Flu shots

[jmurray]

I've never gone in for a flu shot before but I've been hearing that this years strain could be especially bad. Is a flu shot okay for someone with HCM?? I've been thinking about getting one this year since the vaccine is actually available (not like last year) I've heard that the shots actually give you a very weak case of the flu so your body can fight it if exposed to the actual bug. Just wondering.

John

[Abbygirl2]

John,
I have gotten the flu shot every year for the past 5 yrs and have never had a problem with it. I have never gotten sick with it or had any worsening in symptoms related to HCM.
My cardiologist recommended I get one every year.

Hope this helps
Pam

[Reenie]

HCM is a chronic disease and that makes anyone with HCM a "high risk" person. My husband and I are both in the high risk category, him with HCM and me with asthma. We both get shots every year. This year I had almost no side effects but he had a red hot area at the injection site for a few days. Besides that neither of us got sick. I don't think it's meant to give you a light case of the flu, instead it makes your body produce antibodies to fight off a real infection. Hope this helps.

Reenie

[baer]

my pcp makes sure i have a flu shot every year i never got sick yet from it

my son had the flu a couple of weeks ago while i took him to Dr and she realized he had the flu she told me to stay away from him and also gave me my flu shot right then and their. i guess better safe than being sorry in this case.


rose

[angall]

My cardiologist expresses the need for a yearly flu shot because of HCM.

She also highly suggests that my husband gets one too because he is with me every day.

I say yes, get a flu shot. Also, pneumonia injection every 5 years.

The pinch and the burning sensation of the flu injection is worth it.

Take care

[shirleymahoney]

Yes it is worth it Both shots

Shirley

[Sarah]

I've been YELLED at by doctors for not getting the shot soon enough. I've gotten a flu shot every year for probaly the last ten years.

You don't really get a mild flu, you just may feel cruddy for two days. The first year was the worst and I think I stayed home one day but I never threw up or anything like that. Just achey, tired, yucky, etc.

Each year has got less and less cruddy and some years I just get a headache. This year was I a little stressed and I slept for most of the day but went to work the next day (I didn't have to work the day I had the shot).

Best bet is to try and get one on a Friday. Also, my intern/PCP did NOT have any shots but my cardiologist had them! So call first.

S

[Cynaburst]

This year was the first time that I had the flu shot with absolutely no side effects at all. In the past I have felt headachy and achy, but this time, nothing at all. I recommend the shot. I got one for my 4 year old too, and he was also fine afterward.

[jmurray]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all the feedback!! I'm calling today to get my shots. This message board is awesome.

John

[Joyce Leinart]

Hi John,

Just another endorsement for the flu and pneumonia shots. I have never had a side effect with either shot except for a sore injection site with the flu shot this year. I also had my tetanus shot updated this year.