Swine Flu Jab

wendylou
wendylou Member Posts: 88
edited 24. Nov 2009, 07:37 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone my GP phoned me today and told me to come in on Saturday morning for the swine flu jab as i have asthma and angina as well as arther but i am a bit worried about it and i was wondering if any off you have had it are there many side affects, ive had the ordinary flu jab with no problems i am just a bit worried. :roll: Wendylou.

Comments

  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I have't had it as I'm not on the at risk list. I would have it if offered, I think, but I understand your feelings. The sheer speed of the whole thing is a bit unnerving, but flu is horrible and dangerous, even the ordinary flu. Love Sue
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9,263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Wendy

    I also have Asthma and quite bad. I have been asked to have this one done but I just don't know what to do. I always have the yearly one and I'm fine with that.

    This one, well I have heard people have had it done and they get a cough and slight temperature. Then on the other hand if you get it??

    I'm going to read the pamphlet again.Then I will make up my mind.

    love trish xx
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    the way I am looking at , from what I have read, this 'new' vaccine has been developed in much the same way as the seasonal ones are ..... and as I have never worried about whether to get that one or not (have never had more than a slight sore arm) then I will take the swine flu jab when I am offered it (may be on Wednesday when I see the nurse for my MTX jab).

    I understand that if you get a reaction (hubby often gets a sore lump on his flu jab arm) then it means that you ahve already had some kind of exposure to the strain in thejab, and thinking about how much swine flu there has been about then maybe that is why some people seem to have had a reaction? I don't know .... it is hard to know what to do for the best sometimes - I tend to trust my GP.
  • issymknight
    issymknight Member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had the swine flu injection last week. I had already had swine flu but as it was not 100% confirmed I was advised to have the injection because I'm on Methotrexate tablets. I did have some side effects as follows swelling where the injection was and my arm was painful for about 3 days. Had a bit of sniffles on day 4 and 5 and now all ok.

    Issy
  • bailey27
    bailey27 Member Posts: 689
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I was advised to ave swine flu jab last week at the blood monitoring clinic. I take sulfasalazine and have been feeling quite run down lately so thought it would be a good idea. I had the first one yesterday along with the rgular flu jab and have to go back for second one in 4 weeks time.
    I havent had any effects from it at all aprt from an achey arm where I had the injection (i hvaent got much spare flesh and am quite boney on my arms so not a lot of flesh to put in the needle. It must have gone right into the muscle ecause my arm hasnt stopped aching all day and I can abrely lift it above my shoulders. It has improved thorugh the day but all in all glad I had it done. The way I see it is that at the moment I am feeling quite unwell and quite honestly dont think I had the energy to fight regular flu let alone swine flu. Always better to be safe than sorry.
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, On the radio, this morning a doctor was on saying that pregnant women and children should really be the first to get the vaccine as it seems to be very severe for them if they get swine flu. Then the rest of the groups of people as usual. I think, if I where offered it, I would have it. If I was working in my old job as a carer, I definatly would have had it. Its an individual thing to make up your mind on though. love Sue
  • c4thyg
    c4thyg Member Posts: 542
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had the vaccine a week ago and apart from a bit of redness and soreness at the injection site I didn't get any side effects. I usually have mild flu symptoms with the seasonal flu jab but with the swine flu jab, nothing much. I'm going back for a booster in 3 weeks because I have ITP which would be life threatening if I got any type of flu. I don't think everyone has boosters though.
  • oneday
    oneday Member Posts: 1,434
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I dont think its been tested, has it? thats enough to put me off.
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My surgery rang me on Monday. I'm to have my swine flu jab on Friday, tomorrow.

    My OH, who also has type 2 diabetes and history of heart problems, hasn't had a call yet.

    joy
  • kernow
    kernow Member Posts: 13
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi have it don't worry , I had mine yesterday feeling a bit off today but I don't know if this is the jab or my RA who knows? I also have Asthma my RA effects all my joints but life goes on and the last thing I want is flu. I take MTX, Sulpha and have had Anti Tnf infussion a few weeks ago. So go along and have it I've got friends with Swine flu and it can be very nasty.
    Good Luck
    Ray
  • suzster
    suzster Member Posts: 1,328
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well 'today's the day' in our house!
    my hubby, 2 daughters and me are all having our swine flu jab at 4.30pm, i've heard lots of different stories from people being really ill to people having no reaction after the jab. so i guess it's an individual thing.
    my eldest is going to my parents for the night after her jab so i'll send some paracetamol with her 'just in case'
    also have paracetamol in case mt little 2 yr old has any reactions, so i'm prepared for whatever happens!
    i've had a few parents ask why i'm getting my children vaccinated, well, i've heard how nasty the swine flu can be, ok some people only get it mildly, but it's a risk i won't take. my choice!
    so i'll let you know how we all get on, but please wish me luck getting my 2 yr old jabbed, i'm not sure she'll be keen! but i've wrapped up a little knitted fireman for her to open and take her mind of it and my eldest has been promised a 'hannah montana' dvd if she doesn't run a mile after seeing the needle!!
    me, i've got chocolate fudge ice cream waiting for me in the freezer as for hubby, he can have a beer!
    sue
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good luck Sue!! sounds as if you're well prepared with all the right TLCs for everyone!

