flu shots

[Martha]

I've never gotten a flu shot before, but this year I was planning to, because, let's face it, I'm old enough! However, reading about the reactions that various medicines can affect MC, I thought I'd ask and see if any of you have advice. I'm in remission now, with diet alone (coconut, and 2 weeks gluten free).

Is the risk of flare greater than the risk of flu? Any thoughts?

My husband got a flu shot in early October, and felt achy and feverish for a couple of days, even though they say flu shots don't make you sick. My sister, who is a neonatal nurse and religiously gets flu shots, said several of her coworkers who had already gotten shots had also reacted to the shot this year. I'm not really worried about a few days of achiness, but I don't want to set off the D again.

[tex]

For some reason or other, people with autoimmune diseases seem to run a much higher risk if very adverse reaction to flu shots. Here are some recent threads on the subject:

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... t=flu+shot

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... t=flu+shot

Also, please be aware that flu shots don't convey very effective immunization to older people:

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... t=flu+shot

There are many other older threads, that can be found by doing a search of the archives, but these are fairly representative. Obviously, not everyone has adverse reactions to the shots, but obviously, susceptible individuals can have life-altering reactions to them, under certain conditions.

Tex

[Rosie]

Also, please be aware that flu shots don't convey very effective immunization to older people:

I haven't seen it mentioned in the Forum, but do you know that if you are over 65+ you will be urged to get a "high dose" flu shot that actually contains 4 times the amount of antigens as the regular shot! Here is an article about it. The theory is that since your immune system gets less effective as you get older, the higher dose will provide a much better level of immunity........without any studies that show that it is more effective at preventing flu. Obviously there is a much greater chance for a serious reaction. http://www.latimes.com/health/os-high-d ... 1058.story

Personally, I have always gotten a flu shot each year since I used to work at a university and DH still does. That sort of environment is a real breeding ground for flu bugs. And so far neither of us have gotten the flu in years when we've had the flu shot. FWIW, this year when we got the shots, both of us had mild symptoms, just a slightly achy shoulder for half a day.

In the past with my asthma I have had really serious long-lasting (over a month) bronchitis with frequent asthma attacks when I've had the flu, so I'd rather take a chance with the flu shot than with the flu. We each have to make our own risk/benefit assessment. However, next year when I turn 65, I will just get the regular dose flu shot, not the high dose!

Rosie

[Martha]

Thanks, Tex.

I'll stick with vitamin D. Is 4000 IU a day enough for Dallas? I try to get out and walk most days for about 20 minutes, but once it gets cold, I'll be bundled up. Having spent much of my adult life in the tropics, I really feel the cold.

[Gabes-Apg]

being in australia we have just finished winter.
based on discussions on this site and with my accupuncturist there were more cons than pro so i didnt have it (even thought it was being provided free by my employer)

i followed the advice of people here, increased Vit D, increased my Vit C and Zinc, i did not go to events or situations that were high risk for contracting the flu
at work i was slightly obsessive about germ protection, washing hands frequently, using the santiser stuff frequently, didnt share pens

in the peak of winter, I managed to travel for 30hrs plus in planes and airports where people were coughing sneezing, there were people at work that had the flu (and that i had to share meeting rooms with) and i didnt get sick

admittedly winter in brisbane is very mild, (ie no snow) so i do get to spend time outside in the sun.
Any time i felt poorly i took it easy, gone are the days when i try to push through and carry on, i listen to my body a bit more these days.

hope this helps

[tex]

Rosie,

Thanks for the link to that article. I wasn't aware of that development. It will be interesting to see how that transpires.

I agree with you. When I was a kid, asthma was a real problem for me, and any type of respiratory virus was really bad news. I'm mighty thankful that I "outgrew" it, after I got past my teen years.


Martha,

I would think that dose should work reasonably well. I take 4,000 IU per day, plus another 500 IU in a multivitamin. During the summer, I drop to 2,000 IU, (plus 500 IU), because I spend a fair amount of time working in the sun, even in the middle of the day, (without any sunscreen, of course). I hate cold weather, too. It's already too cool to suit me, today, and it's in the low 70s.


Gabes,

That's what I try to do, too - avoid high-risk mobs, and wash my hands regularly, when around people. I think it makes a lot of difference.

Tex

[Joefnh]

I generally do not get immunizations of that type. Since I now travel to various military and government facilities, I was 'required' to have the immunization so last year I did for the first time. I am not sure about this year given that I am taking Imuran, I believe that there are some issues with that. I do have a call into my doctor to see what advice he can offer.

Beyond that I am now taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D for at least he next 45 days to work on bringing my level back up. Along with that I also take vitamin C, A, E and zinc.

--Joe

[Kari]

Hi Martha,

I know you have already decided against the flu shot, but thought I'd weigh in anyway. I made up my mind years ago to stay clear the shots, as I got really sick the one time I had one. Here in Colorado the shots are given free in the drug stores, as well as other places, but I've got less than zero interest :).

I also wanted to thank you for posting about coconut. I have had my daily fill of coconut flakes ever since I read it. I love coconut, and used to eat macaroons, but find the sweet flakes almost as satisfying :). Don't know if they help my gut, but they definitely don't hurt !!!!!

Kari

P.S. I've also started to make coconut shrimps regularly - mmmmm

[grannyh]

Hmm, this subject came up too late for me. I got the shot two weeks ago. No side effects, no relapse with D. Hubby refused the shot.
grannyh

[Jan]

I got my flu shot a little over a week ago. I didn't even have a sore arm this year. I'm not 65 yet, but my hubbie is over 65. We both got the same shot.

Jan

[Polly]

I don't get them. I use vitamin D and frequent handwashing.

Polly

[grannyh]

Guess it won't hurt to up my D3:)
grannyh

[tex]

GrannyH,

Did you get the regular shot, or the high-octane version?

Tex

[Gloria]

DH always gets the shot for free at work. DDs got the shot for their children. I think DDs also get the shot. I've been opting out, taking 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3 daily. Since I've retired, I'm no longer around as many people and I don't feel I need the shot.

FWIW, DH, both DDs and all my grandchildren have had a cold/virus in the past month. I've been completely well - and I'm on 9 mg Entocort a day and not eating any fruit or fruit juice and only three vegetables. Must be the vitamin D.

Gloria

[tex]

Must be the vitamin D.

Well, you're obviously doing something right, that's for sure, and I hope you can continue to show the rest of your family the right way to go about it.

Tex