I'm confused....swine flu shot?
 

Hey Everyone:

I'm pretty sure this was discussed before but is there a concensus on whether people with MG should have the swine flu shot? My family doctor is freaked out about how I've been doing and wants me to come in next week and get the flu shot, swine flu shot and pneumonia vaccine. I'm going to talk to my neuro, but I'm curious what all of you have heard.

I usually get the flu shot every year. It's odd, but I used to get hospitalized with pneumonia every year for 5 years before I was diagnosed and started on mestinon, IVIG and cellcept - can't take steroids. Since then, I haven't had one respiratory infection.

Thanks,

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccinati...ion_qa_pub.htm

It has to be the "inactivated" one and not the "live" one. And definitely do not do the spray (live virus).

Hope that helps.

Hi Shar!
 

Thanks, Annie, for the info. It does help!

Hi Erin - I'm doing okay. Today was my last "official" day for my job (although I'm not working). My boss is keeping me on a retainer as a consultant so they can come to me with questions. That was very nice of him. It's hard making the transition, though. Everyone needs something or another and my staff is freaking out somewhat, so I'm feeling guilty and responsible and trying to do too much to rescue them all (when they really don't need rescuing, they'll be fine). So, I've done too much and am pretty weak with losing voice and breathing - but I can post on the forum!! That's an improvement. :) Overall, I just feel so tired and exhausted that I don't even mind not working anymore at this point. I'm looking forward to not feeling so desperate and overwhelmed.

Hi Shar!
 

Hey sweetheart! I know exactly how you feel....I miss the "old" me and constantly feel guilty for not being able to take care of my family and work like I used to.....:(

My poor son checks up on me constantly (as well as my hubby) if I sleep too late....I HATE feeling helpless or stressing my guys out!:(
Guilt is a constant in my life but I have to get over it - I NEVER chose to have this!

I also miss working like crazy - I WANT to be around other people - but I told my wonderful neuro that I'm going to work for him as soon as I am healthy - and he AGREED! I love managing offices! My type A personalty loves it! :D

The one thing that I have decided on is that I will NOT let this steal my FAITH, HOPE, or DIGNITY!:D

I think WE need to cut ourselves some slack and focus on getting BETTER!


I will get better! We will be well soon!

Sorry for the rant!

Love,
Erin:hug:

My Neuro told me no flu shots. But I react badly to just about everything so I understand why I shouldn't take it.

Vaccines can increase autoimmune reactions. This video explains how and why. There are 3 other parts to this interview you can click on over at YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnaiubVJv8E&NR=1

And this infectious disease specialist explains why he is not getting the flu shots this year, for himself or his children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1z7KSEnyxw

I'm confused.....swine flue shot?
 

I am terrified of getting the swine flu but have made the decision that I am not having any flu shots. Once they are injected they are there and that is a risk I'm not willing to take. I bought a huge bottle of hand sanitizer that I keep in my car. I plan to avoid overly populated areas and wash my hands like crazy!!!
Kendra

I'm on my kids about washing their hands so much that they probably hear me in their sleep! As soon as they come in from school I am there saying "Wash Your Haaands". They also have hand sanitizer with them at school and I am constantly telling them to make sure they use it.

I got a letter from their school that said a student had tested positive for the swine flu and has been out of school for 10 days. The child will return after the doctor has cleared them to do so. So far both of my kids have been okay and I pray that it stays that way.

As far as me. I am not getting any kind of flu shots. I never have and don't plan on it now. It makes me nervous for some reason.

While I usually take what Fox News says with many grains of salt, I do agree with what the doctor in the video says (2nd video Mrs. D posted). It has been rushed to market and it does contain thimerosal. And anyone with an egg allergy can't have it.

Actually, I don't even watch Fox News except for our local anchors.

I disagree about the supposed "benign" nature of H1N1. No one really knows yet how that little virus will progress. It's new. And it's different than other viruses. It's sort of a combo virus, not soley from little pigs. It's one part avian/bird flu. It's one part human flu. It's two parts pig flu. So be as cautious as you can while out and about.

And the virus can live on surfaces for at least 24 hours. Have you thought about the mail you get on a daily basis? Even Dr. Gupta warns about the virus staying on surfaces for a long time and that you could get reinfected. '

Just be cautious. Wash hands. Stay at home when you can. And when you do have symptoms, call your primary doctor right away. ;)

Annie

Hmmmm lots of things to ponder, thanks everyone for making me think!!

I'm booked in for a H1N1 vaccine on Tuesday, but I think I'll double check with my neuro!!
I think I'd rather have the flu shot than the actual flu, as about 26 people have died from it already in our little state(well big state, little population!!)
will keep you updated as to what happens
kate

Thanks, everyone, for all your thoughts and info. Mrs. D, thanks for posting the links. I'm going to definitely think a while longer before I agree to a vaccine, especially the swine flu vaccine. But, I do agree with Annie, that we do need to be very careful. A 7 year old girl, who lives 20 minutes from me, died this week from swine flu. She didn't have any other health issues. I don't remember ever hearing about a healthy child dying from the flu in our community.

And there was an 11 year old with no prior medical issues that died in Houston area last week with a confirmed case of H1N1. (However, per CDC recommendation, her physicain did not start her on Tamiflu. Big rukus here about that decision.) But I agree with other posts - both about taking precautions and not doing any vaccine until checking with neuro.

Does anyone know how Tamiflu works and if it's an option if an MG'r were to get the flu?

Sue

Hi Shar!
 

My neuro said no flu shots. There have been articles in our newspaper about the H1N1 shot. It says do not get one if you have an autoimmune disease. Especially if it is one that affects your nerves or muscles and could cause breathing problems. That describes MG to me.

I am a high school teacher. My family dr. said if we have an H1N1 outbreak that I need to stay home from work.

Hmmm very interesting, so many differing stories!!!
I had my H1N1 on Tuesday, and apart from a sore shoulder, and then a few aching joints I havn't had any problems. I did ok it with my Neurologist, he said it was a good idea.
I guess its something you have to talk to your own Doctor and weigh up the good with the bad......................
Kate