Flu Season and drug-resistant medicines

Posted by Merry, Volunteer Mentor @merpreb, Nov 14, 2019

Good morning. The day before yesterday I finally got my flu shot. For the first time I got a bad headache the next day as a reaction. But I'm fine now. I also won't hesitate to get one next year. Any shot/vaccine is unpleasant. Many people are under the impression that the flu shot can give you the flu. The is untrue. Like my headache any flu like symptoms can be a reaction and are just minor inconveniences. Also another misnomer is that the flu shot will not prevent the flu. It does in most cases but it really does minimize the symptoms if you ever get it. Have you ever had the flu? I have and anything that minimizes the symptoms is welcomed in my book.Yesterday, coincidentally was also the day that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their long awaited report about drug resistant illnesses and what they found is astounding. With the Earth's temperatures warming so fast and high there are all sorts of organic changes that are happening. One of them is the antibiotic-resistant infections. With this report it is ever more important to be vigilant and defensive against exposing ourselves to any situation that might harm us. For example if the flu, or any other "bug" is going around your community forgo the holiday party, stay in and safe. Lung diseases and cancers have compromised our bodies. This means that our natural defenses have been broken through, making it easier for other undesirables to join the club. It's like invitations are sent out! Germs have become "super-bugs" that resist present day medicines. "Bugs" are smart creatures. Unlike us "bugs" have learned to evolve so that killing them is often impossible, so far. If only our bodies could do the same.This is the report that was released:https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2019/11/13/deadly-superbugs-pose-greater-threat-than-previously-estimated/ I hope that you all have gotten your flu shot. If you haven't what are the reasons? What methods have you used to avoid becoming ill during the holidays?

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Linda | @llwortman | Nov 14, 2019

Hi and thank you for this important Flu Season discussion.

I have spoken with many, many people who have had the flu, pneumonia & shingles shot on one dose and have had horrible reactions. I was told not to have the 6 month follow up shingles vaccine by CDC and my primary physician.

CDC is welcoming reports regarding negative reactions to this years vaccines.
CDC took detailed notes, gave remarks and said, severe reactions are possible and may be due to shingles vaccinatio.

Have you heard more depth reports about such reactions to this years vaccinations?

Thank you.

Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 14, 2019

@llwortman– No, I have not heard about any such reactions. Thank you for this update. I had my shot years ago and it was not accompanied by any other injection. I have heard tales about the shingles shot so perhaps this is the culprit. Oh! I have not had a reaction with the flu and pneumonia together but a sore arm from the flu shot.

JK | @contentandwell | Nov 14, 2019

@merpreb. Great info. My husband was one of those who always said that when he got a flu shot he would get the flu. I finally have convinced him to get it last year and this year. I have heard that this year’s flu is pretty severe. I have always gotten it, being sick is much more miserable than a shot in the arm.

I wish I could get the shingles shot but MGH is being very cautious.
JK

alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Nov 14, 2019

@merpreb Plan on getting my flu shot next week. About five years ago I came down w/ flu on January first of that year— not pleasant at all. Tamiflu helped, but that year I’d simply skipped the flu shot thinking that it indeed would make me feel ill. Well from then on I’ve gotten my yearly shot. This year, my doctor wants me to get the “senior” flu shot. She has suggested setting aside 3 days as there can be stronger reactions to this shot. Finally next week, I have 3 free days IF needed. I don’t want, or need to be sick with flu. Going through my cancer surgery and then cataract surgery has been plenty of doctor and treat time for me. So I am going to drop by the doctor’s office early next week and get it done. My dad never would get a flu shot because the one he got he swore gave him flu. He was lucky and never did catch flu after that. I don’t want to take a chance of flu and the possibilities of its complications. So I’m with you in urging us all to get our flu vaccines. It beats the alternative illness. Also our immune systems certainly can use the help this vaccination gives. N.B. Have two friends who got the triple shots and also repotting feeling awful for several days. The shingles shot is stronger now as is the pneumonia shot. Probably the cocktail of these three injections make the negative reactions in so many.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 15, 2019

In reply to @contentandwell "@merpreb. Great info. My husband was one of those who always said that when he got..." + (show)

Is their caution based on your transplant history, @contentandwell?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Nov 15, 2019

In reply to @contentandwell "@merpreb. Great info. My husband was one of those who always said that when he got..." + (show)

Wow, your husband is turning over a new leaf, @contentandwell. Good for you.

Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Nov 15, 2019

I have to get the flu shot now! Found out I have to go to FL next week. I always take the flu shot and have been fine- until last year. Actually, in April we all got the flu- influensa A. Horrible. I got pneumonia and spent a couple of days in the hospital.

Merry, Volunteer Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 15, 2019

@astaingegerdm– You must have been very angry, to say the least! Autoimmune diseases are not friends and often lead to other ailments. It makes us a target for other lurking bugs.

JK | @contentandwell | Nov 15, 2019

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Is their caution based on your transplant history, @contentandwell?" + (show)

@hopeful33250 yes, their caution has to do with immunosuppressants I believe. Interestingly Mayo does allow it, but when I had my post-transplant appointment last month and asked why they were not advising it the NP gave me a very understandable reason, I just can’t remember what it was! MGH is very cautious.

I think I sent my husband enough articles about the flu shot not causing flu that he had to give in.

@alamogal635 the only negative I had from the shot was a sore arm for a couple of days. Oddly, it seems much easier to find the high dose flu shot at pharmacies than at doctor’s offices! I always get mine at Walgreens.
JK