Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
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especially since this winter's flu is supposed to be bad & a new strain that started somewhere like china, i'm thinking about getting the flu shot
i understand all of the negative asspects of the flu shot, but if someone could explain what the flu shot actually does to prevent you from getting the flu, etc, id appreciate it.
i understand its a dead virus and antibodies are formed since they rewcognize a virus even though its dead?
i understand all of the negative asspects of the flu shot, but if someone could explain what the flu shot actually does to prevent you from getting the flu, etc, id appreciate it.
i understand its a dead virus and antibodies are formed since they rewcognize a virus even though its dead?
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Usually I get a daily influx of emails on health topics. An article from Dr. Mercola really stood out recently though because it mentioned that fat cells have their own mitochondria. Not only was this the first I'd heard of this, he also mentioned that fat serves a purpose in our metabolism. Another new factoid for me. The bottom line for me was to appreciate that even our fat cells play a...
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I just do not feel well and I really think that it's because I cried yesterday on my way to work about my Aunt who is in the hospital. I don't think that we will have her much longer. She is very frail. Now she needs help eating. So, this is the third time in a year that I felt this way after crying. I think crying releases toxins into my body. I also worked up a sweat at the gym...
The flu shot is different each year, and protects against what research suggests will be the three most prevalent strains of flu that year. Unfortunately, sometimes research is wrong....
However, when it's right, the vaccine has encouraged your body to make antibodies against the strains of flu going around, so when you are exposed the one of them your body is already armed to respond, and wipes the invading virus out before it has a chance to make you sick.
It takes about two weeks for your body to make enough antibodies to protect you, so the sooner in the season you get it the better. I think it's also a good idea for everybody in your household to get the flu shot, too -- for no other reason so you don't year yourself out taking care of them when they get the flu!
Be well!
While most neurologists advise flu shots for MS patients, since the fever and physical stress of the flu can be quite debilitating (remember, influenza can be a fatal disease!), a significant number of MS neurologists don't recommend any kind of vaccinations if you're having a flare or exacerbation -- there's some concern that the response to the vaccination will ramp up the immune system even more. If you wait until you've recovered, though, most doctors believe the protective benefits of the shot will outweigh the risk.
Yes, that is the way the flu shot works, it gives you a touch of flu so you develop antibodies. The problem is the stuff they put in the vaccine that is the problem. If you think it is worth the price, get the shot. But for me the remote possibility of me getting the flu makes me not want to get the shot.
My friend who is an RN was required to get a flu shot or get fired from the hospital where he worked. He had FIVE doctors that have said that he got optic neuritis from the flu shot. He is now legally blind, can only see a little from one eye and none from the other. He sees flashing lights inside his head so he's on pain meds all the time. And he's NOT the only nurse that this happened to.
Also, some people are allergic to the thimerosol preservative that GSK puts in the vaccine, so you can et it thimersol-free. Still, I'd rather be sick from the flu than go blind.