COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
Hello Everyone, let's discuss the flue shot. Tell me, who takes them and who does not, and why not. Just curious. Thanks, Kat
It just keeps disappearing.....Here goes again
My Pulmo Doc will be giving me my flu shot later this month. That
2nd pneumonia vaccine is also scheduled with him. I didn't realize that this pneu vac was a "live vaccine" .That makes me curious.
He is supposed to be the expert on such things...but I will certainly ask him about "live vaccines" for high risk lung patients.
*EVERY* packaged vaccine is different, but in general appreciate that in only a very few cases** are the actual pathogens ever present. What are actually included are the sugars, toxins, proteins, etc the by-products of an infection which are effective in activating the bodys immune system, but extremely safe as they contain NO LIVE pathogens. After-all this is the Twenty-First century the days of giving people cow-pox to ward off small-pox are long gone. Year after year this same subject comes up, and year after year every responsible medical organizations attempt to dispel the myth of the live virus flu vaccine, only to have to do it all over again 12 months later.
There can be side-effects, and some of these may appear flu-like, but they are NOT the result of an infection from the particular pathogen, or variant the flu vaccine is designed for, and except for those extreme cases where one is violently allergic, are always far, far milder and less risky for a COPD patient than getting pneumonia itself.
IMHO, I think the myth is constantly with us because there is such a broad range of available vaccines - all specifically recommended for defined groups with various risks attached. People often read the fine print for one group then attempt to apply the same information to another with erroneous effect. Or by not reading or getting information simply apply their own fears or opinions over the unknown to derive a simple Yes or No. Fact is, there is simply no simple answer (pun intended) for every vaccine for everyone several factors always need to be considered from what particular group an individual may be considered a part of to their specific medical condition. The primary reason why one should always ASK.
[*The Nasal Spray can be considered live, but the active ingredient is always delivered in a weakened state that is sensitive to temperature basically that means the weaken virus can survive in the cooler nose, but will not survive inside the body or lungs.]
[** The Shingles Vaccine is another example of an close exception. It can be considered live for a specific segment of our population, but even then it is what is called an attenuated vaccine the live pathogens have lost their virulence to cause havoc, but still capable of inducing an immune response. However, for those with a seriously impaired immune system this vaccine is often considered too risky.]
I was always susceptible to pneumonia & i haven't had pneumonia since getting the 1st vaccine so i'm kind of sold on it.
I was going to get this new one on my last dr visit but the pain in my arms i put it off; hopefully i can get the new one on my next visit.....i'd rather deal with a small reaction to a shot than get pnuemonia!
Im at the stage where even a couple of months of being miserable would be worth it compared to another bad bout of pneumonia (which would be extremely risky for me) BUT Im very much like @gwapo Ive never experienced any severe side-effects or allergic reactions to any medication, so it is easy for me to say that as it is highly unlikely to ever happen. Smile.