Flu shot reminder

Flu season is here so this is a reminder to you all to not forget to get your flu shot. If for some reason you set up the appt for the shot and they say it's reserved for high risk patients, we are considered high risk especially for those of us that are on steroids or immune suppressors. I had the flu once (before starting my flu shots) and all I can say is, I hope to NEVER get it again! Boy was I in pain not to mention it thru my Uc for a major loop.

Me and my son (who has asthma) are getting our shots tomorrow.

^{@--->--SHERRY--<---@}

^{Left sided Uc -'92 - Colazal, Canasa, 6mp, Prilosec, Biotin, Forvia}

^{Secondary Reynauds Syndrome - '04 - Norvasc}

^{Fibromyalgia - '06}

^{PLEASE HELP HEALINGWELL CONTINUE TO HELP OTHERS BY CLICKING HERE: DONATE}

^{@--->--Moderator for Allergies/Asthma and Co-moderator for UC--<---@}

http://www.myspace.com/82595818

SDM

Regular Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 62

Posted 10/3/2007 12:12 PM (GMT -7)

Thanks for the reminder. :) Something I've wondered, are those of us with UC more susceptible to viruses than others with "normal" immune systems? I seem to catch colds and flu bugs much easier now since my diagnosis.

Sandra, age 34

Diagnosed December 2006 with UC (proctitis)

Currently in flare since Aug'07

Asacol (800mg x 2) increased to 800mg x 3 due to current flare

Salofalk suppositories as needed

Multivitamin

Vitamins E, C, B complex, magnesium

Omega 3/6 supplements (500mg x 2)

Probiotics

Beth75

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2007

Posts : 2155

Posted 10/3/2007 12:22 PM (GMT -7)

We have a flu clinic at work so I will be getting my shot Nov 9th, hopefully I don't catch anything before then. I still get a couple minor colds every year but no flu for the past 5 years!

Also, my insurance company sent me a letter, telling me b/c of my UC that they recommend I contact my Dr. about getting a flu shot.

Beth, 32

UC Diagnosed March 2000

Hydrocortisone enemas 1xday

~~Lialda 2.4mg 1xday since 8/24/07~~ ;~~prev. Asacol 4800mg day~~,Calcium and Vit D 500mg 3xday.

Minimal Change Disease (Kidney Disorder) Diagnosed Sept 2007

Prednisone 60mg 1xday, Simvastatin 20mg 1xday, Diovan 80mg 1xday. Fosomax 70mg 1xweek. MCD may be from hypersensitivty to 5ASA drugs.

princesa

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 2204

Posted 10/3/2007 1:57 PM (GMT -7)

I've only had the flu once since my UC diagnosis and it landed me in the ER. What's a drag for "normal" folks can be a life-threatening situation for IBDers. I've been getting a flu shot ever since and yes, we do qualify as "high risk."

Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999

C-scope confirmed UC diagnosis 9/18/2007

No explanation for right side pain and thickening of bowel wall

Maintenance dose sulfasalazine, back on a pred taper for first flare in years

Probiotics, l-glutamine and fish oil caps. George's aloe vera juice and Mucosaheal.

tjf

Veteran Member

Joined : Dec 2005

Posts : 3238

Posted 10/3/2007 1:58 PM (GMT -7)

Is it flu shot time already?!

Tabitha (Tab)

100mg Azathioprine, 2 Fibercon, Colazal-6 a day, Acidopholis Pearls, Prilosec OTC

https://www.healingwell.com/donate
Co-Moderator UC Forum

AlabamaBabs

Regular Member

Joined : Jul 2007

Posts : 172

Posted 10/3/2007 5:54 PM (GMT -7)

Thanks for the reminder :) I just really didn't know and couldn't find any information that was conclusive for us. Since our immune systems aren't working quite right, it only makes sense. I'm waiting on our insurance to set up "clinics" to go to. I haven't had a flu shot in ages! What are the reactions to the shot with UC? I know before UC, there was always a "risk" to develop flu like symptoms.

AlabamaBabs

Pancolitis diagnosed 5/07

started on 2 Lialda/day and increased to 4 Lialda/day since 8/01/07

40 mg. Prednisone for two weeks starting 9/16/07 and tapering by 5mg per week started 9/28/07

Activia yogurt; multi-vitamin; extra calcium supplement; omega 3's

quincy

Elite Member

Joined : May 2003

Posts : 31370

Posted 10/3/2007 6:58 PM (GMT -7)

Remember...the various flu (influenza) viruses are not bugs or bacteria. They're also not gastro...most incorrectly called the "flu".

The flu shot is to help protect you from the 3 most prevalent and deadly ones that are predicted for the season.

You don't get the flu from the shot, but will possibly have fever and joint aches and headache from the immuno stimulation.

Some can be allergic to the various vaccine ingredients themselves and have a more serious reaction.

I take Allegra and Tylenol before I leave to get the vaccine....it does lessen the arm ache I normally get. I am zonked that evening or the next day, however, after getting it.

Thanks for the reminder Sherry...I best call for my appointment.

quincy

*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg; Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS" worth it !!!

Red_34

Forum Moderator

Joined : Apr 2004

Posts : 23575

Posted 10/3/2007 7:15 PM (GMT -7)

Right you are Q.......but also for those that don't know, the flu vaccine does not contain live strains of the flu. Also, I remember my docs asking me if I was allergic to eggs so I'm assuming that the shot has some sort of egg protein?

I've had the flu shot for the past 4 years and never had a reaction at all. Sometimes a sore arm but thats about it.

^{@--->--SHERRY--<---@}

^{Left sided Uc -'92 - Colazal, Canasa, 6mp, Prilosec, Biotin, Forvia}

^{Secondary Reynauds Syndrome - '04 - Norvasc}

^{Fibromyalgia - '06}

^{PLEASE HELP HEALINGWELL CONTINUE TO HELP OTHERS BY CLICKING HERE: DONATE}

^{@--->--Moderator for Allergies/Asthma and Co-moderator for UC--<---@}

http://www.myspace.com/82595818

Lonie

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2005

Posts : 6448

Posted 10/3/2007 8:54 PM (GMT -7)

I was kind of joking about that this weekend; I get special permission to stand with my elderly parents and their friends and be the first to have a flu shot. And then they tend to give me the look. I'd love to wear a sign..."I really am eligible to have an early flu shot, I have an autoimmune disease!" Hee hee.

Carol

Remicade - will have my 19th infusion on November 1.

Imuran - 100 mgs....taken before bedtime

Vitamin B-12/Biotin, Probiotics

"Life is short -- make fun of it"

Co-Moderator for the UC Forum

schrek-chewbacca hunk

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2005

Posts : 2666

Posted 10/4/2007 8:57 AM (GMT -7)

Yes, I had mine yesterday while at the doctor, but he said since I am on remi, it's not just me that needs the shot, but also my wife and best friends who often help care for me. As caregivers it is important for them to have the flu shot as well.

Thanks Red for this important post.

love to all

virus-resistantbob

kim123

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2006

Posts : 1201

Posted 10/4/2007 8:12 PM (GMT -7)

Don't flu shots contain mercury? Don't want to go there...........

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