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No Flu Shot??

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/26/2007 7:59 PM (GMT -6)
I have officially had crohn's for 7 1/2 years. Today I reached a milestone of having my 15th colonoscopy! Wew hew!

Anyway, with winter approaching I wanted to get some feedback in regards to the flu shot. I am on Humira and recently chose to take myself off of 6-MP. I work with chidren and low and behold never get sick. Even though I have pretty severe crohn's, I am otherwise very healthy. My friends at work are always so surprised when we have horrible colds, and viruses running rampid through the school and I stay well. I eat very healthy and take lots of supplements, specifically cod liver oil and Seacure.

Is there anyone else out there that opts out for the flu shot??? All of my doctor's are all over my case about this. Do you think I am just asking for trouble and have just been lucky? Thank you!

Posted 9/26/2007 8:43 PM (GMT -6)
My PCP told me not to get one. he sees no reason to and feels like I have had enough stuff shot through my body and the flu, if I get it, wouldn't be a problem.
Posted 9/26/2007 9:10 PM (GMT -6)
My GI insists that I get a flu shot every year and that everyone that lives in my house also gets one. The one year in the last 10 that I did not get a flu shot I was very, very ill with the flu. Please note, at that time I was NOT on any immunosuppressants. After that hellish experience, I always get my flu shot. Now convincing my daughter to get one is another thing. She got the flu last year, was out of work 8 days and lost 12 pounds [the only positive thing.]

I really think it is your decision Lisa though I would probably give some serious thought to what your doctor said since he knows your complete medical history.
Posted 9/27/2007 7:12 AM (GMT -6)
Lisa - I have had crohns for 16 yrs - am on Imuran and Humira and I have never had a flu shot and have never had the flu. I, like you, am healthy besides having crohns. Weird huh? My doc has never pushed me to have the flu shot. I hope that I haven't jinxed myself by saying this. Hope you have a healthy flu season. MB
Posted 9/27/2007 8:03 AM (GMT -6)
I get a flu shot also every year. I have not had the flu in years, thank God. Since you are on Humira you can get the flu shot because it is not a live virus. If I was on any type of immune suppressant I would for sure get one. JMHO!
Posted 9/27/2007 11:51 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks for your replies!
Posted 9/27/2007 1:11 PM (GMT -6)
I'm getting one this year. I don't always get the flu & it doesn"t effect my IBD but I get bronchitis way too much after getting the %$#@! virus.

Matthew
Posted 9/27/2007 4:15 PM (GMT -6)
I do the fever thing with my Crohn's. When it acts up badly and for a long period of time I run fevers of around 104 for one to two weeks. Also, if the arthiritis kicks in, fevers. If the wind blows weird, fevers. Everything sets off serious fevers. My doctor always insists I get a flu shot as well as my family members.
I think you just have to judge how your own body works and go from there.
Posted 9/27/2007 4:26 PM (GMT -6)
I've never gotten a flu shot...my mom has UC and used to get the shots but always got sicker, she's 80 and no longer gets them anymore either.

:)
Posted 9/29/2007 1:05 PM (GMT -6)
LisaLee37,
hi, I have been using cod liver oil for some years, just because it's healthy, and long before CD popped up in my intestines. I don't get flu either. In my country it's a common knowledge; if u use cod liver oil u stay healthy and avoid flu' both winter and summer.

From Ingrid
Posted 9/29/2007 5:14 PM (GMT -6)
I have asthma and always get the flu shot. The last time I got the flu was about 12 years ago and I swore I would never get it again if I could help it I was so sick.
Posted 9/29/2007 8:03 PM (GMT -6)
I have had Crohns for over 15 years and I have never gotten a flu shot and I have never gotten the flu

Stay away from people and wash your hands alot
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