Guest guest Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 Ron, I have had my shot already and don't feel like I have taken a shot from an older person since I feel 75 myself (I'm only 55). Our taking Enbrel shots puts us in the at risk category also. We have an immune deficiency that makes us more susceptible to the nasty stuff that is out there. And I for one having had 2 infections since being on Enbrel already, don't want anymore. This is the time of year that I get to see my grand children less because of all the stuff they can get and carry around (that's how I got the other 2 infections). So any protection I can get I will take.. In fact my wife and younger daughter are up in DC right now (for the last 3 weeks) helping our oldest daughter and son-in-law with their new twin girls. Both are in the hospital with meningitis. I feel helpless sitting at home doing nothing, but I can't take the chance of them passing anything to me that they could pick up in their daily visits to the hospital. So I sit here wishing I could help. So if you are taking Enbrel, I feel you should get the shot before they are gone. Good luck getting one. Dick > > I usually have been told by my RD to get a flue shot because I am on Enbrel and because of the risks involved. Flue shots are in obviously very short supply and I feel bad about maybe taking one that could go to an elderly person. What is everyone else on Enbrel doing at this point? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 Ron, I'm not sure what I'll do. I know my docs will insist I have one but I am 55 and have only had the flu once (maybe) in my whole life. I don't get colds either so if I don't get the shot I'm not going to sweat it eventhough I take Enbrel. I do, however, take a lot of precautions, ie. regularly cleaning counters ,phones, keyboards, door knobs, or anything that is touched/shared by others with alcohol or disinfectant and washing my hands regularly. I handle money and come in contact with a lot of college students who were absent when illness etiquette was being taught at home. They snort, hoot, cough, rub their noses, all while writing their checks or handing my their debit cards or cash. At work I also keep a small box at my desk with my own pens, pencil, and staple remover which I never share with anyone. I do this because I am so allergic to hand lotions, perfumes, etc. that I can't touch things that others have touched if they are using any of those products but it has the added benefit of not being covered with others' germs. In some countries a person with a cold wears a mask to protect others from their condition. I wish it would catch on here. However, in answer to your question, I'll probably wait and then it will or will not be too late. Staty healthy if you can, Cheri [ ] Enbrel and flue shots > > > I usually have been told by my RD to get a flue shot because I am on > Enbrel and because of the risks involved. Flue shots are in obviously > very short supply and I feel bad about maybe taking one that could go to > an elderly person. What is everyone else on Enbrel doing at this point? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 I contacted Enliven Services about getting a flu shot. I was told that taking Enbrel does not make you a greater risk for contracting the flu than someone who is not on Enbrel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 It's funny because here on Long Island most doctors are not even getting the vaccine, however when I went to get my allergy injections they had a large amount for their patients and I took the vaccine. I feel bad but last year I had pneumonia pretty bad and want to avoid any illness this year. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 I believe the problem is not that taking Enbrel puts us at risk for catching the flu but rather that by being immunosuppressed we are less able to fight the virus once we have it. This applies not only to those of us taking Enbrel but all of the DEMARDs and Biologis. Our government has given priority to seniors and those with chronic illness (including those immunosuppressed). It is the healthy adults getting flu shots that are taking it away from us, not the other way around. My physician actually contacted me to schedule my shot. I would encourage all of you to get one if at all possible. > > I usually have been told by my RD to get a flue shot because I am on Enbrel and because of the risks involved. Flue shots are in obviously very short supply and I feel bad about maybe taking one that could go to an elderly person. What is everyone else on Enbrel doing at this point? > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 -Hi Kathy, When I got my flu shot I didn't have any idea how bad the shortage was. I did get the flu one year before I started the yearly vaccine and it was terribly complicating for me. I was really ill and it took a long time to recover from it. That was before the enbrel so I was not too keen on risking the flu while taking it also. I feel so badly about the elderly waiting in long lines, even collapsing, and at least on death while a woman waited to get a shot that would help her avoid death. I don't know what I would have done had I realized that this would go on. Our paper had an article about manufacturing the flu vaccine....not enough money in it to attract US pharmaceutical companies anymore. The ones we got were made by a french company. Hope the people in group who want one will be able to find one! Take Care all, Marti -- In , Pugnfriend@a... wrote: > > I haven't yet been able to get a flu shot due to the horrific lines in NY, > but if one is readily available, I will get one without guilt. We are all > immune compromised to begin with, have chronic illnesses and have serious health > issues to contend with even without the flu. I live and work in NYC and > contact with hundreds, maybe thousands of others each day cannot be avoided so I > think it is important to do what I can to stay healthy and productive. The > US govt put those of have chronic illnesses and who are immune compromised on > the priority list, so we are as worthy of getting one as any senior citizen. > It is deplorable, however, that this government is unable to protect its > citizenry from the flu by ensuring an adequate supply of the vaccination, IMO. > Kathy F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2004 Report Share Posted October 17, 2004 > > > I contacted Enliven Services about getting a flu shot. I was told > that taking Enbrel does not make you a greater risk for contracting > the flu than someone who is not on Enbrel. Hi, I think the problem is once contracted, our immune systems may be compromised due to taking the enbrel(the year I had it so badly I was taking MTX, an immunosuppressant)and it is harder to combat it. Marti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 Janet, Don't feel bad about having a flu shot. We are the people they mean when they say " those with chronic conditions " . We should have it. Did you also get the pneumonia shot. I hope you have a nonsick winter and the shot is the way to help insure that. Cheri Re: [ ] Enbrel and flue shots > > > It's funny because here on Long Island most doctors are not even getting > the > vaccine, however when I went to get my allergy injections they had a > large > amount for their patients and I took the vaccine. I feel bad but last > year > I had pneumonia pretty bad and want to avoid any illness this year. > Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 18, 2004 Report Share Posted October 18, 2004 --- Hi, It's not taking the Enbrel that makes us a greater risk for the flu it's the disease that we have. God Bless, Sue in Michigan. In , " bdoll17590 " <bdoll17590@c...> wrote: > > > I contacted Enliven Services about getting a flu shot. I was told > that taking Enbrel does not make you a greater risk for contracting > the flu than someone who is not on Enbrel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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