My neurologist told me to not get the flu shot...I haven't talked to her about the swine flu shot, but I'm assuming I'm not supposed to get that one either...

Kinda relieved...I'm pretty sure that I would get really sick from it, but then I still worry about getting the actual swine flu...:S

I understand just how you feel Nicky. It can be scary.

I am not getting either one. My Neuro said if I wanted to get the seasonal he was ok with that. My Int. Med Dr told me yesterday she wanted me to get both but the H1N1 has to be a vaccine not the nasal spray. I told her I am terrified of them and plan to be extra careful this year. The scariest part is that once they are injected they are there and you can't reverse it. My sister was DXed with H1N1 about a month ago. She is perfectly healthy and is on her 6th round of meds. It has attacked her lungs terribly. She is getting better but her Dr. told her that it is spread through the eyes, ears and mouth. He suggested using a sinus rinse daily to get any bacteria out of the sinuses before they set in. He also said drinking a hot drink at night will help kill bacteria in the mouth. He suggested she wear glasses or sunglasses whenever possible to keep anything from getting in through the eyes. He said all of these are in addition to the basics, staying out of overpopulated areas as much as possible, washing your hands often and using hand sanitizer in between. I also have a friend going through radiation for breast cancer and she told me the same thing about the hot drinks and sinus rinse. I plan to try it. It certainly can't hurt. I am a firm believer in the sinus rinses. I used to get sinus infections yearly and haven't had one since I started using mine.
Kendra

Thanks Kendra, The sinus rinse and a hot drink at night sounds like a good idea.

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

Hey Kendra,

I totally agree about the sinus rinsing...I have one called, hydrasense, and it works pretty well...

One thing that I have been doing for years, before hearing about the nasal rinses, and I don't know if this is unhealthy or not, is snorting water up my nose then blowing it out...I've always had trouble clearing my nostrils...

Last year I got the seasonal flu shot without any problem.
This year I wish I had think it over...
While I was on my Pred taper scheme (from 5 mg pd to 4), I had the usual "bad" week following the change but it lasted longer this time, after 2 weeks, I was still feeling that general weakness. I saw my neuro which advised me to go back quickly to 5 mg, otherwise I may risk some other problems, which I did after a couple of days.
Unfortunately before the situation went back to "normal", I had the pneumonia shot, also advised by my neuro...Three days later, I felt much better (probably the Pred action?). That lasted 2 days, then the situation quickly deteriorated up to the early MG symptoms, jaw muscle weakness, chewing problems...
Now, about one month after the shot, I'm still waiting for my previous condition with the help of 10 mg Pred and an additionnal 60 mg Mestinon.
Needless to say that I completely forgot the flu(s) shot, also recommended by my neuro...
Maurice.

As per my Neuro.. NO shots for me. I don't do well with them. But he told me even he isn't going to take it. Didn't say why, he is just against them.

I get the flu shot every year and I have for years. I am going to get the H1N1 shot next week and the flu shot shortly after. My neuro felt that since I just went into crisis from a sore throat in Sept. that it would be advisable. I have three small kids and germs are everywhere! It's a personal choice, you have to do what feels right for you.

Rezmommy,
It is highly recommended to have shots at least 3 weeks apart...
Maurice.