Flu jab

KarynBucks

In the past I have gotten the flu jab but on my last jab about 3 yrs ago I was quite sick after it. I know, I know that it is a dormant for of the flu is what you're given and I was not ill before getting it. But now I am 24 wks pregnant, cold and flu season is coming. Am I being selfish by not getting it, not wanting to be quite ill again after it or is it a risk I should take? I would appreciate some of your experiences with this.

atetschner

What were your symptoms?

PlainJane8350

I don't think you're being selfish at all! I've gotten sick from it once (one day I felt worse, the second day just bad), but my sister just had the flu when she was pregnant and she said that was miserable. I'd do whatever you feel most comfortable doing, the only person's opinion I'd consider is your doctor if he/she had a strong one.

laurasuzanne2006

It's hit or miss on being affective anyway

KarynBucks

I had the truck flu like symptoms, ie high temp, sweats, nausea, weakness in the body. I work in a pharmacy and 2 of pharmacists have already made of feel like it is life of death if I don't get this jab. The last time I did have a full blown, stay in bed flu was 15yrs ago. I am generally in good health nukes than having to take eltroxin and being over weight. I'm still torn though. I do have a gp appointment this week, I may run it by her.

juliesteve

I've had the flu before (didn't get the flu shot), and wouldn't wish it on anyone. That was probably 8 years ago. In early January, my DD (almost 4 at the time) had the flu and ended up in the hospital on an IV despite all of us getting the flu shot in October. So yes, it can be hit and miss depending on the strain...but we get one every year and this year will be no different. The flu shot didn't make her sick, she was just unlucky enough to catch a different strain. (but it was horrible seeing her that sick for 9 days)

Knottie97536784

I'd definitely get the flu shot. Your baby can be harmed if you get the flu, or even delivered prematurely. Plus the flu just plain sucks. 

sassysister18

I've just had the flu and wish I had of had the jab!! It was absolute hell and not being able to take anything for it was even worse!! It can lead to serious complications too, thankfully mine hasn't. I would seriously consider it.

CarrieOct15

I personally think it's selfish not to get the flu shot. The symptoms you had are a normal side effect of the shot.

So ask yourself which is worse - a couple of days of feeling under the weather, or you or your newborn baby possibly contracting the flu, and getting seriously sick from complications? There's a reason why they recommend that pregnant women get the flu shot.

mac-n-cheesy

I haven't gotten the flu shot in over 6 years because and have not gotten the flu in that entire time (knock on wood). However, I definitely will be getting a flu shot now that I'm pregnant (26w+2) when it is first available. I asked about Tdap and the flu shot at my last visit and my OB said Tdap after 28 weeks and the flu shot is not available yet, but soon.
Not only do pregnant women get significantly more ill if they get the flu while pregnant, a little discomfort or even a few days of feeling like crap is worth protecting my unborn child. I agree with a PP in that it's kind of selfish not to get it. My past hesitation was due to getting ill when I got the flu nasal mist inoculation which caused me to get very ill, but that's a whole different ball game because in that form it's a live attenuated virus, whereas the flu shot is not.

lushoof

Ok, can we all quit laying on the guilt. Goodness. You all have you opinions but guilting someone into this is just plain rude. Do some research for yourselves. The CDC said that this years flu shot is ineffective. So quit doing things because it's convention and actually do some research!

Ceridwen77

lushoof said:

Ok, can we all quit laying on the guilt. Goodness. You all have you opinions but guilting someone into this is just plain rude. Do some research for yourselves. The CDC said that this years flu shot is ineffective. So quit doing things because it's convention and actually do some research!

What's rude is to bump a 2+ week old thread to call others out.

In an attempt to add something productive, I received my flu vaccine on Thursday of last week. Had minor soreness that day but that was it!

PlainJane8350

I ended up getting mine and they recommended it because if you get it while you're pregnant, then your baby can benefit from the antibodies. Otherwise, once born, your baby can't get a flu shot until he/she is six months.

I got mine from an HEB Redi Clinic and they told me that getting it while you're pregnant is pretty controversial, so I wouldn't feel bad no matter what you decide. My doctor has a reputation for being extremely conservative, a regular OBGYN would probably advise against it. :P