Crohn's flare after flu shot??

Hi,

Per the recommendation of my GI doc, I just got the flu shot (regular one) on 9/17.  I seem to be experiencing a Crohn's flare.  I know this could just be a coincidence.

Have any of you experienced a flare after getting a flu shot?

I've read that people with autoimmune conditions can have problems with vaccinations. Personally, the only one I've ever reacted to was the MMR (had the worst joint pain ever in my knees and ankles).

I refused one for this reason. I know most people don't agree with me. But, if we have over active immune systems, just about anything can be seen as invader and have our body start destroying itself right? Any vaccine would certainly also be an "invader" to our bodies. I am in remission and just started a new job and frankly, don't want to take the chance.

I've been getting the flu shot every year and have never had any problems and I am one of those that has problems with a lot of medications.  Fitzy, I don't understand how a flu shot could be any more of an "invader" than any of the medicines we take.  There is always a risk with any medications, but the doctors weight the benefits with the risks before advising us on what to take/get. Lisa, you are correct that the vaccines don't always protect against all of or the most common strains that turn up that year, but they do protect against the strains that they are anticipating and some protection is better than none, in my opinion.  But, this seems to be one of those topics that there will always be a lot of difference of opinion on, as with any vaccines and the big controversy as to whether kids should get them, etc.     

Guys, I will repeat the flu shot is NOT a live virus. You cannot catch the flu from the shot. Personally for me, I have been getting them for the past 10 years, and have not gotten the flu once. Good luck!

 UPDATE---

Hi all!

I've come to the conclusion since my original post that the flu shot did NOT put me into a flare.  My "flare" symptoms have been quite mild, and quite frankly I think the timing of my symptoms was just a coincidence.  I think my sudden "D" was a reaction to some foods I was reintroducing post surgery.

I'm hoping that my post did not discourage anyone from getting the flu shot.  As a matter of fact, I REALLY think it's important to get the regular flu shot and the H1N1 (swine flu) shot.  Understand that prior to me going on Humira, I was never in favor of the flu vaccines (and did not get them), but since going on Humira (or any other immunosuppressant or immunomodulator) I've changed my mind. 

I have an absolutely wonderful GI doc, whom I trust wholeheartedly, and after a lengthy discussion about my aversion to getting the vaccinations, I am convinced that it's important to do so.  My GI is recommending them to ALL his patients on Humira.  He also feels strongly  enough about the H1N1 shot that he's even going to give one to his wife and his daughter.  He feels pretty strongly that the swine flu is going to be bad this winter.  I trust my doctor, so will do what needs to be done.

Thanks for all of your comments and insight.

I don't mean to sound alarmist, but H1N1 is going to be very widespread this year.  It isn't getting the same kind of press as last year, but one of my company's hospitals is overflowing with H1N1 and is now doing outdoor triage as the ER can't handle it all.  My son's college has 200+ students in quarantine for H1N1 (not a word about that one on the news!)  I would suggest getting the vaccination when available.

Blitz, what states?

It has to be a conincidence; the only reaction you can get from an inactivated vaccine is muscle soreness where they poked ya!

I just got my flu shot this past Tuesday, and will be getting the H1N1 when it becomes available. I feel its better to be safe than sorry! I also just got a pneumonia shot. I have never had any side effects at all other than a brief sore arm.

The first vaccines coming out are the mist. The mist is a live virus, so we should not get that. But....the shot is NOT a live virus, so it is okay for us. And for the Thimersol worried folks, you can ask for the shots without it.

After my diagnosis I stopped getting the flu shot or any other shot for that matter. The only shot I've received was the TB test, and that was solely so I could get on Remicade! Since being diagnosed I have never gotten the flu. When I start feeling ill I just juice lots and lots of ginger!

I will not get the H1N1 vaccine because, in my opinion, it is way too new and hasn't been tested long enough to see what long term side effects could take place. This is solely my opinion, but just thought I'd share!! =)

According to the CDC and WHO the H1N1 vaccine will be made in the same way and at the SAME facilities as the regular seasonal flu vaccine. This is not some new medicine we are talking about. This is just a new strain of flu. We are not talking about weird science.