1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

flu vacination

Posted , 11 users are following.

joan60597
joan60597

Please could any one advice regarding flu injection i am into second year of polumyalgia and low dose of steriods and i am not sure about the flu injection appreciate advice thankyou Joan

1 like, 25 replies

25 Replies

Next
  • EileenH
    EileenH joan60597

    Posted

    I have had my flu jab every year since I moved here to Italy - I was too young to qualify in the UK despite having 2 family member who were at risk. They could have it - I couldn't! That is also since being on pred - absolutely no problems at all, not even a sore arm.

    Having real genuine flu is a serious illness - and probably enough to give rise to a good flare of your PMR! I have never really had any infections since being on pred but some people find they don't fight infections well so the opportunity to give your immune system a bit of practice in recognising the current bugs is a good idea. Otherwise you could catch the flu and be really ill because your body can't get its defences up quickly enough.

    It isn't just the flu itself - it can turn into pneumonia and that can take a long time to clear up. My husband missed his flu shot 2 years ago, caught flu, spent a good 2 week in bed, it turned to pneumonia and that took 6 months to clear properly.

    Some people claim it was the flu jab that "caused" their PMR - I had never had one and got PMR. It might be the final straw that upset the immune system, but it wasn't alone in doing so.

    • constance.de
      constance.de EileenH

      Posted

      By when are you supposed to have the flu jab.  I thought I was too late!
    • EileenH
      EileenH constance.de

      Posted

      It is rarely "too late" but it does depend on the country. The "flu wave" varies from country to country. later some places than others. The period for jabs here started last week or the week before and the vaccine is available without pre-booking for about a month. It is still available after that as far as I know.

      It is too late to have it when you have just been exposed to the flu and expect it to protect you as it takes about 3 weeks to develop the immunity. The same applies for the shingles vaccine - it can't be used to protect you after exposure. 

  • james_ensor
    james_ensor joan60597

    Posted

    I have had a flu jab and I felt bad for a week. I sweated a quart of water every night, but I am now OK. I felt that it was worthwhile, because I believe the flu woul;d be far worse due to the steroids.
  • Bert5560
    Bert5560 joan60597

    Posted

    I work in a hospital. When I told the People giving the vaccine That I was on a low dose of prednisone they asked me to call my Rhematologist and get the ok. Long story short, he said get the flu shot. I got it and so far no problems from it.
  • Guest
    Guest joan60597

    Posted

    Get the more potent flu vaccine if you are over 65. I had to stay home last winter due to very high doses of pred to keep from getting a cold or the flu. Get the vaccine!!! And go have fun, Ann11195
  • angela43016
    angela43016 joan60597

    Posted

    Hi, had my flu jab a month ago while on 30mg pred. No side effects, why not talk to your consultant about your worries. Regards
  • Dave-California
    Dave-California joan60597

    Posted

    Hi Joan,

    Getting a flu vaccine prepares your immune system for the flu and your immune system to recognize that the virus is a threat. In the US this year there are at least three different levels of vaccine. For those over 65 a wider range version (called “trivalent” vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus - that is supposed to be more effective. While some people may still get the flu after having a flu shot, they'll probably have a milder form of the illness because the antibodies created in response to the vaccine can still provide some protection. With PMR we need to defend our immune systems – so TAKE THE SHOT !!!

    Dave

    • EileenH
      EileenH Dave-California

      Posted

      All influenza vaccines in the UK are at least trivalent, whoever they are for. There is also a quadrivalent version which protects against 2 B viruses and that is sometimes used for children who really are little flu incubators and over 65s and under 65s who are felt to be at risk..

      In the past the vaccines aimed at the over 65s in the US were higher dose - supposed to induce a better immune response but that is disputed and some experts feltl the increased risk of possible side effects was not justified by the minimal improvement in protection.

      However, I assume the "over 65" version in the US currently is the quadrivalent version and it is also now available in the UK for certain groups. There is no guarantee you will be able to have it on demand from your doctor on the NHS even if you come within those groups - you will have to ask them. NICE has approved the quad one as being cost-effective - then it depends on the practice which they buy in.

    • Dave-California
      Dave-California EileenH

      Posted

      Hello Eileen,

      Yes - I guess it is "quad" for the 'oldies' - but they call it 'High Dose Trivalent' at my pharmacy - I guess it has four times the amount of antigen contained in regular trivalent flu shots.

      One great thing this year is that flu shots are part of the "Wellness" section of our medical insurance and it is "FREE" ! I think this is only thing I got for free anywhere this year.

      Dave

    • EileenH
      EileenH Dave-California

      Posted

      No - in the UK at least the quad bit means it is active against 2 different A viruses and 2 different B viruses, whereas the trivalent is active against 2 A's and only 1 B.

      I have no idea what they dish out here - really do need to get up there and say please nicely!!!

    • Dave-California
      Dave-California EileenH

      Posted

      Ensuite - essayez de demander en francais - faire les français vaccins contre la grippe de donner? confused
    • EileenH
      EileenH

      Posted

      Dylai wyf wedi gofyn i - gwneud y french gael y brechlyn ffliw? 
    • Dave-California
      Dave-California EileenH

      Posted

      My Welsh is poor - but - elsewhere in Europe sikker på du kan - men det kaldes prednison i USA
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.