Does anyone have feedback on whether it’s a good idea to have a flu jab with PMR?
It may be a coincidence, but my first symptoms appeared a few days after a flu jab. It may be that it was lurking and the flu jab triggered it.
As a 72-year-old I’m being advised to have it but I’m a bit nervous.
If the flu jab hadn't triggered it it might have been the flu you got because you hadn't.
This has already been discussed several times in the last week - do have a look at recent post for lots of opinions - also the Related Posts.
I had never had a flu jab when my PMR appeared, I have had one every year since I have lived here in Italy and never had a problem.
The primary reason for the emphasis this year is because of Covid-19. If you were to get both the prognosis seems far worse and the at least likelihood of being hospitalised much higher.
I had the flu once. I was 42, strong and healthy, and it knocked me on my a$$ for more than 6 weeks. And then there were the months of recovering my vitality. I've had the shot every year since.
Can you imagine getting the flu on top of PMR?
Get the shot.
I had flu jab all through GCA years, before as well (for hubby's sake) and since.. had this year's on Thursday. As others have said, even more important this year.
Get the jab, I have done every year! No side effects!
To hedge your bets you could ask for the regular adult shot rather than the stronger one designed for seniors. If there is a choice between an adjuvanted vaccine and one that is not, opt for the one which is not adjuvanted. That is one less substance which might irritate your immune system. Adjuvant is added to the vaccine to promote a stronger immune reaction.
I have been getting the flu shot every year since working in healthcare and through my, almost 5 yr, PMR Journey. I am 78 and, in the US the pharmacist gives the senior strength FluZone shot. This shot is stronger because it’s harder to stimulate immunity in the elderly. This will be an issue with a Covid 19 vaccine- whenever that is. Using the recommended precautions certainly work against the regular flu.
When I was 28 before we had flu vaccines I became so ill with a cough from Hell. I was sick for two weeks that a fellow nurse, who later became my sister-in-law, took care of me.
The whole family (including myself) had the flu shot in May ahead of the Australian flu season. My Rheum and GP recommended it. I had no bad side effect aside from my arm being just a little sore.
Hi, I got my flu jab last Wednesday. Other than a mildly sore arm, and some tiredness, I have had no problems.
My PMR was diagnosed in 2013, and I have gotten the injection every year. Also got the pneumonia injection 2 years ago. I have had no negative reactions to either medication.
Please consider the substantial risks associated with influenza, especially for us, at age 72 or73. I believe it's even more imperative that we protect ourselves with the Covid virus lurking.
Hi Purplecrow
I had flu jab in on 21 September, and have had it regularly for years. I was, like you, a bit apprehensive, but since having a mother and a father of a dose back in 1999, whereby I was impaled on the bed fo 10 days I’ve never missed it since! I’m 76 now, and the thought of not having it is terrrfying, with being on prednisone too, and the risks of getting covid virus.
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