Question regarding flu mist. | Arthritis Information

Happy Friday!!!

Question for you guys.

I have been told in the past that I am not allowed to get the flu mist or be around those the received it within 24hrs. I know that even my son couldn't get the mist due to me and had to get a shot. I am curious-do you think there is a real risk or are the drs just being over cautious?

Here's my problem....They are going to adminster the H1N1 vaccine as a mist to the students. This will be done through the clinic. If I am not supposed to be around this, it is going to be quite a problem. I honestly don't have the days to take off work. Plus, it's not going to be just one day...it's going to be over a few days. I tried to contact my RD, but they are moving offices this week. It's pretty hard to get in touch with them.

I would demand to talk to the person in charge of the vaccination program, and also talk to your own pharmacist if you can't get in touch with your rheumatologist. Many pharmacies are dispensing flu vaccine these days, so the pharmacists should be well-versed in contraindications to them.

I believe there is a small but real risk of immune-compromised folks getting the flu from virus particles shed by those recently given the FluMist live vaccine. I would suspect your chances of running across the virus "in the wild" are probably worse than catching the weakened version from a recently-vaccinated person - but again, check with someone "in the know."

Best of luck!

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