Flu Vaccine. Different Strains.

[Samuraisan]

We have decided to get the flu vaccine for the first time. Mr. Sam says that the current flu virus would be different in Japan than it is in Spain. What do you think ? We now can't get it done on the NHS here until we come back, we could go privately with Sanitas, but would have to pay for the vaccine, but should we just wait until we come back and get it done free? ( so to speak )

[Mamyalynne]

The vaccine decided on each year is to cover what they deem to be the most likely strains globally.

https://www.who.int/ith/vaccines/si_iAh1n1/en/

[Mamyalynne]

I'd get the jab before you go if possible.

[Toorak]

If it is not too expensive it is probably worth getting it before you go - on your flight you will be spending a long time in an enclosed space where viruses could spread more easily

[Sqad]

Predicting the strain of flu virus is a bit of a lottery....HOWEVER........the predominant strain in Spain and Japan is exactly the same A H1N1......so ot doesn't really matter where you have the vaccination.

[Hopkirk]

Some people have a bad reaction to the jab, and that can be up to a week later. Don't have it done within a week of a long haul trip.

I never get any reaction, but 'er indoors was absolutely pole axed by it.

[woofgang]

Hopkirk I always have a roughish 24 hours but last year I got poleaxed too...this year it was as though I hadn't had anything done, not even an achey arm....go figure.

[bednobs]

how come you can use primary care in the uk if you dont live here?

[david small]

I’ve had this years flu jab. I didn’t even have a sore arm. Personally I think if it prevents even some strains of influenza it’s worth it.

[woofgang]

I think even if it poleaxes you for a couple of days its worth it. Real flu is horrible, had it twice, never want to have it again.

[Hopkirk]

Definitely worth having, but you don't want a bad reaction when airborne to Japan.

[Samuraisan]

Thanks for all your advice. I have ordered the vaccines at the chemist and we will go and have them jabbed on Thursday. Thanks to Sqad, now we know, ( and I can tell all) that the flu strain here is the same one as is in Japan. It makes sense really, viruses travel fast and internationally nowadays.

[davebro]

had it for x years - never had a reaction.

[Samuraisan]

I asked my GP today about reactions to it. She said maybe the arm gets a bit sore, maybe a sniffle or two, but should get it done.

[woofgang]

Samuraisan, that's not entirely true and I really wish GP's (and others) wouldn't do that. The truth is that the sore arm, fever thing is mostly what happens but there can be a day or two of feeling rough - shakey, tired feverish or it can actually put you to bed (or on the sofa) for a day or two. Even the worst of these is so much a better option than getting actual flu but its useful to know that a reaction is a possibility so that if its necessary you can take a day or so out to recover before having to do anything strenuous.