Flu shot

[Patricia Tuttle]

OK everyone, are you going to get the H1N1 flu shot? My Rheumy advised me not to. my primary thinks I should. Strange, since the rheumy tells me how compromised my immune system is from all the prednisone.
What direction are you getting from your Doctors?

[Kathy]

Hi Patricia!
Here is the same discussion on the Swine Flu shot with responses
http://lupusmctd.ning.com/forum/topics/do-you-plan-to-get-vaccinated

Hope this helps,
Kathy

[Maria]

Here's another blogger's take on the shot - she gives a pretty good source base to maybe get some information that'll help you and your doc to decide the best course. I've heard no live virus and not the spray for those of us with lupus.

As for me? I'm leaning towards not - I don't get the flu shot either, which goes against what my doctors recommend. I haven't seen my rheum and nephrologist, but I'm guessing they would play the 'safe rather than sorry' approach.

It's a tough call and I suppose I'm taking some risks, but I need to trust my gut instinct on this one. Messing with our immune systems is scary even when we're healthy!

Good luck with your decision - if you do get it, keep us informed on how you do with it please~

[Michelle Lambert]

I will be getting the SHOT, not the mist. I have a premie baby at home who has some lung issues and his pediatrition has told me that everyone in our house needs to get it to protect him. So my decision is made. I can't take a chance with his health.

Chelle

[Jessica M]

Hey everyone, I am definitely NOT going to get it. I have UCTD and I actually began to notice symptoms of my disease shortly after getting the Hep B vaccine. So I am a little bit skeptical of vaccines in general. I was also watching CNN, and saw an expert on infectious diseases saying that he has seen the H1N1 shot devistate people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia....

[Kyrie Stabler]

I've gotten the H1N1 flu shot, and everything seemed to go pretty well. No horrible side effects or anything.

I suggest getting it, just because it's a nasty flu to get. so. Hope this helps a little.

[Kathy]

I went to my Dr recently who was out of the flu shots. I asked him if I needed this H1N1 shot, his words were "I don't see a need for it"
So I asked him "Have you taken this shot" (Mind you he's 80 some years old)..
He said no, just the regular flu shot.

I reminded him it had not been tested on humans and not enough data is available.
He said as long as you practice good sanitary precautions there should be no problem.

I have hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE!
Great stuff to use after touching money, shopping carts, etc. WalMart seems to be a breeding ground for contaimination (by looking at the people who were coughing, sneezing, etc)
Good luck everyone, may none of us get any flu !!

[Bevi]

My doctor said to get the regular flu shot but not the H1N1 because it had live bacteria in it and with my immune system not working it could trigger the virus.

[Kasha Deese]

Hey Patricia,

I get the regular flu shot every year, but decided NOT to get the H1N1. My son got the vaccination because of his asthma so I figured I would most likely be safe. I really don't get sick anyways *knocking on wood* so I am hoping that the regular one will protect me during flu season. I would probably stick to what the rhuemy told you.