Flu shot

[ShannonD]

I am new to this.  
On the hydrocortisone is it advisable to get, or not to get a flu shot? Has anyone asked there endo?
Shannon

[kristenR]

My doctor definately recommended that I get the  yearly flu shot.  H1N1? I think we should have that one too but I haven't asked.

[Idaho Dusty]

For what it's worth...I just don't get them.  I've had a mild reaction to every vaccine that I've ever had.  I feel like my immune system is compromised and can't handle them properly.  I try to wash my hands constantly, wipe off the cart handle at the grocery store and not touch my face.  

I'm not suggesting anyone listen to me (except always practice preventive measures - sanitizing and washing) about vaccines.  Just wanted to chime in my .02.

:)  Dusty

[ShannonD]

I got my flu shot yesterday.  Feel fine.  In fact I have less soreness in my arms than when I have had the flu shot in the past.  I used a hair more HC than usual, but no major increase of dose.
ShannonD

[Amy]

Hi Shannon,
We (Addison's people) are in a high risk group.  All of the six endos I've had were unrelenting about me getting a flu vaccine.  I am a college instructor and am around lots of people all the time, so I probably have more exposure than a normal person.    Before I started getting the flu shots, I had several trips to the e.r. in crisis from the flu.  Since I have started regularly getting them, I have been in pretty good shape (knock, knock...).  I HATE getting them though, and sometimes it does make me feel crappy.   However, I don't feel as crappy as when I was in the E.R. with a crisis and thought I was never going to make it out of there!    I am really worried about the swine flu.  My students this semester are already really sick, and it is only September.  Be well everyone!
Amy

[ashley]

Well I just got the flu two days ago. I'm like Dusty and never have tolerated vaccines well, so I don't get the flu shot. But, since I've been in a university setting (I'm a PhD student and I also teach an undergrad class) I've gotten the flu every season. My local GP is like: you have to get the flu shot once you're better!! - You can't just keep getting the flu!! So.. I might do it this year. I had no idea I'd get the flu in September!! Usually I get it in the spring. Amy, we have the same problem here. Many of my students have it and I wasn't able to escape it. Bummer.

[ShannonD]

Ashley,
I am so sorry to hear that you have the flu.  Did they prescribe you tamiflu (antiviral med)?

Did you increase your glucocorticoid (HC or Dex)?  I am new to this so I am curious if that is what is recommended when you get sick.  

You are right, the flu usually does not come in september.  If you look on CDC web site 99.9%  cases going around right now are the H1N1, so you will now be immune.  The flu shot you got was for the "seasonal flu" so that should cover for the viruses going around this winter.

Hope you are feeling better soon.  If you start feeling any sicker, do not hesitate to see your doctor.  

Take care,
Shannon

[ashley]

Shannon,

Yes, they gave me tamiflu since I'm "high risk" and yes I've increased the DEX. Getting the flu with AI is no fun, because I find it difficult to adjust my meds appropriately, I just do the best I can.... The good news is that my fever finally broke - (after 48 hrs at 101 degrees) hope to feel better soon.
Thanks for the well-wishes!

ashley

[ShannonD]

hoping for your recovery from the flu....without sinus infection or bacterial bronchitis....if not see your doc so you can be better soon!
shannon

[Linda]

My doctor recommended STRONGLY that I get the shot, so I did.  I felt really bad the night after the shot but ever since then I haven't had any problems with the flu.  I teach school and we had a horrible outbreak at the school but so far.. so good.
Stay well

[ShannonD]

Linda,
CDC web site says that 99.9% of cases going around right now are the H1N1.  The vaccination you had is for seasonal flu.  So be careful out there.  Talk to your doc about getting the H1N1 vaccination when it comes out.

I did up my hydrocortisone by about 5 mg on the day I got my shot.....and actually had fewer side effects than I did when I had it last year.

Ashley did up her glucocorticoid when she got the illness.  (Apparently the flu does in fact attack your adrenal glands in addition to the lungs, which is why everyone complains of extreme fatigue and back pain if they get ill.)

So for everybody....if you get sick be in close contact with your MD, get the tamiflu, and up your glucocorticoid and salt.

Shannon

[Stacey]

This is my first time on this site and I love that there are people out there that talk about this stuff.  I have had addison's since I was 14, I am now 34 so I have been through a lot.  I recently had to deal with H1N1. I am a teacher and got it from my students.  It was horrible.  For me, I have never been more tired.  Couldn't even get off the bed, literally.  So I suggest other people with Addison's go get the H1N1 shot if you can.  

[Idaho Dusty]

Stacey,

Will you share with us what you did with your meds for the flu?

Do you have any other chronic illnesses?

:) Dusty

[Stacey]

I have Addison's and Hypothyroidism.  I was really sick and very tired. Coughing a lot which of course wears me out.  I took an extra 5 mg each day which I always do when I am sick to just give me a little extra help.  The morning after I finally just gave up and had my family take me to the hospital which I don't like to do but I knew I need a lot of extra help which oral pills can't help.  When I got the the hospital they gave me a breathing treatment and a shot of steroids which helped a lot.  I had enough energy back to deal with the swine flu. I stayed home all week and the doc told me to keep taking an extra 5 mg each day till my energy returned. I hope this helps.