Lyme Disease Support Group

I completely understand & respect anyone's decision either TO or NOT TO get it. You're right Donna, it's kind of a crapshoot. I wrestle not so much with the pharmaceutical co's, but with the fact that its IDSA that's recommending the swine flu shot. The thing that gives me *some* confidence tho is, the base of the swine flu shot is the same as for the seasonal flu. The germs in each are different (since they target different viruses), but from what I've read, a flu vaccine is a flu vaccine. I just don't know who to trust :(

Oh, in case it wasn't obvious, I have a BIG trust issue with the IDSA. I imagine I'm not alone in that, eh???

I got the flu shot. I didn't even consider how it may effect my lyme. But, I did think that my immune system is weak now, so whatever help I can get, I'll take. I figured the lyme already makes me feel like crap, I don't need the flu to help. As for the swine, I'm not really buying into all the paranoia that the media is putting out.

When I was healthy, I got the flu shot every year. I also noticed back then if my immune system was down when I got it, I ended up sick. So, my advice is that you get it when you are your best if you do. I had two LLMDS tell me not to get the flu shot the first time I had a major battle w/Lyme. They also suggested only a half dose if I wanted to get the flu shot.

Now after my recovery six yrs later, I was told that if I knew I was much stronger than the first time that I could get the flu shot. I am stronger but I'm still not so sure. For one thing, I was already exposed to the H1N1 flu where over 120 students were out sick and 95% of them had it. I only had a minor reaction and it wasn't the flu. So, I feel that I am strong enough to get through this flu season once again.

Good luck on your decision.

Footloose, I wonder if you already have an immunity to H1N1 then. It sure seems possible - and tho I'm sorry you were exposed to it in the spring, it may have been a blessing in disguise (??)

One person in the diabetes type 2 group already caught H1N1, along with the rest of her family. Her doctor said to ride it out and then get the shot. One of them got the regular flu and her doctor gave her Tamiflu, she said that helped . But they don't have the immune issues that people with Lyme seem to have.

I don't have children and I seem to have a good immune system and my bout with Lyme was much easier than everyone else's here, so I think I will try the H1N1 shot when it becomes available. I get the flu shot every year...this year at Walgreen's (and to my surprise our AAA membership got us a discount).

It is definitely an individual choice. If I didn't feel well right now, I would probably have a different opinion.

-FM

Actually that was just last month when I was exposed. If anything, I'd probably just get the flu shot if I did get one. There are docs that will NOT get it or their families so I think that's enough proof that it's not as safe as the propaganda is stating.

It worries me when I hear docs prescribing antibiotics to people w/the flu. It is a VIRUS not a bacteria and it HAS to run its course. Just remember to wash your hands often and keep them away from your face.

I am still waiting to find out for sure if I have Lyme but, I do have a lot of other auto-immune type problems. I can not take the regular flu shot with mercury. I usually just get the pneumonia shot. This year I did get the preservative free regular flu shot, insurance does not pay for it but it was only $35. It made me feel bad for several days but, not like the mercury flu shots do (major joint pain and generally feeling terrible). My doctor has told me not to get the H1N1. This because of lack of testing to be sure that it is safe and due to the mercury.

Has anyone with chonic lyme disease had Tamiflu? Has anyone seen the return of Lyme afrter they have been on it? My daughter is now very sick after 6 days of taking Tamiflu and I was just wondering if Tamiflu brings out the lyme?

My opinion is I would not. I feel if your body is already fighting a disease ,there is no cure for, then adding another stress to the body would make lyme worse.