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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Flu Shot - doc says no
Post Info TOPIC: Flu Shot - doc says no
chatterbox


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RE: Flu Shot - doc says no
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Doc said yes to go get flu shot now. Said I'm so susceptible that any protection would be smart. I've gotten the vacine for the past few years after having been extremely sick with flu years ago so it's no big deal to me. No one else in my family will get vacine an none of us have had flu for years...so. Who knows.

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Debra

 

Geno type 1a1b

Began Peg/Rib 4/16/2012  

Began Victrelis May 14, 2012            4 week and 8 week labs undectable

12 weeks und. 16 weeks und. Week 17 Cut peg, added Neopogen 5+months und.!
Margo


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davesf wrote:

Just got mine. First 24 hours brought "fond" memories of when my big brother used to lovingly punch me in the shoulder, lol. Guess I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist thinking that flu shots are contrived by the pharm companies just to make money. Next thing you know they'll be inventing drugs to give me flu symptoms on the pretext that it will cure Hep C. Greedy corporations.

Lol, or they will come up with a vaccine and and one and only antidote for it.

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Geno 1b, relapsed in 2009 a week before my treatment was to be over. Started triple therapy on April 28th, 2012. UND at week 4,8,12,24,3 months post tx.
davesf


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Just got mine. First 24 hours brought "fond" memories of when my big brother used to lovingly punch me in the shoulder, lol. Guess I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist thinking that flu shots are contrived by the pharm companies just to make money. Next thing you know they'll be inventing drugs to give me flu symptoms on the pretext that it will cure Hep C. Greedy corporations.

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All Done Poisoning the Dragon that Used to Poison Me

Genotype 1b  Incivek Combo
Margo


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LanaiSurferGirl wrote:

As Dave said....this is what I have heard too:  They infect you with a dead or weakened flu virus when you get the shot so you build up antibodies to it and you are less likely to be infected with the flu virus if you get it.  That does not garuntee you will not get sick since there are many mutated sequences of it.  As for the shot recommendations, it could go either way.  Some docs tell you to get the shot because you have a compromised immune system and if the flu took you down it could be bad.  Other docs say not to get it for the same reason...you have a compromised immune system so the shot itself could really take you down.  It is up to you and your body!  :)

Viruses are not "alive", they need a host to reproduce. They are just a strand of genetic material that can't do anything for themselves.

__________________

Geno 1b, relapsed in 2009 a week before my treatment was to be over. Started triple therapy on April 28th, 2012. UND at week 4,8,12,24,3 months post tx.
Margo


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Bills wrote:

 I lean toward  Malcolm's answer  i never had one and don't want to start  I seen so many people get the flu from the flu shot I didn't want to chance making myself sick   That could be worse if in treatment

if your used to getting flu shots then why not do it if it makes you sleep easier  It's not for me

Ever think maybe the high volume of flu shots makes drug companies a lot of money ?  Hmmm ??

Bill S

Couldn't say it better! Agree 100%, it s a pure money making business!

__________________

Geno 1b, relapsed in 2009 a week before my treatment was to be over. Started triple therapy on April 28th, 2012. UND at week 4,8,12,24,3 months post tx.
iggle


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I actually meant to ask my doctor, but I forgot. I will ask next appointment and see what he says. I'm done tx in 5 weeks, so I might just wait until then for a flu shot.



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Sed3


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Bills wrote:

 I lean toward  Malcolm's answer  i never had one and don't want to start  I seen so many people get the flu from the flu shot I didn't want to chance making myself sick   That could be worse if in treatment

if your used to getting flu shots then why not do it if it makes you sleep easier  It's not for me

Ever think maybe the high volume of flu shots makes drug companies a lot of money ?  Hmmm ??

Bill S

 The flu is influenza.  It's a virus.  There are no cure for viruses (virii?).

In 1919 up to 100 million people died from the Spanish Flu. In 1968 up to 1 million from the Hong Kong Flu.

People can get symptoms from the vaccine, but rarely full-blown flu.  I've had the flu and was in bed for 2 weeks.  I'll take my chances with the vaccine. 

What's the success rate on triple Hep C treatment?  80%?   I'll still take my chances on that.

 

 



__________________

Type 1B - Unknown for 30 years, diagnosed September 2011, started treatment February 2012

8 weeks Incivik - stopped early due to rash.

Continuing Pegasys and Ribavirin until January 2013 - 48 weeks

Undetectable from week 4 --> present
Bills


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kiwi wrote:
Bills wrote:

 I lean toward  Malcolm's answer  i never had one and don't want to start  I seen so many people get the flu from the flu shot I didn't want to chance making myself sick   That could be worse if in treatment

if your used to getting flu shots then why not do it if it makes you sleep easier  It's not for me

Ever think maybe the high volume of flu shots makes drug companies a lot of money ?  Hmmm ??

