Had 'real' influenza only once and the worst ailment I have ever suffered and I've had a few. I have to admit I was really ill and didn't leave bed for one week apart from toilet duties. Took me well over a month to feel anywhere better. Thing is I've never had a flu jab and even looking back on previous bad events I won't have one.
Before I retired, I was sick and tired with pathetic plebs calling in, taking 2/3 days off saying they'd had flu, this really pissed me off as they had never had 'real' flu. So easy to throw a sickie these days as the PC brigade have stopped employers saying to lackies ...ferk off you're not wanted.