I think everyone needs to discuss this issue with their oncologiist. I was diagnosed with CML one year ago and I did have a flu shot last year. I hesitate this year because I've heard that there are a lot of people, including some in the medical profession, who aren't getting the swine flu shot. I haven't checked with my new oncologist (Dr. Druker) yet, but my gut feeling is that I won't get a shot this year. I had the flu a month ago and though I wasn't tested it was surmised by 2 docs that it was likely the swine flu since that's what's going around. I'm with the understanding that it is still a mild to moderate flu virus and hasn't mutated to the really severe level yet. My intenist told me that the media has really hyped it up, not that it is not to be taken seriously, but the frenzy is larger than the problem at this point anyway. If you get the flu symptoms and get to the doc within 48 hours they can give you the medication that helps curtail the virus and it is compatible with
Gleevec.They are saying to treat it like the flu and stay home unless: you have trouble breathing, you are coughing stuff up, you have a temp. over 101. I called Carolyn (Dr. Druker's nurse) when I had the symptoms and she told me what to do. I did end up going to the doctor because the symptoms were strange ( more lung stuff going on than I was used to) and it helped to hear what the doctor said. I had it for 3 weeks because I thought I was over it before I was and made things worse. I've also read a lot about the swine flu which helped. Another thing is that you don't necessarily have to have a fever with this flu. We all have to do the things that we know to help with this situation. I am cautious, but no longer afraid of it. Take really good care!
