Ok, I have not had the flu in 3 years (will be 4 this winter). The last flu I did get (many at work were sick) was 4 days in agony. Luckily not vomiting, but a lot of time spent on the can.

I asked my neuro about the flu shot, and he said go for it. I've never had the flu shot myself. My blood work up showed me to be very healthy.

Now I'm debating if I should get the shot or not. I guess it's another one of those personal decisions, but I wonder... if I have had MS for "at least 5 years" based on my dx in March, should I just go about my regular business and not get the shot, since I never have before, or should I go ahead and do it?

Opinions?

It's a gamble, isn't it?

I can get a free flu shot through my work, but usually don't bother.

The healthiest I've ever been is when I worked as a secretary at the hospital (before MS dx). I don't think I got shot then either!

I don't know what to tell you. If you like to play it safe, better get shot. If you're a risk-taker, skip it.

Good luck either way!

I have gotten the flu shot for the past several years, and have not experienced any problems with it.

I've never taken the flu shot....ever. And I've not been sick with the flu in years.

My Doc insisted on it last year. We'll see what he says this year?? I'm neutral..It's a crapshoot, either way..

I get them, I've got little munchkins in the home....

I have a had a few, last one I had was fine till end of winter and got slammed with a flu, ended up in hopsital, so have not gotten one in a couple years, it is a (carp a dm shoot), I also am not working outdoors all winter anymore, so that has helped a lot

I've gotten it every year for the last 10 or so. I would much rather have a little pain up front then take the chance of an infection/virus.

People with MS are put on priority for the shot, at least in BC.

It won't protect you from all the flu types that go around, but at least from the worst of them (as predicted by 'someone').

Cherie

Flu shot preventing the flu? HA! I worked in a hospital as a respiratory therapist for 10 years. We were required to have a flu shot cuz of all the things we were exposed to. Every time I got the bloody shot it worked--I got the flu. Without it, I didn't. So the flu shot worked like a CHARM for me.

I stay away from them. With that kind of track record under my belt I'm not risking it until I have to.

But yes, it is a personal decision. Cherie, I think people with autoimmune diseases are on a preferential list here too in the U.S.

If you're comfortable getting one, go for it. If you're not, then don't.

i believe it's recommended by the NMSS.
my neuro and internist insisted on it.

i was an RN for 35 yrs and got 1 every yr thru work.
and i con't to get 1 each yr.

knock wood....havn't had the flu yet. knock, knock, knock...