LUPUS COMMUNITY: i have no idea if this is relevant... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

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LUPUS COMMUNITY

SLEEPINGDOG profile image
10 Replies

i have no idea if this is relevant, but I went to our surgery last Saturday for a 'mass' flu jab, with hundreds of other locals; at the time, I had a very mild soreness at the back of the throat, but the following day I had violent sneezing, runny nose, coughing etc etc. I was wondering if anybody else has experienced normal 'trivial' symptoms being exacerbated by a flu jab ? I know that the conventional wisdom is that the flu cells are dead and can't infect you, but could Lupus lack of auto-immune system amend this ???

JB

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SLEEPINGDOG
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Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK

Hi SLEEPINGDOG ,

The flu jab does not normally cause side effects. Sometimes, it can cause mild fever and slight muscle aches for a day or so. It cannot cause flu as there are no active viruses in the vaccine. However, people sometimes are a little more at risk of catching other flu-like viruses, or very occasionally could catch flu before the vaccine takes effect. Allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare.

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro

It can't infect you - it is a "killed vaccine" that is used for the shots. The nasal spray is attenuated vaccine - weakened but not killed so could pose a problem.

You had the signs of an infection already if you had a sore throat and really should have waited until it had cleared up before having the jab. There are risks to that as well of course - a few years ago my husband had bronchitis when he went for his flu jab so didn't get it. Being a mug he gorgot to go back - and never got one. He caught flu and spent 2 weeks in bed, developing pneumonia into the bargain which took 6 months to clear!

But to develop a viral infection takes 3 days from being exposed - you were almost certainly already incubating it at the time and it hadn't "taken off" yet.

jacclaire profile image
jacclaire

Good question that's why normally I don't have it done through fear of getting ill I don't know what is best

jacclaire profile image
jacclaire

Ty pmr pro

dawnbeaven profile image
dawnbeaven

I was advised not to have flu jab with lupus as our immune systems are so dodgy

Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK in reply todawnbeaven

Hi dawnbeaven , who advised you not to have the flu jab? If you need more information about the flu jab and lupus, have a look at our post here - healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

dawnbeaven profile image
dawnbeaven in reply toPaul_Howard

Dr de cruz at st Thomas's or the other doc there with a K it's bin ages since I've gone there . My respiratory consultant said just take lots of vitamin d instead without calciferol as it eradicates my ventolin thanks

Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK in reply todawnbeaven

Generally it is advised that people with lupus have the flu jab, however if you have been advised not to have it in the past there may be a particular reason for you. If you are unsure, I would recommend that you contact your current consultant and ask their opinion.

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro in reply todawnbeaven

Which is all the more reason to have it!

Maureenpearl profile image
Maureenpearl

The lupus has damaged my lungs and my Respiratory and Rheumatologist have both advised me to have the flu jab which I had on Monday.

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