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

Susan, I'm not getting either because of a terrible reaction I've had in the past. I'm just going to be very careful and hope for the best.

Hugs,
Pat

Hey Tbarny,

What a terrible position to be in. I have a friend who is a HS nurse and she can't have the shots either due to health issues. If you did get the flu would you be able to take Tamiflu? Not too much has been mentioned about that. I hope your fevers go away and you manage to stay flu free. Please keep us posted.

Hugs,
Pat

I snooped around the internet and found some answers for me.

I had used the search feature here and just went into this thread without realizing it was for MG sufferers. No I do not have MG but have read around here to see what it is.

I found that if I get the H1N1 flu my intestinal disease that is causing my Pernicious Anemia could get worse which hopefully it wouldn't. It has been dormant for me for about a year which is nice.

That leaves me with feeling like I have one disease instead of 2 to deal with.

I am not taking any immune system suppressants so i should be okay if I get struck with it besides the intestinal thing I just described. If my intestines were flared up i would be so this stuff is still good to know about for future reference.

Thanks for the helpful response .... even though i was lost and should have posted my response elsewhere.

Hey Megatrends,

Glad you found such good information and your Anemia has been doing well. You are welcome to come visit us anytime! Take care and stay well.

Hugs,
Pat

Hello everyone,
The whole family received seasonal flu shots in October.
As far as H1N1 vaccines go, I have been the only one to receive it so far.
My infusion nurse brought me one last week. I fit several of the high risk criteria, so after much deliberation, I agreed to get one.
The only available to the children right now is the nasal mist and I'm not sure if I am comfortable with it.
My husband totally refuses to get it and thinks Tamiflu will be enough to get through, should something arise.

So far, I feel fine and felt no revving up of any MG symptoms. I am concerned about how much of an immune response I'd actually get since I am so immunosuppressed with Imuran and my inhaled steroids for asthma.

Hopefully, we will all make it through the season with a little illness as posssible.

Team Purell!

Jenna