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Flu Shot??

Tue, October 28, 2008 12:00 AM

My daughter has Crohns and her doctor has recommended that she get a flu shot. I know it is probably a good idea since she is taking an immunosuppressant but before this diagnosis she had received very little in the way of drugs. In general as a family we do not like any type of drug and have stayed away from them -- which is one of the many reasons this diagnosis has been difficult. I will probably have her get the flu shot but wondered if anyone out there as any experiences to share --good or bad.

concerned mom
Joined Jun 19, 2008

Mon, November 10, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for Concerned Mom.

I have Crohn's and always get a flu vaccine every winter. I try to get it on a Fri because I typically experience flu-like symptoms for a few days after the shot - fatigue, fever, chills, etc. My immune system is weak because I'm on immunosuppressant drugs. But, it's worth it to not get a full-blown case of the flu.

nworther
Joined Nov 10, 2008

Sun, November 02, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Concerned Mom.

My doctor also said it was important to get the flu shot while on immunosuppresant drugs, I have UC. Make sure that the vaccine is the "dead" virus, not the mist which contains the "live" virus. He also advised me to get a pneumonia shot as well (this vaccine lasts for 5 years). I got both shots at the same time, no ill effects except a little soreness at the flu shot site.

katiepaw
Joined Sep 12, 2008

Thu, October 30, 2008 8:29 AM

Reply posted for Concerned Mom.

Hi,

I have UC and am on immunosuppressive drugs. I spoke with my doctor and he said it was a very good idea to get a flu shot especially due to my repressed immune system. Please note that he told me to get the flu SHOT and NOT the flu mist. The flu shot contains the dead virus and the flu mist contains the live flu virus. Hope this helps. Hang in there.

mags1
Joined Apr 29, 2008

Wed, October 29, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Trissy.

Hi, she and everyone in the house should get the flu shot. I make sure my husban and kids are the first to get it with chrons your immune system is compermized any way and the med she is takeing will compermize it more. and the worst is haveing chrons and any kind of fllu bug i ended up in the hospital because i did't get mine early enough I wish you and your daughter only good thoughts through this jouney with Chrons.

get that sho

Princess

princess
Joined Oct 24, 2008

Wed, October 29, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Concerned Mom.

Hello,
I have UC and my Doctor recommended I get the flu shot as well, I have gotten every year do to working in the medical field anyways.
The side affects are mild just a sore arm and tender spot near the injection site some people are tired the next day, but other than that she should be fine.

trissy
Joined May 20, 2008

Tue, October 28, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Concerned Mom.

My daughter recieved her flu shot last week. Her arm muscle was achy and sore for a couple of days after, but otherwise there have been no side effects.

ibdamom
Joined Jul 4, 2008

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