I'm not taking anything for my RA right now, I've been doing well thank God! I don't want to "activate" my immune system in any way so I'm wondering if I should avoid the shot. My Rheumy's office is closed on Fridays-and the shot is being offered for free today. What should I do?Check with your dr, but I would get the flu shot. The injection is a dead virus so you shouldn't get the flu from it.
The new nasal spray flu vaccine, however, is made from live flu virus, so avoid that.I need to ammend my last post. I would wait until you can get in touch with you Rheumy.
I think I'd rather pay for the flu shot than screw your immune system up. There may be no logic to it but I know how unpredictable RA is.
If you are getting it through work, maybe they can schedule a time for you at the dr's office? I know if we miss the free shots given in our office we can reschedule at the clinic.No to the flu shot! I had gotten flu shots for the past 7 years and had no problems until..............Last January I got a flu shot. It was one week to the day of the shot that I woke up not able to move. My ankles were swollen and the pain was horrible. My arms hurt, wrists, hands....After much doctor visit I was diagnoised with reactive RA. My RA doctor believes the flu shot triggered it. It's been almost a year and I am still sick. NEVER again will I get a flu shot! I'd rather get the flu than live the way I am living now............
Just got back from the RD myself - and got the flu shot. RD said it's a dead virus and shouldn't cause any problems.
My rheumy insists I get the flu shot every year. The shot is not a live virus, therefore it cannot make you sick. The point is that because you have an autoimmune disorder, your body cannot fight off the flu as a normally healthy person, if you do contract it. Getting the shot makes the liklihood of your catching the flu less likely. (The vaccine is not a cure-all. It only protects you from whatever strain of the virus is prevalent.)
Remember a couple of years ago and there was a vaccine shortage? They only gave the shots to people in jeopardy--young children, very old people and people with immune deficiencies. That would be us.
I would never skip having my flu shot. I feel that it helps with colds and allergies too. I always get mine. My shoulder usually ends up freezing up a bit, which happens with every shot. I know how bad I would be if I got the flu, and how much it could set me back, so I always get the shot.
I always get a flu shot too. I hate getting sick with that stuff - I just can't get over it if I catch it. Flu shots have kept me free from flu for at least 4 years, maybe even 5.
My rhuemy does not push shots for people on my meds, because the meds may not allow them to work.
But my internal med says ' you have plenty of immune system left to benefit!'
Both say only killed virus vaccines!
My doc also insists that I get it every year. I've never had a problem with the shot, and haven't gotten the flu either. My husband is in the military and it is mandatory for active duty military to get the mist, unless they live with someone high risk. They told him (and my doc agreed) that it wouldn't be a good idea to get the mist. So, if you have family members living with you who have a choice, it would be safer for them to get the shot. I am going to get one. I am miserable with this pneumonia and the thought of having the flu is just icky. I'm a teaacher and the rheumy said it's important for me to get it because of my weakened immune system and exposeure to all those germy kids. I've done it for years without any problems. Don't if you're allergic to eggs however. I just had mine on Tuesday. Last year was the first in many that I didn't have one and also the first I got sick. So I will get it every year.FYI if you have any asthma or respiratory issues you can NOT use the nasal. I was just in the doctor's office this week and I switched to the dreaded shot. My RD insisted.
I was at my PCP's office and after spending a good amount of time there I