Flu shot

[Guest guest]

[This message contained attachments]

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/1/99 5:51:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

janet.battcock@... writes:

<< I have an appointment

on Monday, >>

Janet...sounds like you need to see a doctor right away. PLease let us know

what is happening with you...we care.

Annette ))

[Guest guest]

<< Just wanted to know if anyone has gotten their yearly flu shot yet? >>

I've never had a flu shot. I was going to bring it up with my RD at my next

visit, as I understand getting one is probably a good idea since I'm on MTX.

I'm sorry to hear you had such a bad experience!

Patty

[Guest guest]

Angera,

Are you on methotrexate? I've been told not to get a flu shot while on

this drug. So I don't, and I usually get at least a yearly dose of

bronchitis, and sometimes pneumonia with it.

Sure hope you're feeling better.

Marsha

[Guest guest]

Janet...I just got back from my follow-up visit with my Rheumy and she

told me that she was laid up in bed last week for 3 days after taking

the flu shot (she still didn't look good). She also said that this was

the first year she had gotten a reaction from the shot.

Lyn... I was surprised that the vaccine was out already also. That is

why I took it so early. I thought I would just take it and get it over

with. If I am not mistaken, if you are allergic to eggs you should not

take it. Who know? Could be you are right, and I am allergic to

whatever is in it this year?

le...I got the shot on Thurs. 9/23 and on Friday 9/24 in the

afternoon I felt horrible. It just hit me. My Rheumy gave me

antibiotics and I am starting to feel a little better today. At least I

feel like sitting up and not laying in bed all day.

Marsha...My Rheumy told me to skip my doses of Meth. the week of the

shot. And I did. She just told me today not to take it again this week

and to give myself one more week of getting over this. Still have a bad

cough.

Everytime I get sick with something I am told to go off the Meth. until

I am better.

Angera

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol, I have been advised to ALWAYS run, not walk and get my flu shot.

I don't miss it. I am not wanting this stuff in my lungs. Good luck!

SurfcityCL@... wrote:

>

> Does anyone know if it is good to have a flu shot if you have R.A.?

>

> I have had one for the past 3 years and it kept me well. However, I have

> heard that people with R.A. should not get them.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Carol

>

> To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

[Guest guest]

> Does anyone know if it is good to have a flu shot if you have R.A.?

>

> I have had one for the past 3 years and it kept me well. However,

I

have

> heard that people with R.A. should not get them.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Carol

I have been getting them the last eight years and they help prevent

my

getting flu that goes into my lungs and gets bad infection going not

to mention laying around aching terribly for weeks. My doctor

recommends that i get two a year because of my asthma. Incidently

this

is my third year on AP and my chronic stuffed nose has cleared up and

my asthma this year has been negligable and this with a terrible

allergy year. Ive gone from being so bad i was on oxygen and used

inhalers or nebulizer every four hours on the dot to hardly using it

at all this summer. Once in a while at night i will have to use it

now.

[Guest guest]

goldberg told us we could have the shots as well as my son blake

flu shot

What is the official line on flu shots for kids or family members, does

anyone know??

[Guest guest]

It's also true that this year's bugs are particularly bad ones. The

likelihood of some flu like symptoms for anyone is quite good and if

your immune system is off, it's not too pleasant. Good decision to get

it though... if the shot can do this, imagine what the full blown

version would do.

[ ] Flu Shot

Hi Everyone,

Friday I got my flu shot, checked with my Dr first, etc. I have never

had

any trouble with taking the shot, I usually get a little sick, but

nothing

major. We this year is was awful.

[Guest guest]

Carol, I had the flu shot while on MTX and found the shot to be no worse than

in previous years. In fact, the morning after the shot, I was up at 4am to

catch a flight to Canada, conduct a round of business and take a 7pm flight

back home. My left arm was tender, but other than that, I had no reaction.

My rheumy is the one who administered the shot. He said that not only would

the MTX not interfere with the shot, but because the MTX had compromised the

immune system, getting the flu shot was absolutely vital.

Sorry to hear you had such an awful reaction. Hope you are feeling better

soon.

Regards,

Kathy

> Friday I got my flu shot, checked with my Dr first, etc. I have never had

> any trouble with taking the shot, I usually get a little sick, but nothing

> major. We this year is was awful.

[Guest guest]

I am on Enbrel & prednisone & got my flu shot a few weeks ago. Other than a

sore arm for a few days I have had no problem. Peggy B.

[Guest guest]

Hi, all,

I had my flu shot over a week ago. I called my rheumy

and asked about getting in (I was on a short course of

high-dose prednisone), and she said to go ahead.

