To Flu Shot or Not to Flu Shot...the MS Question

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Flu Shot or No Flu Shot...that is the big debate

1 in 5 in the US get the flu every year.  Is there a way to lesson that statistic?




ARE FLU SHOTS SAFE FOR PEOPLE WITH MS?

Many people swear by the shot and many people get "sick" from the shot.  Some believe that they get got sick worse the year they got the shot (even myself).  The flu virus that is used in today's shots are grown in chicken eggs and immediately killed off so that chances of developing the flu from the vaccine is not possible.

Ok but I have MS, can i have the shot or no?  Is it safe?

According the the National MS Society this years Flu Vaccine protects against 3 different strands of the flu.... you get a 3 for 1 deal in this vaccine (we all love a deal don't we? )

It contains the H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and this year's H1N1 virus

The strands are inactivated, so its a dead virus.  This means it is safe for MS patients.  here is an excerpt from NMSS website:

 " It has been studied extensively in people with MS and is considered quite safe. The injectable flu vaccine may be taken by people who are taking an interferon medication, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, or fingolimod.

 

However it is not yet known whether the vaccine is as effective for those talking natalizumab or fingolimod." (tysabri and gilenya)

 

 

 



I know we all hate injections....so what about this FluMist® I hear about.  FluMist® is a nasal spray that is used to prevent Flu in people.  However and this is a big one...it contains a live virus strain.  NO NO NO - you should not use it if u have MS.  Our immune systems are already on hyper drive, we don't need a live virus going inside of us and causing our immune systems to work extra for that.  Or - with some medications, our immune system is deficient and the live virus can make us VERY sick.

Although the nasal spray is more appealing - just say NO

Here is what the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Says: (sharecare.com)

"The flu vaccine is safe and effective for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is recommended annually for those who are susceptible to flu, likely to be exposed to flu, or who have respiratory problems or certain chronic disorders. Pregnant women who will be in their second or third trimester during flu season should also receive a flu shot. Importantly, FluMist Intranasal, the first flu vaccine in the U.S. that is administered as a nasal mist, is not recommended for people with MS. FluMist is a live-virus vaccine that may cause an increase in disease activity in those with MS"

I visited the CDC website to find out who should and shouldn't be vaccinated and here is what they say:

Who Should Get Vaccinated This Season?

Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:

• People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:
  • People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
  • Pregnant women.
  • People 65 years and older
• People who live with or care for others who are high risk of developing serious complications. This includes:
  • household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease

Who Should Not Be Vaccinated?

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)
• People with a history of Guillain–Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS) that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

When Should I Get Vaccinated?

CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as flu season vaccine becomes available in their community. Influenza seasons are unpredictable, and can begin as early as October.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Please visit these sites i have mentioned to read more about the Flu Shot (there are hyperlinks in the blog to where i got the info)



According to all the research I have found, the Injectable Flu Vaccine is safe.  If you still have questions on if its right for you, speak to your Neuro/MS Specialist. 

I was one of those sceptics who felt they were sick more each year when they got the shot so i did without. I did decide this year to have it done as i want do do everything i can to stay flu free.

Here's to a Happy and Healthy winter season