Bill S

 hey bill. you aint a cynic by any chance are ya? :)

ive never had a flu shot in my life, even tho i could get them free coz of my asthma, but when starting treatment they definately recommended it... i guess getting the flu with your immunity compromised could lead to trouble...

anyway, for a change i got one. felt no ill effects, ive always thought same as you. people get the flu if they have a shot. but nope. i didnt. and touch wood im nearly thru treatment and winter and im algudz in my hood...

 

 LOL maybe a little but not directly at individuals   but huge corporations can't help it  Take that GS 7977 petition for example     I don't disagree with taking the shot for anyone who wants to  that's a persons choice ( i'm glad it went well with you )  and people who may have compromised immune systems, older people who have tolerated it in the past swear by it     

I choose not to  When i was a kid I never herd of so many people getting flu shots were OK   



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Bills

Harvoni started 12-12-14 for 24 wks PrevTX Geno 1 stage 3 cirrhosis - non resp Int/ ribv. Started Trial  in Aug 2011 -July 2012 into Incivek relapsed  Feb 2013 Had 72 weeks on interferon & Riba.

LanaiSurferGirl


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As Dave said....this is what I have heard too:  They infect you with a dead or weakened flu virus when you get the shot so you build up antibodies to it and you are less likely to be infected with the flu virus if you get it.  That does not garuntee you will not get sick since there are many mutated sequences of it.  As for the shot recommendations, it could go either way.  Some docs tell you to get the shot because you have a compromised immune system and if the flu took you down it could be bad.  Other docs say not to get it for the same reason...you have a compromised immune system so the shot itself could really take you down.  It is up to you and your body!  :)



__________________

geno 1a, mother & brother also hep c +...mom got a blood transfusion and passed it along.  Started tx with incivik 11/23/11 and brother started 2/8/2012.  Both of us und. at 4,8,12 and me at 24.  I am going 36 wks and brother is going 48 weeks.
davesf


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My understanding is that the flu virus mutates continuously making it impossible to have a vaccine. Flu shots simply inoculate you with the most recent versions. So it protects you against the flu viruses going "out of style" but will be no help if you encounter this season's newest hip entries. Essentially you are hedging your bet to make yourself less likely to catch flu by eliminating some of the strains. As for getting sick after a shot. Only theorizing here. Maybe the dead virus, like the live one, causes your body to release more Interferon to fight it in some people? I don't think that should be a concern for anyone here, lol. We're Team Interferon anyway. All the Best, Dave

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All Done Poisoning the Dragon that Used to Poison Me

Genotype 1b  Incivek Combo
Fajah


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After reading all responses, it sounds like + for the flu shot. 

I sometimes think after reading this forum and the pharmaceutical web sites that I might be more informed than the PA I see every month.  My last few visits have not been a infomative as I would have liked, the visits prior to that I did not have a lot of questions.  In my best Jerry McGuire "you had me at undetected".......

I have had flu shots before and I have gone seasons without and I cannot say I have seen a diffence.

 

Fajah



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Fajah You know, the Father, Freaky Deaky Dutch

186,000 miles per second (299,792,458 meters/sec), not just a good idea, its the law.
gatekeep


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I also was told to get a flue shot before starting meds. I did just to be on the safe side.I dont think I'd like to be sick with the flue with Rx side effects to boot..



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25 yrs HepC. type 1a geno. 6mill viral load,3.5 out of a 4 liver biop.started Sept.19, 2012,Tx.Rib.,Incivek, Peg,4wk. Vl 61,undetected @12 wks,undetec.Wk 24
DJ


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In the 1980s I got a flu shot and I got sick afterwards, so I never wanted another one.  But last year I got one and had no side effects.  My doctor didn't tell me to get one (I am hoping to start treatment next month....seems like it keeps getting postponed), but I did get one last week and so far no signs of being sick.

But I didn't talk to my doctor about it, I guess I didn't think about it being a problem, so hopefully it isn't. 



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Genotype 3.  Treatment started on 1/11/2013 with Ribavirin and Pegatron.  Week 4 UND.  Week 12 UND.  Ended treatment on 6/28/2013.  Six months post treatment 12/04/2013 SVR.
Phil G


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I used to get the shots but quit several years ago after a good friend developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, they think from a flu shot. I have really become a minimalist, resisting most "suppliments" except when there is good compelling reason.



-- Edited by Phil G on Wednesday 3rd of October 2012 01:30:51 PM

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Geno 1A, VL 1.9 mm, SOT 12/2/11 - Pegintron/Ribavirin/Victrelis, UND since wk 8, EOT 6/15/12 (28 wks), SVR 11/30/12
kiwi


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Bills wrote:

 I lean toward  Malcolm's answer  i never had one and don't want to start  I seen so many people get the flu from the flu shot I didn't want to chance making myself sick   That could be worse if in treatment

if your used to getting flu shots then why not do it if it makes you sleep easier  It's not for me

Ever think maybe the high volume of flu shots makes drug companies a lot of money ?  Hmmm ??

