As I am over seventy-five-years-old, I would automatically qualify to have an NHS influenza vaccination, but because my immune system is compromised as a result of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy I had to to combat my prostate cancer, I have been having this every year for several years. Normally, I have the injection, feel a bit under the weather for a few days, and then everything returns to normal. However, this year I have really not had an easy time since I had my injection.
In fact, I first realised that my body was reacting to the vaccination within a few hours. I felt very hot and began sweating profusely, and by evening I was exhibiting the following symptoms of influenza, namely:
- Sudden high temperature and sweating
- Muscle and body aches, especially in my back, legs, and arms
- A persistent headache
- Extreme tiredness and bone-deep exhaustion
- Persistent weakness and much reduced energy levels
- Difficulty with sleeping
This lasted two days, after which I began to feel a lot better ... and then the symptoms returned. I checked with the NHS Helpline, and they advised me to stay indoors, take painkillers, and keep hydrated. I was also told that if the symptoms persist for more that two days, I should contact my doctor.
That two days have now passed ... and I an certainly better than I was. I still feel rather weary and my joints ache ... but the painkillers seem to be working and I am at least able to go out again.
According to the NHS ...
How flu vaccines work
- Flu vaccines contain inactivated (killed) fragments of influenza viruses or weakened live influenza viruses that cannot cause the disease itself
- Flu vaccines help your immune system to recognise and respond to influenza viruses
- After vaccination, your immune system produces protective proteins called antibodies that learn how to fight off the infection if encountered in the future
- Flu vaccines cannot give you flu. Protection through vaccination helps to reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu, and can help reduce the risk of hospitalisation and complications
We have all been somewhat under the weather here this last week, Bob, so apart from your jab, I rather suspect there is quite a lot going around at the moment! Hopefully your jab will protect you!
ReplyDeleteSteve
Steve (Steve),
DeleteThat may well be the case. I had to miss my regular Wednesday game session ... and I have now discovered that I wasn't to only person who was feeling unwell that day.
It could well be what a doctor once told me was known as a 'community virus'; 'everyone's got it; nobody knows what it is; and it disappears as quickly as it came.'
All the best,
Bob
I'm glad you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteThe flu vaccine is one of two vaccines that I know I cannot receive, unfortunately. I"m allergic to the constituents. Flue is a real killer and I really wish I could receive it.
The other vaccine I'm allergic to is the yellow fever vaccine, which I received once in the service. It put me in the emergency room.