Flu shots

[Guest guest]

Hi

I have had the flu shots for the past 3 years and also had the pneumoncocol

one as well (last year). They didn't make any difference with my RA and

especially last yr, I was exposed to a lot a flu and didn't get anything.

For me they were a good idea.

Had a bit of a sire arm for a couple of days but that's all

Gwen

seg14 wrote:

What

do people think about flu shots? I know we discussed immunizations

in the past for diseases such as rubella, but what about the flu.

My family is scheduled for flu shots Friday and I'd like to get one, having

suffered w/ a terrible case last year. but don't want to do if it will

worsen RA significantly for more than a day! Has anyone read anything

or had a flu shot. Thank you in advance. I know I can't research

this since the establishment thinks its fine and encourages it.

G.

To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

[Guest guest]

I have been mulling this over for some time. I read Mercola's site on the subject along with a couple of others.

In the end I have decided that my body has enough to deal with without introducing a manipulated virus into my system.

With my luck I'd catch a different strain anyway.

DonnaOttawa, CanadaScleroderma, Jan.95, AP Oct.97(My Story) http://www3.sympatico.ca/mousepotatoes )(Ottawa Support) http://www3.sympatico.ca/mousepotatoes/rbf.html

rheumatic Flu Shots

What do people think about flu shots? I know we discussed immunizations in the past for diseases such as rubella, but what about the flu. My family is scheduled for flu shots Friday and I'd like to get one, having suffered w/ a terrible case last year. but don't want to do if it will worsen RA significantly for more than a day! Has anyone read anything or had a flu shot. Thank you in advance. I know I can't research this since the establishment thinks its fine and encourages it.

G.To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

[Guest guest]

,

I always get flu shots. I never had trouble with it and have not gotten the

flu in years.

I have RA

Take care,

Ute

[Guest guest]

Liz, and all who answered, Thank You. I think I will go for the shot since

I had the flu three years ago and it was gruesome! I hated it. Didn't have

RA yet, and still felt like a rag for weeks! I am still glued to TV, so I

have been feeling achey as I always do when I have too many nights without

my beauty (ahem : ) LOL ) sleep..

G.

Re: rheumatic Flu Shots

>

> <<What do people think about flu shots? >>

>

> I'm getting one, just as soon as my doc gets them in. Our pediatrician

has

> them already, I think, but my doctor did not get his yet.

> What I went through last year with the flu was worse than the RA, and

made

> the RA worse in turn. JMHO.

> Liz G. (glued to the election results also but on the internet as well,

> LOL)

>

>

>

> To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/11/00 1:20:38 PM Pacific Standard Time,

nneW5@... writes:

<< Based on the all the things I had read, I was under the assumption that,

being on prednisone, I was at more of a risk in being exposed to things. >>

My understanding (not as a medical professional) is that Imuran and its ilk

increase one's susceptibility to infection, rather than Prednisone. I could

be wrong. I don't remember what your illness is, but I'd certainly push for

the vaccine as a high-risk candidate if, indeed, you are.

Harper

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/11/00 2:41:53 PM Pacific Standard Time, gefox@...

writes:

<< nne..... prednisone is an immunosuppresant >>

ah, yes, I knew that, I knew that, forgot it. That's one of the side effects

of prednisone for me -- forgetfulness. I apologize for my earlier statement

that Imuran, not Prednisone, was the agent that made us susceptible.

nne, I hope you will FIGHT to get that flu vaccine. Again, your doctor,

your HMO, may well have a stash of the vaccine reserved for people just like

you. But you may have to ask, insistently. Good luck.

Harper

[Guest guest]

nne..... prednisone is an immunosuppresant and by definition would

put one at greater risk to catch bugs..n`est pas ?? I do know it lowers

your resistance.... it makes infections of any type harder to treat...

one should avoid conact with those who have or have been exposed to

measles or chicken pox.... one should not occupy the same house as

someone who has been innoculated with live polio vaccine.....etc.

My transplant team at Cleveland Clinic advised me.. no.. make that

insisted..

get a flu shot.... as did my gastro......my oncologist and my family

doctor. Wgile I`m sure it`s advisibleto check withone`s own doctor

before hand .... i`m sure any that ar on immunos are at greater risk

than the general public...... the flu shot is made of DEAD virus and

poses no threat... it works by alerting the body to the presence of

foreign cells (the flu cells) triggering the growth of anti-bodies to

identify and fight that particular invader off. sometimes one doesn`t

have to be a doctor to use some common sense... I received a flu shot (

depite shortages) in Oct. along with a pneumonia shot ..... because I

along with any other immunosupressed persons was designated as being at

higher risk than the general public..

