Flu Shot OK?

Is it OK to get a flu shot if you have or may have MS???

I went to get a Flu Shot and one of the warnings was if your have Neurolical problems you should not get a flu shot. Dr. really didn't offer much advice as to whether I should or should get it. I didn't. Thought I would check with my Neurolist. They still have not gotten back to me.

[Heather3418]

It's because you do have a Neurological problem that it's VERY important to get a flu shot.  The vaccine is not a live vaccine.  All people with chronic health problems should get the vaccine.  In fact, I think that it should be available to anyone that wants it, as I think it currently is, so less people would die needlessly from the flu.  Thousands die each year, because they contract the flu.

So I disagree BIG TIME with your doctor.  I have MS and have been getting the flu shot yearly for over 20 years.  It's never done me any harm and God only knows how much good it has done me.

Heather

[essdipity]

You should definitely get a flu shot. If you have MS and you get flu, that could set off a flare of your MS, because your immune system would then have to attack the virus, and in the process, could start attacking itself. It's very important for all of us to do our best to keep from getting even a  cold if at all possible, for this reason. Natch it's not always possible, but a flu shot gives you a good chance (not 100%) of keeping this year's flu virus at bay.

ess

[Wobbly]

this is the first year my GP has asked me if I had my flu shot...he wants to give me one now...I'm not yet Dx...but he thinks it's MS...so??

take care
wobbly
undx

[jensequitur]

I think it would be a good idea.  If you're having health problems, even if you're undiagnosed, it indicates that you're more susceptible to disease... so get the shot!

But as Heather sez, don't go with the oral spray vaccine.  It's a live virus that may end up infecting somebody with a compromised immune system.  The shot is fine.

[Lulu54]

Flu shots - YES!

Nasal mist - NO!

When I went to do the flu shot at my PCP's she had me hold off until we got the final clearance from the MS neuro - his answer was a definite yes like everyone above has written.

Hopefully everyone is getting their flu SHOT this year!  

Stay well,
Laura

[LE1212]

Thank you, I will get one for sure

[hbananas]

From the little handout when I got mine....If you are suspected of having or are at risk for Guillane-Barre (sp?) syndrome, you should get permission from your doc.  Like you'd know if you were at risk for it, right?  I think it's just a big CYA since waaaaay back in 1976 when the swine flu vaccine actually did give G-B to some people.

[Quixotic1]

Echoing what everybody said above.  Yes, it is HIGLY recommended that you get the shot.

Yes, immunizations are one of those things that can bring on a relapse.  However, the relapse associated with the flu shot is SOooooooooooooooooo much less than you typically see after the flu.

And YES, the SHOT only, not the nasal mist.  The mist is a live virus vaccine and theoretically will stimulate the immune system much more than the inactivated virus of the shot.

Quix

[Quixotic1]

Typically people do know when they have have Guillain-Barre Syndrome.  GBS is a rapidly developing paralysis that ascends up the body from the legs -> torso -> arms and often involves the breathing necessitating being placed on a ventilator.  Though typically this follows an infection, it can follow an immunization.

Quix