H1n1 shot

I had the H1n1 shot at work even though my inner voice was saying not to get it. They were really pushing it at work and it was coming up in reviews of people that didn't get the shot.


Have you ever heard anything about the h1n1 shot and ms ?   I developed optic neuritis within 4 weeks of the shot  

[Lulu54]

I am 99.9% certain that there is no connection between your optic neuritis and the H1N1 vaccine.  If you search this community you will find we have the discussion about vaccines regularly - usually in the fall when the new push is being made for the flu shots.

It is in our best interst to get vaccinated and avoid getting sick with influenza - it can really throw MS into a major tail spin with the fever and infection.  The only exception to this is NEVER get the the nasal spray variety, which contains live virus.  With MS our systems are already working overtime and when you introduce that live virus it can go into major overdrive.

You are a wise woman to get the H1N1.  

[sllowe]

HI there,

I 2nd Lu - I'm glad you got it. It's important not only for MSers, but for anyone and especially those with chronic disease to prevent the flu, and more importantly the complications that come with the flu that kill so many each year.

Hope you see improvement with your ON.
-Shell

[HVAC]

I get my Flu shot every year as well.

Alex

[COBOB]

The H1N1 shot is a particle vaccine (just bits and pieces of the virus.)  It can not cause disease.  I get my flu shot every year.  

According to Wikipedia the following are attenuated vaccines:    
* Viral: measles vaccine, mumps vaccine, rubella vaccine, chicken pox vaccine, yellow fever vaccine, and nasal-spray flu vaccine, Rabies vaccine.

* Bacterial: BCG vaccine, typhoid vaccine
[Wikipedia contributors. "Attenuated vaccine." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 29 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 Apr. 2011.]

These can rarely cause disease, but they are designed to activate the immune system.  The common wisdom seems to be that you should consult your neurologist before taking any live/attenuated vaccine.

Bob

[jujuminx]

Hummm, interesting comments.

I asked this question of my neurologist after I was dx and he recommended that I get vaccinated. When I told him I usually do not, and the only time I ever got the flu was the only year I got the vaccine, he then told me that I needed to do whatever I feel comfortable with.

Idk, perhaps my fears are goundless but my instinct tells me not to and I have never gone wrong following my instincts. So, for me, I will not be getting the flu shot.

Julie

[twopack]

Attenuated means a weakened live virus for those who may not know.

[Pfurs]

My gut was telling me not to get the H1n1 shot because of the autoimmune issues on my family but where I work was strongly encouraging you get. I feel that the shot turned the ms on so to speak.  Next I have a gut feeling I'm going to go with it.

[maestro1959]

My primary care doctor will not give me any flu shots.  She said that any of them could potentially trigger a severe flare.  I have no idea how accurate that is, but I had no reason not to trust her determination.

Any comments?  Thank you.

[Magie43]

My Neuro told me I could get the flu shot but not the mist.

[cainer]

hi  well just my 2 cents dont want no arguement-  or cause trouble- but there is no way id get that shot, none, our immune system is in overdrive, why help it out??
my opionion

[COBOB]

Here is my read.  Several doctor friends agree.  Consider that exposure to the flu will have a higher likelihood of triggering a flare and people actually DIE from the flu.  The inactivated viruses (not the mist) will cause the production of antibodies to the virus, but can not infect you with the flu and have nothing to do with antibody activation against myelin.  

The immune system is pretty specific.  Most people don't have a flare every time you are exposed to someone with a cold (live rhino viruses, adeno viruses, etc.,) so exposure to fragments of flu in the vaccine are even less dangerous.

People forget that (last I saw) over 60,000 people die from the flu every year in the US.  It is a risk benefit analysis for each individual.  I travel both foreign (India, Central/South Africa) and domestically, deal with large groups of people (including native populations,) and have had to work in places with less than ideal sanitation.  I have even taken prescribed  "prophylactic broad spectrum antibiotics"  to prevent disease in some areas where I have traveled.   I'll risk the flu shot (inactivated particles of a virus) since even a flare is better than DEAD.

Bob

[cainer]

LOL!!  Ok-  i just assumed why give yourself more of virus stuff -well thanks 4 info- good thing im not a dr!