Have you gotten your flu shot??

[icnmgrjill]

Two years ago, my elderly parents (86 and 79 at the time) and I all got severe influenza within 12 hours. We all had 103 degree fevers, chills, horrible typical symptoms. What made it so difficult, though, was that we were ALL hit at the same time. My dad had to go to the emergency room and I couldn't drive my mother there to be with him. Yeah.. it was bad!! I shook uncontrollably for days.

Sooo.... I have vowed to get a flu shot every year because I never want to go through that again.

I just wanted to encourage everyone to get your seasonal flu shot and, when available, the swine flu shot as well. I got mine this morning!!!

Jill

[mary124]

They are having a flu-shot clinic at the office the last few days of the month. it will cost me the same as if I went to my doctors; the only difference is that here I won't have to take time off -if I go to the doctors I will, so unless something goes wrong between now and then....
I know my husband says he will get both the swine flu shots/regular flu shot in Mid-October as that is when they will be available at his doctors office.

[ICNDonna]

We usually get ours in October, but will definitely get them.

Donna

[Maylies~Momma]

I have never had a flu shot! Guess I'm the odd ball, I can't remember having the flu either but I'm sure I have at one point. I'm a stay-at-home mom and neither of my girls go to daycare or school so we just don't get them. I'll probably start the girls once they start school though.

[musiclover]

Kaiser Sacramento will be offering flu shots beginning October 3 and then later in the season will offer an H1N1 shot as it becomes available.

[LithEruiel]

I get mine every year because I have asthma. I was lucky this year and got my shot free at work. I'm going to get the H1N1 shot too when they're available. I'm going to be in the hospital a lot because of school, so I don't want to take any chances.

[LithEruiel]

oh, btw, they're recommending flu shots earlier this year because of the swine flu (H1N1). That's why some places started offering them Sept 1.

[Julie B]

For the last 15 years I have gotten a flu shot. We had a similar experience, Jill, the whole family sans one got the flu over Christmas. We were so sick we didn't get all of our packages opened for two days. I got it a day later than the kids. Realized I was sick when I woke up from passing out in the bathroom.

PS: I am a member of several dietetics groups and there is some buzz that people with higher Vit D levels get the flu less. I can't find a lot of this in PubMed yet, it seems to be preliminary, but something we should all pay attention to!

[nottoc4]

I always get the flu shot because my family of 6 got the flu at the same time one year. It was just pitiful.

[baaaby11]

I have gotten a flu shot every year for the past few years. This is the first flu season I've had these IC symptoms. You guys don't have any problems with your IC and getting flu shots?

[LithEruiel]

I haven't noticed anything with my IC after getting the flu shot this year or last year.

[leelee88]

I got mine a few days ago!! This was my first time getting one.. Our family last year was stricken with it all at one time.. I will get the swine one also.

[SueC]

walgreens has the flu shot during all hours there open

[champagne]

I have gotten the flu shot for the last 15 years and they were always free because I work in the hospital. I got mine last Thursday and had no issues with my IC. And just to clarify, getting the flu shot will not keep you from getting the flu, however, it may not be as bad with the shot. I had the flu only once and I had the shot that year and it was horrible dragging yourself from the couch to the bathroom. I think I was tempted to just put a blanket on the floor. My stepdad came over every day to make sure I was getting enough hydration and soup because I lived alone at the time. I am wishing everyone a healty flu season.

[LithEruiel]

Well there are different strains of flu out there so it doesn't protect again all strains.

[irfran]

Confused as to when to get the flu shot. My doctors office told me that the flu vaccine is only good for 3 months and getting the shot early (like now) would leave me vulnerable in Jan. and Feb.

Have any of you heard this from your doctor? The thought has occurred to me that me may be saying this since he doesn't get his supply of vaccine until mid October.

[LithEruiel]

I've never heard of that. I thought the only reason we had to get it every year is because flu strains change quickly, so last year's strain is different than the flu most people get (or are expected to get) this year.

[jenjen05]

I got my flu shot last week. I got Afluria from Walgreens. Preservative free. I don't normally get them but I did this year because my mom is a "at risk" person and her doctor said I shouldn't be around her if I get the flu sooooo. In case you're wondering, my mom has had cancer twice, has 1 1/4 lungs and has severe COPD and emphysema. Yep. My arm stayed sore for two days but other than that I'm glad I got the shot.

[Snowden1]

I just got my daughter the flu mist - she is 8 years old. The doctor said that there are studies that show the flu mist lasts longer than the flu shot. I can't get the flu mist because I have asthma and it is not recommended if you have asthma or other respiratory issues.
Teresa

[LithEruiel]

I read that flu mist does last longer in children, but not in adults - it said the shot is better for adults. I didn't know that about the respiratory thing though, I have asthma too.

