Flu periodically question

It's  a difficult one, being a social worker for 23 Years, as I was at the hospital daily getting the elderly out of hospital  home or into care , I was told it was best to have the flu jab, I can honestly say I can't really remember having a cold. The thought of Flu with PMR horrifies me,  I had my flu jab last weekend,  I also

Had a pneumonia jab which is a one off . If I have to deal with PMR I am going to

Have everything that is offered  so hopefully not having to deal with other ailments. 

I have cut right down on carbs haven't, lost huge amount of weight but have kept steady. 

Good luck hope things sort themselves out . 

Hi to all and thanks for the replies!  My rheumy, here in US said NO to the flu shot.  I had always had them before.  I guess this is just another bump and I cannot blame this on PMR, maybe the immune syster...hmm guess that goes with PMR...trying to stay upbeat, know there are others a lot worse off than I am..I don't know what  I would have done without this forum.  Again, thanks to all for sharing, makes us know we are NOT alone, Judy in USA

I don't get sick much, a couple of colds, unusual for me, first winter on pred, none last year. Never get flu shot, suspect it's a lot less effective than it's made out to be. I may change my mind if they develop one that doesn't have to be renewed annually as I'm nervous of the additives and preservatives. Wash your hands a lot, avoid touching your face and go out and enjoy life.

hello  girls just saying  i have the flu jab  every year, since   haveing   pmr  with  no bad    results,   thought   at 75.

i better not trust fete.  and bite the bullit   trust you all feel well without it 

 

I get the flu shot every year and only had a cold once since in pred for 1,3/4 yrs. My rheumatologist insists on it. I believe Vit D has helped my immunity.

I am careful about crowds, hand washing and exposures though. 

(Retired nurse anesthetist)

Judy your thread seems to have turned into a debate on getting the flu shot and I'm sorry about that because I think that your question wasn't about the flu shot but rather that you sometimes feel icky like you have the flu. I get those feelings too and I once mentioned that on here and was told that couldn't possibly be PMR. Well I didn't take that person's word for it because everybody's different. But some people call it fatigue I call it feeling like I've got the flu with the exception that I don't run a fever. And it's not all the time and it generally precedes a flare. I don't know what to tell you to do about it. I just try to get past it. But you're not alone you have me for company anyway.

Do you have a flu or flu-like symptoms? I often in the morning have nose congestion, which goes away usually after the morning walk.  I had PMR for almost 2 years and dont remember having actual full blown cold, just occasional flu-feel like  body aches, runny nose, or such, but never actual flu.

I can't say that I've encountered flu symptoms but I get an annual flu shot and it seems to work for me.  I got a flu shot last year after I came down with PMR (didn't know what it was at the time) with no side effects.  I have noticed one real odd thing though.  I have had 3 colds since the start of the PMR and each time I've had a fast flare of pain and stiffness starting about 6-8 hours before I even realize I have a cold.  By the next day most of the PMR-type pain/stiffness is gone - just the drippy nose or sore throat from the cold remain.

Hi Judy - docs told me to keep away from people with infections. Not easy. They also told me that it was imperative to have a 'flu injection. I did. Since diagnosed GCA in December 2017, I've caught two colds. Was stunned that these were short-lived - first one two days, second one week. Usually a cold lasts three weeks of misery and asked my GP if Prednisone played a part in this.  She didn't dismiss it outright. I believe it did. 

 

I don't get flu vaccine. May change my mind if they improve it so that it's a one off like pneumonia, or infrequent like tetanus, but I don't like the idea of annual exposure to the additives. Tend not to get sick much anyway. Had a couple of colds first year on pred, none since. Touch wood.....