HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Flu Shot

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 2
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/26/2008 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
I wasn't referring to you beartooth. I was referring to an earlier comment made about scare tactics.
Posted 11/15/2008 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone wondering about the flu shot. I am in the military and am "required" to get a wide variety of immunizations, which can be really tricky with our beloved disease. I am medical as well, and have found that all of the immunizations that I get that are not "live viruses" are ok, and do not cause me a flare. HOWEVER, I did take the "flu mist", which is the flu vaccine that is taken intranasally. Although the flu injection is not "live" the flumist is. I have been flaring terribly ever since. It hasn't been the normal flare either. All of my old tricks haven't worked. So my advice to you is to be very careful. I believe in protecting yourself, but always ask if it is a "live" virus you are being given.
Posted 11/15/2008 8:04 AM (GMT 0)
fuzypants....are you taking the Rowasa nightly at this time?

q
Posted 11/15/2008 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
     My GI doctor always recommends me to get the flu shot.  I used to, but then always came down with the flu...go figure.  Now maybe I would be much worse if I hadn't gotten the shot.  For the past two years, I haven't received the flu shot and didn't get sick.  We were at the casinos in AC this past Tuesday to Wednesday.  Lo and behold, lots of germs there...those old people could be knocking on death's door, but try to keep them from the casino.  Well, today I have a horrible cold...at least I hope it is just a cold.  Stuffy head, aching joints, sore throat and slight fever.  Of course it is Saturday and not one of my doctors is around.  I am off the prednisone but take 6 MP.  Just hope this isn't the flu.  Is it going around?  I live in south Jersey.
Posted 11/15/2008 10:17 PM (GMT 0)

For what it's worth, I too have always been told that YES, definitely get a flu shot. Especially while on prednisone, & any/all immune suppressants, like Imuran & Remicade. The thing is this- you cannot get any live vaccines while on these meds- any inactive ones are fine. The flu shot is not live, the flu mist is live. I believe the shingles vaccine is live also, but I'm not %100 sure. My primary care doc recommended I get a pneumonia shot also, after I got over strep pneumonia last year. But I don't think I did get one- I honestly csan't remember. Doctors generally recommend inactive vaccines for immune-suppressed people. It's never been an issue with me re. Remicade infusions, the vaccinations.

Posted 11/15/2008 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
Christine..the flu shots only "help" protect us from the 3 most deadly or prevelant as per their predictions. They were a bit off last year, however.
Considering how many flu viruses there are, you can definitely pick one of them up....or one of the viruses in the vaccine, but a mild version.

I think the fact that you're on an immunosuppressant can definitely have you not experience some of the symptoms that someone would who isn't on them...

Let's hope you get through this with minimal discomfort!
q
Posted 11/16/2008 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
i was already flaring when i got my flu shot in oct. but it never made me flare in the past.
Posted 11/18/2008 2:18 PM (GMT 0)

quincy

I am using the Rowasa enemas as much as I can. Sometimes it isn't at night, but it's when I can lay down on my left side for a while. My gi doc started me on Entocort last week, so I'm hoping that will help. I am really trying to avoid prednisone since I'm getting married in Feb, and really don't want the weight gain, and round face.

fuzypants

Posted 11/18/2008 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
fuzypants..Curious why you took the flu mist rather than the shot? I would think it would be a bit tougher on an autoimmune reactive body than the other...did you have a choice?

I hope the Entocort helps....how often were you on pred for treating flares?

How long have you been on the Rowasa this time...?

I know I'd be somewhat "stressed" about prepping for a wedding...

q
Posted 11/18/2008 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
My GI told me that I needed to get the flu shot. A couple of years ago when there was a shortage, he wrote me a letter explaining that I needed a flu shot. I get one every year with no side effects. I am a teacher so I get exposed to a lot of germs daily.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12