Well, I was sooooo sick last week that I could hardly

work. The pain was unbelievable and all I wanted to

do was sleep. Fortunately, it's starting to wear off

now, but it was the worst reaction I've ever had.

Sam

--- Dandcmayer@... wrote:

<HR>

<html><body>

<tt>

Hi Everyone,<BR>

Friday I got my flu shot, checked with my Dr first,

etc. & nbsp; I have never had <BR>

any trouble with taking the shot, I usually get a

little sick, but nothing <BR>

major. & nbsp; We this year is was awful. & nbsp; I am new

to taking Mtx, Prednisone, etc. <BR>

so I didn't ask if the shot would interfere with

anything. & nbsp; I know, dead <BR>

virus and all. & nbsp; Well, by Sunday I was actually

crying, every move I made with <BR>

my hands and feet were unbelieveably painful. & nbsp;

Worse than when they thought <BR>

they were going to have to cut off my toe! & nbsp;

Called my Dr & nbsp; he said I could <BR>

take Ultram in between 4 hour dosages of Lortabs (

still doesn't completey <BR>

stop the pain, but lets me cope). & nbsp; If it

continues for 1 more day I am to see <BR>

him immediately. & nbsp; <BR>

<BR>

I am guessing, that the Mtx stops the immune response

and the flu shot caused <BR>

an immune response, so they cancelled each

other. & nbsp; I'm no Dr. just a guess. & nbsp; <BR>

<BR>

Has anyone else had this reaction?<BR>

<BR>

Gentle Hugs & amp; Prayers<BR>

Carol<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

[Non-text portions of this message have been

removed]<BR>

<BR>

<BR>

</tt>

<br>

<tt>

Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's

informational web page at:<BR>

<a

href= " http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ " >http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/</a>

-- created and edited by list member

aka(raharris@...). <BR>

<BR>

In August 2001 list member Jack

aka(Cornishpro@...) began to conduct extensive

research which he publishes as the Psoriatic Arthritic

Research Newsletter monthly in our emails and digest

format. Many thanks to Jack. Back issues of the

newsletter are stored on our PA webpage. <BR>

<BR>

Also remember that the list archives comprise a

tremendous amount of information (Over two years of

messages and answers).Feel free to browse them at your

convenience.<BR>

<BR>

Let's hear from some of you lurkers out there! If you

have a comment or question chances are there is a

person who has been around a while who can help you

out with an educated guess for an answer. If not we

can at least steer you in the right direction with a

good website to go to for the answers. <BR>

<BR>

Blessings and Peace, <BR>

<BR>

Atwood-Stack, Founder<BR>

Alan , Web & amp; List Editor<BR>

Jack , Newsletter Editor<BR>

Pat Bias, List Editor<BR>

Ron Dotson, List Editor<BR>

and many others who help moderate (thank you!)<BR>

</tt>

<br>

<br>

<tt>

[Guest guest]

Carol, I had my flu shot on November 3rd. I am also on MTX, 20 mg a day for

the past 3 years. I have had my flu shot every year like clockwork and have

never had that kind of reaction before, just a few minor chills for about a

day. Are you allergic to eggs, by chance? Because if you are, the shot can

cause an allergic reaction.

But then, you said you get the shot every year, so I guess I answered my own

question.

Carol in Vancouver, WA USA

(Dandcymayer@... on 11/12/02 at 8:43 p.m. wrote:)

I am guessing, that the Mtx stops the immune response and the flu shot caused

an immune response, so they cancelled each other.  I'm no Dr. just a guess. 

Has anyone else had this reaction?

[Guest guest]

My two cents on the flu shot issue. Got the flu 3 years ago - god awful.

Got the flu shot every fall for the last 2 years... no reaction other than

sore arm (swollen, warm for a couple of days) and knock wood - no flu..

feels like a darn good trade to me and I work in a hospital... in Infectious

Disease Clinic no less, everybody coughs in my general direction! I vote -

get the shot, although I'm not sure if prednisone changes that answer any...

that drug knocks my immune system way down. Good Luck

[Guest guest]

I have had no problems with the last two years of flu shots as that is the

length of time I have been on Enbrel & prednisone. I am scheduled for my next

shot in a week. I'll let you know. Peggy B.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/14/2003 9:04:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

junie111moon@... writes:

I had a flu shot last year and was achey for a week and really felt like the

flare was brought on by the shot

Im on enbrel now and was told I cant get a flu shot

June

Really? My PCP told me to get one.

