flu shot?

[Guest guest]

Dear Terri,

The transplant center suggests Randy get a flu shot each year as well as all of us who live in the house with him. The less chance he will have it and the less chance we will give it to him. But check with your doctor of course.. Each may have a different reason on why you should or should not take the flu shot. He also took the pneumonia shot which is good for 5 years.

Take care,

Cheryl & Randy

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/15/01 7:19:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, TerriMM@... writes:

Just curious, should AIH sufferers take the flu shot?

I usually do not get a flu shot as I seem to always have a reaction to anything "injected". Had a bad reaction many

years ago to the "swine flu" shot - also had a bad reaction

to Kenalog - so I avoid shots as much as possible.

But, I'm wondering with AIH, if getting the flu would be more dangerous. I will ask my doctor, but just wanted to hear what everyone else's experiences are.

Also, I mentioned this before and some have answered about the email digest repeating messages. Is there anyway to contact and let them know - I can't find any info on how to directly contact them and let them know about this problem.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Terri

NV

People with AIH absolutely must get the flu shot. (Also, get Hepatitis A and B vaccine.)

Our immune system is compromised, especially due to the Imuran treatment. When flu shots are in short supply, we are in the highest-eligibility group. Last year my doctor found there were five shots left at my large HMO. She made sure I got one of the five, not because I was cute but because of my disease. I kept saying that I didn't feel very bad and shouldn't take one of those five shots, but she said I would be in bad shape if I were exposed to flu.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/15/01 9:11:06 AM Pacific Standard Time, jeanette_cuk@... writes:

Hi My doctor had my flu shot waiting for me when I got in the surgery I never had a choice. I have had no problems with it, he said I had to make sure I got one as soon as they were available every year. Jeanette UK flatcat9@... wrote:

Jeanette, your previous message (now deleted) said Cirrhosis 2001. Sorry to hear about that.

Harper

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri,

I have AIH and last year when I was in the hospital for kidney stones, they

gave me a flu shot right before I left. It had no effect on me and they

told me that they'd want me to be sure I did it every year. Just my

experience!

Philadelphia, PA

>From: TerriMM@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: [ ] Flu Shot?

>Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2001 15:17:49 -0000

>

>Just curious, should AIH sufferers take the flu shot?

>

>I usually do not get a flu shot as I seem to always have a

>reaction to anything " injected " . Had a bad reaction many

>years ago to the " swine flu " shot - also had a bad reaction

>to Kenalog - so I avoid shots as much as possible.

>

>But, I'm wondering with AIH, if getting the flu would be

>more dangerous. I will ask my doctor, but just wanted to

>hear what everyone else's experiences are.

>

>Also, I mentioned this before and some have answered about

>the email digest repeating messages. Is there anyway to

>contact and let them know - I can't find any info on how to

>directly contact them and let them know about this problem.

>

>Hope everyone has a great day.

>

>Terri

>NV

>

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi My doctor had my flu shot waiting for me when I got in the surgery I never had a choice. I have had no problems with it, he said I had to make sure I got one as soon as they were available every year. Jeanette UK

flatcat9@... wrote: In a message dated 11/15/01 7:19:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, TerriMM@... writes:

Just curious, should AIH sufferers take the flu shot? I usually do not get a flu shot as I seem to always have a reaction to anything "injected". Had a bad reaction many years ago to the "swine flu" shot - also had a bad reaction to Kenalog - so I avoid shots as much as possible. But, I'm wondering with AIH, if getting the flu would be more dangerous. I will ask my doctor, but just wanted to hear what everyone else's experiences are. Also, I mentioned this before and some have answered about the email digest repeating messages. Is there anyway to contact and let them know - I can't find any info on how to directly contact them and let them know about this problem. Hope everyone has a great day. Terri NVPeople with AIH absolutely must get the flu shot. (Also, get Hepatitis A and B vaccine.) Our immune system is compromised, especially due to the Imuran treatment. When flu shots are in short supply, we are in the highest-eligibility group. Last year my doctor found there were five shots left at my large HMO. She made sure I got one of the five, not because I was cute but because of my disease. I kept saying that I didn't feel very bad and shouldn't take one of those five shots, but she said I would be in bad shape if I were exposed to flu.

[Guest guest]

Hi Terri:

My son (has AIH) had one just a couple of weeks ago and was fine with it.

aumesh

-------------

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

Interesting, we recently had a transplant education forum and the tx surgeons liver, kidney, heart & lung, said absolutly not. Then I have heard differently. It makes the issue so complicated. My Dr, says no, I have not had so much as a sniffle for the past four years since the transplant, he says leave well enough alone.

