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Posted 9/19/2012 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
I got the flu shot on Monday while I was at my GI for a follow-up with all the pancreatitis and c. diff. drama of the last few months. Thankfully that's starting to clear up, but I'm wondering now if I should have gotten the vaccine. I've gotten it the last two years because I'm a teacher, so they strongly recommend we get it. But with our immune system problems I'm wondering if it even helps.

It's been two days and the injection site is still extremely tender and swollen up. It looks like a giant mosquito bite - it's about 1.5 inches in diameter. I'm not really all that concerned about it. But I also got a migraine Monday night and then again when I woke up this morning. I just feel crummy all around. I'm not sure if it's from the flu shot or something else.

Anyway, I wanted to see what your guys' opinions were on getting flu vaccines. Worth it?
Posted 9/19/2012 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
totally worth it. I have asthma so if I got the flu it would be very, very bad.

My 10 year old had a local reaction to her shot, sounds like yours. She got it in the thigh, and she had a warm, raised red area about the size of her hand for a day or two. Then it went away. She's allergic to a bunch of things, so I think it was just a reaction to something. I kind of want to close my eyes and put my fingers in my ears because if she has an egg allergy.....)*)#@($*.
Posted 9/19/2012 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi scifigal2k,

Seems as though you've had some side effects like the soreness at the injection site and the headaches. It is suggested to get the vaccination if one has a weakened immune system, chronic health problems and are being treated with steroids. Every year the flu virus mutates, the strains that go around one year aren’t necessarily around the next.
As an example, two of the three strains covered by this year’s vaccine, weren’t covered by last year’s vaccine.

Some may view it as a social responsibility (which may depend on your work environment). Most healthy people won't even know they're infected with an average year's strain of influenza. While you're having no symptoms, you can infect other people.

When I worked in the health care environment for 6 years, I received the vaccine.

Thimerosal and 2012-2013 Seasonal Flu Vaccines
www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/thimerosal.htm

Post Edited (Datawraith) : 9/19/2012 11:26:55 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/19/2012 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
darn that thimerosal. I'm allergic to it - no doubt that's what my daughter reacted to also. Thanks for posting that link Datawraith. Next time we get a shot at the pediatrician I will make sure it's a single-dose vial and not the multi-dose vial with thimerosal.
Posted 9/19/2012 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Most welcome kazbern, glad to help out. :-)
Posted 9/19/2012 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
getting my first flu shot ever this year. Missed it last year and boy did I get the flu! I will take the site reaction over that flu again.
I get the swelling and redness with almost any injection. I found that not wearing warm clothing over it imeediately - if possible - helps. I also put an ice pack on it. SInce I will be getting mine at my place of work, I am reserving the time at the end of the day in case I have any reaction and so I can have an ice pack on if needed.
Posted 9/19/2012 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
When I was on Remicade the infusion center would NOT give me the infusion without having a current flu-shot. Even in 2006 & 2007 when the Flu Vaccine was scarce I got one of their 75 total doses because they felt that it was needed.
Posted 9/19/2012 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
I do take the flu shot most years--I always take it on a Friday so I have the weekend to get over the reaction and yes I react every year and I am long time predisone user--It does protect against some of the flu strains that go around!!

Posted 9/20/2012 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Does getting the flu shot only reduce your chances of being infected with the flu? How about other bacterial infections such as getting a cold? I know us IBDers are sensitive to antibiotics so I want to reduce my chances of getting a bacterial infection which may require antibiotics.
Posted 9/20/2012 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Max,

When you receive the vaccine, it provides protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. The vaccine cause antibodies to develop in the body roughly two weeks after you receive the vaccination. Vaccines protect against the three influenza viruses most common during the upcoming season.

As far as colds, one habit I developed working in the health care industry was to wash my hands or use a hand sanitizer, often. After touching a keyboard for example that others use, I would make a conscience effort to not touch my face. Viruses can enter one's body through the nose, mouth or eyes. I'm far from a germaphobe, those a just a few good practices I picked up.

I hope that helps and hope you don't get a cold or the flu.

Post Edited (Datawraith) : 9/20/2012 1:34:22 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/21/2012 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the information Datawraith. :-)
Posted 9/21/2012 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
You're most welcome Max. :-)
Posted 9/27/2012 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
If you are pregnant or have an infant and want to get a flu shot, just to be on the safe side, you must specifically insist on getting the thimerosal-free single vial version. Otherwise you will probably get the mercury version.

This doctor believes that the mercury and aluminum in vaccines increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. FWIW since monitoring my blood levels of Vitamin D in the optimum range I had maybe one cold in the past 5 years.
www.naturalnews.com/037323_flu_vaccines_junk_science_toxicity.html
Posted 9/30/2012 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
I have never got the flu shot, and only had the flu one time when I was 16 or 17. My wife begs me every year to get one, but I just dont feel right about it since I have been fine without it.

Guess one day I'll be 'old' and need it, maybe I already do, ha!
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