Flu Shots??????

[EVELYN]

Good Morning All....It's early in NY, and I had a question, so I thought I'd post. We have appointments to get our Flu shots the end of this month. I always get one because of my asthma, etc. However, the question is Should Tyce get a flu shot this year after the valve surgery, or is it not recommended. We have always gotten them.........just would like to hear your opinions.

Thank you.....Evelyn

 

[Ross]

I would check with his Doc. I'm planning on getting mine also, and I'm asking the Doc this Thursday when I see him again. I think they will say YES get it, but I want to be sure also.


The 2002 - 2003 vaccine contains the following strains:

A/Moscow/10/99 (HzN2)-like
A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1)-like
B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like

It is important that all high risk individuals be immunized against the influenza virus. Vaccination is recommended for the following individuals:

adults 65 years of age
residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities that house persons of any age who have a chronic medical condition
adults and children who have chronic disorders of the lungs or heart, including asthma
adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney problems, or immunosuppression
children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long term aspirin therapy
women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season

 

[Nancy]

Joe gets one every year and so do I because of asthma.

Joe has also had the pneumonia vaccine. I think it lasts for 5 years, or something like that. They don't want him getting pneumonia. I'll be getting the penumonia vaccine this year also.

 

[wweir]

Evelyn,

Best advice is to check with your doctor. I checked with mine and I am getting the shot on the 22nd of October.

For the past several years I have been getting one and have not had a cold or problem. Let's hope it stays that way.


Walter

 

[Lorraine]

Hi Evelyn,

I asked my cardio last year after my valve surgery on March 8, 2001 and he definitely recommended I get one every year. He said I could be more prone to getting the flu since having surgery. It is still a good idea to check with your own doctor or cardio to be on the safe side. I'm getting mine at work on Wednesday at our Health Faire we will be having. I also have had a flu shot. Take care and God Bless!

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Lorraine.....that's what I thought, and since we always get them anyway, but I figured I'd ask someone more knowledgeable than I am as far as valves, etc. Thanks again.

Evelyn

 

[EVELYN]

THANKS EVERYONE.....WE'RE GOOD TO GO ON THE 24TH OF OCTOBER.....STAY WELL, EV

 

[alicia]

I saw my doctor today and asked about a flu shot and he said I should get a flu shot and pneumonia shot (which is good for 5-6 years) I had mitral valve repair last year. The only problem, the doctors office does not have any injections yet and they dont expect them until mid November..Hope I dont get the flu or pneumonia prior to then..Will have to stay heallthy..Everyone have a good evening!!! Alicia

 

[Ross]

Alicia, check with your county health department. They may have clinics starting later this month.

 

[alicia]

Good idea Ross, I will call my local health dept to see if they have the immunizations available. Alicia

 

[Ross]

My county health department starts theirs on the 25th of this month and the Doctors Office starts on the 28th.

 

[Bill Hall]

Evelyn - I had a flu shot a few months before surgery, however as soon as I left the hospital after surgery, I got the flu. I haven't been sick since or for five years before. That is certainly bad luck and overall would still recommend getting one. For myself, it is hard to get motivated to do it.

 

[joy]

Hey guys, I think I will be the only one not getting a flu shot. There are eggs in it, and I don't like hives, so I am skipping mine this year. I'll just have to remain healthy, huh? Take it easy, and be well!

 

[Ross]

Spoke to my Doc today about it and I'll be a getting mine in 2 weeks or less! He said it's an absolute must for me. I get one every year anyway, but this year, I'm going to try to get the whole family to get one.

 

[Mb]

Pneumonia/flu shot

Pneumonia/flu shot

Hello Everyone!

I haven't been logged on in like three to four weeks, and thought I would sign on this morning, and see whats up!

Mu husband did have his flue and pneumonia shots on Wednesday morning. That evening he experienced like a quick flutter arrythmia - not just his a-fib. It did stop after about 20 minutes, and he was feeling ok, so we decided not to go to the ER. When I arrived home last night, he complained of his arm/arm pit being sore. Where the pneumonia shot was administered is very red, and underneath his art he has a long red streak leading to the arm pit, which also seems a bit swollen.He is seeing the Dr. this morning. Has anyone else here had this reaction from a pneumonia shot?

Marybeth

PS - Good to see everyone here, especially you, Ross.

 

[Don]

Flu Shot

Flu Shot

I received my flu shot on October 8. Had AVR April 12, 2002. Saw my PCP 10/08 and he was particularly insistant that I get my flu shot this year because I had AVR. Last year he was almost as insistent that I get a flu sho because I had Aortic Stenosis. Summary: Heart surgery may be yet another reason to have a flu shot. (I'm sure that somewhere there is a valid medical reason for not having a flu shot for heart patients, but I am not aware of one.)
Don
AVR; 4/12/2002; CCF; Cosgrove; Bovine Tissue Valve

 

[azpam]

i give those flu shots at the flu clinics held in grocery stores that are so popular these days. it does take a big burden off the doctors office staff during this time of year. it sounds like we soon will be giving the smallpox shots possibly scheduled for most folks lately with the talk from the government. i would advise anyone getting the flu shot (pneumonia shot too) to make sure you don't baby your arms for couple days. the vaccine can better be distributed when you use the arms even tho they might ache a bit. most reactions occur within the first 15 minutes after getting the shot which is why they recommend staying in the store for that time. especially if it is the first time you are taking the vaccine. the pneumonia shot can be a little tougher than the flu shot but keep moving the arms. flu goes in one arm,pneumonia the other.(never the same arm.) pneumonia shot good for 6 yrs. local reaction is normal with redness,achiness, and some swelling. keep using your arms. any heart patients that don't want to take the shot for some reason, might want to try echinacea(make sure it is standardized). those with auto immune diseases/problems should NOT take it. rest is ok-take for about 6 weeks/off 2 weeks schedule without the winter. hope this helps! azpam PS: heard we are missing alot of fun up there in las vegas. those there having a great time!!!

 

[McCln]

Flu Shots

Flu Shots

I am glad that most people here agree on the flu shots. I make sure and try to get the flu shot every year. My PCP is lso recommendin that I also get the pheunomia shot this year. So I would suggest to everyone to check into that also. Our bodies have gone through a lot by our surgery and immune systems take a lot of time to build back up. I am glad that everyone cares to sugges the shots. We are showing each other the care we all share for one another. We are such good friends here. (One tear down the cheek) You all take care and check on those shots. Take care now.

Caroline
09-13-01
Aortic valve replacement
St.Jude's valve

 

[RonP]

Flu Shots

Flu Shots

Evelyn:

I had my aortic valve replaced and Dr. Baron insists each year that I get a flu shot. They always get me down for a few days but I take them anyway as I'm told it would be much worse if I did catch the flu and hadn't developed some type of immunity to the new strains.

Have your hubby get his shot and we can all get down for a few days around the same time period and sit and chat.

RON P.

 

[EVELYN]

Hi Ron and Caroline.....

We're going on the 24th to get ours. We usually always do it, and have both had the pneumonia shot, but I was just wondering if he should get it this year......everyone says yes, so that's the scoop. Don't think he'll be "down and out," but I probably will be......Stay well.

Evelyn