[nottoc4]

I got my flu shot at Walgreens too.We are leaving on a trip and wanted it done before we go. By the time we get back the H1N1 vaccine should be ready and I will get that one too.

[Mothergoose]

I am in BC Canada and they just released a notice that it is being found that people who get the flu shot first for some reason are more prone to getting
H1N1. So now the flu shots are not availiable for the normal person only people who are over 65, the rest of the people will get the H1N1 in Dec and then the reg flu shot.

But this is the word this week, last week the flu shot was to be released in mid Oct for people to get.

I don't know if this is a proven thing or not, or just something some reasearcher have noticed to be happening, I don't think the H1N1 shot has been out long enough for them to have proven this, just my thoughts though. Our healthe authorities did release a news release about this.

So I guess time will tell and we will see how they feel about things next week.

Hopping no one gets the flu. MG

[enots1558]

I went to doctor to get lab results for my diabetes and he roped me into getting the flu shot this year. So yes, got mine! :)

[enots1558]

I am in BC Canada and they just released a notice that it is being found that people who get the flu shot first for some reason are more prone to getting
H1N1. So now the flu shots are not availiable for the normal person only people who are over 65, the rest of the people will get the H1N1 in Dec and then the reg flu shot.

But this is the word this week, last week the flu shot was to be released in mid Oct for people to get.

I don't know if this is a proven thing or not, or just something some reasearcher have noticed to be happening, I don't think the H1N1 shot has been out long enough for them to have proven this, just my thoughts though. Our healthe authorities did release a news release about this.

So I guess time will tell and we will see how they feel about things next week.

Hopping no one gets the flu. MG


I am not going to get the shot for the swine flu. I am a bit paraniod about the lack of research on it, so I hope this information is incorrect since I have already had my regular flu shot :(

[LithEruiel]

I am in BC Canada and they just released a notice that it is being found that people who get the flu shot first for some reason are more prone to getting
H1N1. So now the flu shots are not availiable for the normal person only people who are over 65, the rest of the people will get the H1N1 in Dec and then the reg flu shot.

But this is the word this week, last week the flu shot was to be released in mid Oct for people to get.

I don't know if this is a proven thing or not, or just something some reasearcher have noticed to be happening, I don't think the H1N1 shot has been out long enough for them to have proven this, just my thoughts though. Our healthe authorities did release a news release about this.

So I guess time will tell and we will see how they feel about things next week.

Hopping no one gets the flu. MG

That's strange. I could get flu shots even in years when there was a shortage and they could only go to "high risk" people because I have asthma... I don't see why getting a regular flu shot would increase your chances of getting another type of flu.

[StayySayy]

I got the flu shot in the beginning of September and just recently finished Tamiflu cause I got the flu... go figure only me lol but I wont be getting the Swine Flu shot.. my doctor isn't recommending it because it is something new and it is said that the live virus they inject in you is a lot stronger than any other vaccine... who knows!

[JaniceB]

I was wondering if anyone was not getting a flu shot because of their IC.

In 2005, I had the worst flu ever (no flu shot) and just as I was finally improving from the flu, my IC symptoms began. I still think its possible the flu triggered something.

I've had the seasonal flu shot most years since, and have not had the flu.

I'm one of those people that seems to catch everything pretty easily.

I did get the seasonal flu shot this year, as did my husband and 6 year old son.

But I'm undecided about the H1N1 vaccination as of right now.

And yes, I agree with the poster who said a flu shot doesn't gurantee you wan't get the flu. There are so many strains and viruses... yes it might make it less severe, but who really knows?

[Glenda2]

Did you guy's Know that if you are Allergic to EGG WHITES you CANNOT have any Flu shot. :tsk:

Flu shot's are made from an Egg White Base. :cussing:

I am alergic to egg whites and when I was a baby my pediatrician told my mom that I can never have a flu shot or it will put me in a coma and kill me. :bonk:

[ICNDonna]

They always ask if we are allergic to eggs when we get our flu shots --- plus we have to sign a paper that says we aren't allergic. Husband Terry and I both got our flu shots last Friday. We plan to get the swine flu shots as soon as they are available.

