in 2012 ).


• Recommendations for the southern hemisphere are somewhat different. The vaccine does also protect against H1N1 and H3N2 ; and B/Phuket ( active in 2013 ). The Philippines accepts THESE recommendations for the 2015 " flu season " there, from around July – December.



• The UK " flu season " is from now until May, and it takes a couple of weeks after the flu jab to develop immunity, so NOW is the time to consider having it.



• You may well have to pay for a flu jab in the Philippines, unless you’re a senior citizen.



• The vaccine is free on the NHS as an annual injection to adults over 18 at increased risk ( including everyone over 65 ) and as an annual nasal spray to young children. It’s not needed for everyone. If you’re not in the recommended list, and after discussion with your doctor you still wish the vaccine, it can be purchased ( and given ) at pharmacies for less than £ 20.


• Here are up to date links :-



• http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx


• http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/influenza.htm


• http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs211/en/

[Dedworth]

A good write up & timely reminder thanks Doc - I'll have to mull over the pro's & cons

[les_taxi]

I have it every year and don't get flu. Before I used to have it, I often got flu - so I'm converted. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Dedworth]

Noted Les :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[bigmarco]

Nice one Doc. I'll be getting mine soon :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[mickcant]

Had mine two weeks ago :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Felt nothing and no after effects :biggrin:
Mick.:smile:

[Pete/London]

The flu got me before the jab this year. Had it since last week and taking ages to clear. I am not sure if I need to have the jab now. Will have to check with the Doc's

[andy222]

Same here Pete. Cleared now, but it took 3 weeks. I will have my jab 11th October.

[grahamw48]

Must be something wrong with me. I never catch colds or flu...touch wood. :cwm25:

[Pete/London]

Same here Pete. Cleared now, but it took 3 weeks. I will have my jab 11th October.

You think it's a good idea to still have it then Andy ?

[Pete/London]

Must be something wrong with me. I never catch colds or flu...touch wood. :cwm25:

I am normally like that as well Graham, I must have been a bit low to catch it. We look after a special needs girl after school and she passed it on, as she is very hands on.

[Michael Parnham]

Must be something wrong with me. I never catch colds or flu...touch wood. :cwm25:

Same here Graham! :Erm:

[Terpe]

My old dad used to have his flu jab every year without fail. Nearly always had a reaction that was a bit like a fever.

[mickcant]

My old dad used to have his flu jab every year without fail. Nearly always had a reaction that was a bit like a fever.

It shows how we must react differently. I have never had any reaction in at least 10 years of having one.
Mick.

[Rosie1958]

I had my jab on Tuesday, the only effect I felt was a headache the following day. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'm amazed at how many people don't have the inoculation because they are scared of having injections/needles !! :doh

[Michael Parnham]

I had my jab on Tuesday, the only affect I felt was a headache the following day :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I'm amazed at how many people don't have the inoculation because they are scared of having injections/ needles !! :doh

I don't have a flu jab because I haven't had a cold or flu for almost twenty years and whilst my immune system seems ok don't feel the need! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[les_taxi]

That's because you don't go out Michael, lol. Had mine 2 weeks ago and since I pick up people with every disease going it's like insurance for me

[Arthur Little]

Funnily enough ... :anerikke: ... I just had my latest one 3 hours ago! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

I’ve had an annual flu jab for many years – not only in the hope it would protect me when working in hospital, but also to protect other staff and patients.


Leaving aside that it’s only " a small prick " ( " scratch " tends to be used now ) in adults, and a " spray " in the nose which is better for children, not everyone – health workers or general public – agrees on its use :NoNo:.


At best, the flu jab may only work against influenza A and B, around 10% of all viruses causing colds," influenza-like symptoms ", and actual flu. Vaccination only has a modest effect on time off work and may not affect complications or hospital admission rates. This was the conclusion of a review of trials using flu jabs ( or not ) in healthy individuals aged 16 – 65. The review did find no serious " adverse events " , however.


One of the critics of mass flu vaccination is a respected Glasgow GP, Margaret McCartney. It’s only fair to include her viewpoint ( see http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g6182
).



