Why It's Important For People with Rheumatoid Arthritis to Get a Flu Shot

By Christine Miller, Health Guide Tuesday, October 23, 2007
October is the beginning of flu season and medical offices, hospitals and clinics, schools and employers around the country are now offering the flu vaccine, either through the "flu shot" or a nasal-spray called LAIV (FluMist®). You might be wondering why I am writing about the flu vacc...
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Still Die Younger than General Population
Anonymous
Betty Guindon
11/ 4/07 11:12pm

Thank you christine for the Flu shot information and update.

I just received my shot two weeks ago.  I've always been told, that the shot does not give you the flu, cold or any symptoms.

I'm a chronic pain and Fibro patient and have always had symptoms of a cold with a low grade fever about 48 hours after my flu shot. 

My family has always insisted that you cannot get sick from the shot?  I told them this year, that I did not know what to tell them, it's a big coincedance that the only time throughout the entire year that I get a cold, is 48 hours after my flu shot???

 

I do have a question about RA though

I am the sole care giver for a 92 yr old woman with RA.  I give her etanercept injections once per week.  Will they interfere with the effectiveness of her flu shot???

 

Thank you

Betty

Christine Miller, Health Guide
11/ 5/07 12:15am

Hi Betty,

I don't think the flu vaccine will interfere with the Enteracept, but you might want to check with a rheumatologist.  I'm not sure what the dosage frequency is for that medication, but it might be worth thinking about getting the vaccine in between dosages, maybe a day or two before or after.  I take Humira every other week, so I got my flu shot a few days before my scheduled shot day.

I hope this is helpful,

Christine

Anonymous
Betty Guindon
11/ 5/07 1:05am

Christine

Thankyou very much for your quick reply.  I'll give her doctor a call on monday.

 

Betty

Anonymous
dentalandhealthplan
11/18/07 3:59pm
whats the symtoms for rheumatoid arthritis. Do's anyone know what the best vitamine supplements are to help ease the symtoms of rheumatoid arthritis pain. Are there any natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Does rheumatoid arthritis excercise help. Are there natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis. thanks for your article very informative   
Anonymous
dental savings
11/18/07 4:02pm
and what is a good site for that anyways
By Christine Miller, Health Guide— Last Modified: 06/28/11, First Published: 10/23/07