swine flu and pnemonia jab

[bagpuss63]

Due to low immune system,(permanent) I went to doctors for different reason-asked about flu jab (had swine flu and flu 4 weeks apart last year) but ended up with flu/sine flu combined, and pnemonia in other arm-pnemonia one very painful,other sore, but thanks to missing bus, sat at bus stop in freezing wind for almost an hour. Freezing earlier, now I've eaten soup, am boiling hot, with headache. I will go to bed early, but have I caught a chill, or is it jabs-don't feel right.

[237SJ]

Google says that both vaccines can cause mild flu like symptoms so it could be the jabs. I don`t really believe you can catch a chill as such but there is a cold/cough bug going around like wildfire at the moment so it could be that developing. Early night and lots of fluids should help!

[Sqad]

Why have you got a permanent immune system?
Is it due to a blood disorder and is it a medical diagnosis or just yours?

Without any further information, I would guess that it is a reaction to your immunisation and as such would take ibuprofen 600mgms and go to bed.

[bagpuss63]

Thanks-Squad,low immune system due to Liver transplant-didn't want jab last year (had flu one before cos of asthma) but they kept saying i'd die if caught it-have to be careful of germs as well

[Sqad]

bagpuss....difficult one this...........if i had a low immune system, then i would reject the flu jab and take my chances.

I am not an expert, but i would have thought that a low immune system due to ANY cause wou d be a contraindication to flu immunisation.

Lazygun will give a better opinion but in the meantime my advice and the advice of 237SJ remains.

[Sqad]

bagpuss....I have just looked up a few references and ot would seem that I am in the minority concerning not giving immunisation to immuno compromised patients......indeed it is recommended.

So there you have it;-)

[LazyGun]

Hi Bagpuss @ Sqad,

Immunocompromised patients represent a tricky cohort of patients when it comes to vaccines.

Self-evidently, because immunocompromised patients are unable to offer a strong immune defence against diseases in general, they are more likely to catch the disease and suffer more and longer - And unfortunately they have a higher mortality rate too, for the same reason.

So it makes sense for immunocompromised patients to take advantage of vaccines where they are available, but also to understand that because they have a compromised immune response, it is possible that they are unable to respond properly to the vaccine - this is where consultation with pharmacists/consultants comes in, to determine whether additional doses are desirable or necessary.

Whether or not your symptoms are a side effect of the vaccines or just down to your exposure to imclement weather is more difficult to say, but a mild "flu-like" response is not uncommon having received a vaccine, although and again for the reasons stated above, such side effects are less common amongst those who are immunocompromised.

Grin and bear it - The health value of at least some immunity to such diseases far outweighs the hopefully short - lived mild side effects you might currently be experiencing :)

If it persists for more than 48-72 hours, it might be worth considering visiting your GP......

[nannybooby]

bagpuss ,had my flu jab last week ( i have low imunne due to meds im on ) but felt ok ,think you might have a chill ,take it steady tonight and if it gets worse call your out of hours surgery