Personally I will continue to have the annual flu jab, and look forward to the day when one " universal flu jab " will last more than a year. The case is less convincing for otherwise healthy adults – whether under or over 65 years old, if they are not healthcare workers.

[Michael Parnham]

That's because you don't go out Michael, lol. Had mine 2 weeks ago and since I pick up people with every disease going it's like insurance for me

I'm out a quite a lot doing my five miles every morning.

It's the bus I use twice a day that's my biggest risk because, when it's raining or cold, everyone closes the windows - and that's a sure way of getting flu or colds.

I always open a window in order to help the steamed up windows dry out! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[mickcant]

Thanks Alan,

I first started having a flu jab around 15 years ago I think.

I was then working in a hospital in the transport service. I have not had any flu type symptoms since.

So I will carry on. :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Mick. :cwm25:

[cheekee]

I had mine as usual being front line in the NHS. This year though my arm wasn't sore for days after. My colleague was excellent bless her.

[Dedworth]

I stuck my head in at the Doctors' earlier and for the next couple of days they are doing untold jabs for those who qualify for them free of charge.

They told me to phone up Monday and if they had any vaccines left they would do them foc to other patients on a first come first served basis

[Longweekend]

I'm out a quite a lot doing my five miles every morning.

It's the bus I use twice a day that's my biggest risk because, when it's raining or cold, everyone closes the windows - and that's a sure way of getting flu or colds.

I always open a window in order to help the steamed up windows dry out! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Michael,
Why not walk 2.5 miles each way then you don't need to get the bus....:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Michael Parnham]

Michael,
Why not walk 2.5 miles each way then you don't need to get the bus....:xxgrinning--00xx3::xxgrinning--00xx3:

No I don't walk home, I walk along our local section of the canal and it's really beautiful with plenty of wildlife, no noise and no traffic. The reason for doing the walk is because I can't use my bus pass until 9.30am so I take advantage of the situation and do my daily walk after taking Maritess to work for 8am, your tip on walking home is not very healthy too much traffic and the journey is 5 miles each way, I could manage to do it both ways easily but the pollution would create severe harm I'm sure! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

Once again it’s flu vaccination season in the UK, in preparation for infection with the ‘flu virus which usually causes infections between October and May.


In the Philippines infections are more likely between June and November – so the vaccine would be given, if needed, before June. ( " Agrippal S1 " ; " Fluarix " ; " Influvac " ; and " Vaxigrip " are available at cost, all made by reputable companies ).


• Twice a year ( February and September ) World Health Organization recommends in advance the likely viruses for inclusion in the seasonal vaccines for the northern and southern hemispheres, to allow time for enough vaccines to be produced.


• The ‘flu jab for 2015/2016 will protect against three types of virus :-

A/H1N1 – the strain that caused swine flu pandemic in 2009
A/H3N2 – a strain that can infect birds and mammals and was active in 2011
B/Phuket/3073/2013

( Type A is usually the more serious ; B less serious but affects young children ; C is the mildest, like the common cold ).


• There is now also a nasal spray vaccine available for children.


• The vaccines are routinely given on the NHS to those most likely to benefit ( either at GP surgery or pharmacy ).


• Perhaps surprisingly it’s not 100% effective – more often 50%. Indeed last winter it was thought at first to be only effective in 3% of cases, but that’s been revised to about a third ( 34% ), with more data.


• The problem is that ‘flu viruses are constantly changing ; companies have to make the vaccines in the six months after WHO recommendations ( which are only " best guestimates " ).


• So even if the vaccines are safe, there’s no guarantee they will protect against ‘flu – and they give no immunity to infection by the other 90% of cold viruses. The value of mass ‘flu vaccination has been questioned, and possibly only half of health care workers themselves have the annual ‘flu jab.


I will continue to have the annual ‘flu jab, and those recommended to have it should at least consider and discuss with their doctor.

( Those recommended for vaccination include :-
* Over 65s
* Young children
* Under 65 with clinical risk factors like heart disease and asthma ) and also pregnant women.
* Health and social care workers, and people living in residential care homes.
* See :- http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx
).


• It might be a different matter if we had a " universal " ‘flu vaccine. This would target sites on the virus that are unlikely – or less likely – to change ( mutate ). So far research workers have developed two such vaccines which work in animals, but not humans. It will probably be several years before such vaccines are available for humans.

