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H1N1 Advice??? Expand / Collapse
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lisateacher
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 7:00 PM


 

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Hi everyone! I have been absent lately, my family lost my grandfather last week and I have been working though that. I hope that this finds everyone well. I don't know how much has been discussed regarding the H1N1 vaccine, but I thought I'd ask anyway. I tried to ask my RA doc, but she is not much help, part of the reason that I am getting a new doc. Are your doctors recommending it? I know that due to my RA and the fact that I take Humira, I fall into the "Tier 1" group that is first in line with children and pregnant women for the vaccination. So far, there isn't any available to me in my area right now, but possibly within the next 2 weeks there may be. My fear is getting the shot, then getting sick from it. I had a slight reaction from the regular flu shot that I got a month ago. I work in an elementary school, so my risk is pretty elevated. I am following the rules as far as handwashing, eating well, getting rest, vitamins, etc. Does anyone have any advice for me? Thoughts one way or another? Being single, it is hard not having anyone to talk to about these things...thanks so much!

Lisa
Post #4250928
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Kayleen Elliott
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 7:43 PM


 

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This is such a tough decision for me every year, because I have a very touchy immune system. But, when I get the flu (twice now) I end up in the ER because my immune system can't handle it. What a catch-22!

Maybe I shouldn't tell you this (don't just want to scare you!), but I will because it was told to me by a doctor. I was seeing my podiatrist and making small talk, and he mentioned one person he knew of who got the immunization you spoke of, and this person ended up with some paralasis on one side of his face that has not completely gone away.

I haven't gotten the flu shot for the last three years and have not gotten the flu -- lucky, I guess. I haven't gotten it because my instincts tell me not to, and after 25 years of RA I'v learned to listen to them.

But if you weigh the risks and still feel you should get the shot, by all means do so. I think it should be an individual decision made by each person with RA.

Anyway, I hope I've helped and not just confused the matter. Take good care of yourself too! --Kayleen
Post #4250949
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lisateacher
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 8:01 PM


 

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[size=4]Thanks Kayleen, Are you referring to the regular flu shot? Is there a difference? I got the regular one for the first time this year and don't think I will do it again due to the reaction I had from it. [/size]
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WarmSocks
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:04 PM


 

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Hi Lisa:

It's good to see your smiling face! Sorry to hear about your grandfather.

I got my seasonal flu shot last week and my PCP told me that, given the meds I'm on, H1N1 would also be recommended - the same situation you face.



My concern is that I had heard it was fast-tracked and didn't go through the same safety screening that the seasonal vaccine usually undergoes. My PCP said that happened one time in the 70's and they're being more careful now. (He sat down and we had a discussion. He wasn't trying to push a decision one way or the other, but was simply providing information.) Just yesterday I read an article that said this vaccine wasn't fast tracked; our vaccines are made based on strains that appear six months earlier in the southern hemisphere - which is why the vaccine wasn't ready a couple months ago. It's not ready until October because that's when the six months are up.



With you working with children who might get the nasal spray instead of the injection, I'd think you would be even more at risk and would want to get the shot as soon as possible.

 

+WarmSocks
______________________________________________________
Aiming for NED
  Plaquenil, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, Folic Acid, Feldene, Prilosec, Verapamil, Maxalt, Diclofenac Gel, vitamins

Post #4250980
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Liz M
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:44 PM


 

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I got my seasonal flu vaccine, as I usually do, and my doc said to get the H1N1 vax also (though she is not getting any and I'll have to find it elsewhere - probably a long line at a pharmacy - ugh).



From what I understand, they are making the H1N1 in the same exact way that they make the seasonal flu vaccine, so no difference (in other words, the seasonal flu vaccine is made up up several different strains of flu viruses that they think will be the most active that year - the 2009 H1N1 is just another strain, albeit one we have less immunity to). I will get it, if I can, and so will my family. I have two young children and, to me, the risk of getting H1N1 far outweighs the risk of having some adverse reaction statistically. Even if they still get H1N1, they would have some immunity to it after the vax and it lessens the effects (ie: complications, like hospitalizations and death - that's according to the CDC).



