Flu shot -- while on Remicade

I'm not on Remicade but I am on Azasan which also lowers the immune system and two days after getting my first ever flu shot I got a horrendous viral infection; it looked and felt like strep but the rapid strep culture came back negative so they weren't sure what it was- they treated it with amoxicillin and it went away in a few days anyway but I have a hard time believing it was just a coincidence. So, needless to say I'm never going to get a flu shot again.

    My GI doctor always suggests getting the flu shot.  However, every time I get it, I wind up with the flu anyway.  The last two years I avoided getting the flu shot....also didn't get the flu. 

If you are allergic to eggs, consult your doctor before getting a flu shot: Because the egg in which the virus was grown cannot be completely extracted, people with hypersensitivity to egg products may have to try other options to fight the flu. One rare reaction to the vaccine is the Guillain-Barr Syndrome, a severe paralytic illness that was particularly prevalent during the Swine flu vaccinations in 1976.

:)

I've just had a letter from the GP to ask me to go for one as I'm immunosuppressed.I haven't caught anything, not even a tiny cold since going onto Azathioprene 18 months ago. I am surrounded by sickies at work and still don't seem to catch anything going, so wondering if I should stay as I am, unprotected? What does anyone else think? History of ill health before UC diagnosis is zilch.

UC since 2005, aged 42 at diagnosis. 2 1/2 years mostly on prednisolone, phased out February 08. Now just 150mg Azathioprene and 750mg Mesalazine. Slow transit, no bleeding since June, but LOADS OF WIND!!!! OUCH!!!!!!

Windbag said...
I've just had a letter from the GP to ask me to go for one as I'm immunosuppressed.I haven't caught anything, not even a tiny cold since going onto Azathioprene 18 months ago. I am surrounded by sickies at work and still don't seem to catch anything going, so wondering if I should stay as I am, unprotected? What does anyone else think? History of ill health before UC diagnosis is zilch.

Even with the shot or the mist you can still be susceptable to the flu. Eat well, exercise, wash the hands, get a good nights sleep and keep the stress down. Still practice this stuff no matter what you choose.

Thanks all.  My son got his flu shot back in November, and so far so good.   He has had 3 Remicade infusions with no side affects....yet...

He did catch the cold that my husband had in January, and it lasted longer then usual with coughing and lots of mucus.

He is fianlly feeling his old self,  and over  that cold.  A lot of normal folks had this cold, and like my son, it lasted a long time for them too.  He is due for his next Remicade in March.  He has noticed a difference. He no longer has that urgency to go, and no pain or blood.  Just about 3 times in the morning and he is good for the day.  He is a happy guy now..     Take care.