Pneumonia and flu shots

I was diagnosed in Oct. 07 with moderate COPD. I have never taken any type flu shot. I have known of so many people that have taken flu shots over the years and end up getting flu like symptoms from the shot. Plus, I have yet to ever take the pneumonia shot. I not one bit afraid to take a shot. Never been scared of needles. But, I am though afraid of taking shots, that are only going to make me sick. When I am trying to prevent things like flu and pneumonia. To prevent becoming ill to begin with. Then, there is this swine flu that is all in the news, etc. I am not liking what I am hearing about the vaccine for the swine flu. With COPD getting ill has increased somewhat in the past few years or so. Have had bronchitis and pleurisy several or more times. Was also in the beginning stage of pnuemonia (pneumonia) winter before last. Caught that in time and took regiment of anitbiotics. Just wondering what others with COPD think about these shots. Mainly at this time, I am wondering were there any side effects to the pneumonia shots? Thank you.

[teko]

The most dangerous thing about copd, emphysema besides smoking is getting sick, or having exaccerbations as they call them. I get the shots simply because even tho it will not prevent me from getting sick, it will prevent me from getting a severe case that could land me up in the hospital and ending up with permanant lung damage. I personally believe the shots are worth their weight in gold to people like me. I too am moderate, and also diagnosed about a year ago. I also make a point to stay out of big crowds and away from school children right now. While it may give someone else the flu, it could kill me.  I vote shots

[allmymarbles]

I never bother with the flu shots, but I did get the one for pneumonia. It's a one-timer. As for swine flu, what you don't hear in the news (because it doesn't sell ads) is that swine flue is less deadly than the usual flu, which isn't particularly deadly anyway. Reliable information on swine flu is available from the Centers for Disease Control. They offer a weekly bulletin. It will confirm what I say here.

[teko]

April, on the medhelp social forum posted in a journal, her son got it. He is now in the hospital with pneumonia.  He is 5 years old. I think I will take the vaccine just in case.

[lvm6]

sorry i dont know about the pneumonia shots. i just had to jump in and concur about the flu shot idea of making some people ill. my husband says i'm nuts and its "just a coincidence". well he gets the flu shot every year and hasnt had anything wrong with him in 12 years besides a cold! then there's me...i caved into pressure and finally agreed to get the flu shot in November of 2006. Oh my the following year was horrible! i was ill with strep throat SIX times in 2007, plus one bout with bronchitis! let me just add that this was the only time i have ever had the flu shot and that was the only year i ever got sick more than twice (i usually get sick once in the winter and once in the spring each year since i was a child).

[jimgreg]

if you get sick its only aday...this is a dead virus the inject in you..so theres no worries..this way you got a chance at leaset..

[teko]

We had another death where I live due to h1ni. That makes 77 deaths in florida alone. This time was a 40 something woman, the other day a 26 year old guy.  Yep, I will take the vaccine.

[Mom2RPJI]

We just had one confirmed death in our area too......she was 45.  Im set up on Tuesday for the flu and pneumonia vaccine.  I will have them call me when the H1N1 is available.  My 9 month old will also get this vaccine.  Im wondering if my 18yr old who has asthma will be at the top of the list to get this vaccine too.  Luckily her asthma is very very mild but I still want her protected.