Methotrexate and Nasal flu vaccines

[jomojo]

Hi all,

I work in a school and all children from reception to year 5 will be given the nasal flu vaccine next week.

I've been on methotrexate for 3 months. Feeling poorly and run down at the moment, painful gland and throat on one side so I am concerned about risks.

I am travelling to Turkey in a weeks time too! Hopefully feeling better by then.

[nomoreheels]

Have you had a flu jab? If not I'd arrange to have one. If you're not offered it by your GP Practice do ask them to put you on the list to be automatically called for it annually. I'm having mine tomorrow morning. You're higher risk both with working with children & because you're on MTX. Don't arrange to have the live vaccine like the children's nasal one though, you've to have the inactivated jab.

It might be an idea to ask the rest of your household to have it too, living with someone in the high risk group your Practice should consider giving it them too, do check because if we get it flu it is a whole other story, we're at higher risk & can be bad enough to need hospitalisation in some cases.

I hope you feel better soon but if your throat gets worse do see your GP. Feeling as you do you could be harbouring a cold. Although, you say your gland is painful but is it swollen? Have you taken a good look at your throat? One of our members has just been diagnosed with tonsillitis. Hopefully it won't be that but with your symptoms & you work with children, there's a greater chance of nasties going round. With you going on your hols if there is a bacterial infection it needs addressing before you leave. You don't want to be poorly on your hols, they're too precious! Check back if it is a bacterial infection.

[jomojo in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you nomoreheels... Great name and of course very relatable.

I did get my flu jab a week ago. Perhaps it's a reaction to that or just my immunity and meds.

What a good idea to see if all the family members can get the flu jab too, that's where this forum is so valuable isn't it ?

I was aware the nasal vaccine was not recommended and wondered if there was a risk therefore with so many children having it?

I suppose you can not avoid the chance of being exposed to viruses and we just take precautions.

Can't wait for a nice relax in the sunshine.

[nomoreheels in reply to jomojo]

You're welcome. I hope you don't feel any worse this morning. There are certain reactions you could have following the flu jab but not really the ones you mention. With it not being a live vaccine we shouldn't have any reaction other than possibly a sore arm around where you were injected or a mild temp, maybe more tired. Many people do say that they feel fluey though. Keep a close eye on your throat though. It could of course be RD itself but equally an infection.

I'm not sure if the live vaccine being around would affect you, maybe something to ask the person who's arranged for & administering them? Regular hand washing is important though.

[Moomin8]

Hi

I too work in a primary school where they've just had their nasal flu thingy done - including yr6. The staff will get their jab shortly. I have my jab done as early in the flu jab season as humanly possible and have done for about 10 years; never had a problem. I have been on mtx for about 3-4 years and a biologic for over a year. Have a great holiday!

[jomojo in reply to Moomin8]

Thank you, That is so good to know. I'm new to this and seem to have a million questions. Roll in half term Moonmin8.

[Moomin8 in reply to jomojo]

Half term... heaven 😇

I would definitely check with the doc that the infection isn't bacterial and just run it by them - I'm sure you'll be fine. I am jealous of your planned trip... but make sure you take some pics to put on here 😎

As for questions: ask away as that's what we're here for 😘

[jomojo in reply to Moomin8]

😀 I will, thank you. I am looking forward to Turkey. I'm hoping the sun bathing situation and no alcohol isnt too challenging to adjust to as well? Joy.

Yes, my neck and throat pain has spread into my ear, jaw and head pain this morning. Trying to get a doctors appointment is another story. 😁❤

[Moomin8 in reply to jomojo]

I'd march down to my doc's as their door opens and make an emergency appt tbh

[Matilda_1922]

Both my partner and I have had the flu vacine last week. I had the 64 and under and he had the over 65.

I asked what was the difference between the two and they informed me the over 65 has more protection.

They also asked us a few questions beforehand and immuno suppression was one that came up. Their answer to this was I would have a lower protection than the norm.

My son lives at home and his girlfriend works in a school so will ask the surgery if he can have the flu vacine.

[Simba1992 in reply to Matilda_1922]

Really a bit confused over the answer they gave you about the difference of the two vaccines. The under 65 infact protects you from four different strains of viruses whereas the over 65 protects you from 3 and has an adjuvant added to give a stronger immunereaction towards these three. The poor protection that last years flu jab had had in fact to do with that it only covered three strains. This is one of the reasons why immune compremized over 65s should in fact be given the vaccine for under 65s to get better protection.

[Matilda_1922 in reply to Simba1992]

That's what I was told because over 65 are more at risk

[Simba1992 in reply to Matilda_1922]

In fact what I said was just the opposite over 65s SHOULD be given the four strain one because they are more at risk, especially those who are chronicly ill. They are however NOT getting it.