Forum Discussion
Flu shot
I have just been to visit my G.P. for my X-geva injection. She wants me to check with my oncologist whether I should have a flu injection or not. I am on Capecitabine. I don't usually have a flu injection, even though I used to work in a large public hospital, because one of my co-workers nearly died from respiratory failure after a flu injection.
What do others think?
What do others think?
19 Replies
- Well, I saw my oncologist today and she told me that the flu shot would not go well with Xeloda. So, I don't have to have it.
I will just have to steer clear of people with colds which might be a bit difficult but I am relieved that I don't have to have the shot. I am so over needles! - I've had the 'flu twice as an adult and yes, I'm with @Sister and co on the experience. The last time I remember crawling between my bed and the bathroom because I literally couldn't stand up and walk, wondering if this was what dying felt like...
It was 'flu shot day here in my hospital today. It was all the nurses & support staff talked about all morning.
I see my oncologist next week and I'll ask her about it then. - I think without being a scare monger, people die from the flu every year. Lots of them. I was always anti the flu shot and I too got the real flu. I was unwell for weeks. My white cell count is never great after two lots of Chemo in 18mths and as I said before I now have the shot every year. My oncologist recommended it for me.
- No live vaccine is used in the flu vaccine so you can't get the flu from it. (Sometimes people are already exposed to somebody with the flu virus without knowing around same time as the vaccine, people are infective from 24 to 48 hours prior displaying flu symptoms )
However because your immune system is compromised it might not be as effective. Ask your oncologist about timing to have it. Have family around you have it. Herd immunity is very helpful.
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm - I have only had flu once in my life and I second @Sister - all I wanted was to die quickly .I have flu injections every year .
Please be aware if you get flu and act quickly your gp can give you a Tamiflu injection or similar which can reduce it’s severity but eventually when stocks of Tamiflu are low they prioritise who it’s available to.
The govt has priority list for free vaccination - asthmatics , over 65 and anyone with a health issue whose immune system makes them vulnerable and I believe those who have had cancer treatment fit that bill. Years in public libraries had me believing my natural immunity would be enough--I'd had what I considered to be reactions to the jab a couple of times (a sore arm and a bit of a runny nose) so decided I'd not have them in the future. I got the flu in 2016 shortly after I was diagnosed (again) Wow. I was sooo sick. Any discomfort I'd had after the jab paled in comparison.
Last year my GP suggested a jab which I had a 6 weeks after chemo. No problems. I'll have another this year as my white cells are still shite and I would go well out of my way to avoid another bout of anything similar to the last one. I can understand the skepticism about flu shots but I feel too compromised to put myself at risk if there is a chance of any benefit at all. It would seem the timing is really important--too early and there is the risk of running out of immunity before the end of the flu season, too late and you might be, well, too late.
Like many matters medical, there is conflicting information if you look hard enough and conspiracy theories are not hard to find either. It's a personal choice, but I feel desperate times call for desperate measures. I'd hate to have gone through all this only to be bumped off by something I could (perhaps) have avoided.
- My GP insists that I have the flu shot. What I have noticed lately, being on public transport, is a lot of sneezing and coughing and me thinking look away, don't breathe, please don't come near me! Goodness that is the last thing I want!
I too had a bad bout years ago and the thought gives me the shivers!
This morning I received a compliment and I thought wow I know I have been looking crappy and hiding it with make-up, or so I thought, but today it certainly boosted my spirits! - I’m similar to you @Sister. I had a shocking flu about 10 years ago (couldn’t stand up from the shower floor) which took a month to recover from and have had a flu shot ever since. I work with the general public and they can be a germy lot!! I haven’t had the flu since getting my annual shot but I understand to get the jab or not is a personal decision. May we all glide through winter unscathed! Jane x
- I think your GP has never had the flu @brenda5! I've had it twice in my life - one time worse than the other but I was so sick one time when I was about 20 that I really didn't care whether I lived or died as long as it was quick.
- I asked my gp about gettting a flu shot this year. I have never had a flu shot before and I am 56. He said the best way to get full immunity is to get over having the flu. Just come in and we'll treat the symptoms if you get it so its easier on you.
