Does the free vaccine work?

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  Piangi on 05/08/2014 - 03:20

  +15

  Talk to your GP. I wouldn't take medical advice from randoms on a bargain-hunting website, of all things.

  • 

    Forfiet on 05/08/2014 - 06:43

    +1

    ^ This over everything else….. But things like a virus won't be helped by just taking antibiotics and vaccines are more of a preventative measure (Better before than as a afterthought when actually sick). So visit your Doctor and get it sorted now… You are most likely re-infecting each other and possibly people around you.

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  cjhfield on 05/08/2014 - 07:44

  +2

  Most winter bugs are viruses. Antibiotics don't work against viruses. There are vaccines against flu and pneumonia. These are only useful before infection. They only give coverage of a small slice of the winter bugs.

  You may have whooping cough. It gives you coughing episodes that end with vomiting. Coughing can go on for 3-4 months. Antibiotics work in the first 2 weeks. See a doc. Not a revolving door joint.

  Hth

  Chris

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  one man clan on 05/08/2014 - 09:02

  A vaccine is not a cure - too late mate.

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  Shadow54 on 05/08/2014 - 09:08

  +1

  Yep, antibiotics are useless for viral infections. And having the flu vaccine after getting the flu is also useless. Try to build up your immunity by having lots of fruit and vegetables, lots of water, lots of rest and possibly some garlic capsules daily. The problem with medication is that it merely masks the symptoms of your condition………
  Another helpful strategy is to wash you hands regularly particular if you are sharing office space with others. Computer keyboards, door handles , taps, etc., are all a problem as many people handle them every day.
  Good luck!

  • 

    one man clan on 05/08/2014 - 10:13

    I mean technically they don't treat the flu itself, but antibiotics are used to treat people with the flu, particularly those who are elderly, have weakened immune symptoms, or lung conditions. Secondary bacterial infections are really common.

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  Malarkey on 05/08/2014 - 09:20

  There is no point taking out car insurance after you've had a crash mate.

  In other words, its too late for the vaccine to be of any use to you. Try again next year, generally speaking each year the flu shots are different depending on what's going around.

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  c64 on 05/08/2014 - 09:24

  flu viruses are continually evolving. each year, scientists have to select (in advance) particular flu viruses which they think will be the most dangerous and then make a vaccine for it in a huge production run. having a flu shot will not guarantee that you don't get the flu.

  you've already got the flu. your body is already fighting the virus. taking the flu shot now some sort of post-infection treatment is pointless. if you are not getting better then seek medical help from a doctor.

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  [Deactivated] on 05/08/2014 - 09:39

  Ill just put this here - will help increase everyone's understanding on the free flu vax.

  http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishi…

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  NancyCat on 05/08/2014 - 12:19

  The vaccine isn't 100% 'bullet proof'. I had the vaccine last year, after recommendation from my GP as I've just had a baby, but I still got sick. This year, no vaccine, no difference, still got sick. Having said that, I still think flu vaccine is worth a shot, there's no downside of having it (well apart from that split second of sharp pain!) If you can get a free shot (e.g from work), then get it. (Probably a little late for this flu season, try next year!)
  Like vitamins, some people take high dose of Vitamin C, garlic tablets, echinacea during winter months, but some people think that's a total waste money.
  But as someone have mentioned already, personal hygiene is the key.

  • 

    lisss on 06/08/2014 - 17:39

    +1

    And you probably didn't get the flu strains in the vaccine which are usually the worst ones. People often say they have the 'flu' when they just have a milder virus. I got the flu one year and despite being a healthy 21 year old, was bedridden for almost a week and it took longer to get over it after that. Ever since, I've gotten the flu vaccine. I don't think you can expect not to get sick at all just because you had the flu vacc, and I agree there's no downside ;)

    • 

      cwongtech on 06/08/2014 - 21:42

      +1

      I got the flu one year and despite being a healthy 21 year old, was bedridden for almost a week and it took longer to get over it after that.

      One week? Lucky! Try three! This was before I got the vaccination :|

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  melgibson on 05/08/2014 - 22:34

  I am desperately sick after my shot so I would stay clear!

  • 

    cwongtech on 06/08/2014 - 21:37

    Maybe you were just unlucky. :|
    The vaccine can't block against every strain of flu (they mutate too fast), perhaps you received one that wasn't in the vaccination.

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  Ughhh on 06/08/2014 - 17:47

  The purpose of vaccine is to gently introduce the disease to your bodys immune system, so when you do actually encounter the disease, your immune system will recognise it and know how to destroy it. Without the vaccine, you might feel sicker and may take longer to fight it.

  • 

    cwongtech on 06/08/2014 - 21:40

    +1

    It introduces viruses that have been inactivated. Your body will be exposed to the virus for the first time in a form that doesn't actually infect the patient. You aren't invincible to the viruses you have been vaccinated against, just that your body has seen the viruses and will respond to it much more quickly.

    It's like forcing a student to study a fake exam, so next time they will be better prepared.

    The vaccine covers about 3 of the 5 main strains floating around.