Aa
did you guys get flu shots while on treatment
Wondering if you all on treatment got or get a flu shot? The rest of my family did but I worry about getting one since my WBC is low already not to mention I don't want to do something that could interfere with the treatment.
I got one, and haven't really been sick. I also got one last winter since I started my treatment the end of January.
My doctor initially before treatment (before we even knew I would be treated) said to get one. However, now that I'm well into treatment and been through a lot really, he's on the fence. I guess you could say he neither recommends it or doesn't recommend it.
Being your post transplant this is something your you should run across your Hepa......... Hope your doing well Bill
The flue is epidemic where I live right now.
I was encouraged to have the flu shot prior to treating & I did. There was a question a few months ago about the Shingles vaccine so I asked about all three. Both my GI & PCP told me (at the time) I could have a flu shot & pneumonia while on treatment but discouraged the Shingles. At that time my ANC was around 1 or so. This is based on my particular medical history however.
I was encouraged to have the flu shot prior to treating & I did. There was a question a few months ago about the Shingles vaccine so I asked about all three. Both my GI & PCP told me (at the time) I could have a flu shot & pneumonia while on treatment but discouraged the Shingles. At that time my ANC was around 1 or so. This is based on my particular medical history however.
What does your treating doctor say?
Hepatitis Central
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2012/12/hepatitis_c_man.html
...
'The Flu Shot
Because of their increased susceptibility to complications, the seasonal flu vaccine is typically recommended for those with chronic Hepatitis C. Advocates claim that the best way to prevent the flu is through vaccination. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone:
* over the age of 6 months
* unless they are allergic to eggs or have had an allergic reaction to a prior flu shot
The formulation of the flu shot changes every year to protect people from current strains.
People living with Hepatitis C, cirrhosis and those undergoing Hepatitis C antiviral treatment are all encouraged by the medical community to receive an annual flu shot. Although it may seem counterintuitive to get the flu shot while on interferon-based Hepatitis C therapy, experts assert that it is an ideal time to get a flu vaccination because interferon stimulates the immune response.
Studies have found that in healthy adults, the flu vaccine can decrease the chances of coming down with the flu by as much as 70 to 90 percent. Unfortunately, the flu vaccine only defends against a particular strain of influenza; it does not offer any protection against a cold or other flu strain.'
Hector
Hepatitis Central
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2012/12/hepatitis_c_man.html
...
'The Flu Shot
Because of their increased susceptibility to complications, the seasonal flu vaccine is typically recommended for those with chronic Hepatitis C. Advocates claim that the best way to prevent the flu is through vaccination. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone:
* over the age of 6 months
* unless they are allergic to eggs or have had an allergic reaction to a prior flu shot
The formulation of the flu shot changes every year to protect people from current strains.
People living with Hepatitis C, cirrhosis and those undergoing Hepatitis C antiviral treatment are all encouraged by the medical community to receive an annual flu shot. Although it may seem counterintuitive to get the flu shot while on interferon-based Hepatitis C therapy, experts assert that it is an ideal time to get a flu vaccination because interferon stimulates the immune response.
Studies have found that in healthy adults, the flu vaccine can decrease the chances of coming down with the flu by as much as 70 to 90 percent. Unfortunately, the flu vaccine only defends against a particular strain of influenza; it does not offer any protection against a cold or other flu strain.'
Hector
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
