To be or not to be vaccinated against the flu is a question those of us with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome wrestle with every year. The big problem is that there are valid arguments for each choice.
This year, though, with the expectation of another rise in H1N1 (swine flu) on the horizon, the question takes on a whole new significance. It's easy to become scared and confused when you're confronted by the information, potential dangers, and necessary decisions.
The primary reason some of us choose not to get a flu shot, and some experts recommend against it, is that they can cause our symptoms to flare. If your flares are severe and long lasting, this may be enough to dissuade you.
However, you have to weigh that against the fact that when we do get the flu, we tend to get a bad case. When considering these factors, it might help to consider your flu risk:
- Have you had the flu frequently?
- Do you have school-aged children?
- Do you come in contact with a lot of people at work?
- How compromised is your immune system?
Now, of course, we also have to consider the separate H1N1 vaccine. The considerations are essentially the same, but when considering this particular strain many of us who don't normally get a flu shot may decide the vaccine is the lesser risk.
It's important to note that the H1N1 vaccine is separate from the regular seasonal flu vaccine. That means you can get the H1N1 vaccine and not the seasonal one. Be specific when you talk to your doctor to make sure you're getting the shots you want -- not more or less.
Here's more information about H1N1 and the vaccine, from my About.com Colleague Kristina Duda, RN, Guide to Cold & Flu:
- All About the Pandemic Swine Flu Vaccine
- Your Complete Guide to Swine Flu
- Planning for Swine Flu in Schools
- What You Can Do to Prevent Swine Flu
Have you decided whether to get flu shots this year? Which one(s) are you getting? Why? What flu-shot experiences have you had in the past? Help us all learn by leaving a comment below!
Learn more or join the conversation!
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It is always good to consider what medication and what shots to take. My employer has always offered us free seasonal flu vaccin and I have always taken it and will take it as long as it is offered. I have all three children going to school / college, and I and my husband meet lots of people at work. Three in my family have asthma, including me, and my asthma is very severe now. I cannot take risks. Two in the family are diabetics, too. We have so many risk factors for whatever disease that I will take even the svine flu vaccin, as well as all those others in the family who have asthma and / or diabetes will. Pros weigh so much more than cons. I am happy there are vaccins.
I’ve had CFS for six years. Have had flu shots for the last three years, and it seems to have helped me avoid getting sick. I will discuss swine flu shot with my doctor as I come in contact with a lot of people.
What about the warnings that the vaccine contains a facilitator (squalene) that may cause CFS/ME? I have never gotten the flu vaccine, and never get the flu – except the one year when I got Norwalk (which triggered my Fibro & CFS though I doubt a vaccine would have prevented them). So I’ve been lucky, but I can only imagine what squalene could do to me. I won’t be getting the H1N1 vaccine and I think the dangers of vaccine ingredients should be reviewed. Lots of young women appear to be getting CFS from the HPV vaccine. It is scary!
I had a mild case of flu this year, when the swine flu was at its highest here in the UK. At that time 98% of flu cases were H1N1, so I feel pretty sure thats what I had. It was surprisingly mild and I was over it in a week with perhaps an additional weakness of an extra week.
However I last had a seasonal flu vaccine in 1999, which left me with the worst case of flu I have ever had, 2 weeks in bed too painful too sleep, too ill to move. Months to recover, in fact that began my slow slide into a wheelchair.
I will never have another flu vaccine, and I am very aware that H1N1 could return this autumn with a mutation which makes it far more dangerous.
I received my diagnosis in 2003 from one of the gurus of Infectious Disease in NY. It may seem odd, but this doctor said “no more vaccinations for you.” For years prior to CFS I had always gotten the vaccines for flu, pneumonia, etc. recommended by my primary care physician. Personally as I learn more and more about vaccinations I will be passing on this one and any others.
I have changed to using supplements and an extremely healthy diet in my own fight with this illness. Three years ago I was bedridden and have now regained eighty percent of my life.
We need to rebuild our bodies.
God bless.
We lost a child because of a measles innoculation and are understandably leary of any vaccine. We discuss it with our doctors and weigh the issues — and facts — and in the end make our decisions based on that.
Have discussed flu vaccine with my primary care and rheumatologist and both recommend it strongly.
Those of us with sensitive systems may have a reaction to any vaccine, flu or tetnus, whatever, (and I do.) With two daughters have looked into it but have been unable to find any reputable — i.e. scientific, not anecdotal — information that any ingredient in flu or CPV vaccines have caused fibro. etc.
