Flu Shots: Yes or No for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

I have to deal with CFS, Fibro, IBS, IC and migraines with aura. I don’t believe I’d make it through a full bout of the flu. I’m getting my flu shot tomorrow.

I have to get flu shots because I lost my spleen and most post-splenectomy patients die of complications from pneumonia. The one year I didn’t get a flu shot, I got the flu and it did turn into pneumonia. I haven’t had any problems since the early 90s, but the last two years the immunization included the swine flu and both years I’ve had bad reactions to the shot. I got it early this year and it definitely threw me into a flare which is ongoing. It makes it really hard to do my job when all I want to do is sleep.

I’ve also written on this issue with similar sentiments. Personally, I handle the dead flu shot just fine, but did have a reaction with the live nasal spray version. That version is cautioned against for those with chronic conditions anyway.

If I didn’t have an egg allergy, I’d totally get a flu shot.

Flu shots have been proven to be only 59% effective based on a study conducted by the University of Minnesota. Photo-oxidation therapy is a natural alternative that uses sunlight to produce antibacterial and antiviral hydrogen peroxide in nasal passages.

Never in a million years would “I” get a flu shot. The reason you give a flu shot is to inject an antigen to invoke an immune response against catching the flu. Many of us with ME/CFS already have immune systems that are chronically activated. Any kind of immunization could push this hyper-stimulated state into overdrive, which could significantly increase your symptoms. Since becoming ill with ME/CFS I never get colds or flues; not once in almost three decades.
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“Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Kent Holtorf strongly recommended that people with mitrochondrial dysfunction, chronic neurological illnesses, fibromyalgia and ME/CFS not get the H1N1 vaccine because, to use his word, he has seen it “devastate” them.”

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/145399/fibromyalgia

I have both CFS and fibromyalgia. I get a flu shot every year, and I now get a pneumonia shot every 5 years after a bout of pneumonia several years ago.

I don’t usually have any side effects from the shots other than soreness at the injection site for a day or two.

It’s definitely worth it for me to get the shots and not risk getting the flu every winter.

I get a flu shot every year, however years ago when I received the first one, I got flu like symptoms. My position is that I don’t feel well most days, so I don’t need to get sick, so I get a vaccine.. It’s definitely a matter of choice for us though.

I also am being treated for Hashimotos, auto immune disease, leaky gut, internal inflammation, etc. I have also suffered through CFS, Fibromyalgia and polio brought on by the vaccine. Because of all this, and especially the auto immune I would never consider being vaccinated for anything. My DO has also explained that I fall into a 5% category of the population that should never take Pharmaceuticals of any kind. I am having to take care of all these disorders, and more, through diet and supplement. Even the taking of Arnours Thyroid and a synthetic thyroid, years ago, created horrendous reactions. So none of that, either. Each person is an individual with their own complicated makeup and DNA structure. For Big Gov’t and Big Pharmakill to make a blanket statement that it’s imperative for all to receive all vaccines is a horrendous and hideous thing. I’m glad to see some refreshing research being done and this article has been a bit of fresh air.

My daughter, who has primary juvenile fibromyalgia, is too sick right now to get the flu shot. However, the subject was brought up at the doctor’s office (by a sign that says Flu Shots Now Available), and I found myself reluctant to suggest that she get the shot when she feels better. I am concerned that too much assault on her immune system would be detrimental to her. She already has a band of swelling across the bottom of her throat from swollen glands.

Perhaps a better plan is to get the flu shot for my OTHER daughter, who goes to public school, so that we have less chance of her bringing it home to us. My daughter with fibro does not come into contact with as many people, so this would be a good way to reduce our risks.

Does the flu shot have mercury in it as some other vaccinations do? If so, I’d think ME/CFS sufferers would want to stay far away from it.

I have ME/CFS and tests show that I have a chronicly overactive immune system. I have been treated with immune modulators without any success. My doctor has told me not to have any vaccinations without first consulting him. He suspects that the multiple vaccinations I had when I first got sick had something to do with me developing ME/CFS. On the flip side, I have not contracted any bugs my wife brings home from the preschool she teaches at.

