Flu shot....

[Cann1980]

Wondering opinions on flu shot..
Are you getting one?
Have you in past?

I have never had one before ... Wondering if I should.
I am on rebif and diagnosed RRMS.

[kwarendorf]

Even though I'm no longer getting Tysabri, my doc has advised against. I'm going to take his advice :-)

Kyle

[cubbiesfan918]

Hi Candice -

I did receive the flu shot and have recv'd one for several years after seeing my husband suffer with it several years ago. Now that we have the baby, it was important for all that care for her recv the shot this year.

Like Shell,. I believe the benefits far outweigh the risks; however, we are on different treatments. Did you go ahead and proceed with the shot?

Hope all is well with you and your precious family!
L

[sllowe]

Excellent question! And, I too feel the benefits outweigh the risks with the vaccine - as do my doctors. I've been getting it for the past few years, and got mine early this year. So glad I did, as I've seen friends who have already gotten the flu and were put down for weeks.

The flu and the complications to the flu kill people every year - but since this happens always and is not "new" seems we don't hear about it on prime time.

Good luck to you on your decision - Ess brings up a good point about the dead virus. This is the only one I'll get for myself, and my family.
-shell

[Lulu54]

I've been getting the flu vaccine since my diagnosis -my neuro, PCP and cardiologist are all on board with it. It is definitely an individual decision just like all medical treatments should be.  We do have lots of good information on the flu vaccine in older posts and you can search the forum for them if you want to read more.  Or drop me a note and I will find some links.

be well, Laura

[Cann1980]

Thanks everyone... I see most of the sway is for the flu shot.
This is very reassuring!! :)

I appreciate everyone's opinion on the matter! :)

[karryon55]

I have had my flu vax for 10 plus years & I've been on Rituximab for over 5 years & many much harsher immunosuppressants prior to to this.

I have been told it's important to have....but to not have it near my Rituximab treatments & not to have live vaccines. The MS society over in Oz have actually made a point to express how important having the flu vax is but have also said there is no connection between getting MS after the flu vax.

Take Care......Karry.

[PastorDan]

Excellent observations, TLC.  My statements were overly broad, in hindsight.  In my little world, the issue's long ago decided, but I should not be speaking on this topic for any group.

[shay933]

FYI-My neurologist said to have the flu shot; however, I was not to take live vaccinations.

[HVAC]

I always get the FLU shot.
Also since I got the pnemonia shot I stopped getting my yearly bronchitis. My problem this year was my white blood cell count was low due to the chemo so it may not work for me.

Alex

[Corriel]

Hi Candace! The drug company rep at Rebif told me it was ok to have the flu shot but not to take it on the same day as my Rebif or I would have increased side effects.

[essdipity]

The problem with some shots is not that they're 'mist,' but that they're made from live vaccine. Many medical practitioners feel that this is not safe for MSers.

The regular injected shots are made from dead vaccine and are acknowledged to be safe.

ess

[TLC_31]

Much like you, I have MS and I use an interferon (Avonex in my case). I have had flu shots in recent years with no adverse effects. I must emphasize that these were injected shots, not the mist vaccine that medical professionals have told me to stay away from.

Although flu shots have worked for me, for you to have one (or to have any medical treatment) is a personal choice, not subject to any conclusions that might have been reached when it was “debated” here or in any online forum. No one here is a practicing physician, many of us use different drugs, and many of us have different courses of the disease (and some aren’t diagnosed at all).

[PastorDan]

About 15 to 20 years ago, I began volunteering in a prison hospital.  At the same time, I had family in a nursing home.  I figured I was about as high a risk as was out there, to myself and to others.  Actually, my old PCP suggested I should have a flu shot to reduce the risk I'd carry the flu virus to anyone.  I've done so each year since, and have never had cause to regret it.

[Cann1980]

I always love your perspective pastor dan!!

Thank you both for your opinion

[PastorDan]

Yeah, we debated it here in each of several years gone by, and always conclude that the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.  Biggest real risk is that you'll be in a traffic accident on your way there.

[EJNILB]

Initially I was advised by my MS doc to get the shot. Then, after it was discovered my absolute lymphocytes count was low due to Tecfidera, I was advised to hold off. I now have blood drawn weekly to test this level. I went yesterday and was told if I'm back in the normal range I should get the flu shot. So, it seems as if it's advisable.