That's my take on it, for what it's worth .



Liz
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Pinkie
Posted Thursday, October 29, 2009 12:09 PM


 

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I have heard that we are just not supposed to get the live virus immunizations (from PCP and Rheumy)

I had my seasonal flu shot, and no effect. I'm getting H1N1 next Wed.

Take care,
Lisa

------------------------------------------------
DX=Spondyloarthropathy, Fibromyalgia
Meds= Humira, Sulfasalazine, Cymbalta, Skelaxin, Flexeril (5-10mg at night)
Post #4251173
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mammakc
Posted Thursday, October 29, 2009 3:45 PM


 

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WELL I HAVENT MADE MY MIND UP YET BUT IT WOULDNT MATTER THE H1N1 IS NOT AVAILABLE WHERE I AM AT. I DO KNOW YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO TAKE THE LIVE VIRUS SO MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THAT. I THINK IN YOUR JOB PROFEESION AND ILLNESS STATUS ITS PROBABLY A GOOD IDEA FOR YOU WHEN YOU CAN FIND IT.




*STOP THE WORLD NOW, IM READY TO GET OFF!*
Post #4251269
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coney island baby
Posted Thursday, October 29, 2009 9:00 PM


 

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got the regular flu shot 3 wks ago, had shoulder surgery 2 days ago and got a call to come in today to get the h1n1 shot and did, not the live one. hope this helps
Post #4251403
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Aprilfreelance
Posted Friday, October 30, 2009 10:59 AM


 

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I got my H1N1 vaccine two days ago. No pain, no problems, no symptoms at all. I asked my rheumy about it the last time I saw him and he said he does recommend it. I actually just went to take my son, who has asthma, because the local health dept. was targeting kids with asthma, pregnant women, etc. (the high risk groups). But there was a nurse there helping out that I have known for years and she knows about my problems. She told me I could go ahead and get it, too. I feel much better knowing I have gotten the vaccine.

Age 36, Dx May 2009, waiting to start new meds after bad experience with Plaquenil.

The Bible in a nutshell: First half - be nice to God; second half - be nice to people.
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Polly Sue
Posted Friday, November 06, 2009 11:22 AM


 

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Sorry to bring this back, tried but cannot get H1N1, called county health dept at the urging of my daughter who is a health care provider and it will not be available for another 2 months!

Health dept said they are reserving it for children, pregnant women and "Sick" people and told me that vitrually no one over 40 is getting H1N1 anway!

Tell that to my daughters current patient a HEALTY male aged 42 who they have given a twenty percent chance of surviving it, and countless others over 40 who have been hospatalized with this virus.

Whats up with getting it out to people, NYS sucks when it comes to this kind of thing!!!! How is it even possible that a non health related corporations like the Wall St. bankers can even purchase this? Are they doctors now????


Frustrated!

Susan
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Liz M
Posted Friday, November 06, 2009 1:11 PM


 

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Polly Sue - I was able to get it at the county health dept. I had to really stress all the way through the line and all the "check points" up until I got to the nurse, that RA was a systemic autoimmune disease that could affect organs, including the lungs (and that all of my doctors told me to get the H1N1 as soon as possible). I think when you ask the average person if Rheumatoid Arthritis is covered under the underlying conditions rule, they only hear "arthritis" and automatically say no (b/c they are simply ignorant of the disease). I would just show up, maybe with a note from your doctor. They will give it to you. Be the squeaky wheel !

Liz
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Polly Sue
Posted Friday, November 06, 2009 1:38 PM


 

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Liz,

I am gonna try it, they are keeping the clinic's low profile in this area due to the shortage of vaccine but with a little digging I can find out when the next one is.

Thanks,

Susan (Pollysue)
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