I have Fibromyalgia, Asthma, CFS, Congestive Heart Failure, Osteoarthritis… so, yes, I do make it a point to get my flu shot each year. I haven’t had any reaction to the shot, even though I do have severe anaphaltic shock to penicilian, all sulphur drugs and the iodine in anginoplasties…the doctors lost me twice on the table due to the iodine.
I try to eat right, take vitamins, minerals, etc.
God bless you all.

My daughter who is 11′has had me,CFs for over a year ,I was advised by go to get her the flu jab ,after having in 2 weeks ago she has been very ill ,high temp again ,swollen glands .sore throat ct ,I defiantly will not let her have it again ,

I have had the flu shot once in my life and guess what? I got the flu immediately afterwards. I have never had the flu shot again and I also have never gotten the flu since then. Since the flu shot is not 100 percent effective against catching the flu anyway, I don’t have any plans to ever again get the vaccine. With that said, I have known many people to get hit really hard by the flu and for them it makes sense to get the vaccine as long as it doesn’t make them sick. My mother has the same reaction to vaccine that I did and she too will not get the shot again.

I have had the flu before, and I thought that I was going to die, literally. It took me forever to get back to feeling like I was human and could walk. I have since, began taking the flu shot every year, but as early as I can get it. I believe if I take it early that I stand a better chance of it not bothering me. That is just my believe, not anything real.

I get a flu shot every year and I think it’s helped me remain “flu” free. I have small grandchildren that get sick every year and I usually don’t. I have both Fibromyalgia and CFS.

My CFS/FM started after a flu shot, 20 yrs ago. I stopped getting flu shots for many years after. Until, 2009 I had been exposed to the swine flu and ended up extremely ill. (I also have type 2 diabetes). I was one of many people that ended up in the hospital in ICU. My family didn’t know if I would make it, I’m happy to be here and say that I did! So… I get the flu shot every year and usually have a flare after.
For me, there is no choice.

I have Fibromyalgia and a few associated conditions that wax and wane. Several years ago we were planning a trip to the Galapagos and it was recommended we get flu shots. I received two pediatric doses spread out over a few weeks as was suggested by the fibro community and my doctor. The injections created the worst flare in my 12 year history with this condition. The overall body pain, fatigue, and nerve pain in my arms and legs almost immobilized me and lasted about two months. We missed our dream vacation and lost a fortune. Now the Galapagos will have to wait for a cure and a lottery win! Everyone is unique, but I will never get a flu shot again.

No more flu shots for our family. 2 months or more of illness is worse than two weeks….

I get the flu shot every year as I have asthma. I also have FMS but other than a sore arm and feeling slightly more achy I have not had a bad reaction. My doctor told me not to get the H1N1 vaccine mostly because I am old enough that I lived through the swine flu epidemic in the 60′s and probably have immunity. I had a terrible reaction to my last pneumonia shot so no more of those for me. I have to be careful because I have a latex allergy and the seals on the vials have latex in them so they have to change needles before injection. I always take a Benadryl 50mg before I get the shot and extra strength Tylenol which seems to help. As has been stated before it is different for each of us.

I get the flu shot and an pnemoia shot every three years. I have a 17 year old son who is diagnosed with down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy and I am his primary care giver. He is very suseptible to flu and pnemonia. I got pnemonia and then he did, I got the flu then he did again. Then we got pnemonia together. While the flu shot was hard on my system, it didn’t last long and my son is safer for it. I had no problems with the pnemonia shot. I am also asthmatic so the pnemonia shot was recommended by my doctor.

I have been getting the flu shot every year since I got Fma/cfs ..Butt this year It deffinetly ,set me back,then winter started to kick In .So dont realy know how much ,Not anymore If I get sick and die It was Meant to Be!!

I always got my flu shot up until i started sweating and passed out.it only started after i found out i had fibromyalgia.

I’ve have Fibromyalgia for the past 13 years. I’ve gotten a flu shot every year and have never gotten sick from the shot. It didn’t make my symptoms any worse than they already are. I’m willing to take the chance of it making me feel worse for a couple of days than getting the flu.

