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Adults With ITP
Newly Diagnosed & Frequently Asked Questions
Flu shot and ITP
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Flu shot and ITP 3 years 7 months ago #67743

  • acosta02151
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In September of 2018, my platelet count was 70. Five days later, I got a flu shot. A month later my platelet count was 60. I am now at 53 with no treatment. I am not sure about getting another flu shot this year. Any advice??

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Flu shot and ITP 3 years 7 months ago #67746

  • MelA
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That is up to you and your doctor. What does he/she say? What has your count done between the 60k & the now 53k

My former hematologist [got a new one who is a short drive away] would say 70k & 60k and 60k & 53k were all the same.

I have been getting a flu shot yearly since 1972 and have not seen a drop in count - but we are all different. I just would like to minimize my chances for getting the flu and ending up in the hospital or worse.
"Instead of wasting your time worrying about symptoms, just get it checked out" -Nieca Goldberg, MD
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Flu shot and ITP 3 years 7 months ago #67747

  • mrsb04
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  • ITP since 2014. Retired nurse. My belief is empower patients to be involved as much as possible in their care. Read, read, read & ALWAYS question medics about the evidence base they use.
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My haemo would concur, virtually no difference between 53 and 70. I have my flu shot every year. I've had flu once about 35 years ago when I was young and fit. It wiped me out for the best part of a month. I never want to go through that again.

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Flu shot and ITP 3 years 7 months ago #67748

  • acosta02151
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I am going to email my hematologist, but she feels my platelets are stable. They have been 50-60 For the past year. Thanks for your response.

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Flu shot and ITP 3 years 7 months ago #67749

  • MelA
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acosta I was sent to an immunologist because I also have low Immunoglobulin G - the only immunization he has so far told me not to get is the new shingles vaccine because they don't know about it in people with autoimmune disorders.
Let us know what your hematologist says. Take care!
"Instead of wasting your time worrying about symptoms, just get it checked out" -Nieca Goldberg, MD
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Flu shot and ITP 3 years 7 months ago #67751

  • Christine
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I concur with MelA especially over the shingles shot - I have had the flu shot every year since I was 18yrs (I am now 71) with no problems.
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Flu shot and ITP 3 years 7 months ago #67752

  • mrsb04
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  • ITP since 2014. Retired nurse. My belief is empower patients to be involved as much as possible in their care. Read, read, read & ALWAYS question medics about the evidence base they use.
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In the UK only people who are between 70 & 80 are offered shingles vaccine and is contraindicated if you have a weakened immune system, if you take steroids or had an organ transplant
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Flu shot and ITP

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