TB test and RA | Arthritis Information

 

Hi all,  anyone heard anything about a problem with getting a TB test and RA?  Also, I have heard different things about the pneumonia and flu vaccines for people with RA.  I was so sick last winter when I got the flu.  I never want that again.  I also have asthma and have had pneumonia several times.

thanks for any info.

I had to get a TB test before starting Humira.

I also got the flu shot last fall and I'm glad I did. Everyone in my family had the flu this past season.....but not me! I'll definately get it again in the future. pneumonia isn't a bad idea either. A simple case of bronchitis can easily turn into pneumonia due to the slow healing process we have to deal with.

Hi Mary

I was invited to have the flu jab last winter as I'm now on the 'high risk' register due to either having RA and/or because I'm on MTX. So a flu jab and RA combo aren't deemed to be a problem in my neck of the woods. I can't comment on the TB test.

except I just found this http://www.arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=40 71&KW=TB

Tinker39282.3251041667TB tests are generally required before starting any of the anti-tnf medications.  If you are immunosuppressents you should get both a flue and pneumonia vaccine.  Just avoid any live virus vaccinations like the flue mist spray.  The injection is ok thoug

I also got the TB test prior to starting Remicade and Humira.  I also receive flu and pneumonia vaccines due to being high risk.  I will certainly continue to get them every year just to be safe. 

Hugs,

Jen

I had to get tb test before embrel (although haven't started it yet). I was positive - he said that didn't mean I had tb, but was exposed to it. I worked in nursing homes & hospitals. I just have to take another med for 8 months so the embrel doesn't wake up the tb.

Also had my 1st flu shot last year, will definitly do it again, I catch everything my kids bring in the house!! And I'm tired of getting the flu - didn't get it this time

You can get anything but LIVE viruses.  The flu shot nor the pneumonia shot are live viruses.  However, the TB vaccine is.  If you are just being tested for TB, that is fine.  But, if you are going to get the vaccine, I would check with your RD.

Phats

Thanks for all the information ladies.  Last year was the first year I DIDN'T get the flu shot.  I normally work in hospitals and there is a nurse prowling the halls with a syringe.  I forgot and boy did I get sick.  I have to be REALLY sick to miss work and I was out for 3 days straight.  I was sick all week. 

I will get my TB test and make sure I get the vaccine for both the flu and pneumonia
Getting a TB test should be someting all of us do on a routine basis,
especially if we are taking meds like prednisone, and the others that
suppress the immune system. If you have tested positive, it is even more
important to have a chest x ray as a follow up and then checked by the
doctor at intervals and if you get an unexplained cough, another xray to
make sure the disease has not become active. Remember, having a
positive does not mean you have TB, but you have been exposed to it and
it can activate at any point in your life. Especially if you are under stress
and are immunocompromised.(which we all are) Also, having a negative
test does not mean you don't have TB exposure. If you are
immunocompromised enough, your body will not show a positive sign, as
you don't have enough immune function to form a response to the
antigen. If you test positive, you can never get another skin test and
don't let anyone talk you into it.   For more info, CDC's website gives a
vast amount of info on TB and how to deal with it.
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