I’ve only had one flu shot and will never do it again. I was sick for months after getting it. ME has taken a toll on my immune system and I do tend to get sick every fall/winter but the after effects of the shot was far worse than any flu I’ve ever gotten.

I have had flu shots for decades because I have asthma and need to avoid any respiratory illness. Some years the shot hurts and other years I hardly notice the sore arm. My FMS flairs have incresed substantially with age and this year, although I had no symptoms when I got the shot, within 4 hours my arm became very painflu and a flair soon followed. For two days after the shot I was utterly miserable due to the magnitude of the fibro pain and the sore arm and had to take Tylenol with codeine #3, which works well for me. I needed TC3 for those two days and on the third the flair began to diminish. I am inclined to believe the flair was definitely caused by the shot. Because I have asthma and now, diabetes, I will always get a flu shot, even at the risk of another flair. I have had the “real’ flu twice in my life and both times I was terribly ill for 7 or 8 days–also had a fever for several days.
Nancy–retired RN.

I get them, because I lost my large colon and feel comprimised . Takes me forever to get over things.

Many people with FMS and CFS have issues with methylation and genetic mutations of the MTHFR. This mutation affects 30-40% of the overall population, and is even more common in those affected by fibro.

I have a MTHFR mutation on 1298 and 677, and have periodically had severe and debilitating reactions to vaccines, due to my bodies inability to respond in a predictable manner. After my last vaccine reaction, 3 years ago, I was advised not to have flu vaccines again.

Fortuantely, MTHFR mutations are treatable, and I’m experiencing benefits from avoiding folic acid and taking methylfolate and methyl B12.

I get one as I’m a caregiver for my elderly mother and flu could be very serious for her. My local pharmacy is able to get me the thimerosol free shot as I have an allergy to thimerosol.
I also take low dose naltrexone therapy for my fibro and find it has helped me immensely with my fibro symptoms and pain. I have Hashimoto’s too and autoimmune conditions seem to run on my Mother’s side of the family.
Before I had my flu shot I had my acupuncture doctor stimulate the “immune” points and feel it helped a lot. I asked her about stimulating the immune system and she feels that doing the acupuncture helps to normalize rather than overstimulate the immune system. I do always feel so much better after a session- just wish I could have them more often.

I’ve had FM since the early 80′s, along with mega allergies, including eggs, so of course couldn’t get any flu shots. I experienced a healing for most of my allergies, so began getting the flu shots then (boy, did the doc watch me the first time !) My history in the last five years, WITH the flu shots: 2 years got pneumonia, year 3 got double pneumonia, year 4 got NOTHING , and this year I’ll be getting my shot this-coming week. My arm swells up and pains for about a week, but LOVE the no-flu now that I’ve finally had a good year, so will continue to get them. I also have bronchiectasis of the lungs, so figure it’s not prudent to take a chance.

I’ve had a different problem with the flu shot. I don’t know if it is my sensitivity or the nurse’s approach but every time it feels like a terrible stab in the arm. My arm would be so sore for days afterwards. It makes me debate whether it is worth the pain to keep from getting the flu.

Can’t handle the flu shot. Got it once and it left me violently ill for months with the worst flu ever, so now I have to avoid it.

I started getting the flu shot because i was just bouncing from one infection to the next from autumn right through to spring, I had whooping cough as a baby and prior to getting CFS/ME always had a tendency to end up with chest infections plus since being diagnosed also have developed asthma. Any flu/cold usually ends up with a bone rattling, stomach churning cough and gets to the point need ventoline just to catch my breath. I started getting the flu injections and usually feel lousy for about a week but since getting them the last few years i usually only get really sick with flu (or associated bugs) a couple of times a year which seems to coincide more with very stressful times (and i noticed last year when i dyed my hair – no more thanks) so for now will stick with it because a week of feeling lousy is nothing to being so exahusted you no longer have the energy to cough and spending weeks of (trying to) sleep almost sitting upright just to be able to breath and bearly walking a few steps before a coughing fit makes you stop (and having everyone stare at you). Plus now i have started working in a high school library (sooooo much less stress that being a law clerk) and i started in (aust) winter and given all the coughing snotty nose kids (they are great) that keep coming to my desk (where the tissues are) i didn’t really get sick this winter so that was a bonus
But i agree – everyone reacts differently and you need to find what is best for you.