Donna

[glassd18]

I have never received the flu vaccine. I have a friend in the hospital very sick with complications from the swine flu (double pneumonia) who was in an induced coma for the last two weeks. I haven't had an update in a while, and I'm leary to visit the hospital again as that would be the best place to get sick. I am certainly considering the regular flu vaccine this year, and I don't thin the H1N1 vaccine is available to regular civilians yet here. I know hospital and emergency workers were getting it, and people who haved compromised health. Here is an article that was posted today about the H1N1 vaccine. They are saying it might be too late to help some of us this year:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/20/study-swine-flu-vaccine-too-late-to-help-most/

[Glenda2]

I think all doctor's should ask if people have an egg allergy.

It would be devestating to have this shot and find out your allergic to the base in it.

When I was a baby , my mother tried to give me egg's for breckfast , and I was in the hospital for a week , basically in a lite Coma , the pedia doc said it is the whites that made me so ill and I could never have a flu shot.

I have to watch what I eat. :tsk: Yokes only.

I love hard boiled egge's.

[Mothergoose]

It is true that if you are allergic to eggs you should not get the flu shot, they actually use eggs to incubate part of the vaccine when making it.

In someplaces they are recomending that you wait 4 weeks between getting the swine flu shot and the reg flu shot.

[Glenda2]

I have to eliminate egg whites in everything I cook for myself.

I sure love the yokes tho.

When I make hard boiled egg's for breckfast I usually make 3 and give the whites to my dogs to nibble on.

If you have never had a flu shot before , get tested for an allergy 1st. :bow:

[mary124]

When you get the flu shot whether its from a doctors office/clinic, etc they have you sign a piece of paper as to you are allergic to egg whites.
I am getting mine tomorrow afternoon. I don't need the swine flu shot as i just got over it.

[nottoc4]

I don't remeber them asking the allergy question although I did sign the paper.

[LithEruiel]

They're having a free H1N1 shot clinic at the community college here twice a week. A guy in my class already got one. I think I'm going to go Thursday.

[kuntrygurl78]

I got a free regular flu shot at work last week. I would imagine we are going to be able to get the h1n1 when it is available here. I feel its my responsibility to get one since I work in a nursing home.

[aprilchen]

Get the vaccines. I got mine and am glad I did. See this page for recommendations for adults. And if you have not had your TDAP or DTAP (Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), get them soon! There was an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) last year when I was substitute teaching.

There is a CDC page on recommended vaccines every adult should have and I have done them all except Meningococcal and my last Hepatitis A is on March 9th.

See: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/2009/adult-schedule-6x4-5.pdf (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/2009/adult-schedule-6x4-5.pdf)

[mary124]

As I posted yesterday, i was going to the doctor today and get my regular flu shot, but they called me a few hours ago and informed me that they ran out.
I had to call 5 CVS stores to see if they still have them. Luckily, 2 of them still do. So I will go tonight instead.

[LithEruiel]

Get the vaccines. I got mine and am glad I did. See this page for recommendations for adults. And if you have not had your TDAP or DTAP (Diptheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), get them soon! There was an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) last year when I was substitute teaching.


That's true. I never knew I needed TD every ten years until recently (the health department didn't recommended Pertussis for me when I spoke to them about it). I didn't have it since I was five! I got it before I started nursing school.

[aprilchen]

That is true that there are different strains of the flu out there. I was vaccinated against the "seasonal flu," and then recently after having had this vaccine for a month have had H1N1. I know it sounds scary and it really was....when my chest tightened up this week and I had to go into the ER for three separate nebulizer treatments of albuterol, the military decided it would be more cost effective just to get me my own Nebulizer machine at home. So now, I use Albuterol Inhalation solution with the machine and have a rescue inhaler plus I take Singulair and Zrytec now. Since I seem to have these respiratory issues a lot, they are sending me for a formal evaluation in 3-4 weeks once this acute episode is over for Asthma. So, we'll see what happens. It seems I "catch" things so much easier than other people---esp. when they are respiratory bugs. So, yes, when the H1N1 vaccine comes out, you betcha I'll be getting it.

There is also a page that is awesome for information on what vaccines adults should have and it is from the CDC. I would really pay attention to it because some of the vaccines we received as children must be renewed as adults. See the following:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/downloads/adult/2009/adult-schedule-6x4-5.pdf

For instance, I NEVER had Chicken Pox (Varicella) and so when I went to work in child care and teaching, I went out and made sure I got those vaccines. The only one on that list above that I have not received is the Meningoccoal and I have to complete my Hepatitis A series.

I never had a reaction to any of the vaccines except for some general achiness after the influenza vaccine.

Also, more on vaccines from the CDC is here: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/

Well, hope everyone stays well! I encourage you to be your OWN advocate. Really, no one else will.....you have to FIGHT for yourself...at least that is what I have learned as a military wife with government health care.

