Flu shot??

[Farmgal]

Newly diagnosed and not seen a rheumy yet,  just wondering if I should get a flu shot or if my immune system is compromised and this is not a good idea??  Planned to get one tomorrow when I am in town but now I am wondering. 

[Styx]

Get it.

Styx

[Piebird]

I would totally get the shot.

I had mine. If I get the flu it takes me down really hard and takes forever for me to get back on my feet!!!

[Ark mom]

Yup, I think it is worth getting the shot.  Those of us who take immunosuppressants, especially, fall into the higher risk group of suffering from complications.

[Daisy1234]

Farmgal:

While I can't strictly tell you what is best for you since I am not familiar with your medical issues and concerns, I can share my own experience which may provide some insight that you might find helpful.

I have severe primary and extraglandular Sjogrens and am currently in chemo treatment for Non hogkins lymphoma caused by Sjogren's.  All of my doctors and I have several, strongly advised me to get the flu shot this year. 

I received my flu shot in early November and other than having a bit of a sore shoulder for a day, I experienced no other complications.  To date, I have not had the flu thank goodness, but am very strict about washing my hands (and my hubby's) and I keep a bottle of Purell hand sanitizer with me at all times and use it liberally when I am out of the house.

Hope this may help,
Daisy

[mshistory]

I always get my flu shot; I'm on Imuran which suppresses the immune system and have chronic lung inflammation so I want to take every precaution I can to prevent getting the flu. I recently saw an article that claims the flu shot is only about 59% effective in preventing the flu, but I'll take any protection I can get!

[Farmgal]

Thanks all, you have confirmed what I thought but my hubby put a doubt in my mind and got me curious.  Would be nice to actually get to the specialist but still waiting (month) for an appt. call.

[Pisces24]

My immune system is very compromised. When I finished chemo for lymphoma, the oncologist gave me a flu shot.  Get the dead cells one though - not the live one.

[Nancy60]

Flumist is the live virus (nasal spray).

the Flu shot is dead virus.

the Flumist is not recommended for people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems.

Get the shot!

Nancy

[Violet4]

I have read that the flu shot is not recommended for those with AI disease.  I have only had one in my entire life and refuse to get any more.  Apparently I am very sensitive and have almost no tolerance for meds and other things so for me, the possible benefit is not worth the risk.

[Diane54]

Got mine and get one every year per my Rheumatologist!

[gurs]

I never get the flu, or the flu shots, and just got the darn bug..Im on alot of steriods so now Im concerned. But, I still dont think I will ever
get the shot...toooooo scared. Everytime I got a shot, it just sets my body off big time.....I have horrible reactions so I dont get it.
Maybe I will feel differently after 3-4 weeks of this flu though...a few of my friends never get it, and they got it last week and are fine.
It seems most people are doing ok with it? thank god!

Gursie

[Tinker]

I got my flu shot 2 days ago.  Had to go to 4 places to get it as everyone was out.  I ended up getting the intradermal shot as that's all they had at $36.99 at Walgreens.  It wasn't covered by my insurance...they would only cover the big shot at $25. 

It did sting going in but no big deal.  However, yesterday, I scratched my left arm cause it itched.  And that hurt!  So I took off my long sleeve top and discovered a big red lump (quarter-sized) and when I took off the bandaid, all the skin came off with it.  Forgot to take off the band-aid (my fault as I'm allergic to adhesive.  It is still red and itchy today.

Side note:  I got the swine flu 2 yrs ago....I don't go out much but I did go to wal-mart so I guess that is where I got it.
That was very difficult as I couldn't walk, and that's when I discovered I had a fever.  Saw the doc right away and she  dx'd me and gave me tamiflu and AB. 

If you get the the flu, get Tamiflu.  I only had to stay down for a couple of days but quarantined for about a week.  didn't feel great but felt so much better.  Gotta get tamiflu right away....don't wait more than a day to get it. 


FYI: cover your mouth and nose when getting in an elevator.  If somebody sneezes 15 min. b4 you even get in, the droplets are airborne for 15 min or longer and you can inhale them.  I NEVER knew that.  I do this now especailly when going to the doctor's office...everyone is sick.

I;m not on any steroids...just have SJS.

[gurs]

I have to say...not having a bug in many, many, years..this influenza is causing me the worst headaches ever!!! tripe that of my migraines.
Maybe I will get the flu shot next time??? ha!

Gursie