H1N1 vaccine

[DrMom45]

My daughter may possibly have fibro (still trying to get a diagnosis)  and was wondering what you all thought about receiving the H1N1 vaccine?  She doesn't want it because she is afraid that it may worsen her condition, what are some opinions?  

[PlateletGal]

It *****, doesn't it ?  It would be nice to know what we are reacting to (in the vaccine) that is causing us to have a reaction.

I have been told by several physicians, including an Immunologist, that since I am unable to tolerate vaccinations... to go without.

[FurballsMom]

Like PlateletGal, I'm unable to tolerate the shots.  I used to get them.  Got sick every time.  This was before I was officially dx, but I noticed I flared really badly from the shots.  I won't get the shots again myself.  I'm definitely not going anywhere near the H1N1 vaccination.

[PlateletGal]

I had the flu a couple of times while I had CFS (undiagnosed). Each and every time I recovered. I did not get the flu vaccination because a couple of years earlier, I had an adverse event to a flu vaccination (although medical professionals warned us that it was impossible). I was happy to see Prof. Nicolson's response to my question about this when I asked him if he would join us in the fibro/CFS forum last year:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Fibromyalgia---CFS/Q--A-Session-With-Dr-Garth-Nicholson-10-6-08/show/648144

The problem for SOME fibro & CFS patients is we do not tolerate vaccinations very well. But as you can imagine, it becomes real tricky for those people who are disabled and  who have relapsed. I know one woman, a psychologist, diagnosed with CFS / M.E., and she became disabled after a flu shot. Apparently it was due to the mercury in the vaccination. She is so weak that she is in bed 24/7 and is unable to take care of herself.  So this is a very important issue for CFS and fibromyalgia patients and the fibro/CFS experts are aware of this. We need to weigh the risks vs. the benefit. We also need to take into account our lifestyle and risk to exposure.

And yes... the flu itself can create new problems and/or disabilities for those of us who have fibro or CFS. But then those of us who cannot tolerate the vaccinations and continue to get them.... that can also create problems for us.

Its a touch issue... there are no easy answers and there are no right or wrong answers. The only thing each and every one of us can do is make the best decision based off the information that we are given. There are two sides to the issue and especially for those of us who have an illness and one of the downsides to our illness is intolerance and/or risks from vaccinations.

[Lulu54]

Thanks for the links PG - I did go back and read them.  It appears this is not the  major concern like it is with MS patients.

Can any of you fine people here with Fibro/CFS tell me if you have had the flu , either seasonal or H1N!, what it does to your symptoms?  Does it make your disease worse for the duration ?  does the illness from flu cause you permanent harm?

With MS patients, it is quite possible to turn ugly and create new permanent disabilities when we contract the flu.

stay healthy,
Lulu

[PlateletGal]

Hi Lulu54,

It is great to see you here ! We've had a couple of discussions on flu vaccinations in this forum... here are some of the links:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Fibromyalgia---CFS/Should-You-Get-the-Flu-Shot-/show/639571

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Fibromyalgia---CFS/flu-shots/show/1067102

I've found that some of the CFS forums that have strictly CFS patients who have been ill a long time have more of these vaccination conversations and they also tend to keep up to date on the latest research (which I also share here in MH when I can) on these issues. If you'd like me to PM you the links, I would be happy to do so.

Best,

~PlateletGal

[Lulu54]

Hello everyone,

I was just taking a look here on the CFS forum to get a feel as to your community's take on the flu vaccines, and was surprised that this is not a more active topic.  

Platelet gal has been actively talking about these vaccines on the MS forum. And we have multiple posts going on about the flu.   I'm just wondering if there is a concensus here about these vaccines?  

be well,
Lulu
MS forum

[DrMom45]

Thanks for your feedback.  Here in Canada the Health Officials are pushing very hard for everyone to get the vaccine.  I don't get any flu shots myself because I get very sick when I do, so I told my daughter it was up to her.  I didn't want her to be solely influenced by me so I will pass your responses on to her.  Her school has hand sanitizers outside of every classroom and the students are told to use it upon entering and leaving each classroom. Plus they have instructed all families that if a child is sick in any way to keep them home.  So I guess we will do what we do every flu season and just keep taking our vitamin supplements and be more vigilant about normal preventative measures.

[FurballsMom]

If you're able to address the vitamin D dysregulation, I would urge you to find a way to keep your vitamin D levels where they need to be, regardless of what you decide in regards to the vaccine.

I used to get the seasonal flu shots every year, before I found out that I had fibro.  Each and every time, I still got sick with the flu.  Personally, I no longer get the shots.  The decision is based on personal experience and after learning just how toxic those vaccines are.

I don't blame your daughter for not wanting to do anything to aggravate the fibro situation either.  Fibro flares can be so long and painful.

[Crochetya]

Hi!
Here in LA some parents are not giving the shots to thier youngsters. There is not enough information on the side affects.  I do not blame your daughter. I have fibro and I have enough pain. I don't want to aggrevate the situation already. It may be different if your daughter is in school. I am a homebody and don't go in public much. I would get with her PCP or Internal Specialist. I know this is a preventative measure, and I think each individual should look at all the angles for this is a hard decision.

I usually get the standard flu shot every year and my PCP ran out of that vaccine. I'll keep doing what I have been. Keep my hands washed often, don't put them next to my face and keep disinfectant spray nearby.