I have had the flu shot for the last few years because prior to that (about the time i finally got diagnosed) i would just bounce from one flu to the next and after getting whooping cough as a baby and now developing asthma any time i get sick it turns into a chest infection with bone shaking, stomach churning coughing which leads to needing ventoline just to catch my breath.
I usually feel lousy for about a week after (aches/pains, bit of a sore throat, worse fybrio) but for me its much better than the alternative, especially now that i work at a high school (they actually recomended it at the interview) Since i’ve been getting it i haven’t been half as sick (with flu’s) that before and find that when i do its seems to coincide more with a stressful time (last one was the week i finished my old stressful job) or a reaction to something (last time i dyed my hair with a chemical dye ended up with a really bad chest infection with 4 weeks of very strong antibiotics)
but i agree that you have to find what works best for you as an individual because everyone is different and reacts differently

I got the flu shot once after I had developed fibromyalgia. I had a headache for 6 weeks straight. I never got the flu shot again I haven’t got the flu either. Also I avoided vaccines because I believe that I got fibromyalgia from the hepatitis b vaccine. One week after the third and last shot I got sick and was never the same again.

I get a flu shot every year and every year it throws me into a severe flare that can last up to six weeks. But, because of a multitude of illnesses, including moderate to severe kidney failure, in addition to Fibro and CFS, doctors tell me that a severe case of flu could easy lead to fatal complications. So the choice comes down to a long severe flare, or a chance of flu with a high likelihood of being fatal. I take the vaccination, then go on higher doses of pain killers for the next several weeks. Not fun, but the only sensible choice I can see.

I’ve always gotten a flu shot and with FMS and CFS I’ve never had a problem. Then one year it got late in the season and I said, Oh what the heck, I just won’t get the flu shot….bad decision. Got the flu and thought I was gonna die, the pain and aching was unbearable, lasted a full 2 weeks before I was completely well. I will NEVER miss my flu shot again.

I have fibro and asthma as well. Additionally I have had pneumonia twice in my life (I’m 63) and finally got a pneumonia shot about 10 years ago. I always make sure to get an annual flu shot which does make me feel lousy for about a week and then it’s gone. I would rather feel lousy for a week than to get the flu, in which the last time I had the flu was back in January of ’97. I remember this well because when I was very sick with the flu my father had died at the same time and I was too sick to fly to Phoenix AZ to attend his funeral. I still beat myself up over that as I never got a chance to say goodbye.

I’m in contact with many people hence there is a lot of shaking hands. I do have a flu shot every year and Pneumonia shot every 5 years.. I’m an asthmatic as well and the shot will prevent me from very upsetting and painfully 3-4 months.. This year I did react a little and it took more than a minth to recover from the shot, however, we had a very bad year in Australia with flu and severe pneumonia that afflicted people for more than 6 months…Thanks to the shot I had and to my personal gel disinfectant that I carry in my bag ……I was spared from it….try to avoid the flu by washing or use the gel disinfectant on your hands all the time you came in contact with someone who sneeze or cough……good luck everyone….

What’s the point in having a flu shot for last year’s batch of flu when it has already mutated from that strain.
With chronic fatigue my immune system is shot to pieces anyway so my alternative therapies medicos say don’t risk the injection as that will positively knock you flat.
I work from home so hopefully can avoid all the sickies who persist on “soldiering on” and infecting the rest of us.

I always get a few shot. I went one year without one and got soooo sick I knew I was going to die. I’ve been a type1 diabetic for 32 years and suffered with fibromyalgia/CFS for 12 years. I believe I have too many health issues to not get a flu shot. If anything, the flu shot will strenghten my immune system.

I’ve decided to get the flu shot because I care for my grand kids even though I have fibro. I need to stay healthy for them and you never know what they will bring in, from home or church.

I’ve had CFS for ~12 years and thought it was brought on by work/stress (remember ‘Yuppie-flu’?). Then 4 years ago I had a Hepatitis B vaccination which precipitated a CFS flare-up. I checked back on my medical records and discovered that a month before I developed CFS originally I had had a BCG vaccination. Might just be coincidence but I now avoid shots unless I really think it necessary.

