Yes, get the H1N1! You dont want the flu! It would put you straight into a flare that might take a long time to pull out of. I was diagnosed after a case of the flu and have never been the same. And get the shot, not the mist for the reason you gave.
Maybe I am biased, but I hate the flu. I have had the flu 5 times in my life and I remember every one of them! Sooooo sick and for weeks sometimes.
I had both flu shots this year and never even had a sore arm.
Mary Ann

Just re read your question and have some things to add. The mist is a live virus, so dont take it! In immunosupressed persons it can give you the flu. The shot is dead, but stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against that strain of the flu. The problem in immunosupressed persons is that sometimes they dont get enough of a response from the immune system to fully keep the person from getting the flu. It is a toss up. But, if you get some immunity, it can keep you from getting a bad case.
So, it wont hurt, and hopefully will help!
Mary Ann

I must say I agree w/MT. The H1N1 & the seasonal flu vaccines n mist form r both composed of a partially live virus which indeed can possible cause the flu itself. Where as the injectable flu vaccines r composed of a form of the dead virus. I have had both vaccines, as had my son & husband. Neither of us had any adverse reactions. The seasonal flu shot made our arms somewhat sore, although the H1N1 did not. There were no other side effects for us. My Rheumy recommended the vaccine 4 everyone in my household. Some of the top groups who have been advised 2 get these vaccines r the very young, the very old, pregnant women, people w/ asthma & those w/ compromised immune systems. Hope this helps some. I'm a nurse & an advocate for most immunizations.

thanks, you hear so many bad things about this vaccine it's nice to hear something positive. I was afraid to get the shot but even more afraid of getting the flu with my compromised lungs.

Ya-- I have some kind of flu or virus or something, it's been coming and going for weeks, can't tell what is MCTD and what is flu.

If you already HAVE some kind of flu or cold, is it a bad idea to get EITHER a regular flu shot or the H1N1 shot?

It is great having a lot of nurses around! (And odd that, like, 30% of the people on this board are nurses. What's up with that? Could that be a risk factor? Gets me thinking about Brandon's infection theory on the etiology of MCTD.)

Yes I had both shots with no problems. Arm was a little sore for few days from the H1N1. Sorry you have flu cat. yeah us nurses seem to get a lot of things. Interesting eh.. Hugs marilyn

Cat, as far as I understand, if you dont have a fever, you can take the shot!
Mary Ann

I've been hearing reports of high levels of mercury on the H1N1 vaccine. Not sure of the spelling, it contains Thymerisol wich is over 50% mercury, as well as aluminum. Can our nurse friends shed light on this info? I like to investigate this kind of thing. I don't trust just any information. I already got a flu and it led to a sinus infection. So I have to wait before getting anything.

Thanks,
CJ

I had the shot few days before Christmas. Actually, I had two shots one of the H1N1 vacination and one for the pneumoniococe. The second one had the worst skin reaction. The first days I was feeling extremely bad. Extreme fatigue..... Now it is better. The MD told me that the pneumoniococe vacination last for 5 years, and it is obligatory for all people with autoimmune diseases.

I had both shots. No problems. Extra stiffness at injection site that may have lasted a little longer than normal. That has been months.

I also had the pneumonia shot this year. I didnt think about getting it as it is recommended for those over 60, but was told I should have it due to the MCTD. I had on problems with it.
Mary Ann

I had NO problems with the shot!!
Mary Ann