I decided to actually get a flu vaccine this year, instead of just thinking about it for months like I usually do. Both my PCP and neuro recommended it since getting flu could cause a relapse. Following the immunization, I had about 5 days of increased spasms in my legs, making walking a bit difficult. I did have a day of feeling a little under the weather in general, which I expected could happen. I didn't think the vaccine would affect my MS symptoms, however.
Has anyone else had this sort of reaction to immunizations?
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greaterexp
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I have been doing the flu shots for twenty five years and fortunate that I have not had any bad reactions 🙏. A few times a very small feeling of flu symptoms but that’s all👍. Sorry to hear about your reaction, hopefully you are feeling better and don’t get the flu🙏. I have had a few colds but not the full blown 😷🙏👍🐾 Ken 🎃👻
I have been getting the flu shot for the last 9 years because the flu put me in a bad relapse and caused me to be disabled and unable to work. I have daily dizziness that sometimes is worse than other days. Never had this before that darn flu back in March of 2008. Sorry, you had a reaction to the shot, but glad it wasn't bad and that you are feeling better.
I had my flu shot about 5 weeks ago on the same day of my Plegridy injection. Between the two I was knocked flat for 2 weeks with the worst cold I can remember which led me into my relapse.
I ahould have known better than taking both on the same day as Plegridy usually gives me some flu like symptoms for a few days.
But last year the flu shot didn’t bother me at all.
Thank you all for sharing your experience with the flu shot. It's helpful.
I'm still on the fence on whether to get it or not. I have not gotten the flu for years so never really thought about the shot or not before. But now with MS, it's a new question that I have not put any thoughts into yet.
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. I’m getting my legs back under me and feel nearly normal now. I guess anything which stirs a response from our immune systems can cause a bump in the road.
My neuro recommends that I get the flu shot every year because it's better to get the shot than the flu. I will be asking her again at my appt later this month.
I have not had the flu shot yet this year, I’m going next week. My reaction is different every time, but if I don’t feel like garbage for a day after, then I worry that it didn’t “take” and I won’t be protected. That’s not true, but it’s in my crazy head.
I had mine a couple of weeks ago and here in the U.K., everyone who lives with someone who has ms is recommended to have it so there is less chance of them passing it to you if they get it. I did not have any reaction to it. Hope you feel better soon. Blessings Jimeka 🦋 🤗
That’s great about having no reaction! I’m grateful for others being helpful in keeping us healthier.
I'm an RN and was still working at the hospital in 2011 and 2012. In 2011 the flu shot became mandatory - you didn't have the option of declining. You had to get it or be fired. Both years I got the shot I immediately got sick for several days, and the MS immediately flared up too. By late summer of 2013 my symptoms got exponentially worse. I transitioned to a desk job in a clinic. Related to the flu shot? I won't ever know. But they have mercury in them and mercury is a neurotoxin. It's interesting that the amount of mercury in the flu vaccine used to be listed as a toxic level, but then the FDA changed the level considered toxic to anything over the amount that is in the flu vaccine. I put nothing past the greed of pharmaceutical corporations. The love of money is the root of all evil. I'm still working as an RN but not in direct contact with patients and I'm not currently forced to get the vaccine. I had my mercury fillings removed. I shouldn't be forced against my will to get a shot that has a toxic load of mercury and a very low efficacy for fighting the flu. Just my experience and my 2 cents.
greaterexp , I never know how the flu shot will affect me from year to year but I've been getting the shot every year for many years now because I've had the flu a couple of times, and it wiped me out. That was before MS. I hate to think how an actual case of the flu would hit me now that I have MS. The shot this year was easier than many years. I had it yesterday, and my arm still hurts. It might keep hurting for a couple of weeks but I had no flulike symptoms this time, to speak of. Sometimes I get feverish and ache all over for a day or two. Tylenol helps to calm the symptoms down, and I keep reminding myself how much worse the actual flu would be. I've never had a neurologist or primary care doctor tell me not to get the flu shot. I took it while on Copaxone and on Avonex.
