Sometimes, I think it depends on what experiences the doctor has had. My doctor has had patients go into resp. failure from the flu shot, so he's not exactly a fan.
I was in bed for two weeks from the last one I got. I could barely move, or lift my head off my pillow. My breathing was horrible! It's just too dangerous for me to take the chance.
Love Lizzie

nope. I've only had it one other time and it wasn't the right mix that year. I was sick as a dog who got into the neighbor's trash So far so good this year though.

Thanks Brian. When I was recently in hospital, they asked me if I wanted the flu shot and the pneumonia shot. I wish I had taken the pneumonia shot since that's what people get so sick from with the flu and is so dangerous. Maybe I can still get one at my pcp's office.

I have been debating about this.... I'm actually going to call tomorrow to the "big cheese" doctor I go to who teaches etc. on MG... to see what he recommends.

I've pretty much decided not to get any flu shot. We older folks are supposed to have some immunity left over from a flu strin in the 60's (perhaps the Hong Kong Flu? I got that one really bad - - and have never had flu since) And anybody who was born 1946 or earlier is supposed to have even better immunity.

I have a neuro appointment next week. I won't bring it up - but will be curious to see if they do!!

Sue

I am not going to get a flu vaccine.

Why? Mostly due to my past reactions to medications and injections. I don't want to deal with an almost guaranteed side effect from a vaccine.

Another reason, and I have to admit that I haven't looked up my facts on this one so I may be wrong, is that the vaccine contains thimerosal which isn't good for someone with an autoimmune disorder.

I think I had the flu in May and it was terrible with a high fever...and after about one week afterwards I started my MG symptoms. I think this fever was at least partially responsible for me getting MG.

I received the seasonal shot about a month ago and H1N1 yesterday. The doc had told me to get H1N1 as soon as the vaccine was available but I told them after children and pregnant ladies. So they called yesterday and said there was enough vaccine for me to get mine.

Hey GI,

Nice to hear from you. Glad you got your shots and I'm sure you'll do fine. Hope you've been feeling well. Take care.

Hugs,
Pat

I'm wondering about the flu and autoimmune diseases such as the Pernicious Anemia i have ... can getting the flu be more severe or cause some damage for me more than a healthy person?

I was reading some info about this online and they mention my disease as well as MS among others as being cautious about getting flu shots as they can do some harm.

Would it be better to get the vaccination or not to? I'm not on any prescribed meds to supress my immune system so i should be good to go I guess.

I'm new to my illness with regards to preparing for the flu and stuff so any help would be appreciated. The official CDC website does not list my illness but it does list some Neuro disorders. The website lists this stuff ....

People at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications
Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
Adults 65 years of age and older
Pregnant women
People who have:

Asthma
Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].
Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy


Thanks!

Hey Megatrends,

Welcome to the group! I'm sorry but I'm not too familiar with Pernicious Anemia, but I believe a few people here have it and may post. Do you have MG as well? I'm glad you were able to find some good info online. Have you called your doctor to see what he/she thinks you should do? Thanks for posting all the great info. Hope to hear from you more.

Hugs,
Pat