Bill S

 hey bill. you aint a cynic by any chance are ya? :)

ive never had a flu shot in my life, even tho i could get them free coz of my asthma, but when starting treatment they definately recommended it... i guess gettin the flu with your immunity compromised could lead to trouble...

anyway, for a change i got one. felt no ill effects, ive always thought same as you. people get the flu if they have a shot. but nope. i didnt. and touch wood im nearly thru treatment and winter and im algudz in my hood...

 



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kiwi. genotype 1. started pegasus and riba on 10 nov. VL 17.6 million. (4 weeks VL 1368)  week 15 UNDETECTED... :)
Bills


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 I lean toward  Malcolm's answer  i never had one and don't want to start  I seen so many people get the flu from the flu shot I didn't want to chance making myself sick   That could be worse if in treatment

if your used to getting flu shots then why not do it if it makes you sleep easier  It's not for me

Ever think maybe the high volume of flu shots makes drug companies a lot of money ?  Hmmm ??

Bill S



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Bills

Harvoni started 12-12-14 for 24 wks PrevTX Geno 1 stage 3 cirrhosis - non resp Int/ ribv. Started Trial  in Aug 2011 -July 2012 into Incivek relapsed  Feb 2013 Had 72 weeks on interferon & Riba.

JIme


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I was told to get one before I started triple tx last year by my Dr.  And I did. Ask your Dr.



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jim

GT1a, St2 Lv2 last biopsy 2002, VL  11.4m,  start triple tx 9/30/11

VL 470 @4wks.....VL 22,000 @8wks  stopped tx

Round 2-  Started 3/16/12   PSI-7977, BMS-790052, Riba Undetectable day 14

Did 24 weeks Still UND 12 weeks post tx, SVR24!!!!!!! 2/14/13

 

 

 

 

 
mallani


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I have never had a flu shot. I'm sure they are not dangerous but I question why one or two strains could make a difference.



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Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
marktrux


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My Dr. has always told me "no", and I never really gave it any more thought. I have an appt. to see him next week and i think i'll ask him why or why not. This has got me curious about his reasoning.



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KCCO

 

 
news


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I was instructed to get my flu shot last Fall, right before starting treatment. When I started, the NP asked if I had done it. It sounded important. This year, nearly two months after completing treatment, she asked again. I had already gotten one this year. She seemed pleased. Unless there is some problem taking the shot while actually on treatment, my guys seem to think it is a must. Alan

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Geno 1A  Started Pegasys/Ribavirin/Incivek Nov. 20, 2011 .  Completed July 28, 2012 (36 weeks). For a treatment history, see:  https://jshare.johnshopkins.edu/xythoswfs/webview/_xy-9921874_1

SVR on January 14, 2013!!
nohcvforme


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I started treatment a year ago and assumed that I should not have a flu shot, but my nurse practioner said I should. I did, and I'm still here!

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kiwi


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i was advised to get my flu shots, before winter this year. we are just in spring now, so that was 6 months ago...

they gave me a free shot, and i took it, had no problems with flu anyway.... 

 



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kiwi. genotype 1. started pegasus and riba on 10 nov. VL 17.6 million. (4 weeks VL 1368)  week 15 UNDETECTED... :)
Redraider


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My dr advised me to get my flu shot when this years strain came out, the flu season is starting here where we live, so I ran down to the local pharmacy and got my mine. The company I work for has this pharm come out two days a year and give them for free to any employee that wants one. And one of my motto's is "if its free its me".

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Geno 1a, starting peg, riba, victrellis 7/12/12. VL 1.1, virus undetectable @ week 4,8,12,24
packerfan24


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My Dr said it was ok. I have not got it yet.

Ken



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Packerfan24
kandacetb


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Ben got his flu shot.  I'll tell him there was a question about it and I'm sure he'll get on and tell if there is anything to tell.



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Michaele


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Hi there Fajah. I thought one was to get the shot before starting Tx, but I suppose time of year has alot to do with it. Hope your not suffering alot of SEs. Hows the weather, I lived in Spring Hill Fl 1986-1995, few minutes from the gulf and never suffered so much as a downed limb. Here inland in North Carolina Ive had more Hurricaine BS than I can handle, and with years of drought inbetween hurricaines; the clay under the ground dried out and is giving everyone foundation problems. Even new houses are cracking, my house is circa 1935. I got drift from the drought. Here's to better times. and good health      Michaele



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MDodrow
Fajah


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Ask my PA about taking flu shot during treatment - he said NO because he felt the virus they use could be a problem.

Anyone else ask their Dr?

 

Fajah



-- Edited by Fajah on Tuesday 2nd of October 2012 06:54:37 PM

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Fajah You know, the Father, Freaky Deaky Dutch

186,000 miles per second (299,792,458 meters/sec), not just a good idea, its the law.
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