Should I get a Flu Shot??
 

Hi All,

Someone told me yesterday that they were giving out free flu shots rigt down the street from my house. They are doing it on Monday, I have no time to call Neuro office to see if I should get one. Is it wise get a flu shot with MS?

Input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Joe

I cant tell you if you should. But, my neurologist suggested that I get one last year. He told me to NOT do the live virus one (the spray they make you schnork up your nose)

Is it a nursing association that's doing the shots? Ask the nurse there and see what they say.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/liv...ons/index.aspx

This is the NMSS information link on flu shots for people with MS.

When I was in the neuro's office for my clinical trial visit 2 weeks ago, the neuro recommended I get a flu shot. He is the Principle Investigator for the Tovaxin Clinical Trial for which I am currently enrolled along with being the Head of the MS Clinic at Providence Hospital in Portland, OR.

That's my story. BTW, I don't get one b/c the shot makes me sicker than the flu. :(

I had a bad case of the flu in my second year after diagnosis. I have gotten a flu shot every year since, I got mine last Wed, my shoulder still aches but small price to pay for not getting the crud.

Jim gets the flu shot every year and the pneumonia shot every so many years. His doctor highly recommends it because the flu and pneumonia are not a good mix with ms.

I would ask your doctor if you still feel worried about it.

Earl, we noticed that too. My arm hurt for at least a week. :-(

I've never had one. I'd think that the possible reaction to it might cause some sx to flare up. But...everyone is different.

Definitely your choice but I have gotten one each year since diagnosis. I recently had my new GP say that I should continue getting them because the flu can wreak havoc on people with MS.

FWIW, and I know that people have had different experiences, with a dead virus you should not have any side effects from the vaccine itself.

i get one every yr.
when i was nursing we had too because we came in contact with so many sick people.

my pcp and neuro strongly recommended it.
i believe the NMSS positiion is to get one. the reasoning is that if you get the flu it can cause you to have an exacerbation.

they will ask you a few Q's before you receive it to make sure you're not allergic.