Recommendations about the flu vaccine?

[Hilariew930]

Anyone know if we should or should not get it? I haven't gotten the vaccine in years past, but looking for input since I have been diagnosed. Thanks.

[Jan43]

Hi Hilarie

As auto-immune diseases such as Lupus/APS mean that the immune system is compromised we need all the help we can get. I have had the flu vaccine every year since 1987 without any adverse reactions - I have also avoided having a bad dose of the flu during that period of time. My INRs are monitored at my GP surgery on a regular basis with follow-up appointments according to results and dose adjustments.

[lucky1]

Like Jan I get the flu shot every year and have not had any adverse reactions.

my adage is 'prevetion is the better part of a cure'

lucky1

[Sue2803]

Flu vaccine is not a live vaccine, so you should not get adverse reaction and it is better to have it, prevention is better than cure. But it is a personal decision. Get all advice you can and make an informed decision.

[judes]

personnal choice I have never had the flu shot and only once had full blown flu which was about 30 years ago.

Never quite sure wether it's luck or quite what.

[annie330]

I have had it for last few years, I had it on Monday this week as had to delay it as I had Rituximab in October. I have never had a reaction to it.

The consultants have told me it is better to have vaccine than end up with flu which as we are immune suppressed could hit us bad. I haven't had flu except once as a child so I also think there is some luck involved.

Hope this helps

[Kentish_Man]

If you are in any doubt, you should speak to your specialist and ask their opinion. Nothing is without some form of risk. Some people will get a reaction, but most will not. Just as peanuts affect some people and not others.

For me, I was one of the unlucky ones as it was a combination of the Flu & Hepatitis injections, at the same time, that started my Lupus off. It was a one in 2 million chance. So at those odds, you are probably better off having the flu injection.

[Storky]

I too am newly dx and was worried about having it but my GP said much the same as those comments above. She recommended I not only have the Flu jab but also the Pneumonia too. A couple of paracetamol 2 hours before and then 4 hours after plus a bit of a sore arm for a day or two was all I got.

[Manofmendip]

I'm going to buck the trend on here and say that I have had the flu vaccine twice now and on both occasions I had mild to medium, flu like symptoms for over a month. I have now decided not to have the vaccine again.

Best wishes.

Dave

[Sarita]

I have never had the flu vaccine, and every year I worry about getting the flu. Last year I came into contact with a lot of people who had travelled on planes and picked up a nasty chest cough which turned into a lung infection.

I try to drink a lot of water and lemon water to help boost my immunity, last year I didnt do that. Starting now with tea and lemon!!

[MaryF Administrator]

My GP having seen my extreme reactions to everything, thinks I should not.. but hey ho I may surprise him yet! Mary F x

[jessielou]

Hi

I do have the flu jab, checked with rheumy first and gp etc.

On balance took decision to have jab, cos last time I had flu I passed out at work (3 weeks into it) banged my head and ended up in A n E, then in observation ward for 4 days, off work for another 3 weeks, not nice!!!

I also have scarring on lungs and asthma so better safe than sorry,

I have had the jab for the past 17 years and very few adverse effects.

Take care gentle hugs love Sheena xxxxxxx

[ASigmon]

My docs insists that I get a flu shot every year. I've never had any problems with it; and I've ever gotten the flu. I travel a great deal so the flu shots are doubly important.