Patty aih 1980, tx 1998

-----Original Message-----From: cheryl722@... [mailto:cheryl722@...]Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2001 11:32 AM Subject: Re: [ ] Flu Shot?Dear Terri, The transplant center suggests Randy get a flu shot each year as well as all of us who live in the house with him. The less chance he will have it and the less chance we will give it to him. But check with your doctor of course.. Each may have a different reason on why you should or should not take the flu shot. He also took the pneumonia shot which is good for 5 years. Take care, Cheryl & Randy

[Guest guest]

I did have to have hep A & B before the transplant

Patty

-----Original Message-----From: flatcat9@... [mailto:flatcat9@...]Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2001 11:31 AM Subject: Re: [ ] Flu Shot?In a message dated 11/15/01 7:19:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, TerriMM@... writes:

Just curious, should AIH sufferers take the flu shot? I usually do not get a flu shot as I seem to always have a reaction to anything "injected". Had a bad reaction many years ago to the "swine flu" shot - also had a bad reaction to Kenalog - so I avoid shots as much as possible. But, I'm wondering with AIH, if getting the flu would be more dangerous. I will ask my doctor, but just wanted to hear what everyone else's experiences are. Also, I mentioned this before and some have answered about the email digest repeating messages. Is there anyway to contact and let them know - I can't find any info on how to directly contact them and let them know about this problem. Hope everyone has a great day. Terri NVPeople with AIH absolutely must get the flu shot. (Also, get Hepatitis A and B vaccine.) Our immune system is compromised, especially due to the Imuran treatment. When flu shots are in short supply, we are in the highest-eligibility group. Last year my doctor found there were five shots left at my large HMO. She made sure I got one of the five, not because I was cute but because of my disease. I kept saying that I didn't feel very bad and shouldn't take one of those five shots, but she said I would be in bad shape if I were exposed to flu.

[Guest guest]

Flu shots still contain themerisol!!!

[ ] Flu shot?

Is there anyone out there who can give me pros and cons to giving my son a

flu shot at 27 months old.

We have surgery scheduled in Dec. and would like to avoid any possible

sickness. With two play groups a week and two speech therapy sessions plus

grocery shopping this is next to impossible. Any suggestions or thoughts out

there?

Tammy - Illinois

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

All flu shots still contain Thimerosal (mercury)! Read the package insert

yourself. The doctors think Thimerosal has been removed from all vaccines,

but the flu shot is not exclusively a childhood vaccine and thimerosal is

still in all flu shots. I'll forward the 2003 chart of thimerosal content

in US vaccines to you so you can review it. KIM

[ ] Flu shot?

> Is there anyone out there who can give me pros and cons to giving my son a

> flu shot at 27 months old.

>

> We have surgery scheduled in Dec. and would like to avoid any possible

> sickness. With two play groups a week and two speech therapy sessions plus

> grocery shopping this is next to impossible. Any suggestions or thoughts

out

> there?

>

> Tammy - Illinois

[Guest guest]

Here's a pro. My daughters and I have asthma. The girls almost

died of RSV when they were little. They are at high risk for

complications due to flu, so every year we get the flu shot.

We've never had any complications.

> Is there anyone out there who can give me pros and cons to giving

my son a

> flu shot at 27 months old.

>

> We have surgery scheduled in Dec. and would like to avoid any

possible

> sickness. With two play groups a week and two speech therapy

sessions plus

> grocery shopping this is next to impossible. Any suggestions or

thoughts out

> there?

>

> Tammy - Illinois

[Guest guest]

I think this is a relatively recent thing. The first time, my pediatrician

mentioned it was a year or two ago. This year it is available not only in the

injection form but you can breathe it in (although our insurance only pays for

the injection form). My pediatrician was really pushing it at my visit a

couple of weeks ago and I said let me think about it. Any imput is welcomed.

Carolyn

[Guest guest]

deborah

not only do they consider this shot routine, but they reccommend it for

PREGNANT women too. add in some more mercury why don't you. i know they are

really pushing the shots this year. they are doing the shots even in

supermarkets

for free or for a nominal sum. and the people are swearing by it and lining

up like crazy. i had the flu 2x last year and as bad as i felt i would still

not get the shot this year. no thank you.

lori

[Guest guest]

Well you know about the Thimerosal.

