Influenza

[Banker123]

I have received a letter from my gp advising me to have influenza vaccination due to my age (65 ) .

I have Raynauds and Crest Syndrome has anyone with the same illness had the vaccine- did you have any side affects . TIA x

[GillSuffolk]

I have Systemic Scleroderma with Raynauds, I had my first ever flu vacc. this year without any side effects,

Regards x

[cowhide]

I have CREST / limited systemic sclerosis and take mycophenolate so was advised to have flu jab because of that (I'm under 65 and never had it before). No side effects whatsoever.

[Jensue]

I have both & also take Methotrexate & have been having flu jabs now for about 8 years and had no real side effects

[cpns]

I have raynauds & scleroderma I had the pneumonia vaccine (I think it was a one off - will not need repeating) & regularly have the flu vaccine. On one occasion I had flu regardless, but it quite mild & was certainly nothing like the one that seemed to have kicked off the scleroderma when they first diagnosed it in me about 10 years ago. The vaccine as far as I understand is not an absolute, as each years vaccine is designed based on previous years flu outbreak, as the bugs morph a little each year - so they assess the last outbreaks & predict, so that it gives the best possible cover for the next years anticipated flu.

I am now 50 and although I looked into the possibility of side effects before deciding,( I really did not want to take anything that might add to my challenges!) it has never caused me a problem and has almost certainly protected me from a great deal of unnecessary suffering. I run a children's day nursery & so positive do I feel about the vaccine, that this year I offered to pay for any of the staff that wanted to have the vaccine, but were not offered it for free.

It has to be a personal choice, but for many of us with affected lungs, or heart, flu could be a disaster with long term affects. I hope that you come to a decision that you are confident about.

[Kingfisherblue]

Take the flu injection. I have had it for a few years and this year there has not been any side effects.

We feel bad enough with out having the flu or a bad cold. Good luck.

Liz

[zenabb]

I have the flu vaccine every year (I am 87).

[Thelma]

I started having my annual flu shots in 2001, then was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma and Raynauds in 2008, however, I didn't miss my flu shot and have continued to have it annually and have not had any side effects. I've learned through the years of people (even in my family) that had a side effect or two from the shot. Have faith, speak with your doctor, if they recommend that you should have the shot, then believe that you'll be okay. We have to go on our faith, intuition, instinct and be determined that we're going to do what our body needs. Sometimes, others cannot answer or give you the correct recommendation for YOUR Body. I will pray that you will be just fine Banker123.

[Hidden]

I have Raynauds, Crest, and other autoimmune diseases. I've had the flu vaccine for years with no side effects. And, luckily, haven't been a victim of the flu since then.

[Gdonnelly]

I have the same illness & I was wary of getting the flu injection but I had no side effects at all