Jerry

[Guest guest]

nne,

I never get any info from my docs either. Everything I do know is from this

group and my own research. I had heard I think when I wasn't supposed to that

the docs don't want to tell their patients any more than they need or want to

in fear of giving to much info that will cause a patient to ad-lib on their

illnesses they think it will make us worse. I think that is wrong, I want as

much information as I can get. Yes, there are so many side effects from all

the drugs. Why do the docs think it is so difficult to admit it? My

transplant doctors yell at me every time I go in about my weight the one doc

I don't get along with was so mean my last visit. Accused me of not taking

care of myself. Stupid fool I take all my meds make all my lab appointments.

And by now the docs should also realize that most of us have computers and

will find out anyway. That way I can innocently contradict my docs to see

what answer I get then I tell them. They hate it.

gayle/trans.6-99

galye@... ^OO^

[Guest guest]

Hi Jerry, isn't this crazy? Jodi's Hep said exactly the opposite, no flu

shot yes pneumonia shot. the transplant coordinator said the same

thing. Don't know what to make of it all. Genny

[Guest guest]

My hep has told me for the last two years a definite YES to get the flu shots.

Also, since I work on a university campus he has instructed me to get the

meningitis innoculation as it is rampant across the country on college campuses.

Sylvia -Las Vegas, NV - AIH

[Guest guest]

A doctor from Australia just posted some documentation on another list

that a person who has 5 flu shots in 5 years has a more than 100%

increased chance of getting Alzheimers. I'm aware that lots get

ALS(Lou Gehrig's Disease) immediately after flu shots.

Bernie

[Guest guest]

I want to know about that too, also, his pediatrician is saying he should get

the pneumovax because of the depressed immune system with all the meds - and

that scares me too.

Robs Mom

[Guest guest]

Thanks for responding . Abbie already had the systemic jra, but it only

took 2 days to go from being fine to be in full flare. Anyone else have any

experience with this?

Christy

[Guest guest]

Four days after n got her flu shot, she developed systemic JRA. The

ped. rheumy advised us never to get her a flu shot again. -mom to

n age 12

>From: gazelle34@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: flu shots

>Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 15:59:00 EDT

>

>Has anyone had an experience with flaring after a flu vaccination? We went

>through a severe flare with Abbie following hers last fall. Naturally we

>are

>dreading a recurrence. She has an appointment next week with her ped rheumy

>and I am thinking of asking if she really needs the shot. Is this something

>that most of your kids are given? Feedback would be appreciated.

>

>Christy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

i was dxd with sys jra at 5, right after i started school which means right

after i got my school vaccinations. i never thought of there being any

coincidence. i do however get flu shots, and i have had no flaring

afterwards.

Respectfully,

E. Hendricks

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[Guest guest]

Re: flu shots

I want to know about that too, also, his pediatrician is saying he should get

the pneumovax because of the depressed immune system with all the meds - and

that scares me too.

Robs Mom

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[Guest guest]

So far, Meghann has had no flaring after a flu shot; and we almost do the

flu shot religiously. (missed one year). We would have gotten the chicken

pox shot if it had been available...she had a terrible time with them even

tho she was given aclovir at the first blister(pox).

She hasn't had the flu, so this has been a good thing.

Sharon and Meghann

JRA and PRS

flu shots

> Has anyone had an experience with flaring after a flu vaccination? We went

> through a severe flare with Abbie following hers last fall. Naturally we

are

> dreading a recurrence. She has an appointment next week with her ped

rheumy

> and I am thinking of asking if she really needs the shot. Is this

something

> that most of your kids are given? Feedback would be appreciated.

>

> Christy

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I never take them and I never will. Don't get the flu either.

Rusty Limbs

On Wed, 05 Sep 2001 15:42:23 -0700 " W and C Price " <immasche@...>

writes:

> Four days after n got her flu shot, she developed systemic JRA.

> The

> ped. rheumy advised us never to get her a flu shot again. -mom

> to

> n age 12

>

>

> >From: gazelle34@...

> >Reply-

> >

> >Subject: flu shots

> >Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 15:59:00 EDT

> >

> >Has anyone had an experience with flaring after a flu vaccination?

> We went

> >through a severe flare with Abbie following hers last fall.

> Naturally we

> >are

> >dreading a recurrence. She has an appointment next week with her

> ped rheumy

> >and I am thinking of asking if she really needs the shot. Is this

> something

> >that most of your kids are given? Feedback would be appreciated.