I had never gotten a flu shot, but decided to get one this year since I work in a public school system. I have just recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but seeing the list of symptoms believe I have had if for probably a long time. Anyway, I have now had the flu 2 times in the last 2 months since I got the shot, the 2nd time really bad. I hardly ever had it before this, maybe once every 5 years or so. Will this happen every time I am exposed to the flu now?

I have CFS,FM, and mitochondrial disease. I got the flu shot and was bed-ridden for 10 days afterwards. I am OK now.

the last time I had the flu shot I got pneumonia and then had a relapse 6 months later. now I take a homeopathic remedy against flu – 3 tabs once a week under the tongue and this seems to be working. good luck to allof you whatever you choose.

I may have missed it, but I didn’t see anyone saying what else they do to avoid the flu other than the shot.
I will not get the shot; it is based on the previous years flu, and often the flu virus is different the following year. As far as the swine flu goes, I firmly believe it was a manipulation of the public by the pharmaceutical industry to sell a new vaccine. I also refuse the pneumonia shot as I still have an almond size knot in my arm from the shot more than a decade ago.

What I do to avoid the flu is keep my vitamin D levels at 50 or above, which means I must take supplements since the sun rays are to indirect to receive enough rays on the skin to trigger Vit D production from Sept to March. Most north Americans have low Vit D levels as a result and also because we spend most of our lives indoors. When we go outside we slather ourselves with sunscreens.All most of us need, during the longer days of the year, is to spend 10-20 minutes in natural sunlight w/out sunscreen, not letting ourselves burn or even get red. Once our skin reddens, the production of vit D stops. I am not advocating getting dark tans or baking yourself in the sun, just a mild exposure mid morning or late afternoon. For folks in the medical or educational field, flu shots might be wise, providing they have been effective in the past. These individuals don’t have the option avoid contact with ill persons. Of course, the best thing for staying healthy is to wash our hands, frequently particularly after touching surfaces in public areas or money.
Enough soap box time, stay healthy every one

Hi,

This is the perfect subject for me!!

I have my flu shot yearly because I’ve had the flu and I ended up with
pneumonia 4x. However a few years ago a lump formed in my arm directly from the flu, after 2 years of a sore lump in my arm it was removed leaving me with a 1″ scar.

My Dr was concerned so I was tested for each component involved in the flu shot with no reaction. I was told that when I have my flu shot I must have a Dr present and wait 30 mins before I leave… well nothing happens then… but by the next day the welt on my arm is so large it goes around meets the other side. (I’m not a small girl) The welt is heavy and sore. I’m then on antihistamines ever 4 hours FOR ALMOST 3 WEEKS! I hate them but they take the heat out but when it flares it’s so hot… I’m off the antihistamines now and the welt is now about 2″ x 2″ and it has now developed a sore lump right in the middle… this is my ‘usual’ reactions to the flu shot… Pain, inflammation, lumps… my lumps usually disappear in the next few MONTHS.

I have FM, RA, PA, OA so I’m on immune suppressants to control the RA & PA

I would love to hear from anyone who has this problem or any idea of what’s happening to me…should I forget the shot and risk pneumonia?

Thanks

I have had the flu shot for more years than I can remember and have had notill side effects other than a mildly sore muscle at the injection site for a day or two. Struggling with Fibro symptoms is difficult enough so, if I can up my chances of not contracting the flu by getting vaccinated I say, “Bring it on”.

I am 64 and have had CFS and FM for over 25 years. I always get the flu shot with no problems. UNTIL LAST YEAR. I got my shot and by the time I arrived home my arm was swollen like a fist and red and sore. I went back to the Dr. and he said I will never be able to get another shot again. That the next time could be serious. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want the flu. Yeah CFS and FM have taken so much of my like away but the flu is bad. It is a bad attack on the body. I am considering going to the ER and taking a half a shot. At least I will be in the right place. Will let you know. God Bless you brave souls.

A flu shot is what kicked my ME/CFS off in the first place. My specialist has told me never to get another one, and I have to agree.