Smile,

Becky

[Ed. Note: I'm on Humira and my rheumy gives me a flu shot in her own office

every year. Ron]

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/14/2003 6:04:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

junie111moon@... writes:

> Im on enbrel now and was told I cant get a flu shot

NO NO NO NO NO!!!! If you are on enbrel you MUST have a flu shot!!! Your

immunities are being suppressed by enbrel, so you are not only much more likely

to GET the flu, but you are also more likely to have trouble fighting it off.

PLEASE PLEASE - talk to your rheumy and PCP about getting a shot - It is

essential.

By the way, this conversation comes up every season - according to every M.D. I

talk to flu shots (and a pneumonia shot if you've never had one) are MANDATORY

for anyone with a compromised immune system - which means US!

[Guest guest]

I called enbrel and they said that as long as the virus is dead

their studies showed it was okay

Do not use the nasal type because it is live

I also spent a while on the phone with my doctor and he really feels

I should not get it because he feels it lowers the effectivness of

the drugs Im on and I will get sick

I did last year and the more I do remember I was in a flare and had

a bad cold after. I was ona arava,asulfadine,minocin,etc then

Im now on all with enbrel added and asulfaine taken out

I really trust me doctor because he is really present and there for

me as an individual. I know he has his reasons and I trust his

knowledge of me and my disease(Ive been seeing him for 5 years)

I did want to not scare off anyone that may actually benefit and

doctor has told him or her to get a shot

I would also like to add him to the list of doctors

He is really sensitive to pain and also works alot with fibromyalgia

patients.

June

Dr Allegra, Rheumatoligist

282 Broad Street

Red Bank NJ 07740

732-842-3600

and

115 Street

Hazlet, NJ 07730

732 739-1400

[Ed. Note: Dr Allegra has been added to the " Recommended Doctors " list

per your request June. Thank you for the recommendation. Ron]

> In a message dated 10/14/2003 6:04:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

junie111moon@y... writes:

>

> > Im on enbrel now and was told I cant get a flu shot

>

> NO NO NO NO NO!!!! If you are on enbrel you MUST have a flu

shot!!! Your immunities are being suppressed by enbrel, so you are

not only much more likely to GET the flu, but you are also more

likely to have trouble fighting it off.

> PLEASE PLEASE - talk to your rheumy and PCP about getting a shot -

It is essential.

>

> By the way, this conversation comes up every season - according to

every M.D. I talk to flu shots (and a pneumonia shot if you've never

had one) are MANDATORY for anyone with a compromised immune system -

which means US!

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/15/2003 1:31:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

janekarsten@... writes:

Just wanted to say that I was talked into having a flu

shot once and was very sick for weeks afterward with

bronchitis, sinusitis, and ear infections so bad that

one ear drum burst. Personally, I pass on the shot and

take my chances. Jane

The reason people think the flu shot makes them sick is that a flu shot will

cause any bugs (viruses) already incubating in your system to come out and

cause trouble. The Flu vaccine itself isn't making you sick, it's a bug you're

already incubating being triggered a little faster by the flu shot setting off

your immune system.

Smile,

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am on Remicade,had a flu shot ,and got a reaction for the first

time ever. Unfortunately I also started an antibiotic so I may never

know which caused the reaction. It is my understanding that those

of us taking the biologics are to avoid LIVE vaccines and the flu

shot does not fall into this category.- My reaction was not fun but

was still better than a bad case of the flu.

Marti

-- In , OXBastetXO@a... wrote:

> In a message dated 10/14/2003 9:04:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> junie111moon@y... writes:

> I had a flu shot last year and was achey for a week and really felt

like the

> flare was brought on by the shot

> Im on enbrel now and was told I cant get a flu shot

> June

> Really? My PCP told me to get one.

>

> Smile,

> Becky

>

>

> [Ed. Note: I'm on Humira and my rheumy gives me a flu shot in her

own office every year. Ron]

[Guest guest]

I'll weigh in on this, too. My PCP and rheumatologist are adamant about my

getting an annual flu shot.

Kathy

By the way, this conversation comes up every season - according to every M.D. I

talk to flu shots (and a pneumonia shot if you've never had one) are MANDATORY

for anyone with a compromised immune system - which means US!

[Editor's Note: Go get'em, !! Absolutely Right! There were some vaccines

once upon a time--I think they were the live virus-type (maybe someone knows,

and can comment)--that caused some problems, but that was decades (?) ago. My

doc makes sure I get one every fall.

D.]

