Flu Shot - To Get It or Not To Get It

I've been getting the flu shot for the last couple years now but since being diagnosed can you still get it or is it better not to get it? Thanks!

I've heard that you should get it, especially now but I think you should ask your doc. I get it and have been advised to get it. Monica

Hey there Chris,

I ALWAYS get a flu shot and I HIGHLY reccomend you get one too as you always do.Much better to be safe than sorry..........so DO get one my friend!!!!
Warmly, Barbara

I will get the flu shot for the 1st time, this year. Resaon being is I had the flu the last season and thought I should of been hospitalized. I was that sick, I struggled for weeks. I definately don't want to go through that again.

Thanks everbody!! Since having an autoimmune disease, I just didn't know if it was a good thing for us or not. I thought, but I am not sure, that they inject a live virus so that's why I was concerned. I'll definitely ask my doctor for it.

Hi again Chris,

It was a good question....but I would think that your doctor would definately want you to have a flu shot because w/ sle if we get the flu, it would be much worse for us than for healthy people.I have been getting them the entire time(23 years) that I have had sle.I never have had any reactions from the shot and also never get the flu!!!!So I say it's a win/win situation!!!
Warmly, Barbara

Hi Everyone,

Chris, I will be interested to see what your Dr says because I was told that I can't have one while on immunosuppressants! That was by my old GP and I haven't checked with my new one, I have also never asked my Rheumy about it because I keep forgetting to ! So it will be interesting to see what your Dr says!Although it is too late for this years, but I will check into it more for next year!

Thanks for bringing this up I may never have known that it is possible to get a flu shot otherwise

Take Care
Love and Hugs
xxxMaz

Hello
I never had taken the flu shot untill i was dx in 2000 then my pcd and my rhem both told me i needed to take it. Have had no problems it.
Take care
Ray

Hi All,

I generally get a flu shot , my rhuemy highly recommends it. That said, I was not on methotrexate last year, so I don't know if that will come into play or not. Has anyone gotten a flu shot while on methotrexate?

Melissa

Hello Melissa
I started methx this past yr and took the flu shot and it did not bother me , but i would check with your dx first.

Take care Ray

this was an interesting read I found on the lupus 'ask the experts' site. It addressed the flu shot in it and some other issues as well. Hopefully it comes up, if not, try to cut and paste.

http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_empty.aspx?articleid=2008&zoneid=76

Monica

I called my rheumy regarding this and as I am only on Plaquenil which deals with the inflammation, she recommeded I get it as I always have. I would definitely check with your rheumy first as I thing it depends on whether or not you are taking an immunosuppressant medication.

Beth

Monica

This link was very good info!

Thank you and take care

from the yardman

Ray

Hi All,

I saw my rheumy today and all I said was "flu shot" and he "yes" before I asked the whole question. He definitely thinks I should get it. I'm on prednisone and plaquenil right now. Thanks for all your responses!!!

Thanks Chris,

Since it is too late for me this year I will certainly ask my Drs about it for next year and see what they say!

Take Care
Love and Hugs
xxxMaz

Hi Poppy,

Oooohhhh, I'm glad you mentioned about the pneumonia shot!! I forgot to ask my rheumy about that on Friday. I think I had one last year but I can't remember now. But I'll be getting the flu shot from my PCP and will find out when I see him around the end of October about the pneumonia shot too. Thanks and let us know what your rheumy says.

I'm always told to get the flu shot from my Rheumy. I also got the pneumonia shot last year.

Hmm, I didn't even know there was a pnemonia shot, thanks for the info... Monica

Hi.....I believe the pneumonia shot is only given every 3-5 years......I am not sure, but I know it is not given EVERY year.Ask your doctor but I am certain about the frequency.

Hi All,

Barbara, you're right, the pneumonia shot is given every 5 years. We just talked about it today when I took my Mom to her PCP for her check-up. Thanks.

Hi Everyone:

I saw my rheumy today and got my flu shot - he agreed that a pneumonia shot would be good,too, but he didn't have that available - so, I'll be getting that from my PCP or the grocery store . Our grocery stores here offer them during flu season-

Poppy

Glad to hear your getting your shots, its always better to be safe than sorry.
I am getting mine in two weeks, i am still in good shape on my pneumonia shot

from the yardman
Take care
Ray

Ohhh Poppy,

That is funny It's a great idea but what next

Take Care
Love and Hugs
xxxMaz