flu shots?

surbet · Newbie Alert Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 1

WAS DIAGNOSED ABOUT 3 YRS AGO.33/F/NY.MAJOR SYMPYOMS ARE FATIGUE AND JOINT PAIN.STARTING TO HAVE IBS (I THINK) :MY QUESTION...SHOULD LUPUS PTS GET FLU SHOT/ AND CAN I DONATE BLOOD?OH ONE MORE HOW ABOUT TANNING BEDS ?

muriate · Little Guppy Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 35

Hello

I was told by my rheumie that a flu shot is a must. But it will bring on a flare up. Not recomanded to donate blood. And tanning beds are also a no no cause us to make lupus cells. Any uv light causes this even florescent light is harmful

Saysusie · Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2003 11:38 pm Post subject:

That is so funny.....I was told by my Rheumatologist that flu shots are an absolute "NO-NO" Laughing

His rationale was, "with an already compromised immune system, the flu shot will bring about a flare and cause a viral infection which may lead to hospitalization!!"
Go figure! I guess it depends on the severity of your Lupus and your doctor!! Laughing

Since Lupus is a chronic disease, you cannot donate blood! Tanning usually uses ultra-violet light...another "no-no"
Try some of the tanning gels or lotions - be careful about their ingredients!
Saysusie

batgirl · Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2003 2:43 pm Post subject: flu shots

i heard that a "dead virus" flu shot (the normal injectable kind) is ok for us but not the "live virus" (which includes the new inhalable kind of flu shot). good luck!
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wishing health and strength to all

muriate · Little Guppy Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 35

Yes the new nasal flu mist is live and no we should not take it

muriate · Little Guppy Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 35

That was the info I got also. I did ask the same question to the lupus foundation about a year ago and they said the same thing. That the injectable was dead. And that it would cause a flare up. But if we got the true flu that we were being given a shot for it would be very difficult to fight it. Due to the immunosuppression or us not having the ability to fight it off.
The only thing I can say is this disease has many of choices of treatment. ANd we must find a good rheumie and follow their advice each person is different. And research research research everything. And that proves this board helps us fight it as one.

tahohvn · Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2003 8:28 am Post subject:

Out here in No. CA, my Rheumi also told me "no" on flu shots. Same reason: compromised immune system Confused

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~*Denise*~

JenHa55 · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 9:25 pm Post subject:

Hello,

I have been told by 3 of my docs including my Rheumatologist that we should get the shot - not the mist, but definitely the shot. The flu that you could get without it is much tougher on your body then the flu shot is. I have been getting the shot for at least 4 years and it has really helped keep me out of the hospital! That's for sure... Each doc is different but I personally find it helpful. It has never given me a flare, but that's just me. At times I feel I am one big flare - so hey...

tinajee · Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 10:16 pm Post subject:

I can really relate to your situation. I took the flu shot for the first time this year and so far no flu. My doctor insisted that I take it. But everyone please still be careful because there are several kinds of flus out there that the shot does not protect you from. Good Wishes For Everyone!