Sounds like a waste of money to me, as I have found little to no evidence of effectiveness, especially among those in their mid sixties or older. But I am not an MD, so I suggest that you “Google” the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) for the latest research.

I was one of those who never got a flu shot until I took a medical LOA from my job as a pediatric RN for three months. This was just as my CFS/Fibro symptoms were beginning to resurface, but not yet formally diagnosed. Anyway, my PMD talked me into getting a flu shot before returning to work to help safeguard me from getting the flu since the season was just beginning. Well, 2-3 months later, I got the flu, followed by a sinus infection and bronchitis for which I needed an inhaler for the first time in my life. I was sick for better than 2 months. I will never get another flu shot. My immune system can’t take it and have since been advised by more than one MD to forgo flu shots.

The last time I had the flu, years ago when as an educator I spent my days close to children, I became convinced that it is too hard on me. I thought I would never get over the residual symptoms, so tired, dragged out, fibro-flare big time. So, I get a flu shot every year.

i got the flu shot back in dec. of 91 (the very end like 27th) and ended up with pnumonia…… of which the tiredness and achyness never went away. my dr finally told me I had CFS. so no i have never taken the flu shot again. I do get the pnumonia shot and have no issues there. Funny thing is i have’nt had the flu in years.

I had the flu vaccine several years ago before being diagnosed with CFS. I have also had the BCG Vaccine, and also Hep. B. After each event I was very ill, and particularly after the Hep. B, which was when my symptoms began to gather momentum. Consequently, I am most reluctant to have any immunisation.

Hope this helps

I have had fibromyalgia,CFS, Chemical sensitivities,and many other symptoms as a result of fibro for over 20 years . I feel like my immune system is so low that I don’t want to risk getting the flu. For ME: I get the flu shot every year. I understand those who do not because they have reactions to the shot. Any way that I can be preventative in my medical care,is important to me,

At first I did not get flu shots, thinking it would give me the flu. But the funny thing is that I used to get tons of colds and the flu before getting Fibromyalgia, but since coming down with this I have only had one bout of a cold in all 12 years. My theory is that my immune system actually works overtime, killing colds but also fighting my own body as well (hence the fibro symptoms). After the H1N1 scare I started getting flu shots and have had no reaction to them except for the pain of the shot itself.

Be sure to read what (48) GreenSearcher says. Lots of good and useful advice.

I always got a flu shot, I worked around kids who didn’t understand how to cover mouths and sneezes. Arm hurt a little bit, nothing major. Always got one really bad cold per year. Also am T2.

This year I am in cancer treatment. I knew my immune system was compromised, but was very surprised by the NO SHOT response from the oncologist. I haven’t, and won’t get it. But I avoid crowds.

I always get the flu shot and any other vaccinations offered. While I have fibro, interstitial cystitis, migraines and a whole host of skeletal issues, my husband has heart and lung disease. I don’t want to be the cause of him getting really sick.

I’ve never had more than a slightly sore arm after any vaccination. Years when I’ve been late getting a shot or been exposed to garden variety cold viruii, I’ve sometimes gotten bronchitis, pneumonia and sinus infections. Way worse than the shot. Worth it to me, even if the effectiveness isn’t 100%.

I was an ICU nurse for many years. I’ve seen what flu can do, especially to those who are immune compromised like infants, young children, the elderly, anyone with other medical conditions.

I would have to research it, but I am pretty sure that they have taken mercury out of all vaccinations because so many people wouldn’t get their children vaccinated due to it.

@ Sandra– no, “they” haven’t taken mercury out of vaccines. Unless you can talk your provider into using “single dose” vials, you will be getting a dose of mercury, as well as other toxic substances (formaldehyde, detergents, etc.). Thimasol is used as a preservative in the multi-dose vials.

I got sick every year I had a flu shot– inflammation and heat at the site, plus what was probably a “fibro flare” (was not dx then) with muscle and joint pain, headache and fever for the next several days. Haven’t had the shot, nor the flu, for 27 years now.

Still got the flu after I get the flu shot every time,even though I get sick within 3 hours of the shot doctorssay it is not from the shot.i think it is.

