Disclaimer: By posting on this web site it is accepted that you have agreed to our Terms. Please DO NOT publish copyrighted material/pictures without the owner’s permission, you are liable for any costs incurred.


Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 30 of 69

Thread: Flu jab

  1. #1
    Trusted Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    4,623
    Rep Power
    150

    Flu jab

    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 !







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

    http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccina...a-vaccine.aspx

    http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccina...u-vaccine.aspx

    http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/vao...l/nm.3350.html


  2. #2
    Trusted Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Pangasinan
    Posts
    25,596
    Rep Power
    150
    Thanks doc...will remind my mum.

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


  3. #3
    Banned
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Berkshire
    Posts
    18,267
    Rep Power
    0
    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


  4. #4
    Banned
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Southern England
    Posts
    5,102
    Rep Power
    0
    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


  5. #5
    Trusted Member mickcant's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Isle of Wight UK
    Posts
    2,953
    Rep Power
    150
    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
    Mick.


  6. #6
    Respected Member Michael Parnham's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    11,643
    Rep Power
    150
    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 in the wet grass!


  7. #7
    Respected Member bigmarco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    SW London
    Posts
    4,053
    Rep Power
    150
    I get it every year now and fortunately we get it done at work via occupational health.
    Thanks for the reminder Doc


  8. #8
    Trusted Member Rosie1958's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    UK
    Posts
    1,500
    Rep Power
    150
    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


  9. #9
    Trusted Member sars_notd_virus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Wiltshire,UK
    Posts
    4,955
    Rep Power
    150
    Thanks for the reminder doc

    NO flu shot for me ...I'm scared scared of BIG needles !!
    ''Don't be serious..Be Sincere''


  10. #10
    Administrator KeithD's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Denbigh, United Kingdom
    Posts
    23,981
    Rep Power
    150
    Quote Originally Posted by sars_notd_virus View Post
    Thanks for the reminder doc

    .NO flu shot for me ...I'm scared scared of BIG needles !!
    I could mention something about a small prick , but that would bring the level of this thread down to Joe's level

    I had my jab a couple of weeks ago, and so far I'm fi.... *cough*....ne
    Keith Driscoll - Administrator
    Managing Director, Win2Win Limited


  11. #11
    Respected Member Pete/London's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    London
    Posts
    1,179
    Rep Power
    85
    Quote Originally Posted by sars_notd_virus View Post
    thanks for the reminder doc

    .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.


  12. #12
    Moderator Arthur Little's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    City of Perth, Scotland
    Posts
    24,230
    Rep Power
    150
    Thank you for your seasonal reminder, Alan ... I've duly arranged an appointment for mine next Monday - as a precautionary measure - lest flu germs "sprout" in Brussels!


  13. #13
    Banned
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Berkshire
    Posts
    18,267
    Rep Power
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by Arthur Little View Post
    Thank you for your seasonal reminder, Alan. I have duly made an appointment to have mine next Monday - as a precautionary measure - lest flu germs "sprout" in Brussels!
    There are more than enough Phlegms in Brussels


  14. #14
    Moderator Arthur Little's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    City of Perth, Scotland
    Posts
    24,230
    Rep Power
    150
    Quote Originally Posted by Pete/London View Post
    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 ... ... for "Pete's" sake ... I'd thought you'd stopped like
    a chimney!


  15. #15
    Moderator Arthur Little's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    City of Perth, Scotland
    Posts
    24,230
    Rep Power
    150
    Quote Originally Posted by Dedworth View Post
    There are more than enough Phlegms in Brussels
    ... n ... (ing cough) ... ice one, Ded!


  16. #16
    Respected Member Pete/London's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    London
    Posts
    1,179
    Rep Power
    85
    Funny you should say that Arthur, I have been trying to persuade her that I smoke.


  17. #17
    Trusted Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    4,623
    Rep Power
    150
    • " 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 Ł 20.


    • Here are up to date links :-



    http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccina...a-vaccine.aspx


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


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


  18. #18
    Banned
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Berkshire
    Posts
    18,267
    Rep Power
    0
    A good write up & timely reminder thanks Doc - I'll have to mull over the pro's & cons


  19. #19
    Respected Member les_taxi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Happiest place to live in UK
    Posts
    8,896
    Rep Power
    150
    I have it every year and don't get flu. Before I used to have it, I often got flu - so I'm converted.


  20. #20
    Banned
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Berkshire
    Posts
    18,267
    Rep Power
    0
    Noted Les


  21. #21
    Respected Member bigmarco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    SW London
    Posts
    4,053
    Rep Power
    150
    Nice one Doc. I'll be getting mine soon


  22. #22
    Trusted Member mickcant's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Isle of Wight UK
    Posts
    2,953
    Rep Power
    150
    Had mine two weeks ago
    Felt nothing and no after effects
    Mick.


  23. #23
    Respected Member Pete/London's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    London
    Posts
    1,179
    Rep Power
    85
    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


  24. #24
    Respected Member andy222's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    West Midlands and Butuan
    Posts
    6,440
    Rep Power
    150
    Same here Pete. Cleared now, but it took 3 weeks. I will have my jab 11th October.


  25. #25
    Trusted Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Pangasinan
    Posts
    25,596
    Rep Power
    150
    Must be something wrong with me. I never catch colds or flu...touch wood.


  26. #26
    Respected Member Pete/London's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    London
    Posts
    1,179
    Rep Power
    85
    Quote Originally Posted by andy222 View Post
    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 ?


  27. #27
    Respected Member Pete/London's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    London
    Posts
    1,179
    Rep Power
    85
    Quote Originally Posted by grahamw48 View Post
    Must be something wrong with me. I never catch colds or flu...touch wood.
    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.


  28. #28
    Respected Member Michael Parnham's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Nottinghamshire
    Posts
    11,643
    Rep Power
    150
    Quote Originally Posted by grahamw48 View Post
    Must be something wrong with me. I never catch colds or flu...touch wood.
    Same here Graham!


  29. #29
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Marikina City
    Posts
    26,785
    Rep Power
    150
    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.


  30. #30
    Trusted Member mickcant's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Isle of Wight UK
    Posts
    2,953
    Rep Power
    150
    Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
    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.


Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Filipino Forum : Philippine Forum