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I understand why some with FMS/CFS decide not to get the flu shot. As a nurse, I give them to patients every year. I often debated getting one myself. Until I actually got the flu a couple of years ago, that is. I will NEVER go without the shot again. I was so sick I couldn't get up to go to the doctor! So, even though I take a chance of FMS flare, give me the shot please. Sue
Hello Karen
this subject is certainly one I have to really give consideration every fall/winter. I help out my elderly friend around the house and also have an elderly mother with diabetes/asthima and so since I need to stay flue free myself in order to be around my loved ones, I do go ahead and face the shot, deal with the long flare and just go on.
My own exposure would, like you, be very minimul, as I don't spend much time in any public places. My exposure is mainly my own son when he comes home from college and it seems like he always is having a cold/flue going on all winter. Just drives me nuts.
I've only had a case of the flue once since I stopped working after this chronic pain & Fm began several years ago. But it was really bad and the pain flare was relentless. I truely thought I might just die this time, so I don't want to do that again. Even though I hate doing anything to create a flare, it's just kind of a must for me.
Good Luck with your shot this year and I truely hope this years in jection will not cause too severe a flare this time.
Thanks for reminding me
Betty
After reading your article on the flu shot I was surprised there was no mention of the controversy surrounding the shot and a possible link to alzheimers disease. A few studies have been done suggesting there may be a link between the flu shot and alzheimers. Apparently the number of flu shots a person has in their life may pose a threat to an increased risk of developing alzheimers. My doctor mentioned it may have something to do with the amount of mercury in the flu shot.
I believe everyone should be made aware of all cons as well as pros when considering the flu shot, and since Alzheimers seems to be increasing in our population giving fair warning to the public would be a proactive approach to fight all potential hazards we face. Although I suffer with fibromyalgia and a flu shot would be prudent for me I have chosen to not have the flu shot for this reason.
Hey Andrea-
Your comment was interesting so I looked it up - the Alzheimer's Association addresses this in their article Alzheimer's Myths.
They say, "A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health."
-Dan
Hi Dan,
thanks for the reply, although you may have read this online, if you google Alzheimers and the flu shot you'll see there has been far more than one doctor's opinion and far more than one study done on this. My own doctor has her misgivings regarding the flu shot and has agreed I not get it!
This medical opinion is in Canada and perhaps the doctors up here are getting different information? Anyway, I've decided to not get the flu shot, I feel I have enough physical problems with fibromyalgia and various ailments without adding another worry down the road.
Wishing you good health,
Andrea
I wasn't getting flu shots either, because of my limited contact with others and I am the queen of using those simple, alcohol-based hand sanitizers. My husband works at the hospital, so he has to get one; I thought I was safe. I've also caught the flu in the summers.
Now I definitely try to get one before I catch the flu. I missed the clinic dates, caught the flu and then had to wait until I was better before I could get the shot, a few years ago. I think it is definitely better to get the flu shot and deal with a flare-up than to be sick with the flu because you didn't get your shot. In trying to manage a chronic illness such as fibromyalgia, we need all the help we can get.
Luanne
Muncie, IN
It's me. I forgot to mention something that has also been pertinent to my decision to get the flu shot every year: I'm out and about in the community a whole lot more than I was. I try to go swimming, I ride local transportation, I go see people; if I don't get the flu shot, I'm pretty much going to catch the full-blown enchilada just due to the places I'm going. Take care everyone and good luck with your fibro as this colder air hits!
Does any one out there know that there is formaldehyde in the flu shot. I have had two shots and have experienced excruciating pain in my sholder sight, of the injection, and right hip and both knees.
You go and get a shot (which contains a toxic chemicals like formaldehyde-a known carcinogen. common allergens like egg protein. and other substances that are sure to be a big burden on your immune system, not to mention your liver and kidneys). your resistance is down for a while after you get the shot (and the theoretical immunity you're supposed to get form the shot doesn't kick in immediately anyway.) you are exposed to a sniffling coworker or a snotty-nosed kid, or perhaps your spouse is a carrier and doesn't even realize it; the virus sees a living germ-buffet (you) with a weakened immune system. being served up to it on a silver platter and decides to stay for dinner and dessert! Not a hard scanario to imagine, in fact it happens every day!
I wasn't aware there was formaldehyde in flu shots. I did know many of the brands contain mercury, which concerns me even more than the formaldehyde. After reading your comment, I did some research and apparently there are some brands that do not contain formaldehyde, although many do. Before taking a flu shot, it would be a good idea to shop around and find a brand that doesn't contain these toxic agents.
Thanks for letting us know about this.
After taking most of what I found out to my family doctor to my horror he knew that there is Mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde, dangerous microorganisms, ethylene glycol not to mention the whole egg problem.
I am beginning my one woman campaign to inform as many people as I can and let them at least make a informed choice.
This I expected from my doctor. How I can get to be 73 and still think I can trust is someone has been a real eye opener.
The level of my frustration and in someways ignorance on my part. My doctors advice was to tell me to stay off the computer. I think if I had of had one at that time I would have thrown it at him.
Welcome any and all comments and suggestion of natural foods (although I know some) to build up our immune system.
Here are links to a couple of good articles about what foods we should eat to help build up our immune systems:
Diet, Exercise, Stress and the Immune System
Follow this eat-right plan to fortify your immune system
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Hi All,
I too have opted not to get the flu shot because of possible flare ups.
My concern for those who do get them in a setting where you are standing in line or the waiting area, where there are a dozen or so people waiting for the shot.
The last place i would want to be is in a public area around people who are possibly carrying some kind of germ or two.
If i was at a point where i needed to get a flu shot it would most surely be done in my doctors office where who ever is giving the shot is going to be washing there hands before they touch me.
Think about it yes the area is cleaned, but how many arms and hands and clothing have been touched before me in a setting like a pharmarcy or another public place where the shot giver does not have a sink.
Just something to think about.
lisa