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Humira & typhoid... Am I over reacting?

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Posted 11/10/2015 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
UCers and crohnies

So I'm on humira and aza ... And know my immune system isn't great given my ability to catch chicken pox repeatedly. So here is my dilemma ... Should I panic.

Today I met a friend, chatted, hugged ... And then she said how ill she felt having just had a typhoid vaccination. I believe this is a live vaccination. I've a docs appt next week ... Should I worry? Should I get an emergency appt or am I just over reacting. Any advice welcomed.

Post Edited (Duffle) : 11/10/2015 10:52:28 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/10/2015 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
I'm on Humira too, I'm sure you'll be just fine but if you're feeling uneasy about it, you can call Humira directly about it, you don't have to see you doc about Humira questions...Humira can aid with all concerns directly to you.

I was never one to catch colds/flu's much, since being on Humira February 2014, I've had 2 minor sinus colds and that's it.
Posted 11/10/2015 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
There are 2 types of typhoid vaccines -- the shot is inactivated and the oral is live. Do you know which your friend had? I would worry if it was the live version, but you should be safe if it was the shot

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/typhoid.html
Posted 11/10/2015 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
It was the injection ... If that is the inactive one as you suggest that's a huge relief !
Posted 11/10/2015 5:55 PM (GMT 0)
I would suggest you call or text or email your friend and ask what she had. Clarify and then you have something concrete to base your concerns.
q
Posted 11/10/2015 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
According the the link I posted if it was an injection then is is inactivated.

Whew!
Posted 11/10/2015 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
No, you shouldn't worry, as your friend had the live vaccine, not you. Hugging and chatting with your friend won't infect you or make you sick.

I know it's easy to worry about germs while being on immunomodulators, however, the risk is quite small. I haven't been sick any more than before I started immunosuppressive medications (6mp and remicade) and it's been 2.5 years.

The best thing you can do is be vigilant with hand washing. As a lot of problems are transferred via door handles and other public things we touch, and might later eat with the same hand (rub an eye, touch our face, etc.).

You don't have to be germaphobic, just cautious especially during cold and flu season, or around those we know are sick.
Posted 11/10/2015 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for that reassurance. Years of immune suppressants and I'm very much a 'get on with life' attitude. However occasionally it throws you and scares you. But Whilst I too have been blazé about this ... Twice on immunos I've caught chicken pox from a third party ... Ie not the person with the infection but someone who'd been in contact. And that makes be cautious given I had them as a child so should have had immunity. So whilst I can also say immunos haven't given me anymore colds etc in nearly 15 yrs ... You always have to be on your guard ... There is always that possible sting in the tail.

But thanks again all for the reassurance - so appreciated. Bit of a wobble on my part ... It's why here is so good ...some sensible views. Thanks again.
Posted 11/10/2015 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Even if the friend had the live, and they got a mile typhus, it would take some incubation time before they could possibly contagious.

Don't worry.
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