Flu Shots & Vaccinations

It is that time of year, Flu Shots, I have always resisted them, Seems like the flu that comes is never the same as the vaccination.  Maybe with all the press and easy access to shots these days I have been re thinking it.

I have never liked the idea of getting something injected into my self I don't need. I mean do they really work? Also now  I am looking at the Shingles vaccination, having had chicken pox and having had shingles before albeit a mild case.  The kids with all the new vaccines and autism. I have lots of questions.

So what is the general feeling about flu shots?  Pro or against?

Deb

[jdwithhcv]

Pro, here.  I'm going in next week for mine.  I get the pneumonia vaccine also.

jd

[goosenbee]

My internist and the Liver Center hepatologists all insisted I get one. Other than a sore arm, no problems last year (during TX) or this.

[Deb_c430]

I know lots get them,  especially as age sets in, after 50, I am not sure,  I guess i will get one.     I just wonder about all these vaccines!

[mikesimon]

I was first in line and got mine last week. Mike

[portann]

That's a tough call and  I hear you about all the subtle issues you raised.

My hepatologist said it didn't matter one way or another and I could do whatever I wanted. I decided not to, since I have a powerhouse of anti-viral medication in my body, anyway. I think I'll take it next year, though, when I'm off tx and may be more vulnerable to viruses. Of course, I have no way to back up this decision. I'll just skip the shot this year, although I used to take it annually.

I personally don't know any doctors who ever take the flu shot themselves but perhaps they're weirdos.

I also have been wrestling with whether to have a routine mammogram. It's overdue but I feel very conservative, since my earlier one two years ago was fine. I just don't like to add something unnecessary to the mix of my current tx, if I can avoid it. I might reconsider this one.

The flu shot is definitely out for me this year and I will have to see if I goofed in my judgement.

[meNtoby]

Weeeellll, I've been getting them for the last 2 years with no problems, and before I started treatment, I got vaccinated for Hep A, B, pneumonia, tetanus, and diptheria without any problems at all.  

But Monday last week, I got a flu shot at the doctor, (I was on week 6 of tx) and THIS time, I got pretty sick for some reason.  Puking sick. Puking a LOT sick.  And this time, my arm got very sore, and the injection site got slightly redder and bigger than my interferon sites do.

It could have been a coincidence on the sickness thing, because I had been having a little nausea, but I don't know, I was due for my second Hep B shot on the 8th and now I'm having to psyche up just to go and get that one.  I'm about up to HERE with vaccinations at this point, and SHOTS in general. :-/

[Deb_c430]

lol see toby, why do i want to make my self sick? I am already sick!  I have a  thing about over vaccination, but I don't want to be stupid either! Even childrens vaccines i feel are over the top!   It is almost like they weaken immune systems.

Port get your mammogram, I think that is something different,   those and paps,  look at the relief the one two years ago gives you.  I think you and I are sort of on the page with vaccines but mammograms are imprtant. Not as invasive.

Still thinking it through one moment i am yes, one moment i am no!

[meakea]

My GI doc definitely told me to get a flu shot and pneumonia shot.  I got the flu shot 2 wks ago and no problems whatsoever.  This was the first flu shot I have ever had.  I have not yet gotten the pneumonia shot.

I also started the A&B vaccinations prior to starting TX.  I got 2 of the series out of the way prior to TX but the 3rd and last one is scheduled for December while I'm on TX.

[meakea]

You didn't ask for advice but I have to suggest to you that you go ahead and get your mammogram when you are due for one.

I was like you at first...that I was NOT going to add one more medical item to my list until my Hep C tx was over...period.  Then, coincidentally, a fellow female hepper on another site posted a reminder to everyone to get their yearly mammos because she was just dx'd with breast CA.  She was caught EARLY because it was her routine yearly and she was very thankful.  So...Hep C or not, TX or not, get your mammos ladies...please.

[portann]

okay dokey

[meakea]

One thing I would like to add about vaccinations...  my doc told me to be sure NOT to get any vaccinations that have a live virus in them such as the herpes vaccination.  I don't know which other vaccinations have live viruses in them but be sure to check before you get one.  (The flu shot is not an active virus)

[jdwithhcv]

Regarding mammograms while on tx - be advised that interferon can cause enlarged lymph nodes.  In April, while on tx, I had my annual mammogram.  I got the dreaded follow-up call telling me to come in for more views and an ultrasound because of an enlarged lymph node.  (I'm a cancer survivor at increased risk for breast cancer so this REALLY freaked me out!)   After further imaging the radiologist spoke to me about her findings.  When she learned that I was taking interferon she concluded that the enlarged node was caused by interferon.  So have the mammogram done and be sure to advise all concerned that you are on interferon.  This may save you a whole lot of worry and tears.  Now be safe - go on out there and get those mammys grammed!!!

