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General Mast Cell Disorders Discussion >> General Mast Cell Disorder Discussion >> Flu Shot Precautions & Considerations http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1355938985 Message started by Joan on 12/19/12 at 05:43:05 |
Title: Flu Shot Precautions & Considerations Post by Joan on 12/19/12 at 05:43:05 I respect the research people on the forum do and have learned a lot from it about how to be safer in my everyday life. There's no question there are potential hidden dangers for some mast cell patients in vaccines, medicines, cleaning products, etc. When we take any medicine in any form, it's also important to remember these decisions must be made with risk vs. benefits in mind. Common sense would be to use all reasonable caution, but not to postpone or refuse a potentially life-saving procedure or medicine because of fear. The flu shot may not be life-saving for everyone, but it is for some people. Other decisions will need to be made in a variety of situations throughout our lives, including procedures to follow to be safe if a surgery is needed, if radiological studies need to be done, if chemotherapy is necessary. Unfortunately, we have a disease that can increase our risks to some degree in these and other instances, but it doesn't need to negate the benefits if we're cautious and plan ahead. As for the flu, if you've had complications from flu in the past, mast cell-related or not, a shot can be given in a way to minimize risks for many people. Still, some people may be too reactive to take one. This should be a decision between doctor and patient. Your local doctor can contact Dr. Akin, Dr. Castells, or Dr. Afrin for more information specifically related to your case, which is what my doctor did. I've posted part of this before, but for those who are concerned about the potential health threat from flu and who want to try a flu shot, here are some suggestions that might help you be safer. The pre-and post-shot medications also apply to other immunizations, but do double check with your doctor.
For more information about Guillain-Barre' Syndrome, which Lynn mentioned, here is a link to the CDC website that explains the syndrome, it's causes and effects. I haven't seen anything in print that would indicate that mast cell patients are more susceptible to Guillain-Barre' than the general population, however, it's a good question for a mast cell expert. [url]http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/guillainbarre.htm/url] |
Title: Re: Flu Shot Precautions & Considerations Post by Joan on 12/19/12 at 19:41:04 One more thing.... Consumer Reports "On Health" newsletter (Jan 2013) warns everyone to skip the Fluzone High-Dose flu vaccine. They say it contains 4 times the amount of antigen found in regular flu vaccines and can cause more and a greater frequency of side effects than the regular one. They also note a lack of clinical trial data. |
Title: Re: Flu Shot Precautions & Considerations Post by madelyn46 on 01/17/14 at 09:25:59 If I understand correctly, one takes the usual long acting h1 antihistamine the day of the procedure/vaccine (in my daughter's case it is claritin) and the h2 inhibitor (my daughter takes Pepcid). In addition an extra h1 antihistamine that is fast acting--Benadryl 25 mgm is taken 1 hour before the procedure. Then Benadryl is taken again 6 hrs and 12 hrs after the procedure. thank you for the clarification. madelyn |
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