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...
Does anyone here get the vaccine for pneumonia?
My dad has COPD and his lung specialist gave him a flu shot but did not recommend the pneumonia vaccine because he says that it only protects against one strain and there are thousands of strains - wo why bother?
What do you all think?
On another note, my dad's pneumonia started on October 1st and he was out of it for the month of October......but he is certainly looking and feeling much better these days! Phew! What a relief!
My dad has COPD and his lung specialist gave him a flu shot but did not recommend the pneumonia vaccine because he says that it only protects against one strain and there are thousands of strains - wo why bother?
What do you all think?
On another note, my dad's pneumonia started on October 1st and he was out of it for the month of October......but he is certainly looking and feeling much better these days! Phew! What a relief!
Hre's a link for some shingles info from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm
It specifically states that someone on steroids should not get the vaccine. I'm one of those. Got shingles and PHN after starting steroids. Luck of the draw...
Hugs,
Dennis
Sorry that you got the shingles after taking steroids. As someone who has already experienced this, I can really emphasis with you. It's really a nightmare to have. Have you had it more than once?
My primary care doctor asked if I'd gotten the shot. He said, "Good!" when I told him I had.
I read the comments again and wanted to say to DennyGene that my pharmacist, who knows more than my regular doctor it seems, told me that the caution about steroids and taking the shingles shot, was meant for those folks on massive daily doses of steroids.
I saw my mom suffer thru shingles all because she was afraid to take it because she had been on prednisone.
So I am in no way saying to anyone to get the shot, but you might double check with the doctor and/or the pharmacist if you only take occasional prednisone.
I don.t want anyone to get sick on my account, I just know I questioned it also, the doctor said it would be ok, and my pharmasist who gave me the shot said it is for folks on massive doses. Shingles are NOT fun.
Blessings
BJ
With regard to different strains I understand this is the case with the flu vaccines??
Sending regards ~
Like what has been said here based on opinons of info it does help lessen the symptoms if you should get it.
I myself have not had pneumonia since 2008 when they first told me I had copd.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at DS.