GIPA/Flu outbreak/other question welcome/

[layla]

I have to say I just read all the stories about this flu outbreak and I'm sort of freaked out about it. Ok I'm worried. I have gotten flu shots in the past. Last one 1st quarter 03 just before starting tx. I read it's particularly bad in Colorado and they have had a couple deaths. Of coarse that's where I am suppose to go for Christmas/New Years. Vail area.  Should I be worried? It's such a tourist area and so many people are there. The only time I can remember getting sick was the last time I went to Colorado and again shortly after that trip when at a trade show. My sister in law (in Colorado) had a terrible cold/flu whatever and I was sick for 2 weeks when I got back. Very sick. Before that I had never even had a sniffle since my early 20's. I can get another flu shot but will that protect me even on tx? I talked to her last night and she was sick. What do you think? Sorry if this seems like overkill on worry but my sides have increase quit a bit lately and I am concerned. I can't imagine getting the flu right now. I know it affects your lungs and one sx that's crept up is a cough. It's like a smokers cough, plus I often have a sore throat burning durning eyes etc.  Feels like I'm coughing up flem. I've had it before while on tx but like I said most of my sides have increased lately. Thanks for any info or thoughts. LL

[MajNeni]

Call around.  Some hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, still have some, it's just that the manufacturers have no more to ship out.

[Bodie]

We have had a few deaths from the flu here and I have decided tht I won't go out, but it is what my kids bring home that scares me. ANC's and WBC too low. I wonder if I can still find a shot of the vaccine in OK. They say that they have run out.

[layla]

Well since it  seems I am/was over worried. I think my increase sx this week make me more sensative too. I wish I was going some place exotic but we settled for Colorado because of tx. Seems like the concensus is that flying would be the worse part, well I have to fly all the time for my job so I guess that's not an issue. I am extra careful and wash my hands a lot but I haven't got sick so far and I can't work without flying.  I'll just try not to be too close to people when there. I don't want to ruin my families vacation and heck the flu is here too. Like GIPA mentioned there is good medical facilities everywhere in the US. Sorry for being so overworried. Guess the news just hit me the right way. I am definatley over sensative this week. My sister in law suggested I get a mesage and just the thought of someone putting there hands on me made me have this image in my mind of a person standing there over me with a surprised look on their face with their arms pulled out of their sockets. lol... Guess I better chill this weekend. Thanks for all the imput. LL

[ral]

Hi layla

My Dr recommended for me to get my flu shot I did and have had no problems as a result..


God Bless

Sorry I have not posted much lately but I have had my hands full with stuff

Bob

[Tallblonde]

How sweet of you to keep me in your prayers.  I'm very touched, and very grateful.  Many blessings to you and yours, too.

Susan

[katch20]

I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.  I will add  tallblonde into my prayers.  Please God, give that tallblonde woman a baby so that she can know that love.  Please let her get pregnant and then an easy SVR somehow when the treatment is better.  From our lips to God's ears.  Be well.  katch

[GI.PA]

No problem at all.  In fact, it would be good piece of mind to know that Hep A or B will not effect your pregnancy.

Gi.PA

[justhinkn]

Also, the flu vaccine doesn't really kick in for two weeks so take that into account with when you're going to be traveling.  I also found the vaccine in short supply so get it while/and where you can.

I believe the strain that's doing so much damage in Colorado is not exactly the same as the one associated with the vaccine but they say it will help somewhat--better than not having it.

There's also the medicine that you can take at the very first of the flu (forgot the names) to lessen it's effect.  I'm not sure how much effect is has on this vile strain or what kind of effect it has on the liver.

Why not get the flu vaccine while you're coming to your decision and then you'll at least have that in your back pocket--Erin says it's a good idea.  Like was said before, being in that enclosed airplane is like being vacuum-packed in with probably a lot more germs than just the flu--you'll be taking your chances!  Just decide whether it's worth the risk or whether your plans can be altered and do the traveling next year.  Are you really going to enjoy it if you're stressed out--which can also weaken your resistance.

[Tallblonde]

You mentioned in another thread that everyone with HCV should be vaccinated for Hep A & B.  What about in my case?  I'm postponing treatment in order to do one more IVF cycle in February (my GI's are both okay with that).  

If I did the Hep A shot next week, and the first two of the three Hep B shots prior to the IVF procedure, would it be a problem to do the third Hep B shot in June when I'd be several months pregnant (wishful thinking, of course).

Susan

[GI.PA]

I typically have no travel restrictions for my patients.  However I would be a little worried if they traveled exotic like rural Peru or something just cause I would worry about medical care.  But for travel in the US, no restrictions.

GI.PA

[Sioux]

I got my flu shot last week at my GI's office.... Boy my arm was sore. My hubby got the flu on Thanksgiving.... high fever, headache, chills etc. I forced him to drink fluids every 2 hours and kept taking his temp, when it finally broke. Had to change the bedding. Boy was I pooped out. it took me about 4 days to feel rested.

[jonihs]

MY GI insised that i have both flu shot and pneumonia shot b4 treatment.

he saidwe have enough to deal with during  tx. that anything we shoul any other risk while on tx. I know the flu in Colorado is very volitail, but it can't hurtr and might help. Just my .002 cents worth but it sounds like good advice to me.     Joni

[layla]

Are you recommending your tx patients avoid travel to any areas? I am worried and of coarse it would be in the back of my head but I don't want to cancel unless it seems necessary. I'm not one who normally is a worrywort but I do tend to actually be the opposite, you know, oh it wouldn't happen to me, so I want to ask about this. I read that it is more dangerous for infants , the elderly and  people with compromised immune systems. How compromising is tx/HCV? Can my labs tell me this? If they are low would that tell me anything like perhaps at that time I am more suseptible or less?

OHC I will call and go in for an updated flu shot first thing tomorrow. I just didn't yet because we just got new insurance in Oct. and I have to switch docs so I need to find a new GP.

Honey, my experience is with pegasys and I have worked full time and got by pretty good so far. This week isn't great but usually it's been fine.
LL

[Steve']

I had my flu vaccine early this year before I started Peg+Riba Tx I really think its a must have item, imagine how vulnerable we are to getting this bad flu virus with our low immune systems ..... Anyway I feel like I've got the darn flu with all this aching legs etc ... <b>Good Luck All, Keep Focused On Our "Goal"</b>
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[GI.PA]

The flu shot is a good idea for everyone this year.  It is safe and effective while you are on treatment.

GI.PA

[honey1616]

I'm thinking since you seem so concerned about it and afraid of getting it, maybe not going.  Could you plan something else for Christmas or could they come to your house possibly?  If you got that sick the last time and right in middle of treatment, might be better to hold off. What kind of treatment does everyone think is the best or maybe even least side effects.  I'm going to be starting mine in next couple of weeks and I think its the pegatron that I'm leaning towards getting.  My doctor said that they are coming out in January with shot already packaged ready to go so he said it would be easier.

[oldhippiechick67]

I read here awhile back that taking the flu shot on tx is okay, doesnt cause any problems, and flying on the plane with all that stuffy recycled air, and going to Colorado isnt the best idea for avoiding germs.  And the news lately has said that the strain of flu in the shots isnt the exact strain that is going around killing people, but it would help folks so they dont get it as seriously, if they do indeed get it.  In other words, get the flu shot!  just my 3 cents worth LOL.