This weekend, I went out and received a flu shot. For the past seven years, I've had multiple people tell me multiple things about getting the flu shot. I've been told that my body isn't healthy enough for the flu shot, I've been told that I must get the flu shot to ensure that I won't die (true story...someone DID say this to me), etc. The truth of the matter is that it is a choice that we can all make regarding vaccinations. So, how should it be determined if an individual who happens to have MS receives a flu shot?
Let's start from the beginning:
The flu shot is an inactive vaccine which means that it contains a dead virus that was originally grown in eggs (Stachowiak, 2009). It's given through a syringe in the arm. The specific shot contains three strains of the influenza virus, and it has been determined that these three strains (based on research) will offer the most defense from the flu for the particular year. However, those with MS should not - I repeat - should not receive the FluMist which is a nasal spray vaccine because it contains a live virus which can be harmful to those with MS.
There are certain indications from the CDC that will illustrate who should or should not receive the flu shot:
1) People 50 years of age or older
2) Residents in long-term care facilities
3) Children 6 months to 5 years
4) Those with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders including asthma
5) Those with chronic metabolic diseases, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppressive or immunodeficient disorders
6) Pregnant women
7) Anyone who can infect high-risk people, including household members and caregivers; anyone coming into contact with babies younger than 6 months old
8) Anyone who wishes to reduce the likelihood of getting the flu
(Stachowiak, 2009).
Those with MS should understand the following:
Limited mobility impairs lung function. Since MS can prevent motion, it is imperative that the flu shot be considered as inactivity can affect pulmonary health.
Taking medications suppresses the immune system. Those who receive a monthly infusion of Solu-Medrol or immunosuppressants should consider getting the flu shot.
Most important - the flu shot can prevent relapses! Having the flu can bring on relapses or make MS symptoms worse. This, in and of itself, is the most rewarding point of the flu shot.
Reasons one may not want to receive the flu shot:
If you are having a relapse, the minor side effects of the shot could worsen the relapse or doses of Solu-Medrol could reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine (Stachowiak, 2009). It is recommended that individuals wait 4 to 6 weeks after their relapse started or 4 weeks after the last dose of Solu-Medrol to receive the vaccination.
If you are on Tysabri, speak to your doctor. Trust me on this one.
I know that receiving the flu shot is awful. The regular side effects of the vaccine are enough to make a grown man whimper. However, when I receive the flu shot, I do tend to experience MS-like symptoms pertaining to dizziness and feeling confused or cognitively dull. I've always been able to allow these side effects to subside by taking a Tylenol regimen an hour before the shot then a few times a day for the next couple of days.
Please, protect yourself.