Three years ago, despite vaccine, had a miserable case of the flu, which was mercifully short-lived. Amazingly afterwards I was virtually symptom free for a few days and my rheumatologist said she sees that often with RA and similar patients. If I have a reaction to flu vaccine, I may flare somewhat, but it’s often followed by a period of reduced pain and discomfort.
I have FMS and work full time in the field of kidney dialysis. I am also 62. Because of my age, I will forgo the H1N1. In January of this year, I received a Tetanus shot and reacted very badly. That has me thinking twice about the Swine flu shot. Unless my employer makes it manditory…. I’m not going to do it. Like all of you……I am scared to death of Flare ups.
I will be getting a traditional flu shot. I haven’t had one in years. I certainly wouldn’t get a swine flu shot as the vaccine has not been sufficiently tested for safety. There’s something wrong when the manufacturers have been protected against any lawsuits from any injuries that occur from the vaccine. That tells me they’re not sure of what their product is so should I get the flu. I will use homeopathic treatments and more likely recover without problems than traditionally treated persons. Homeopathic doctors had a significant success rate during the flu of 1918. Far better than the traditional doctors then, and considering that antibiotics were unavailable to either medical method. I feel confident in taking my chances with homeopathy.
I have been getting flu shots for 15 years and have never gotten sick from them, just a sore arm for a day or two. I have had fibro for 6 years. I have decided to get the H1N1 flu shot because I am more afraid of getting that flu than I am of the shot !!
I had swine flu back in the late 70s when it hit some military installations. While the military gave the troops vaccinations, they did not vaccinate their families. I was pregnant and the time and lost the child I was carrying due to the flu.
I’ve had the flu shots every year since then and have not had the flu again. We just lost a dear friend, 28 year old woman, due to the swine flu on the 4th of this month. She left behind two small children.
What the answer is, I don’t know; I can only speak from personal experience. Do I want to bet my life on something that may make me flare temporarily or do I want to take every opportunity to ensure I survive another possible round of swine flu? I know my answer.
I’ve just discovered this website and realized why I have been feeling worse than ever this summer. I have FMS and was given the Tdap shot in June. I became violently ill, and have not really felt all that well since then. I guess this shot caused a flare. The dr. who gave me the shot said NO ONE ever had a bad reaction to it…well, why was I give the CDC Fact Sheet with all the possible side effects? (I had every one except swollen glands). I believe I will “just say no” to any shots in the future.
I totally agree with Jeri. We get flu shots free here in Ontario and I get one every year and haven’t had the flu since I started getting them. They do not prevent Norwalk or any other stomach bug as they are not the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness. The flu shot doesn’t cause the flu which some people think. I think everyone should get the flu shot. You may not be worried about yourself getting sick but you need to think of all the people you could spread it to if you do.
My immunologist supports my decision to avoid flu shots. He agrees that the shot can leave you weakened and open to getting another flu which wasn’t included in the seasonal shot. He also agrees that that is what happened to me back in 1999.
For those of you whose bodies are strong enough to cope, lucky you, but some of us are not strong enough. If my last flu shot contributed to putting me in a wheelchair – likely for the rest of my life (i’m only 38). What could another flu shot do to me? I feel it is very unfair to try the emotional blackmail approach to those of us whose bodies are not strong enough to cope with the shot.
Especially as the flu I got after the shot was the worst I have ever had. Made having H1N1 look like a walk in the park.
It was interesting to see that I’m not the only one who gets sick from flu shots. I did it once, and that was enough for me. I got a horrible case of flu. Admittedly, my immune system is a real dunce: I had chicken pox twice and measles 3 times, for example. When I do get flu, I am sick for weeks, but my best option is attempting prevention:keeping a distance from sick people.
I do not get flu shots. I don’t get the flu. I believe that our country has gone overboard with this whole vaccination process at the expense of teaching people other valuable health information, such as: The difference between building natural immunities and getting vaccinations; how the immune system works and doesn’t work with various illness (i.e. the flu, for most people, is a few days of horrible symptoms, but when the symptoms are gone, there is no risk of contamination. Hep. B, on the other hand, stays in the blood stream and can still be passed on); and holistic medicine.
We will not be getting either flu shot. I had the regular shot once and flared for weeks after without knowing why. Now I do. I believe this is a personal decision that is best for MY family.