    (tell the kids not to look!)

    let us know how it goes?
    iris x
  • yoshimi
    yoshimi Member Posts: 20
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I've been calling the doctors reception once a week for a couple of weeks asking when they would let me know. I called this morning whilst reading this thread and they said can you come in next thurs, so a result. I wasn't at all confident that they would remember me even with me bothering them every week!

    sarah x
  • gickygawky
    gickygawky Member Posts: 478
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hubby and I have our jab this afternoon. We are both happy and confident it is the right decision for us. Hopefully no reactions for either of us and we can get on as normal. Will keep you all posted if anything interesting happens :D

    A x
  • mmarshall
    mmarshall Member Posts: 69
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi everyone

    I had the swine flu jab last Monday and I had to phone my work and ask for Tuesday off as I did not feel too good.
    I had a headache and my arm was very sore, it does not help as my other arm has been sore for months as I have a problem in my shoulder.
    On Tuesday I felt as if I was taking the cold but it did not come to anything.
    I felt ok on Wednesday and went back to work but my arm was sore for a few days after the jab.
    The doctor did tell me that a lot of people are complaining about not feeling to good after having the jab but nothing serious and he just advised them to take paracetamol.

    Mary
  • debsmartin
    debsmartin Member Posts: 209
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I get mine done later today, I have been a bit wary but I think I'd worry more about getting actual swine flu so thats enough to convince me to have it.

    Debs
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    They don't seem to have the vaccine here yet, my husband is diabetic and so should be in the group to have it. This part of Norfolk seem to be left out - or perhaps its just us! Not too worried though. Love Sue
  • oneday
    oneday Member Posts: 1,434
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    i got a call for my son who has asthma but he wont be having it. it hasnt been properly tested and theres something called adjuvent (?) in it that i am not happy about when i heard some specialist (Cant remember his exact job title but someone who deals in diseases and vaccines) and that put me off.
    Think its a money scam.
    As for reactions it is not the short term i.e. feeling okay afterwards it is the unknown long term side effects and on the immune system etc.
  • bailey27
    bailey27 Member Posts: 689
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had the swine flu jab a few days ago right in the middle of a flare up. I have to say I ma not sure that was a good idea even though it was recommended. I am not sure whether it was the jab or not but I am just getting over the biggest flare up EVER! Dont't know if it is just a coincidence!?
  • suzster
    suzster Member Posts: 1,328
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    we all had our jabs yesterday. no problem!
    the only thing is that under 10's have to have a half dose then another half dose in 3 wks, i had a normal dose but have to have another in 3 weeks due to my low immunity, joy!
    sarah was really good, i had to hold her on my knee facing me and hold her arm tight, she didn't react until a few seconds after the jab, when she said ow, hurt me! but she was fine!
    ellie watched sarah have hers, she regretted that and did cry / panic a bit, but i hugged her while she had it done and she didn't even flinch! so i was very proud!
    i have a small bruise but nothing more, ellie say's her arms a bit sore and last night / this morning sarah said "that lady hurt me" a few times but other than that we are all fine!
    so i'm just wondering if sarah will be so good next time, now she knows what's happening? she has a very good memory!
    sue
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I had my swine flu jab yesterday and I did not think I would have any side affects from it. Was fine until i woke up this morning.
    I slept longer than I normally do. Anyway, got up late 8 30 a.m. instead of 6.am This is usually because my pain wakes me up and I have to get up and move around.
    About 11 a.m. really bad headache and I mean bad. Took a couple of paracetamols with my other meds. Had to go back to bed. Slept until 3 30 p.m. Have been up since then, but my head just doesn't belong to me, my arms and legs ache, but not too bad and I have this feeling of alucinating. can't describe it.Its now nearly 9 p.m and I am ready for bed again. Hope I feel a bit more myself tomorrow.
    Where the injection went into my arm, no swelling, as yet. No sniffles either.
    Just hope I do not wake up with trotters tomorrow, How will i get back to you on the PC
    joy
  • wendylou
    wendylou Member Posts: 88
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    wendylou wrote:
    Hi everyone my GP phoned me today and told me to come in on Saturday morning for the swine flu jab as i have asthma and angina as well as arther but i am a bit worried about it and i was wondering if any off you have had it are there many side affects, ive had the ordinary flu jab with no problems i am just a bit worried. :roll: Wendylou.
    hI everyone thanks for all your posts I had my jab but before the nurse gave it i asked her if there are any side affects as i know the medical staff had there's first but she reasured me that all she got was a very sore arm for a couple of days, to which i did but i feel fine otherwise, so if anyone else is worried i say don't be its ok best to be safe than sorry, good luck everyone keep well. Wendylou.x :D
  • annie_mial
    annie_mial Member Posts: 5,614
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've had my letter this morning asking me to get it done on 5th December, seeing the nurse this afternoon anyway, might get it done sooner.

    Annie
  • harmony
    harmony Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Guys
    Has anyone on Humira had the swine flu jab yet? Had a letter from my GP to say I needed to have it as I'm in the at risk group, but I really want to wait until I speak to my RA nurse next week. Still lots of confusion about the jab I think. Any way if someone is out there it who has had it, it would help if I knew your thoughts. :)
    Thanks
    Pammi
  • ventenar
    ventenar Member Posts: 4
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi everyone, I had my swine flu jab 11days ago.The following day I ached in all joints had no appetite and was very sleepy plus a sore arm.Back to near normal on the day after that apart from a still sore arm.I consider that better than being layed up for a week or more with the flu.I had PANDEMRIX which is a one off jab ,CELVAPAN is two jabs 3 weeks apart.I am currently on mtx tablets but am to be trained to self inject shortly.Dave. --<--{ ouch!