I was talked into getting 3 shots on the same day two years ago, tetanus, flu and pneumonia. I am pretty sure it was either the flu or pneumonia I reacted to. I spent 3 days in bed. I was told in all likelyhood it was the pneumonia but I have not gotten either one sence then. I don’t know what would happen if I got the flu but I am afraid to get the shot.

I have Lupus/FM/RA and I am very sensitive to chemicals. I don’t like the formaldahyde (sp) in the flu vacine to be placed in my body. I opt to not get the flu shot. About 3 years ago I did get the flu (from my husband) and I was sick 3 days longer than him. He got the flu shot. My calculation is that I take 3 x longer to heal from everything, and if I get sick, I will take 3x longer either way, so I opt to not have more chemicals in my body and take the change of catching the flu. Fortunately, aside from this one time, I have not had the flu in 8 years.

I received a flu shot 4 weeks ago and, starting the following day, had a total fibro and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome relapse. I’ve now been out of commission for a month. I’m 62 and can’t ever remember a time when I got this sick from the shot. I’m seriously considering not getting a flu shot next year.

I got the combined flu shot a few weeks ago and was in bed for a week. my entire body was hurting so bad! I have had shots my entire life with no problem. Never again!

I always get a flu shot, I have asthma along with fibro and my diagnosing dr. said that the flu could kill me. Therefore I got my flu shot. I have also had a bout of breast cancer. My oncologist was cheering me on when I asked her about the flu shot. She told me that my immune system was so compromised with the cancer that the flu shot was a must but to make sure I did not leave the clinic for at least 30 minutes.

I have Fibro, chronic myofascial pain, migraine with and without aura, basilar migraines, Celiac Disease, etc., etc. etc. and have received conflicting advice on whether the flu shot is right for me.

I also have a couple of family members with severe cardiac conditions, kidney failure, etc. and have always taken the flu shot to protect them — with varying reactions (sometimes none, sometimes mild, sometimes moderate to severe). Except for the year of H1N1 when I succumbed to popular opinion and did not get the shot because I was concerned with things I’d read about the adjuvant used.

I got the flu. Then I got pneumonia as a result of the flu. My lungs are permanently scarred; my lung function is permanently reduced and I will forever be at risk of respiratory complications. All because I didn’t get my flu shot. For what it’s worth, my mother also decided not to get the flu shot that year. She also caught pneumonia as an influenza complication. She died. (Mom was healthy and under 65).

None of us like to feel ill as the result of a voluntary action we could have avoided. But it is much worse to be permanently at risk, disabled or dead because of a voluntary action. People who cannot get the shot rely on those of us who can for herd immunity. Those who love us rely on us to protect ourselves so we will be there for them. It behooves us to make the best decision we can, whatever that may be, from a base of knowledge rather than fear, myth, or quackery.

I also have lupus so I get a
flu shot every year.

I had the free “swine flu” shot a couple yrs ago and woke up real dizzy the next day~that lasted several days, but was not accompanied by other serious symptoms. Still, I’m afraid to ever have another one, as I seem to be overly sensitive to so many things. Had Pink Disease(mercury poisoning) as an infant, and screamed and ran/tried to hide when I had to get shots as a child~grew up overseas, so had to get lots of them! Wonder if I subconsciously knew that they were poison to me?
Also, when working at a nursing home several yrs ago the residents were dropping like flies (a couple every week~with fevers) for weeks after getting their flu shots!

I have FMS. and get a mild flareup from the flu shot, however I am also diabetic and I’m on auto immune suppressants because of a transplant.

I get a flu shot every year, rather than risking getting a bad case of the flu.

