Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
1078707 tn?1255964151

Lyme Disease, Asthma, and both Flu Vaccines

I DO have an underlying illness. I have Severe Chronic Asthma. But, I also have Lyme Disease. For the past 3 years, including this year, I have taken the regular flu shot. I am extremely confused about what to do with this new vaccine for swine flu/h1n1 because everything I have found via the web and my Lyme Disease Support Group meetings all say NOT to take either. But, I have to take the yearly one, right? I don't know what to do, does anyone have any suggestions? I don't have an LLMD, no one takes state medicade, and my family doctor doesn't know squat about Lyme; my pulmonologist for my asthma doesn't either. HELP! Each time I have taken the flu shot, I've noticed my Lyme issues getting worse. Memory is leaving me more often, confusion, mood swings, you know, "the works". But, "they" are starting to make me panic (also thanks to the Lyme) about this stupid vaccine and underlying illnesses.  Any one of you who read this, please give me your opinion, send me a link to a website that may help, anything. I am truly getting worried, and stress isn't a good thing for my asthma or the Lyme. THANKS!!!!!
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I also think it is a personal decision.  You should talk to your doctor about it since you have an underlying condition.  I am not getting either myself.
Helpful - 0
594002 tn?1256303782
I am not a Dr either and each of us needs to make our own decisions on what is best for us, but my LLMD has stated she recommends and prefers that I do not have either vaccine as it can trigger my Lyme disease.  I am concerned but have made my decision to listen and Not get the vaccine.  My family on the other hand is planning to get the H1N1 and already have received the seasonal vaccine to help ensure the health of our entire family.  I am bit of a fanatic on sanitizer these days :) but preventive care is the best line of defense we have.  I know my Lyme will come back with a vengence from past experiences and have had to choose No to the vaccines.  You need to do what you feel is the best decision for you.  Take care and remember we are all always here to help support as best we can.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi

I can't give you medical advice, I have no medical training at all -- but I'm not planning to get either a flu shot or the swine flu shot, just a personal decision.

I will be travelling over the holidays, in a jampacked airplane full of sick people, I'm sure, but still I'm not planning on a shot.  Like you, I have had bad reactions to flu shots in the past, and my poor body is on overdrive now fighting off what it's got, so I figure my immune system is on alert.

Illogical perhaps not to get a shot, but my current position is not to.  I don't have a chonic condition like asthma, so that's outside my frame of reference.

=================
On another note, there are some good LLMDs in Virginia -- have you consulted one (or more)?  Treatment really can help IMHO.

Good luck with your decision on the shots.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Lyme Disease Community

Top Infectious Diseases Answerers
1415174 tn?1453243103
CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Can HIV be transmitted through this sexual activity? Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia answers this commonly-asked question.
A breakthrough study discovers how to reduce risk of HIV transmission by 95 percent.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
Before your drop a dime at the pharmacy, find out if these popular cold and flu home remedies are a wonder or a waste
Fend off colds and the flu with these disease-fighting foods