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Flu shot? Any opinions out there?

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Posted 10/27/2009 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
From what I understand about immune suppressors is that the doses we take are minimal and designed to slow our immune systems down to a normal level. What you read on the internet about these medications are aimed at the people that use them at higher doses for cancer and organ transplants. In those patients, these meds can wipe out your immune system and they can be severely immunocompromised.
Posted 10/27/2009 2:42 PM (GMT 0)
If you are on immune suppressors, your immune system is weaker than normal. Overactive immune system does not mean a stronger one. It means that the immune system is fighting our gut when there is no reason to fight it. Taking suppressents weakens our entire immune system in order to get it to stop fighting our gut.

Even if the shot does not create a sufficient response in an immune compromised system to prevent the flu, it could leave you with just enough protection to avoid getting really sick, hospitalized, etc.

Post Edited (lawgman) : 10/27/2009 8:45:24 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/27/2009 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
sounds reasonable to me, lawgman- that's pretty much what I thought. While we may not have optimal immune response to vaccines, we do have *some* response. And I can tell you for certain, neither my GI nor my PCP consider me to be "severely" immune suppressed. Has anyone's doctor ever told them they were, severely immune suppressed? My GI just thinks I'm a severe pain in the arse for not getting surgery yet!  smilewinkgrin
Posted 10/27/2009 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
Ha! That's hilarious, Eva Lou.
I'm actually looking into getting flumist for H1N1. I can get that, but not the shot (I don't yet qualify, but at least my son does), in my county right now. I asked my sister what she thought (she's an MD), and she thought that since I was in remission and not on any immune suppressants, it should be ok but that I should definitely ask my GI. There's no reason my immune system should be weak. So, we'll see what he says. I just want to get protected ASAP, b/c I don't want to flare from getting the flu.
Posted 10/27/2009 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
Azathioprine (Imuran) inhibits the proliferation of T cells (inflammation) that occur in colitis. With a vaccine, the intention is to generate antibodies and this is less dependent on the proliferation of T cells but rather the proliferation of B cells.
Posted 10/28/2009 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of the input.  I just made my appointment for Monday evening to get a free shot through work.  I hope I can stay healthy until then.  32% of my students were out sick today and I have heard some have H1N1.  I will try my best to drink fluids, get decent rest and take vitamins until I get the shot. 

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