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/15/2003 2:30:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

junie111moon@... writes:

> He did specifically say that I would get sick after I got

> it

The flu vaccine is a dead virus, meaning that no one should get sick after

taking it - the vaccine can't cause you to get the flu. Would you ask your

doctor why he said you would get sick? I'd be really interested in knowing his

theory.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone,

I am new here and have quietly been reading the posts. I have

recently been diagnosed with PA (both feet and ankles, knee, hip and

shoulder) and have been on MTX for a few months. It is still a bit

early to tell if MTX is working. My rheumy figures I have has it for

3-4 years.

I have decided not to get the flu shot for the following reason. All

the medications that we receive for PA depress the immune system.

When you get the flu shot, your body elicits a response by the

immune system that produces agents (antibodies) that fight off the

influenza virus that causes the flu. Since the immune response is

depressed by our arthritis medications, there is a good chance that

you will not get complete protection by the flu shot and still come

down with influenza (the flu). I would rather take the risk of

getting the flu rather than having additional pain. I have enough of

that already.

My post is not intended to influence anyones decision to get the

shot. Please follow the instructions of your doctor. I just wanted

to share my point of view. I wish everyone the best of luck.

Louis

[Ed. Note: Welcome out of lurk mode, Louis. Your ID of " ScientistLouis "

implies that you might be involved in the scientific field in some capacity. If

so, I'd be very interested to hear more about what field of scientific endeavor

you're involved in. Regards, Ron]

[Guest guest]

mandatory here too... no exceptions... I had the flu and pneumovax

Re: [ ] Flu shot

> I'll weigh in on this, too. My PCP and rheumatologist are adamant about

my getting an annual flu shot.

>

> Kathy

>

> By the way, this conversation comes up every season - according to every

M.D. I talk to flu shots (and a pneumonia shot if you've never had one) are

MANDATORY for anyone with a compromised immune system - which means US!

>

>

> [Editor's Note: Go get'em, !! Absolutely Right! There were some

vaccines once upon a time--I think they were the live virus-type (maybe

someone knows, and can comment)--that caused some problems, but that was

decades (?) ago. My doc makes sure I get one every fall.

> D.]

>

>

>

> Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at:

> http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ -- created and edited by list member

aka(raharris@...).

>

> Also,in August 2001,list member Jack aka Cornishpro@... began

to conduct extensive research which he publishes as the " Psoriatic Arthritis

Research Newsletter " , monthly in our email and digest format. Many thanks to

Jack. Back issues of the newsletter are stored on our PA webpage as well as

the archives of the list.

>

> Don't forget that the list archives comprise a tremendous amount of

information (Over three years of messages and answers).Feel free to browse

them at your convenience.

>

> LET'S HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU LURKERS out there! If you have a comment or

question, chances are there is a person who has been around a while who can

help you out with AT LEAST an educated guess for an answer! If not,we can

steer you in the right direction with a good website to go to,

>

> Blessings and Peace,

>

> Atwood-Stack, Founder

> Alan , Web & List Editor

> Jack , Newsletter Editor

> Pat Bias, List Editor

> Ron Dotson, List Editor

> Orin, List Editor

> , List Editor

> and any others who help in any way (thank you!)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

got mine today...enbrel user

[ ] flu shot

>

> Hi,

>

> Does anyone have advice or experience with flu immunization while on

> DMARDS like MTX, Enbrel, Humira, etc...? Will you be getting your

> flu shot this year?

>

> Thanks,

> Doug

>

>

>

>

> Please visit our Psoriatic Arthritis Group's informational web page at:

> http://www.wpunj.edu/pa/ -- created and edited by list member

aka(raharris@...).

>

> Also,in August 2001,list member Jack aka Cornishpro@... began

to conduct extensive research which he publishes as the " Psoriatic Arthritis

Research Newsletter " , monthly in our email and digest format. Many thanks to

Jack. Back issues of the newsletter are stored on our PA webpage as well as

the archives of the list.

>

> Don't forget that the list archives comprise a tremendous amount of

information (Over three years of messages and answers).Feel free to browse

them at your convenience.

>

> LET'S HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU LURKERS out there! If you have a comment or

question, chances are there is a person who has been around a while who can

help you out with AT LEAST an educated guess for an answer! If not,we can

steer you in the right direction with a good website to go to,

>

> Blessings and Peace,

>

> Atwood-Stack, Founder

> Alan , Web & List Editor

> Jack , Newsletter Editor

> Pat Bias, List Editor

> Ron Dotson, List Editor

> Orin, List Editor

> , List Editor

> and any others who help in any way (thank you!)

>

>

>