> >

> >Christy

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Yes, two years ago, I had Mickey vaccinated for the flu in November, as per

dr/s recommendation and within a few weeks she flared so badly they

hospitalized her for 3 days. It took forever after that for her to start

feeling good again. So despite their strong recommendations last year, I

declined to do it again. Our ped. rheum. strongly recommends it and though I

pointed out the " coincidence " (not) of shot and flare the previous year, he

said that because of her compromised immune system, she really SHOULD have

the flu vaccine. I still said no. And she was fine. Had a bout of flu, but

less severely affected than the rest of us who caught it.... go figure! And

it was a NASTY flu.

Lynn, mom to Mickey, 7, systemic jra

From: gazelle34@...

Reply-

Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 15:59:00 EDT

Subject: flu shots

Has anyone had an experience with flaring after a flu vaccination? We went

through a severe flare with Abbie following hers last fall. Naturally we are

dreading a recurrence. She has an appointment next week with her ped rheumy

and I am thinking of asking if she really needs the shot. Is this something

that most of your kids are given? Feedback would be appreciated.

Christy

[Guest guest]

Christy-

You'll hear very different opinions on this subject. We've discussed this

issue in the group previously. Lots of parents say their kids have

experienced flares after a flu shot or immunization. Even if the virus is

inactive, whatever they use to inactivate it (I believe someone mentioned

formaldahyde) might trigger something. On the other hand, getting the flu

could also trigger a flare. I was very conflicted about what to do about

this last flu season. 's rheumy didn't seem to think the shot would

cause a problem, but didn't feel it was necessary. Apparently his policy is

that if a child is taking an immunosuppressive drug like methotextrate, a flu

shot is a good idea. Otherwise not necessary. Some parents will tell you

they'd never get their child a flu shot because they always flare after one.

In short, I don't know the answer. But if your child flared with the last

one, I'd be hestitant to try it again.

Diane

[Guest guest]

At this point, I wouldn't give them anything. had a chicken pox shot

right before all this started and I am beginning to think that is what

activated this whole thing. They told us a virus caused it and chicken pox

is a live virus.

Pat

[Guest guest]

It sure seems a coincidence that alot of kids get this disease right after

all their shots. My brother pointed out that all vaccinations have a

potential risk involved and maybe some kids are just not so lucky.

Pat

[Guest guest]

Thanks Diane,

I guess you are confirming what I really know in my heart. Children's

reactions are all different and I need to follow my instincts with Abbie.

Thanks again,

Christy

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Year before last, Josh was at Shriner's for about a week. All the

children had to line up to be given a flu shot ... as the nurses said

they couldn't risk an outbreak on the ward. That was their routine.

Well, was the only child who they had orders not to give the shot

to. He was in the midst of a flare at the time but even apart from that,

his doctors have never suggested giving him one. Then again, neither my

daughter nor myself has ever had one either.

If someone were to suggest it, I'd ask about the pros and cons first. At

this point I don't think any of us will be getting one, though. Do the

benefits outweigh the possible risks? I'm not sure. I've heard from

those who said they wouldn't go a season without getting one, just in

case, and others who said they'd never get another one ~ no matter what.

I'm not sure what to think.

Take Care,

Georgina

faces1999@... wrote:

>

> Hi Christy...shame on me I know but I have not had flu vaccines for 12 years

> now. At age 23 when my health was actually ok I decided it inmy best interest

> to have a vacine and woe and behold I was sicker than ever and left with a

> major flare! I am sure it may have been coincidence but due to the " me never

> foregtting " I have not had one since. I guess I should re consider and take

> them again..tho..Anyone else have advise on this issue..Donna

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Josh had all of his vaccinations prior to beginning pre-school. He

didn't have any bad reactions to them. His first year of school was

uneventful. During his second year of school, kindergarten, his sister

got the chicken pox. Then it was my turn. Next came Josh. We all

recovered. I was thinking well, it's a good thing they both were exposed

as young children, since it seemed to be lots harder on me than it was

for them. I was glad they had gotten it over with.

Shortly afterwards was when Josh first got symptoms of systemic JRA. Of

course, in the back of my mind, I still believe there was some

connection. Until they can prove otherwise, I probably always will think

there's a possibility that the JRA was somehow triggered by the chicken

pox episode. May never know for sure, though.

Take care,

Georgina

Hendricks wrote:

>

> i was dxd with sys jra at 5, right after i started school which means right

> after i got my school vaccinations. i never thought of there being any

> coincidence. i do however get flu shots, and i have had no flaring

> afterwards.

>

> Respectfully,

>

> E. Hendricks