Flu vacine???

[Malice67]

First flu season since dx. Do I get vaccine or not? I teach high school and not on any major meds, mainly just supplements. They wanted me to get last year when really anemic, but refused to do it until hemoglobin got high enough... flu season was over by then. What do you guys do?

 

[nogutsnoglory]

It's generally recommended and given your proximity to many students probably a good idea. If you were on immunosuppressive meds I'd say absolutely but in your case probably your call but a good idea.

 

[2thFairy]

Yes, please.

Most of us here do get it, though you will no doubt see others say do not get it. Ask your GI what they recommend. If you have confidence in their treatment, then I say follow their recommendations.

 

[The Real MC]

I get the shot every year.

Years ago there was a shortage, and I couldn't get a flu shot. I caught a really bad flu, and it was the one that caused Crohns in my system (there is a suspicion that a flu bug can cause Crohns).

 

[Malice67]

thanks everyone... I'll look into it

 

[shamrock15]

I have always had difficulty in timing it well when I have taken it. I have had good year with and without it, and bad years with and without it. I generally don't stress too much about it - my wife and daughter have come down with pretty good flus in the past, and I have escaped without any trouble. Do check with your medical team for guidance that is good for you, but as others have mentioned, if you are on immunosuppressives, it can be a very good idea indeed.

 

[David]

Malice, are you not on any traditional medications for your IBD?

Those on medications such as azathioprine/6mp/Imuran should talk to their doctor before getting a vaccine as it can make you ill: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neur...eral_nerve/patient_info/AZATHIOPRINE_2007.pdf

 

[Malice67]

Malice, are you not on any traditional medications for your IBD?

For me, GAVE (Gastric antral vascular ectasia, aka "Watermelon stomach") is the main problem, Crohn's is secondary. Symptoms are mild and areas of inflammation are small, most inflammation is due to the GAVE. If anemia returns, will preform Argon Plasma Coagulation (ie, treat with a laser) as GAVE does not respond to medications.

I do get a little nervous when I hear some of the stories here about how quickly Crohn's can go from "mild" to needing surgery, but both my GI and my hematologist seem comfortable with monitoring my blood every 2 months at this point... especially as my hemoglobin has risen from 4.6 to 12.9 and stayed there for three months.