I have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in my left extremity and have acute Bronchitis with a mild form of C.O.P.D., my question is, can I take a Flu shot and or the Swine Flu shot?
Q: Can I take a Flu shot and or the Swine Flu shot?
Answers (1)
10/12/09 4:47am
That can be a tough decision to make. There are respected doctors on both sides of the fence – particularly when it comes to the Swine flu vaccine. You really need to discuss your individual situation with your personal doctor. Here is an article and video that discusses some of the risks of the vaccine: H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine Risks
Ultimately you have to decide whether the risk of getting the vaccine is greater or less than the risk of getting the flu. Generally, flu shots are recommended for people who have serious chronic illnesses – especailly those who could potentially have severe complications if they got the flu. Even if your doctor feels you should get the flu shots, though, he may recommend that you wait until your bronchitis is better.
10/12/09 8:31pm
I agree totally with the response given you above. In fact I was in my Primary Care physicians office just today weighing out all these different factors. My final decision was OK with the flu shot. I had the flu once and it almost killed me so it was worth the risk of other getting any other complications with the vaccine at least for me. RE the swine flu vaccine-my Doctor recommended that I do go ahead with it but to make certain I received the "killed virus" vaccine and not the "Live virus" vaccine. But this is a very individual decision. I would suggest you go over the pro's and con's with a doctor who is most familiar with your problems.
I sure wish there were fewer of these difficult decions with potentially life or death implications that we have to make just because we are inflicted with some chronic, usually painful and complicated disorders already! Good luck to you!
10/22/09 1:20am
Thank you so much for your response to my question. This flu shot and the H1N1 Flu Vaccine is still really a 'IFFY' and scary situation for me, so I will take your advise and discuss my concern further with my Pulmonary doctor on October 30th.
Jo Tramell
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By JoTramell— Last Modified: 11/03/10, First Published: 10/11/09
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