I had the first Shingrix shot in June and had no reaction or side effects. I received the second Shingrix shot a few days ago and I’m dealing with quite notable flu like symptoms and ramped up pain in my feet. I was asked to get both Shingrix, the flu shot, and two hepatitis B shots before starting on Ocrevus. I’m assuming getting three vaccines in six weeks might’ve been too much for my immune system? (I’m finally actually scheduled for the first O infusion on January 4th).
I wish you the best with your Ocrevus infusion and for great results! Thanks for your input about the Shingrix, since insurance will cover that next year for me, and I've wondered how others get along with it.
I knew that, but somehow hoped that it wouldn't affect my MS, since I've never shown any overall reactions to it before. Silly me for thinking that way. Plus, every year the strains are different, I'm older, and my immune system has been affected. Anything that stimulates the immune system can take a swing at our MS.
greaterexp While in rehab, everyone was required to have the flu shot. They had only the senior dose, so I refused it and asked them to get the regular dose. I have no reactions to the regular dose (and since I haven't had the flu, I assume the vaccination works). When I received the senior dose from a Walgreen's pharmacist who didn't tell me until after she had given it, I did have a strong adverse reaction which my MS neuro said was caused by the additional chemicals intended to boost the immune system. Obviously, the senior flu shot overloads the already compromised MS affected immune system! I believe either NMSS or MSAA web sites advise against the senior dose for those with MS.
I didn't even know there was a senior dose until this year. I'm "only" 59, so I didn't have to worry about it, but I did wonder how that would affect my MS. Thanks for the information!
Yes goatgal You are right that persons with 'ms' should use caution with getting the senior dose of the flu shot. It is stronger, and will trigger a bigger reaction in persons with 'ms' due to our weakened immune system. Should always check with your medical team prior to getting the flu shot.
Carolek572 Experience is such a good teacher! Fortunately none of mine have been disastrous yet...though I suppose there's always a first time. One of my students asked me (a long time ago) how I became old and wise. I credited my many many mistakes and the ability never to make the same one twice. So, onward!!
I got hives after taking amoxicillinwhrni was nine and for some reason my pediatrician told me no egg derived vaccines- so I avoided the flu vaccine. When I became an MD I relized this was not true. Too late. Had the worse exacerbation ever - always get it now. Probably had hives due to strep amoxicillin for strep in pt w/mono. So get a flu shot the flu kills the shot does not!
I’ve gotten the vaccine ever since having grandchildren. I’ve never noticed any I’ll effect from it. It’s like wearing a seatbelt, it’s just a good idea. We can’t afford to get the flu with all the other things we have to handle daily.
I don’t know the political stance of our group, but please get out and vote. It’s our only power to create change in our country. (God knows we could use some!)
Hi, I have asked my Neuro repeatedly about the flu shot each and every year; and each year I have gotten the same response - "not comfortable with giving me the green light." I have Neurocardiogenic Syncope (long name for "low blood pressure" ) controlled by Autonomic Nervous System. The big bad elephant in the proverbial room is MS and these two Monster's don't like each other, so maybe the best I can do is extra hand washing, and avoid sick friends ( they just have to understand). I'm always extra tire at times, and immune compromised so that could be my doc's concern; he's a great Neurologist and highly respected by his peers and patients. Take EXTRA Care of YOU...and get plenty of rest.
I’m sorry about your problems. Thank you for posting about this. It’s a good reminder that we are all different and need to ask our doctors about things like this.
So much good feedback as always. I've not taken the flu shot since being diagnosed with MS. Neither my Nuero or Primary Care have pushed it. My interactions with others has been limited so I practice aggressive hand washing and I do my best to take care of myself with my home remedies. Pray this continues to work If it doesn't then I'll change course ☺️
You’re a smart cookie to take precautions that all of us can do. I questioned my need for a flu shot since I don’t get out so much, but both doctors recommended it this year.
Interesting there are flu shots in the UK. I lived in Europe for most of my life, and we didn't have any flu shots. Here, two doctors last year told me not to get it. And do you know they used a wrong sequence last year?
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