Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm on Humira shots, used to be on methotrexate too, but had to stop that for a while because of elevated liver levels. My question is, with RA being autoimmune disorder, could getting a flu shot give you a better chance of actually getting the flu with it? I've taken flu shots in the past with no problems, (just diagnosed with RA this year). Just wondering.
WHAT?????? That's the most ridiculous thing I ever heard of. Who told you that? It is my understanding that the flu shot is an important must especially when on all of the imuno supressant meds that we must take. The way it was explained to me is - get the flu shot because it is a "dead" vaccine, but DON'T do the flu mist because it is a "live" vaccine. I go the shot and in the same day, other arm, I also got a booster pnuemonia vaccine and boy were my arms sore! Also, I live in the Chicago area and I don't want to take any chances with the lousy winters we have here! Check these out re flu shots and biologics: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9071/8473/4038 12.html http://arthritis.about.com/od/arthqa/f/flushots.htm I'm on MTX and get the flu shot [not the flu mist, which has live vaccine] every year. The worse I have ever felt was just a tiny bit under the weather the following day. Lee I am taking Mthx and am on Humira also. My Dr. said to get the flu shot and I did. I had no reaction at all. Not even a sore arm. I am told we are in the high risk people who should always get the flu shot before others. The flu shot is not a live virus. He also suggested the pneumonia shot. My regular MD backed away from that one because I was supposed to take my Humira that same day and we were both afraid of doing that. Now that shot is back to the Rhem. doctor to decide is I can still get that one. The Humira warnings are: stay away from anyone sick or with an infection. Where I work--they have all been coughing and sneezing all over the place. I go in with my anti-bacterial wipes and clean my phone, etc. Don't share your pen with anyone. Wash your hands often. The problem is if you need an antibotic yourself to fight an infection, you will have to stop the Humira and Mthx. Not a good thing. As soon as the infection is cleared up, you can start again. I am on Humera and my Rheumy told me I HAD to get the flu shot, last year he insisted I also get the pnuemonia shot. Didnt have any problems with either other than a slightly sore arm. Doreen YES YES YES the flu serium may save you much hospital time. ALSO don't forget to get your pneumonia injection every 5 years. I for one, have NO desire, to spend any more time than necessary, in the hospital. Take Care,
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