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Posted 1/6/2013 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I've never had the flu shot and my doctor wants me to get one this year. I switched school jobs and in closer contact with the students...and germs...this time around. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn's disease and on steroids, methotrexate, and orencia. It makes sense to get the flu shot. Although I am worried that there will be a reaction due to the other immune suppressant drugs I'm taking...or just the point that I have autoimmune diseases. My doctor assured me that I'll be fine. I just wondered if there are others who have had any experience with the vaccine: good and bad.
Thanks!
Posted 1/7/2013 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
I have autoimmune diseases too but my doctor insists on the flu shot, shingles shot, and pneumonia shot for me.
She told me it's a dead virus in the shot and it will not give you the flu. However it's full protection will not build up for 3 weeks. So if you come across someone during that time you risk catching it. That's why I get it in mid- November every year.
I made the mistake of not getting the shingles shot and caught the shingles this year. OUCHY!
Posted 1/7/2013 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yup I have to get a flu shot too. You are actually less likely to have a reaction to the flu shot if you are on immune suppressents.
Posted 1/7/2013 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
My rheumy told my GP absolutely NO flu shot for me. He said he does not want to trigger my immune system in any way. I'm not sure if that's his take with all his patients or just me because in his mind I am in remission on no drugs.
Posted 1/8/2013 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies. With my job, it's probably best that I go for it...although nervous as I've read conflicting stories in my own research. I'm going to check with the nurse at the infusion center this week to see if I need to wait so many days after getting orencia, and also have my PCP office give it to me. That way they have record of it, and if I have any questions I can call the doctor!
Thanks again.
Posted 1/8/2013 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies. With my job, it's probably best that I go for it...although nervous as I've read conflicting stories in my own research. I'm going to check with the nurse at the infusion center this week to see if I need to wait so many days after getting orencia, and also have my PCP office give it to me. That way they have record of it, and if I have any questions I can call the doctor!
Thanks again.
Posted 1/11/2013 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
I had a flu shot several weeks ago. Yesterday I was diagnosed with influenza B,  which is a VERY nasty virus. The doctor prescribed TamiFlu due to my compromised immune system, but I still have 102 fever, cough, runny nose and headache. Blech

 

Posted 1/11/2013 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I get my flu shot every year. I heard that this a bad season for the flu.
Posted 1/11/2013 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have auto immune problems too and my drs insist on the flu, pneumonia, and spinal miningitis. I do not have a spleen and have to be careful.
Posted 1/11/2013 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
You probably will have a wait period for the Orencia, but in all I do suggest to get the flu shot. I have never had a reaction to the flu vaccine, however I have recently had reactions to the tdap vaccine which was pretty bad and I'm now on prednisone, benadryl and an antibotic and slowly getting better.
I also had a reaction to the pneumonia vaccine, so I cannot have these vaccines again, but I' ve never had a reaction to the flu shot/ vaccine. So I would say get the flu vaccine. Many well wishes and keep us posted. Your RA Doctor should know if there is a waiting period.
Posted 1/11/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
I've had the flu shot for the last nine years at my Rheumy's recommendation. My last one in Oct/2012. I thought I might have had the flu in Aug. but it turned out to be food poisoning instead from a restaurant we lunched at on our way home.

The Nurse giving the vaccine says that it only affects one part of the immune system. My Son and I, have had no side effects from the flu vaccinations. My Hubby and Daughter both get a sore arm muscle and flu-like symptoms for a couple days. But they do not get the flu. The flu shot does not work for 2 weeks, so if a Person is in contact with someone with the flu virus within those 2 weeks, they could become sick. I heard Dr. Gupta(great guy :) ) saying that the flu virus symptoms take about 2 weeks to show itself. (Not his exact words.) I didn't know that.

Since you are around children so often Psalm, I think it is wise for you to get the flu shot. I try to stay away from People during the flu season, as much as possible. Sometimes like now when the virus is rampant, I usually wear a N-95 mask when around People and wash my hands frequently and use the hand sanitizer in the buildings.

I was contemplating getting the Pneumonia vaccination also but haven't yet.

Good Luck and have fun at your job with the Kids. :)
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