Flu and pneumonia vaccines

[debralynn]

If my Ig numbers are in the toilet and my WB cells are aberrant, what sense does it make to take vaccinations that rely on my immune system to create antibodies? I don't understand why docs across the board recommend for CLL patients?

[Etheldreda]

I think the idea is that it should help. But I'm not sure! I got a flu jab Tuesday October 30, my nodes under my arms swelled up - I had to walk with my elbow out so it wouldn't hurt. Sunday I woke up with a cough deep down in my chest. I'm in bed with a temp of 38.8 and feel scared!!! Is my body going to be able to fight this off?? In June my WBC was 45.9, Hemoglobin 115 and platelets 105. I have an appointment on Nov 28 at Guy's for a blood count. Is there anything I can do? At what temperature do I go to see someone?? GP? Hospital?

Thanks,

Etheldreda

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Etheldreda]

Etheldreda, with a temperature of 38.8 I’d be ringing your GP surgery in the first instance for advice. I’ve no idea if you’ve had a reaction to the flu jab but it shouldn’t create severe flu like symptoms.

With CLL and infections, we need to be mindful of the dangers of developing sepsis. Please seek medical advice now because your temperature is far too high especially for somebody who is immunocompromised. If you get nowhere with your GP, ring 111 unless there’s a facility to contact a specialist nurse at your haematology Centre.

Let us know how things go.

Newdawn

[Etheldreda in reply to Newdawn]

Thanks New Dawn . Could not get into GP, went to Urgent Care at Guy's but it was packed, there was a person lying on the floor...all sorts of signs about Nora virus and Chicken Px. I just walked out again. I've spoken to the Nurse at Hematology. I'm going home to rest and take parametecal. I was taking the other one...

Etheldreda

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Etheldreda]

Well keep an eye on things and don’t delay if you feel more unwell. I’m surprised the nurse in haematology didn’t want you to be examined.

You don’t live alone do you?

Newdawn

[Etheldreda in reply to Newdawn]

Hi New Dawn, I went to the GP and was seen last night. Temperature down, blood pressure normal, prescribed amoxicillin. I had a blood test at Guy's this morning. Results this afternoon. My friend stayed over and I'm still with her. Husband is away on business. Temp is still down but I am very weak and tired. The nurse did say I should be seen by a doctor and so I'm glad, with your urging, that I was seen last night. Urgent care and a&e are overwhelming places! Glad they saw me at my GPs. Thank you for your help, New Dawn.

Etheldreda

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Etheldreda]

I’m relieved to hear you’re feeling better this morning Etheldreda because your temperature was concerning. Unfortunately, the very places we need (like A&E), when we are ill can be the most daunting and hazardous places for CLL’ers. Never feel that you’re being a nuisance or can sit it out because our wonky immune systems cannot be relied on to pull us out of danger.

I’m not sure how your immunoglobulins are looking but low levels are an added issue for us.

Good of your friend to stay over and hope you’re feeling a lot better soon.

Newdawn

[Etheldreda in reply to Newdawn]

Thanks, New Dawn! I don't know what my immunoglobulins are like. Will find out!

Etheldreda

[Etheldreda in reply to Newdawn]

Hello New Dawn, it turns out I have pneumonia! I knew it did not feel like the "regular" cold I had in September. I'm taking antibiotics and continuing to rest.

Thanks again,

Etheldreda

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Etheldreda]

I suspected you did from my own symptoms when I had it.

Hope you feel much better soon.

Newdawn

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

The half life for IgG is about 21 days, so if your body stopped making IgG, four months later (6 half lives), you would have 1/64th of the starting amount of IgG left. (1/2 after 21 days, 1/4 after 42 days and so on.) So obviously your body is still making some IgG. You reported your IgG at 257 earlier, so if you stopped making IgG, your IgG 4 months later would be 257/64 or just 4!

See subclasses section: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imm...

Vaccinations are considered the most effective means of reducing the incidence and severity of infections and have greatly reduced the loss of life, particularly from childhood diseases. Many previously common serious illneses are no longer common, with some considered extinct, or nearly so. Vaccinations aren't risk free, but the comparative benefit of getting even a small response from a vaccination vs the risk of encountering the illness with a compromised immune system (longer recovery time, risk of secondary infections, especially pneumonia) are why non-live vaccinations are recommended for us. Live (attenuated) vaccinations are NOT recommended, because with our compromised immune systems, we may become ill from the vaccination.

Neil