[portann]

Those mammys grammed!!!!!!!!  

Where have I been, not to have heard that one before?

[Deb_c430]

I remember when that happened I told my mammy grams  lady to make sure she noted it on the radiologist sheet. That is great info JD!

[meNtoby]

My face hurts from smiling over the wording about mammies being grammed!  That would make a good billboard.  Get those MAMMIES GRAMMED!!  :-))

[meakea]

Mammies grammed...that is precious!!!  LMAO.

[Deb_c430]

one day i will tell you about the string!  

[susan400]

I always get them.  I've heard a theory that sometimes people who get sick with the flu shot have probably were just exposed to the flu and they were actually going to be coming down with it..., they get their flu shot - but it's too late to take effect yet and thus.., they've equated that they got the flu from their flu shot...when, actually, they were already exposed to the flu prior to the shot.  Does that make sense, or is it confusing sounding.  Most people these days are not getting sick from the flu shot.  The most you usually will get from a flu shot is a mild achiness and slight fever for the day of and perhaps the day after.  The shot is using a de-activated virus..., it's not the activated live virus of the shots from years ago.  They no longer use the live virus.  Also, it should be noted that you will never hear of someone dying from the flu shot, but there have been hundreds or thousands of people who have died from complications of the actual flu.

Susan400

[Rockerforlife]

A SCAM

[Deb_c430]

that is a good thought susan,  so many different opinions on it, good to know it is no longer a live virus, that is what bothered me.

Thanks Susan!

[nygirl7]

Deb I got mine when I was on treatment and three out of my six family members got the flu. (Dad, I and my daughter had the shot, my mom, brother and son got the flu-I think if we hadn't had the shot we would have definitely too!)Ever since then........I totally believe in them. The sore arm was the only down side.

The pneumonia shot is a good thing to get too. While you are THIS sick from the 72 weeks of Infergen and the crazy crazy low hemo you have had to fight off for so long, you simply cannot afford to have anything else going on.

Unfortunately you don't have an easy road - you aren't even a 24 weeker...and this isn't your first course of treatment & the procrit has yet to really get goin' - what you have been going through would test ANYBODY's strength.......do every single thing you can to protect yourself my friend.

How you've managed to keep going is so far beyond me.  My piddly 72 of Interferon do NOT compare.  You are one tough little cookie!  :)

[jdwithhcv]

Don't forget the pneumonia shot only protects you from viral pneumonuia.  You can still get bacterial pneumonia.  I got it last May after spending a lot of time looking at nursing homes for my Mom and visiting her in lovely Norwalk Hospital!  So if you're getting labs drawn at the hospital WATCH OUT!!!  You have no resistance, no immune system and hospitals are deadly - full of sick people and their bacteria!!!

xoxox
jd

[Deb_c430]

Ok I will get them both!  and a shingles,  BUT thats all! I don't know about all these vaccines!   XOXOXO

Thanks to all!

[rita863]

Deb,

I got both yesterday!!!!

JD>  thanks for the news on mammy i have to schedule that appt. next.

Go get them now!!!

[TeeVee36]

I was second in line the first day they were offered on my job.

I have been getting a flu shot every year for longer than I can remember.  I have NEVER gotten the flu and feel positive that I am now immune to catching it at all.  

It was recommended that I get it last yr when I was on tx as I checked with my Hep dx first.

It is a personal choice, imo I think it can't hurt though they do say not to get it if you feel like you are sick or coming down with something.

Wishing you well!  

TV

[CMcH]

When I asked my NP if I should get the shot she said yes, yes and yes! I work in a hospital though so I am exposed to a lot of different things. With a low WBC that would make sense although it didn't seem to help last year.
What's another shot?

[alagirl]

My doctor insisted that I get both the pneumonia and the flu shot when starting tx.  I posted an advisory on another thread from 2004 (in Texas) - where it was recommended that anyone who is in a high risk group get the flu and pneumonia vaccinations.  They were VERY aggressive with me all of the times I was in the hospital making sure that I had already gotten it.  They asked me every single time before they would let me leave.  I think someone said you only have to get the pneumonia shot every two years?  That would be nice to only have to get the flu shot this year.  I never have much reaction to them anyway though (knock on wood).

[Deb_c430]

Husband got his yesterday,  Nurse told him they are not alive bacteria as someone saidearlier.

So I am getting it pnen, and shingles.   Crazy how we have to worry about such normal stuff no?