Last year I had my 6-month-old daughter get the flu shot. (2 shots

are done a month apart when it is their first time). I did her

because she has kidney reflux and we were struggling with FFT with

her so we didn't want her to get sick and loss her already horrible

appetite.

She was the only one who wasn't sick for 2 weeks with the flu.

This year everyone one is getting the flu shot EXCEPT my Apraxic

child. For two reasons, I think some children are more susceptible

to the effects of Thimerosal and because is almost traumatized

by injections.

The `flu-mist' is the live virus and insurance doesn't cover ($90) so

this isn't an option for us.

Take Care,

Heidi – SAHM to 8, 5 (apraxia, DSI) 18 months

(VUR, Plagiocephaly, Torticollis, Low weight –5%)

[Guest guest]

Hi

Goodness I'm curious !

Is this a USA thing or do i mix in weird circles and live in a

strange part ofthe UK ?

I don't know of anyone under the age of 70 who would consider getting

a flu shot unless there was a really strong suggestion from a Dr to

do so. And no mums of healthy kids. Is this something that moms have

to contemplate each year ? Is it common to have this jab - just

routine people ?

Just curious

Regards

Deborah

Just read that back - I realise that those who wrote have particular

medical reason to consider this - its just that the tone seems to

suggest that it is really common - or did I read that wrong?

because- umm - not if they held a gun to my head !

[Guest guest]

THanks Deborah! It is so hard to want to do the right thing for your child

and at the same time have your doctor act like it is just a matter of course.

I think we will pass this year. carolyn

[Guest guest]

Hi carolyn,

unless there was a serious pre-indicator suggesting that a child

would be under unusual and serious threat from the 'flu I would not

get my child injected. It actually seems like a really strange thing

to do for me as it is simply not something I have ever heard of.

thimerosal does not show any adverse reaction but has a serious - and

a highly cumulative - effect.

Without the ingredients i couldn't comment on the inhaleable version -

but without the ingredients I certainly wouldn't accept it either.

( Do Pead's 'over there' get any finacial benefit if these are taken

by their patients? Is that we we don't seem to need them in the uK -

because no-one would make any money ?)

Regards

Deborah

[Guest guest]

Although FluMist doesn't say Thimerosal free, the pamplet does

say " FluMist does not contain any preservatives. "

They have a website www.flumist.com or 1-800-Flumist.

But it is live virus and only recommended for Healthy people 5-49

years of age.

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori,

I didn't know mercury caused problems in adults. I thought it was

only young children. kinda like lead.

Although I think it is a mistake for pregnant women to get it I am

worried about the unborn baby not mom.

THanks

Heidi

[Guest guest]

Hi

....and I would be concerned about mom then breastfeeding too.

Mercury is the second most toxic substance on the planet so injecting

it into anyone gives them a risk .........

Deborah

, " heidi_mom_to3 "

<heidi_mom_to3@y...> wrote:

> Hi Lori,

> I didn't know mercury caused problems in adults. I thought it was

> only young children. kinda like lead.

> Although I think it is a mistake for pregnant women to get it I am

> worried about the unborn baby not mom.

> THanks

> Heidi

[Guest guest]

Hi Deborah

Your post made me laugh ....no - you do not live in a strange part of the

UK. I think the only public info we get on the flu jabs at this time of

year is for ALL pensioners plus all those with respiritory weaknesses - kids

& adults alike.

Can you imagine our cash strapped NHS jabbing the entire population en masse

?

I seriously wonder if the promotion of the flu jabs overseas is 'commission'

driven rather than a serious need for them ( outside the elderly etc as

mentioned above) ?

With Love

Gin

Barnet, UK

" beaniesmum2001 " wrote:

> Hi

> Goodness I'm curious !

> Is this a USA thing or do i mix in weird circles and live in a

> strange part ofthe UK ?

> I don't know of anyone under the age of 70 who would consider getting

> a flu shot unless there was a really strong suggestion from a Dr to

> do so. And no mums of healthy kids. Is this something that moms have

> to contemplate each year ? Is it common to have this jab - just

> routine people ?

> Just curious

> Regards

> Deborah

> Just read that back - I realise that those who wrote have particular

> medical reason to consider this - its just that the tone seems to

> suggest that it is really common - or did I read that wrong?

> because- umm - not if they held a gun to my head !

[Guest guest]

We just got our October School Newsletter (elementary school) and there

was a little article from the school nurse that says the following:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children ages 6

months and older receive the flu vaccine. It especially recommends it

for those children in the high-risk group, that is, those children with

airway disease and those who use inhalers (as well as other chronic

diseases). It is advisable to call your pediatrician's office to

discuss this and make an appointment before there is an outbreak of the

flu in our area.

