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Thursday, October, 29, 2009

Should I Get A Flu Vaccine If I Take Enbrel

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Swine Flu and Immune-Suppressing Drugs

By Mark Borigini, M.D. Health Expert

Many medications prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis can weaken the immune system, including prednisone, methotrexate, and, of course, the biologic agents such as Humira, Enbrel and Remicade, to name but a few.  The use of these medications can make a patient more susceptible to the H1N1 virus (the so-called swine flu) and the regular seasonal influenza.  And if a patient on an immunosuppressive drug does contract such a viral illness, there is a much higher risk of developing more severe-and ...

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Expert & Community Posts

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Influenza Q&A - Interview with CDC Expert, Dr. Carolyn Bridges
By Kathi MacNaughton , Health Expert

...there things you want to know about the flu and the flu vaccine? If so, you're going to love... Read more »

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FAQs on Flu Season 2008-2009
By James Thompson, MD , Health Expert

...Many parents and patients have questions about the flu vaccine that warrant further address.  ... Read more »

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How NOT to Win Friends and InFLUence People
By Lisa Emrich , Health Expert

...yourself and others from influenza:Take time to get a flu vaccine.    * CDC recommends a... Read more »

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New Findings on Flu Shots for Elders Controversial
By Carol Bradley Bursack , Health Expert

...A strain of flu that was not covered in the fall flu vaccine was getting into nursing homes, and... Read more »

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It’s flu season again, have you had the vaccine?
By Christine Miller , Health Expert

...employers around the country are now offering the flu vaccine, either through the "flu shot" or... Read more »

Health Guide

Immunizations: Viral Influenza
...children -- may have fewer antibodies to it and so may be at higher risk for severe infection. (See Flu Vaccines in this report.)Complications of the Flu. In general, the flu is usually... Read more »
Colds and the Flu: Medications
...healthy adults, immunization typically reduces the chance of illness by about 70 - 90%. The current flu vaccines may be slightly less effective in certain patients, such as the elderly and those... Read more »
Ear Infections: Prevention
...vaccine called FluMist is approved for children ages 5 and older.In general, experts recommend that the flu vaccine be given to all children over6 months with a condition that requires regular... Read more »
Pneumonia: Prevention
...add-on therapy for people in certain high-risk groups. They may also be used:In combination with the flu vaccine during seasons where there is a poor match between the virus and vaccine.In... Read more »
Immunizations: Introduction
...check with their physicians.Upper respiratory infections are very common after foreign travel. The flu vaccine may be recommended when traveling to any country during flu season, particularly for... Read more »

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