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Do You Get Your Flu Shot & Pneumonia Shot???

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15 years 1 month ago #7427 by DeeDee Marie
Do You Get Your Flu Shot & Pneumonia Shot??? was created by DeeDee Marie
Hi, my doctor recommended I start getting my yealy flu shot (plus maybe the pneumonia shot--lasts about 10 years). I've had about 3 bad cases of flu/virus illnesses this last year. I have't been getting any of the flue shots for some years now. But, the doctor thinks getting sick is worse on the ITP than the flu shots.

What do most you with ITP do--both in remission and with low platelets? And, how does the flu shots effect your platelets?? Mine are pretty low right now (won't know exactly where they're at until next week)--and I will be going on another treatment of Decadron. I'm thinking I should start getting both these shots.

What are most of your experiences on these shots? I've always seem to read that the flu shots bring down your platelets--but then so does being sick.

Thanks for your thoughts,
Dee Dee :)
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15 years 1 month ago #7429 by Tad Moody
Replied by Tad Moody on topic Re:Do You Get Your Flu Shot & Pneumonia Shot???
Check with your doctor, but:

I get both: Flu shot every year, with no problem or side effects, or platelet count drop.

I also get the pneumonia vaccine with no problems, every 5 years.

Most of us are a "high risk" for pneumonia and flu due to immune-suppressant drugs, no spleens, and platelet drops when we get sick.

I had pneumonia ages ago, and barely pulled through. Since then, I'll personally take the possible side effects of the vaccine rather than go through that again!

Good info here

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002029.htm
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15 years 1 month ago #7433 by SteveC
Replied by SteveC on topic Re:Do You Get Your Flu Shot & Pneumonia Shot???
My MD was adamant I get both this year and since ITP puts up in the HIGH RISK, I got it while it was being restricted. In fact I've received the "normal" flu shot every year since Dx.
Blessings of enough...
Faith to trust our Lord
Joy to share with others
Strength to help the weak
Love to share with the hurting

Steve C
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15 years 1 month ago #7441 by DeeDee Marie
Replied by DeeDee Marie on topic Re:Do You Get Your Flu Shot & Pneumonia Shot???
Steve & Tad, Thanks for your replies. I think I agree with you both and will try and get the pneumonia shot first. Thank you,

Dee Dee
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15 years 1 month ago #7445 by CindyL
Replied by CindyL on topic Re:Do You Get Your Flu Shot & Pneumonia Shot???
DeeDee, I've been getting my flu shot since at least 2004. I needed it to work in the hospital and now that I don't have my spleen, I make sure I get one every year. I had the pneumonia shot almost a year after I had my splenectomy. It's a good idea to get it every year.
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15 years 1 month ago #7454 by DeeDee Marie
Replied by DeeDee Marie on topic Re:Do You Get Your Flu Shot & Pneumonia Shot???
Cindy, Thank you for the information. I should have been getting my shots a long time ago. I don't think it was smart on my way of thinking. Now, since having 3 treatments of IVIG (which made my platelets go up to 187,000) and 4 treatments of Decadron, my platelets are probably about 10,000 or less right now. I'm not sure if they can give you the pneumonia shot with them this low. I would like to get it before they start me on the Decadron again. If the Decadron doesn't work, I'm going to be enrolled at USC for a trail for a new treatment of Veltuzumab (not sure what this is?). Thank you so much for you insight. :)
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The Platelet Disorder Support Association does not provide medical advice or endorse any medication, vitamins or herbs. The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, discontinuing an existing treatment and to discuss any questions you may have regarding your unique medical condition.


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