For the first time in probably 30 yrs. I’m not getting the flu shot. I have fibro , ME/CFS, severe chronic migraines, and lots of damage (arthritis, etc.) to my body due to a severe car accident ’89 plus I have asthma. I’ve always been told I had to have one. But, I’ve had an “unknown” serious illness for the past 13 months that affects my neurological system with ataxia and many other symptoms and basically has me housebound. Am presently waiting on referral to Duke Univ. Medical Hospital. I understand the flu vaccine has a neurotoxin in it that serves as a preservative. Since I am having so much trouble with nerves all over my body as it is, I don’t think it wise to chance it this year, although I admit I can’t imagine how sick I’ll be if I get the flu. On a side note, I was just informed by my neighbor (when discussing flu shots) that her veterinarian had gotten the flu shot for the first time last yr. and was paralyzed from it. The vet is finally recovering and is back to work 2 hrs./ day. I know that must be a very rare occurrence, but what’s been happening to my body is also very rare and unknown by the many doctors who’ve seen me, and so I don’t want to do anything to possibly make things worse.

I am one of the people that has had to learn the hard way–No vaccine. I have seen days of Polio and Measles killing so I am not against those vaccines. However I am one of the people with an immune system that overreacts. Rubella vaccine caused me to have Rubella a second time. And then it started my ME symptoms. I never completely recovered from it. However I continued to get vaccines as recommended. 1978 Swine flue left me with no energy reserves and still I received Hep B vaccine in 1990 and was left an invalid in extreme pain with the gamut of about 60 ME symptoms. I still did not learn and did the N1H1 vaccine and spent a winter struggling to breath with N1H1 pneumonia. I am writing this to warn myself as much as anyone else. THINK BEFORE YOU GET VACCINE.

I take Vitamin D3 instead of the flu shot. Studies show that D3 is more effective in preventing the flu than the shot! And so much better for you.

I will NEVER again take a flu shot. Everyone I know who has used 5,000 – 8,000 Vitamin D3 has avoided the flu (among other illnesses). You can lower the dose after flu season, or when your doctor says your level of D3 is high enough.

YMMV.

I havent gotten flu shot in 10 years. Primarily because my system can’t seem to fend it off, same with the pneumonia shot. I get the shot and Im down down for weeks. I also have numerous allergies that are quite severe and require I carry epipens 24/7. They believe the last time I had the flu and pneumonia shot I might have had an allergic reaction so I just can’t risk it because my allergies have progressed exponentially in the last 10 years.

That said I am in the middle of something *flu* like since about Dec. 23rd. Achey, Chills, Clammy more than feverish, sinuses plugged like someone put me in closet with a dozen live poinsettias (thankfully not causing anaphalaxia – Im hyper allergic to shrimp, shellfish, latex, and because they are the same family: poinsettias), ongoing headache, exhaustion, burning/watery eyes, a deep chest cough and nausea. For all intensive purposes like my normal life with fibro but all amped up. This makes about 18 or 19 days now and while I seem to get better for a day or two, it sucks me back under and then sick for 4-5 days. I’m taking echinacea, goldenseal, vitamin D, chewable vitamins, 5-HTP, melatonin with theanine, and some dayquil/nyquil. I’m former gastric bypass so my true medications are limited acetominophen non habitually is about the only allowable pain reliever.

Early to bed early to rise is my mantra but I’m winding down, work is a bit of a stress wreck with long hours and weekends right now and I was barely coping with 40. I’m thinking if Im not bouncing back by friday Im going to cut out all the meds and nutrients over the weekend my system is probably just tapped out and needs a detoxing. SO glad I decided to pass on the holidays this year and spent 4 days resting even if it was a bit lonely.

For many reasons, I choose not to get the flu shot. So far this season, my son has had the flu (H1N1) and my husband just had it (he didn’t feel like going to get the actual diagnosis). Interestingly enough, I haven’t gotten sick. I’m having some mild cold symptoms. At this point in my journey with chronic pain, I am convinced that it is because of my shift towards using CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). Over the past 9 months, I have done several cleanses (liver, gallbladder and bowel) and I also take supplements etc. I think the most important thing is that each person finds a trusted provider (either western or natural or both) and make the decision based on their own research and gut feelings. I think it is important to not make decisions based on fear, paranoia and definitely not because “well the doctor told me to do it”.

I have taken the flu shot for the lat 4 years and last year also had the pneumonia shot. I have not reacted to them at all nor have I got flu. So I will be taking it again.

I was googling flu shot and fibro because for the first time ever, I got a flu shot this year. My Fibro is the worst it has been in years since getting the shot. I wanted to see if anyone had the same conclusion.