[KeithD]

Thanks for the reminder Doc. I think my Dr is doing a walk-in next Wednesday.

[Rosie1958]

I'll be having a flu jab at work next week :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

It’s that time of year again in the UK when flu vaccination (http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx) is available to help protect adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.


The vaccine is offered free on the NHS to children, pregnant women, and adults " at risk " over the age of 18 - including everyone aged 65 and over. It’s safe - serious side effects being very rare.


It's either given as a nasal spray ( using live but weakened / attenuated viruses ) to children ; or by injection ( using killed / inactivated viruses ).


The " flu jab " for 2016/2017 contains the viruses identified in advance ( giving manufacturers time to make it ) to be the most likely causes of flu :-

A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and Influenza B ( also another B strain in the nasal spray vaccine ).


The best time to have the vaccine is in the autumn.


For the Philippines, the strains would probably be the same, but the best time would be around March / April. Unfortunately the vaccine is only free ( to my knowledge ) for elderly citizens, and a few years ago there was concern about fake vaccines (http://www.pcp.org.ph/component/content/article?id=96:advisory-on-fake-flu-vaccines).


Is it effective ? It won’t stop all flu viruses. Not all health care workers (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/healthcare-worker-flu-vaccination-figures-published) are convinced of the benefits of mass flu vaccinations - either for themselves or their patients - see link (http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g6182).


As always, I can only try to inform, but not give advice to, Forum members. It’s up to individuals to decide, preferably after discussion with their doctor, practice nurse, or pharmacist. My own decision is to have the vaccine, as usual.

[Steve.r]

My parents had theirs last week.

[grahamw48]

My doc offered me a free flu jab last week (as I'd just turned into an OAP), but I suggested that he save it for a 'proper' old person. :olddude:

[mickcant]

Had mine yesterday at a chemist, they did it free straight away, (after filling in the short form.)
Much better than trying to get it at my Drs surgery.
Mick.:olddude::smile::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[cheekee]

I have to say I normally get the flu jab with no issues. but the one I had this year gave me and many of my healthcare colleagues a really bad cold. Wasn't fun.

[Arthur Little]

:olddude: ... alas ... :anerikke: ... being diabetic, I've been advised to postpone mine for a few weeks this year, in order to fully recover from a recent chest infection. :bigcry:

[Arthur Little]

I have to say I normally get the flu jab with no issues. but the one I had this year gave me and many of my healthcare colleagues a really bad cold. Wasn't fun.


:olddude: ... alas ... :anerikke: ... being diabetic, I've been advised to postpone mine for a few weeks this year, in order to fully recover from a recent chest infection. :bigcry:

Tbh ... :icon_rolleyes: ... I'm more than willing to follow medical advice, due to the fact that during these past few winters, I seem to've developed heavy colds a lot more than I'd been accustomed to prior to being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes some 5 years ago. :doh!

[Michael Parnham]

My doc offered me a free flu jab last week (as I'd just turned into an OAP), but I suggested that he save it for a 'proper' old person. :olddude:

You sound like me Graham, don't feel old at all:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Michael Parnham]

Tbh ... :icon_rolleyes: ... I'm more than willing to follow medical advice, due to the fact that during these past few winters, I seem to've developed heavy colds a lot more than I'd been accustomed to prior to being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes some 5 years ago. :doh!

I have to sympathise with you Arthur, a couple of months in Philippines would be very beneficial I would have thought:sunshine::sunshine::sunshine::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[stevewool]

My sister and brother have there flu jab and both do suffer for days with a bad cold, and they say they was fine before they had it too.
A little sunshine does make you feel good, but as Michael say two months in the Phils well, for some that would be fantastic, but for others it could be hell they say.

