Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

2,179 Members

16,355 Posts

0 Online

SusieG 09/20/2016

If you never got a flu shot before do you get one now that you are on immune suppression drugs?

californialynn 09/20/2016

Yes, yes, yes!!!!

Flu shots are generally inactivated virus, which are safe, particularly for those who take biologics.

SusieG 09/20/2016

Only just starting meth.

lynnedavidson3 09/22/2016

Yes. A flu shot is great.

WarriorGal 09/22/2016

YES! Ask your rheumatologist and remember it takes 2 weeks to take effect.

SusieG 09/23/2016

Don't you think he would've suggested this? I'm having doubts about this guy...

RayAA 09/23/2016

My Rheumatologist said it did not matter on way or the other. helpful?

SusieG 09/23/2016

I just don't get sick and wondered how suppressed immune system was gonna play out.

californialynn 09/23/2016

Why chance it? Get the shot.

SusieG 09/23/2016

Do you (all)?

MarleneJ 09/23/2016

The only time I have gotten the flu, was the years long before autoimmune diseases when I had the flu shot. Three years in a row! So a doctor told me not to have the shot, and I have not, going on 30 years and no flu! And that is despite immune suppressant drugs for 16 years.

But, most are not like me. I would find out what your doctor thinks, and go from there.

californialynn 09/23/2016

Here's the thing: the flu shot is comprised of the "best guess" concoction of flu strain. It can be hit and miss.

In my case, I do NOT get the flu shot because I'm allergic to some component that exacerbates my RA and puts me in near-Guillain-Barre mode. But I'm in a very small minority. What I do is stay away from kids and restrict my access to public places. I wipe down with "Wet Ones" almost compulsively. I've not had a cold or flu or bug in over 5 years. [I take MTX and Humira.]

Still, I rely on everyone else getting their flu shots to give me a layer of protection.

SusieG 09/24/2016

Thanks all! I'm going to count on my healthy history and practices.

californialynn 09/24/2016

Of course it's your choice, but be prepared. If you do catch the flu it will more than likely hit you harder and longer than the average person. Your body just isn't normal as it once was.

Sorry but I guess I missed it......what is your objection re taking the flu shot?

journeythru 09/24/2016

I say ask your doctor.

Every year, my Rheumy and PCP tell me to get a Flu shot. And, I just got my Vaccine today. I've been on MTX and Biologics for seven years, and I haven't gotten the Flu.

SusieG 09/24/2016

No objection; just asking, wondering. I've never gotten the flu or the shot.

Join the Conversation