Flu shots

[Niki318]

Hello!

I work in a pediatric emergency department and am finishing my nursing degree. I am required to get the flu shot for both my job and my clinical rotations. I tolerated the flu shot last year, however this past year my symptoms greatly escalated before diagnosis. How have you reacted to the flu shot during peak of illness? I am debating on if I should get it or if I should.

[magician]

I have BD, taking colchicine and Humira among others.

My immunologist advises me to take flu shots and have done so every year since BD diagnosis.

I used to do volunteer work that exposed me to young kids - from tat perspective, my attending physician also advised getting shots for whooping cough, Fortunately I have had measles and chicken pox - less shots to,think about!

My mom had pneumonia and I had to take pneumonia shots before visiting her.

I have had no issues with the above mentioned vaccinations, but I was not in peak of illness when I had them. And I always gave myself a lot of rest and pampering before the shots - my way of “prepping” my immune system...

Best regards

[GlastoGal]

Definitely get it!!! Especially if you are on immunosuppressants. It’s not a live vaccine so should have no side effects.

[Zoie]

Hi Niki, I too was very concerned about getting the flu shot due to having BD. If there is even a slight possibility of a reaction I usually have one. So my doctor recommended 1/2 of the shot and then the other 1/2, 3 to 4 weeks later. I did that last year and then again this year. It’s just a suggestion because it worked for me. Good luck.

[JeezLouiseNowWhat]

I have had the flu shot during a peak- It was a combo flare of Fibro and Behcet's. I didn't notice anything more than being completely miserable as per norm with a flare of both. I had to email my rheumy for rescue meds. I cann't say it was bkz of the flu shot, though. let us know what you decide!

[Niki318 in reply to JeezLouiseNowWhat]

I also have fibromyalgia and Behçet’s and hyper-mobility syndrome! Nice to meet someone who has the same! I got the flu shot and felt crappy for a couple days but luckily recovered!