We practice preventative medicine, building our immune systems with vitamins, regular hand washing and natural remedies on hand in the event of illness. Myself and one son already had flu this year with high temps (104), weakness, achy, headaches, sore throats, we were both fully recovered in four days with no sign of return.
If others feel differently I will NOT try to persuade them otherwise or make general comments such as “don’t get it”. This is a highly personal opinion and no one has the right to say what is best for you. However, I do agree with Donna on one point, Norwalk is not the flu, it is a gastrointestinal virus and the shot will not help to prevent it.
My doctor recommended I get the vaccine because I have FMS/CMP/CFS and everything that goes with them…
I have been battling in my mind for a few weeks now on whether the benefits outweigh the risks… I have never really trusted the vaccine… Came together much to quick for me… Well, I guess I don’t have to wonder anymore…
I have been laid up in bed since last Friday with H1N1… My fever finally broke yesterday and am feeling better except the flare I can feel coming on…
I am glad my body decided that I am strong enough (so far, fingers crossed) to let my own system fight this one and not find out what repercussions I may have had from taking the vaccine…
I agree that it is a personal choice each must make, I am just glad my choice was made for me… I definately won’t be getting the shot now…
I have been diagnosed with fibro for four years. I haven’t had the last four years of flu shots due to the flare results but this year, because I work with children I decided to get the H1N1 shot when it was available to me at work. I have been sick since. Every joint, muscle, movement hurts, but I weighed the consequences of the flu since I also have chronic respiratory problems and decided a flare was better than death. Right now though, the way I feel, I could debate that conclusion
I hope things improve with rest this weekend.
I see that many of you have bad results with the flu vaccine, and this is expected, each of us are unique and we react different to medications, vaccines, food and even situations in our daily life. I have to say that even though I have FMS I haven’t had any side effects from the shot. If I am lucky enough or decide to camp overnight in front of a clinic or State health office, I’ll get the vaccine (these days it is hard to find a place where they could have any shot left) or I’ll deal with it if I get it.
I respect and celebrate the different opinions we have on this subject, but still, the word of mouth is not the only source, we can compare this against the doctor’s advice, research, other doctors (not paid by the pharmaceutical companies), and decide what is best for us and our family.
I agree so much with Shannon that this is a personal decision and just because I decide to have the vaccine or not, I have no right to try to influence other people’s decisions or expect that they will do things like me just because I did it my way. Unless they ask for my advice or really need my help and even so the decision is theirs.
Since I got the flu last year, my doctor recommends I get a regular flu shot this year. I’ve never gotten one before. I never used to get colds and flu, but now that I’m in my 50’s I seem to get them. He also recommended that I NOT get the H1N1 shot, since he doesn’t trust it. I have a cold right now, but when I get better I’m going to get the flu shot.
I’d like to get the flu shot but since I am allergic to eggs I can’t get one. This is because they make the vaccine in an egg base. I’m just hoping I don’t get the flu and I am keeping my distance from folks who are sick. Hopefully, that and my vitamins/supplements will keep me from getting either flu.
I have had the H1N1 vac and feel fine (it’s been over 2 weeks) I normally would feel more symptomatic for a couple of weeks with seasonal flu and Pnuemonia vac but I can say that I had much less a problem with this one….I was extremely nervous but due to my health problems I had it with the drs urging………for those whom mentioned the egg allergy I read somewhere that they make one without so might be worth checking into…..for those who have a severe increase in symptom after normal vac then I understand that you have to weigh up all your options…..I have had ME/CFS for 14yrs…….Take care
As a home health RN I come in contact with a lot of sick people, maybe not as much as in the hospitals but still alot. I declined the H1N1 flu shot/mist offered last week. I am praying that they do not make it mandatory because I am not comfortable with this vaccine. I do get a seasonal flu shot each year and so far have not had a significant flare up from it but have taken it for years prior to Fibromyalgia. I did have some major problems last year and was tested for MS d/t numbness, tingling, falling and several other problems which ended up with “We don’t know, it must be the fibro.” I will not take a chance on something they are not sure of the side effects!
I am a 45yr old female, and lived with Fibromyalgia for over 12yrs. With my job i have received flu shots yearly, I believe my fibromyalgia has continued to get worse because of those shots. I have done alot of research on the swine flu vaccine, my advice is NO WAY DONT GET IT ! Make sure you take vitamin D, omega 369, and magnesium helps with fibromyalgia, light exercise, NO sugar, white flour or dairy products…and a positive attitude…