The reason I am posting this, is because I didn't realize that it was

recommended this highly for everyone. I thought it was just for the

elderly and people with chronic diseases as she mentioned.

FYI!

Liz Dunn (NJ USA)

beaniesmum2001 wrote:

> Hi

> Goodness I'm curious !

> Is this a USA thing or do i mix in weird circles and live in a

> strange part ofthe UK ?

> I don't know of anyone under the age of 70 who would consider getting

> a flu shot unless there was a really strong suggestion from a Dr to

> do so. And no mums of healthy kids. Is this something that moms have

> to contemplate each year ? Is it common to have this jab - just

> routine people ?

> Just curious

> Regards

> Deborah

> Just read that back - I realise that those who wrote have particular

> medical reason to consider this - its just that the tone seems to

> suggest that it is really common - or did I read that wrong?

> because- umm - not if they held a gun to my head !

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

If what they said in the school newsletter is true, then I think it

must be new. To the best of my knowledge, last year was the first

year that the AAP recommended flu shots for children with underlying

medical conditions. I remember this, because I discussed it with my

pediatrician because though my son has a seizure disorder, that was

not listed as one of the " conditions " that would warrant receiving

the vaccine. We did decide to give it to him, and will do so again

this year.

Our pediatrician said that the vaccines that they have in our

pediatrics department are thimerisol-free, as opposed to the ones

that are used in adults and in the larger " flu shot clinics " . This

is only my understanding of this...I could be wrong.

> We just got our October School Newsletter (elementary school) and

there

> was a little article from the school nurse that says the following:

>

> The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children

ages 6

> months and older receive the flu vaccine.

[Guest guest]

My daughters have always received the flu shot because of asthma,

and because they almost died of RSV when they were infants.

The doctors have also recommended that the whole family get it

because vaccines can fail, and it reduced the possibility that my

daughters would get it.

Last year, my son and I didn't get it. My husband didn't want my

son to get it, and I just forgot until it was too late. My son got

the flu and missed over a week of school and had a high fever for 5

days. He went back to school after a week off, but he still wasn't

himself for a while. He had sooooo much make-up work.

I got the flu after my son, and I called my doctor and got

medication that helps reduce flu symptoms after you get flu. I knew

my son had it, so I took the medication immediately when I got

sick. It helped. I had a low fever for a few days, and I never got

very sick.

This year, we are all going to get the flu shot, especially with

SARS around. Respiratory illnesses scare me because I almost lost

my daughters to a simple respiratory illness.

Suzi

> We just got our October School Newsletter (elementary school) and

there

> was a little article from the school nurse that says the following:

>

> The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children

ages 6

> months and older receive the flu vaccine. It especially

recommends it

> for those children in the high-risk group, that is, those children

with

> airway disease and those who use inhalers (as well as other chronic

> diseases). It is advisable to call your pediatrician's office to

> discuss this and make an appointment before there is an outbreak

of the

> flu in our area.

>

> The reason I am posting this, is because I didn't realize that it

was

> recommended this highly for everyone. I thought it was just for

the

> elderly and people with chronic diseases as she mentioned.

>

> FYI!

> Liz Dunn (NJ USA)

[Guest guest]

If what they said in the school newsletter is true, then I think it

must be new. To the best of my knowledge, last year was the first

year that the AAP recommended flu shots for children with underlying

medical conditions. I remember this, because I discussed it with my

pediatrician because though my son has a seizure disorder, that was

not listed as one of the " conditions " that would warrant receiving

the vaccine. We did decide to give it to him, and will do so again

this year.

Our pediatrician said that the vaccines that they have in our

pediatrics department are thimerisol-free, as opposed to the ones

that are used in adults and in the larger " flu shot clinics " . This

is only my understanding of this...I could be wrong.

> We just got our October School Newsletter (elementary school) and

there

> was a little article from the school nurse that says the following:

>

> The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children

ages 6

> months and older receive the flu vaccine. It especially recommends

it

> for those children in the high-risk group, that is, those children

with

> airway disease and those who use inhalers (as well as other chronic

> diseases). It is advisable to call your pediatrician's office to

> discuss this and make an appointment before there is an outbreak of

the

> flu in our area.

>

> The reason I am posting this, is because I didn't realize that it

was

> recommended this highly for everyone. I thought it was just for the

> elderly and people with chronic diseases as she mentioned.

>

> FYI!

> Liz Dunn (NJ USA)