Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group H1N1

Does anyone feel safe getting the H1N1 vaccine? Your input would be appreciated.Worried about all the neurological problems it caused in 1970.

I will have no problems with taking an H1N1 shot. I hope to find one available. It appears there will be a shortage in the US. This is not the same shot as was given in 1970. I am watching a girl from my class struggle for her life with this flu and it is unnerving to say the least. The new data shows this flu is creating real problems in the lungs that seasonal flu does not do.

This shot was designed the same way the seasonal flu shot is designed every year. It is not some new thing. While No vaccine is completely safe I feel the bad side effects are very rare, although they do happen and the stories are tragic. The U.S single dose shot is thimersol free and has no additives, called adjuvents, to make it more effective as some worried about. It is also preservative free. Looks to me like they made it as safe as they could.

I will be making sure I get the single dose shot and not the nasal mist (live virus) or the multi dose one (thimersol) and I see no problems.

Now in Europe I think they allowed some additives to the shot so I am not sure I would take it in Europe.

cdc's link about h1n1 flu shots and inflammatory arthritis

This link was posted in my osteoporosis group's email this morning. It's very specific. More so that I've seen so far.

I've had a very serious question about this as well. I definitely will not consider a live virus (I work with animals so I do understand vaccination science i.e. live vs. modified live vs. killed) but I also don't get the flu normally. I've never gotten seasonal flu, so I'm kind of "betting the bank" that I'll have a similar response to H1N1 - which I'm getting highly concerned about as more and more friends are having family members diagnosed, and me about to visit most over the holiday.

If you have ever read "The Great Influenza" (if you haven't - it's a great read) it's noted that the H1N1 in WWI was so deadly because those with the most healthy immune response battled the disease full force - a normal immune response - in the worst possible place - the lung sacs - and basically drowned their victims. The thing about AS, as it's been described to me is, we don't have immune deficiency - our immune systems are in overdrive. So it seems to me we would be particularly at risk in that case....and then I come back to the fact that I don't seem to get seasonal flu, for whatever reason.

I'd love to hear more comments on how people feel about this. I'm really uncertain what to do.
Michele

Hi Mary! Good post, it is something to think about.

I "think" I had a mild case of it last weekend but I will take the shot because I have a 12 year old at home and I hope to start Enbrel in the next few weeks. It seems to be the way to go for me.

Thanks for posting this- I think alot of us are thinking about the shot and wether or not to have it.

Anna

I did not think I would take it but there continue to be so many deaths from it (mostly children sadly) that I will talk to my dr. and take it if they advise that I do and if it is not a live virus. We got the regular shots a couple of weeks ago.

In the meantime, we are really doing a lot of handwashing, using the Neti Pot to keep our noses/sinuses cleaned out, gargling with Listerine or salt water to keep germs out and keeping our hands away from our faces and staying away from sick people.

I think those are some important self-help things plus getting the rest we need, eating right and generally taking care of ourselves.

Blessings.
Possi

The cytokine storm idea that you are referring to is an interesting one. However, over half of the people dying from H1N1 had compromised immune systems and underlying conditions. So I question that death from H1N1 is from a massive immune response personally.

I don't think we know the real answer yet.

I am going to pass on the vaccine. I haven't had a flu shot yet and I am still here. I don't trust the side effects. I am not too worried about the flu either. I am still young and invincible. LOL!

I am going to take it. Since the AS monster hit me full force 9 yrs ago I've had pneumonia twice, and have secondary lung disease from AS. I have taken the flu shot 4 yrs in a row..and have not had to deal with the flu and all the other breathing problems thank God! I'm extremely worried for my kids..my middle child is asthmatic and my oldest has JRA..they both are prone to bronchitis. So the thought of this hitting them terrifies me. Gianna's school has had many cases of the H1n1 already.

Personally I think the side effects outweigh the risk. Thats just my opinion. So many young adults and children are being hit hard with it.

Take care...buggy

Anyone see 60 Minutes tonight? Scared me a bit.
My son was making a lot of noise and I didn't catch the whole report...but officials are recommending everyone get H1N1 shot, and I heard one doc say the virus can be transferred from someone who is 10 feet away from you. So, all the handwashing, trying to keep hands away from face, etc. won't be 100% effective if you can catch it from someone 10 feet away!! yikes. I don't usually get the flu shot, don't usually buy in to "media hysteria" but I did get a seasonal flu shot the other week. I was not planning on getting the H1N1, but now I think I am going to get it, and want my husband and son to get it too. I am on Remicade, and my rheumy said that even a small infection could get real serious real fast.