HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Humira/flu and pneumonia shots

Support Forums
>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/5/2008 11:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I've been on Humira for a couple of months now and seen some significant improvement.  I know that this drug weakens the immune system and makes me more vulnerable to pneumonia, flu etc.  

I get a flu shot every year but have never had the pneumonia shot.   Just wondering if I should consider getting both this year.    Also has anyone gotten these shots and had reactions now that they're on Humira, Enbrel, Etc?

thanks

Alicat

Posted 10/5/2008 4:57 PM (GMT 0)

I've heard a mix responses on that.

I recently read that on Arava (a med I just stopped) flu shots are not advised. I had one a few years ago, I was only on Plaquenil at the time, and I came down with a horrific flu and ear infection 9 days later. The doc said, I had to have been infected before the shot if I got sick that soon after it.

Who knows.

****

Posted 10/6/2008 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Since I haven't had the flu in many years, I don't get a flu shot. I did however, get a pneumonia shot 3 years ago and have only had 1 cold in all that time. I was prone to severe sinus infections as well and knock wood, haven't suffered from one of those either since the P shot. The only thing those of us on biologics must avoid are the "live" flu shots/mists. Those are absolutely a no-no. Talk to your rheumy and PCP, but I would think both shots would be fine.
Posted 10/6/2008 9:38 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks for your input CaMama and Starnr.   I have an apt. with my primary the beginning of the month and will see about getting the pneumonia shot then.  Have been getting flu shots for years so unless he tells me different guess I'll continue.  Hopefully we won't have a bad Winter for illnesses.  Just going to try to be more careful about germs now that I'm on the Humira, but I guess we can't put ourselves in a bubble.

Have a great day! :-)

Alicat

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply