Knowing that my loved ones have had their flu jab makes me feel more secure
Diven, 36, has interstitial lung disease and has been getting his flu jab every year since his diagnosis.
I started getting symptoms in August/September 2019 and was finally diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD) in December 2020 (the diagnosis took so long because of lockdown).
The flu jab protects me during the winter
I’ve had my flu jab for the past 2 years, since my diagnosis. When my first flu jab was offered to me, I thought it was a sensible offer to take up, as I’m immunosuppressed. Getting the flu jab helps me to protect myself during the winter months, when there are more viruses going around.
I’ve had my flu jab done at my local GP surgery each time and it’s always been quick and easy. I go in for my appointment and I’m in and out in 5 to 10 minutes.
Getting my flu jab helps me feel more secure
My family get their flu vaccine every year and my friends who have been offered theirs have got it done too.
If I was speaking to someone with a lung condition who was perhaps unsure about whether to get their flu vaccine, I’d definitely advise them to get it done. Speaking from experience, I feel more secure knowing that I’ve taken that step to protect myself.
I also feel more comfortable being around people who I know have had their flu jab, as they’re helping to protect me, as well as themselves. Knowing that my family and friends have had their flu jab makes me feel more secure.
Earlier this year. Grace , who is part of our Research + Innovation team, challenged herself to walk 100 miles in March to raise money for Asthma + Lung UK. After signing up, she had the surprising realisation that she was one of the one in five people in the UK who will be diagnosed with a lung condition in their lifetime. Here she tells us about her staggering diagnosis of tuberculosis and her fundraising journey.