[raynaputi]

I had my flu jab taken last week. I decided to get it this year because I got the flu last year (2 weeks before Christmas and I was terrible during Christmas dinner!) and don't want to risk getting it again. I had to pay my GP though because I'm not considered as a baby, elderly or disabled (or someone who need it the most)..hahaha. I paid £8. :biggrin:

[grahamw48]

Well, I shall be starting my 2 months in the Phils in another 9 days. :Jump:

[stevewool]

Well, I shall be starting my 2 months in the Phils in another 9 days. :Jump:

I bet you cannot wait, i hope you have brought a better kite this time too

[grahamw48]

Certainly am... and taking full advantage of Emirates 30kg checked-in baggage allowance this time. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Oy.. nowt wrong with my kites mate ! :Rasp:

[Michael Parnham]

Well, I shall be starting my 2 months in the Phils in another 9 days. :Jump:

Hope you have a pleasant flight and a super holiday Graham:airline::veryhappy:

[grahamw48]

Cheers Michael. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

It’s ‘flu vaccination season again in the UK. Recommended vaccines contain similar strains to last year ( A/H1N1 ; A/H3N2 ; B ) for the northern hemisphere; thus including the Philippines, where the " season " is less well defined, however.


Last year it’s estimated around 2/3 " frontline health and social care workers " had the ‘flu jab ; in recent years effectiveness has been around 50% ; it remains the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus.


Recommendations for who should have the jab are much the same as last year. It won’t stop all ‘flu and " common cold " viruses, but at least it’s safe for most people including pregnant women, and children.


Clearly I can’t make specific recommendations for members I don’t know, save to suggest discussion with your doctor or pharmacist as to whether the jab might be worthwhile. ‘Flu is usually self-limiting in healthy individuals; antiviral drugs at best limit the time for symptoms ; antibiotics may be needed if there is secondary infection by bacteria, such as pneumonia. I will again have the jab, as I did when working.


The problem with the ‘flu virus is that it can change ( either in a minor way = " antigenic drift " ; or major = " antigenic shift ", resulting in severe pandemics ). This is why the seasonal ‘flu vaccine needs to be updated every year. Ideally there would be a " universal vaccine ", which would work against " conserved " / unchanging sites on the virus. This would not only avoid the need for annual jabs, but also help prevent future pandemics. Several such possible vaccines are in late-stage preclinical or clinical development. Let’s hope they become available as soon as possible :xxgrinning--00xx3:.

[Michael Parnham]

Thank you for your latest update Alan, appreciated. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[bigmarco]

A timely reminder for us diabetics Doc :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Doc Alan]

Thanks Michael and Bigmarco :xxgrinning--00xx3:.


Considering ‘flu affects about a billion people, with up to half a million deaths each year, worldwide, there is clearly need for prevention.



Thankfully the world’s first widespread human testing of a vaccine using the core proteins of the virus is about to begin. The recruitment target is for 500 volunteers aged over 65. This group are the most vulnerable, as the immune system weakens with age.



Of interest to health workers, perhaps less so to people just wishing protection, is that this vaccine stimulates the immune system to boost influenza-specific T cells, instead of antibodies. We all have such T cells but numbers are often too low to be protective.



Hopefully the vaccine will offer stronger and longer ( several years ) protection against ‘flu - or at least reduce severity and duration of illness.



The trial is to be delivered by the University of Oxford in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, starting this winter. It will compare the new vaccine with the " regular "/annual vaccine, taking 2 years to complete. Unfortunately it does take several years between starting such a trial and the vaccine - if shown to be safe, effective, and affordable - becoming available to the public.

[Rosie1958]

Thanks for the reminder Doc Alan :xxgrinning--00xx3: I had my flu jab booked for last Monday but unfortunately had to postpone it as I've managed to catch a horrible virus which hasn't yet gone. However, I'll be back in the queue when I'm better as I certainly want to avoid catching flu this winter, or at any other time! :smile:

[cheekee]

Had mine the other day and no issues. Just a sore arm. Last year I got a really bad cold after the jab so I was considering whether to have it this year or not.

[Slip]

Never had one myself. My wife just had it due to her pregnancy. All she had was a sore arm. My daughter also had it, but she had a spray up her nose, not an injection. She got a high temperature a few days after that lasted a couple days.

[Tawi2]

Going to get mine today,flying tomorrow and I normally get a sniffle after a long-haul.

[grahamw48]

Had my free flu jab today... also BP test, which came out at 115/77.

That seemed pretty ok for an old bloke. :Erm:

When I was a smoker it was around 130/90.