FLU JAB???

[polar-bear]

I know people with low immunity are advised to get the flu-jab. Do many of you with Lupus (who are on meds) have the jab every year or are you thinking of having it as a precautionary? I'm due to have it tomorrow, but worried it could bring on a flare...

[kittykat68]

hi , i had my flu jab 2day and i had it last year to but no flare for me , but having said that you know no two lupus patients are the same eh hope ive helped

[Hidden]

I have had the flu jab already this year. No flare - but I didn't feel too well afterwards. for about a week - no specific symptoms but just a general malaise. Couldn't get on with anything - tired, just generally grotty and achey. And my arm was much more sore than usual.

I wonder if I have had enough flu jabs now? Medics just love sticking needles in me for one reason or another.... perhaps it's time to say no.

Still... I must be immune to all types of flu known to humankind by now!

Good luck with yours.

[bodicea in reply to Hidden]

Hi MaggieS

The flu virus mutates every year (it changes itself) so the CDC has to wait till about May to see the changes and then grow the new virus ready for September to make the flu vaccines. Recently all the influenza vaccines contain bird flu and swine flu "like" virus strains (all inactivated -so is harmless)

The reason you felt generally unwell is that these inactivated vacines - they prompt a defense response from your own body to protect itself. (this is a good thing) this is what causes you to feel tired.

Hope you don't mind my writing this but i feel it important that you keep yourself protected.

Tae care and healthy best wishes

bodicea xxxx

[loopy-lou]

I had the flu jab over a week ago and was fine with it. I have had no problems in other years either. I do agree with kittykat no two lupus patients are the same. I have always felt it better than getting flu on top of lupus. Good luck.

[gummy]

hi i av flu jab every year and am always fine and yer i do agree with all the others that no 2 lupus patients are the same and also agree thats its better 2 av flu jab then aving flu on top of a flare up or just a bad day as the weather doesnt help us at this time aswell ,,, hope it all goes ok xxxx

[Lg1968]

I had mine 2 weeks ago and have been fine. Mild arm ache-no flare/symptoms. I felt it was more risky to chance getting flu as I work in a high risk area and saw terrible flu cases over the past few years. No promises you won't react but I think it's a calculated risk.

[polar-bear]

Thanks for the replies everyone its very helpful to have some feedback on this one.

I have a really important uni essay to do in the next ten days so I think I will re-book my flu jab for a week's time, incase it does make me feel awful in the aftermath. Will be mostly hibernating with textbooks for company for next week, so fingers crossed I'll be safe from flu germs for the most-part

[janiceray]

Flu Jab is a synthetic not a live one,you should be O/k but any worries ask your nurse.

[bodicea in reply to janiceray]

Hi,

I would like to correct this info

The flu Jab is NOT synthetic virus but an inactivated virus, this means that the actual virus has been made harmless so it cannot give you influenza.

sorry but i felt it important that correct information given

[Davros]

The lupus unit at St Thomas strongly advises you have it. They say dangers are limited as not a live vaccine and this out weighs the risks if you get flu. They also advice getting the pneumonia jab as well

[vegabond]

Hey Polar bear,

Like a lot of people already on here i would suggest you have it (i had mine on Monday) and make sure i have one every year as if you do get the flu you could be unwell and that in itself could bring on a flare! Like already meantioned on here it is a non-live vaccine. If you really not sure about it ask yur specialist they tend to reccomend it especially if you have kidney diesase with your lupus. Good luck what eva you decide.

V

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

We've just published a blog on Flu Jabs that you can read here:

lupusuk.healthunlocked.com/...

[hazelHollingsworth]

Yes I have been having the Flu jab every year for about 15 years, sometimes feel a bit 'off colour' but better than getting Flu.