Blessings!

[aprilchen]

That general achiness is completely normal though w/ the influenza vaccine. I just took some Tylenol and I was fine. Even people w/o IC have it. So I really would not worry!

[Mothergoose]

aprilchen

Where I live they won't let you get the flu shot before the H1N1 shot unless you are over 65 because they have found that people who get the reg flu shot first has a great chance of catching H1N1.

[aprilchen]

That's interesting because I had H1N1 about three weeks after getting the regular seasonal flu shot. I am STILL getting over that....ugghhhhh.....Albuterol inhaler nebulizer at home and LOTS of cough medication. I WISH they'd taken that approach with me, almost now. Three days ago my fever was over 102. It was awful and now I'm just trying to get all my lost energy back. :-)

[ICNDonna]

April, I'm so glad you are getting better. Lots of people are having a huge problem.

Donna

[Glenda2]

You can go see an Allergy ENT doctor and have the Scratch Prick Test on your back to see if you have an Egg White Allergy.

If you are allergic to that > No Flu shots , as they are made from an Egg White Base.

[aprilchen]

Hey Donna, thank you! I actually am doing much, much better today but I know the steroids I was on to open my lungs made my IC worse. Dr. Rackley doesn't support ever being on steroids as it can increase your pain where IC is concerned....so I am being on an extra special bland diet for the next two weeks....moreso than usual. OK, thanks again and off to do an instillation. I woke up from a nap with much pain. It's a daily struggle with IC, but I am so blessed to be able to stay home now. It has taken much stress off me as I am on SSA now and am so happy that if I don't feel like working, I do not have to. I am only committed to working two days a week now and it does not feel like work because it is with a 15-month old and she's just such a joy. It's a little taste as to what parenthood really will be like once we've adopted. :-)

Be Blessed!

[LithEruiel]

Dr. Rackley doesn't support ever being on steroids as it can increase your pain where IC is concerned....



Oh great. I'm on corticosteroids again because my asthma is worse :(

I'm glad you're doing better!

[aprilchen]

Hey Ashley,
I mean steroids like Prednisone and Depo-Medrol. I don't think Corticosteroids are a problem when used for asthma for IC. I think it depends on what medications you are on. I am on Singulair and Albuterol and do fine with them. I recently developed some issues with Asthma (they think). :-) Dr. Rackley says LONG-TERM use of steroids is bad for IC. What medications, (if you don't mind my asking) are you taking?

[LithEruiel]

oh, thanks!

I'm taking Advair 100/50 and Pro-Air (albuterol) for asthma. I'm taking Elmiron, Cystoprotek, Ditropan and Zantac for IC.

[Glenda2]

Speak to your doctor about the ProAir hfa inhailer , My doctor switched me to Proventil because the Propellant in the ProAir for some reason messes up the effectivness of the Albuterol.

Speak to the Pharmacy for additional information.

My Pharmacist also told me this. They can explain it in a medical explination.

[LithEruiel]

I don't have insurance and the Pro-Air is the cheapest. I'm trying to get on a patient assistance program for the Advair but I have some samples for now. I got a free Pro-Air from the doctor's office, so they must be ok with it.

As far as I can tell, the propellant in the Pro-Air isn't as strong as it was in good old CFC Albuterol, but I don't think the Proventil is either. Hopefully I won't have to use it very much once this attack calms down. I rarely used it when I was on Advair before.

[ICNDonna]

When I was put on prednisone for a serious skin allergy, it actually improved my IC symptoms --- I swelled up and retained fluid, but the skin rash also left --- and the IC symptoms didn't increase at all.

Donna

[123456]

I got the shot on Friday and had a big fat flare that I did not associate with the shot (ha-ha). I'm okay now and feel better that I am protected from getting at least the seasonal flu. Can't do the flu and IC at the same time right now. Probably jump off a cliff.

[LithEruiel]

Well I went to the place offering the H1N1 vaccine today only to find out that they were only doing the nasal mist, which I can't get because I have asthma. They're doing them today 5-8 and I got there 5 after 5 and there was a massive line, kids crying, the whole deal. So I went up to the front of the line to ask if they only had the mist, not the shots and she said yes. And I said well I can't get it right, because I have asthma (I wanted to make sure) and she said "If you want to wait in this line and talk to them it's up to you, it's not my call." And she could not have said it in a nastier way. They should know who can and can't get the shot so people don't have to wait in line and fill out applications and make more work for everyone. Well needless to say I left. I know it's not their fault because they just have what's available, but people with respiratory diseases are some of the people that are most in need of the vaccine and we can't get the mist!