Graves' Disease Support Group

Graves-Basedow disease is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions including hyperthyroidism (over activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protruberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). This disorder is the most common cause of...

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Courage2010 09/18/2013

I'm currently in remission and planning on getting pregnant soon. I will certainly be told to get a flu shot by my physician- to protect me and my baby. What are your thoughts on this? What about the flu mist? I understand that having a vaccine would include a response by my immune system- and having an autoimmune disease- we want our immune systems to be calmed as much as we can. But, don't we challenge our immune system everyday with all sorts of viruses and bacteria???

Fern-RL 09/19/2013

I was encouraged to get flu shots because of the GD because you are already more vulnerable if you get the flu. In any case, I believe the shot is far better than the nasal mist route.

For pregnancy, be sure your thyroid levels are tested frequently, even every month, because there is a definite danger that you will go hypo and that would be bad for the pregnancy or the baby if it survives to birth.

dairytech 09/19/2013

I asked my doc this same question..her answer..our bodies are generating more than enough antibodies now...adding the antibodies from flu shots cause a disruption in an already potential hotbed. So for me...I chose not to do it and I have not had the flu in over 5 years. I think in your case you have to factor in your age and your high risk pregnancy. If you are in remission and your TSI is low and by taking the flu shots helps your body carry the baby...then I think you should do it. But...I would ask Elaine for her thoughts first...Big Hugs...Kathy

mmztcass 09/19/2013

I don't get flu shots myself and neither do my family for avoiding the chemicals and toxins. We haven't had any flu.

My in laws do though and they get sick every year after getting the shots. They have been repeatedly told by their holistic health practitioner friend not to do the shots on the accounts on how ill they get.

I agree with dairytech, ask Elaine Moore her thoughts to help you in any way.

{{{hugs}}}

Fern-RL 09/19/2013

This doesn't deal with the autoimmune issue, but it might be helpful.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/top-13-flu-myths

Personally, I don't think autoimmune helps protect against the flu at all.

mmztcass 09/19/2013

Here's an article on the studies on the flu and the vaccines:

http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/universal-flu-vaccine-may-actually-make-flu-symptoms-worse/

{{{hugs}}}

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