Entocort and live flu vaccinations

[orangeleprechaun28]

Hey all. So I'm relatively new to some of this Crohn's stuff. Currently I'm taking Entocort and Pentasa and recently noticed that it's that time of year for flu vaccinations. I was wondering if I need to be cautious and stay away from co-workers and others that get the live flu vaccination? I have a feeling I'm worrying over nothing but I just wanted to ask what other people's experiences were that were on Entocort.

Another question I have, should I get the inactivated flu shot to help protect me from the flu now that I'm taking Entocort? I usually don't get the vaccine but this is the first year I'm taking meds for Crohn's so I'm rethinking stuff now.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

The flu shots have the dead flu virus per my primary MD. He always tells me to get the shot even though I'm in remission. I've been on Entocort for a long time and have never gotten the flu at all with the shot. I was told that if CD patients didn't get the shot and caught the flu, the symptoms would be much worse than a normal person's plus they'd wind up in the hospital from serious dehydration.

Where did you hear that the shots are live??

 

[GutlessWonder86]

Even the shots that are given at Walgreens, Walmart, Target, etc. are the DEAD virus. So no need to worry.

 

[orangeleprechaun28]

I agree that the flu shot uses the dead virus. There's a new method as of a couple years ago called FluMist (also called LAIV - live attenuated influenza vaccine). FluMist uses live weakened virus' that are sprayed into the nose where they multiply. It's supposedly better (for healthy people) because it works in both the blood stream and in the nose where the flu virus' is most likely going to get into the body. However, they say it's not for people with a weakened immune system because it IS live. WebMD.com has info about it here (http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/questions-answers-nasal-spray-flu-vaccine).

 

[beccalynn3]

I have been on entocort and pentasa for 3 years. I have had flu shots and been around people with the flu and never caught it, but I guess everyone is different, according to my Dr. there are no worries about getting the flu while on these drugs.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I got the flu shot @ Rite Aid Pharmacy 2 weeks ago. They told me that they only use the dead flu virus, it's not alive whatsoever and not to worry.

I have NEVER gotten the flu in my entire life since I've been taking the shots.

I'm on Entocort and Folic Acid (it's good for Crohn's patients) and in complete menopause so NO MORE HORMONAL FLARE UPS. yippee. NO MORE abdominal pain, NO MORE ER trips due to them, and NO MORE hormonal blockages either. I so love being in the "change" of my life at 44.

 

[GutlessWonder86]

you can always ask the pharmacist before you get your shot. They'll tell you the same thing, A DEAD VIRUS.

 

[orangeleprechaun28]

Thanks for the responses. I'm using that to help figure out if I'm going to get the shot or not.

@gutless, I'm glad that the change is helping you so much and providing relief.