RE: Flu shots for fibromites?

[Guest guest]

The most recent info I read was if you have JUST fibro, the benefits may not outweigh the negatives. Apparently getting the shot can trigger a flareup for many of us -- and triggering a flareup in order to get a shot that only gives partial protection may not be an acceptable trade-off for most people.

HOWEVER since I have other health issues, including a weakened immune system due to having no spleen and deplete bone marrow because of chemo and radiation a few years ago, I chose to deal with the potential flareup and the couple of days of headache/sore throat in order to have the shots. I *am* one of those people who is prone to catch every "bug" that goes around; I am also at high risk for secondary infection and pneumonia. Because of that, even though the current shot only gives partial protection against the strain of flu that's getting so bad, I decided it was better than no protection at all.

Eve

-----Original Message-----From: Marilyn Sent: Monday, December 15, 2003 3:31 PMTo: Fibromyalgia_Support_Group Subject: Flu shots for fibromites?Does anybody know the current school of thought regarding flu shots for fibromites? Do you take the shot and risk it setting off a flare? Do you NOT take the shot and risk the flu? Given that the shot will only protect against 1 of 3 strains of the flu, you only stand a 30% chance of protection anyway.I keep reading how awful this flu is but I'm just not sure about what to do. My state so far is not one that has widespread infection but you never know when the tide will turn.Marilyn

[Guest guest]

I always take the flu shot, on the advice of my doctor, because I'm steroid dependent, which suppresses my immune system. Two or 3 years ago it set off a flare, but that was the only time and I've taken it for about 6 or 7 years now. You can check with your doctor and see what he/she thinks.

Mindi

Flu shots for fibromites?

Does anybody know the current school of thought regarding flu shots for fibromites? Do you take the shot and risk it setting off a flare? Do you NOT take the shot and risk the flu? Given that the shot will only protect against 1 of 3 strains of the flu, you only stand a 30% chance of protection anyway.I keep reading how awful this flu is but I'm just not sure about what to do. My state so far is not one that has widespread infection but you never know when the tide will turn.Marilyn