It's either the flu or love... The symptoms are the same.

Heyy, 

Can I have just one week where I don't feel like utter shit? The last fortnight I have been scared to even fart (literally) and now after having my flu jab last week I am not feeling great again. Nothing too serious, typical flu symptoms including cough, sore throat, headaches, and bunged-up nose that also runs non-stop. 

But why does this happen and what is the actual science behind it because for me I know so many people who are entitled to an annual flu vaccine who actively decline it on the basis they feel poorly and get flu symptoms after being jabbed. I myself (now on the other side of thirty - Shhh) am now one of them and as it was my first year I thought nothing more than popping along to my local Boots Pharmacy and getting myself set up and ready for winter. I am older now, a married woman, and need to start taking my health seriously. 

I was informed by the practitioner there that the flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine, offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu. He told me in a sectioned-off party of the shop, shrouded by doctor screens that I was doing the right thing and that the best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. 

So why was I there and was this some new thing because of COVID, or was it because I am now older, or is it something else? Well, I was informed that being very overweight (this would be classed as a body mass index or BMI of 40+) which I am apparently part of that club now. Fatties unite. But funnily enough, other than oldies, preggo's and the generally vulnerable, there are some people that can't have it. The Dr. advised me the same as what can be found on the NHS website that most adults can have the flu vaccine, but you should avoid it if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past. There are several types of injected flu vaccines but none of them contain live viruses so they cannot give you flu. Hmmm?!

One thing I thought was funny and a bit odd that I was asked by the Doc - Do you have an egg allergy. Strange thing to ask I thought and so I enquired. He explained that if you did have an egg allergy, you may be at risk of an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine injection as some flu vaccines are made using a dead viral load in unfertilized eggs and so any affliction to eggs or poultry may cause serious health concerns. GP's or pharmacists do have a solution for this though and a low-egg or egg-free vaccine can be administered. 

Feeling fine I left the appointment feeling I had done my bit, not just to protect me, but others too that I may come into contact with. I felt fine until Friday. The NHS website states that flu vaccines are very safe, with most side effects being mild and only last for a day or so, such as slightly raised temperature, muscle aches or a sore arm where the needle went in. Well ... 

This whole weekend I have literally spent most of it unproductively sat cuddled up on the sofa. I have got me some flu meds and been sucking on Soothers like my life depends on it. Hopefully, I am coming to the end of it soon but you know either way, if I could just have a couple of days that I don't want to just curl up under a duvet then that would be great! 

Following last week's email to Hays Travel, both I and my new Husband have yet to hear back regarding our complaint about our Honeymoon from Hell to the Continental Plaza Beach Resort Hotel Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. After several emails asking for an update I was told that it could be up to 28 DAYS to even get a reply to what was a very simple request - Just tell us the breakdown in costs from the hotel, flights, and transfers so we can make a full complaint specifically claiming back the hotel proportion of the holiday costs. But no. Nothing as yet. But be warned Hays Travel, I am not going to be letting this one go!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

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