1 year ago
Monday, October 8, 2018
FMI
For once I am not posting an FYI (for your information) but an FMI (for my information).
Usually I try to share my findings that proved to be helpful. This time I need your help. One thing I have learned about blogging is that there is rarely anything we experience that someone else hasn't also experienced which is often comforting. Sometimes it is not comforting to be unique. We like to feel as if we are normal. Kind of like when I took my trip and realized quite a few of you had taken similar trips.
So--I got a flu shot Thursday afternoon. I would love to say my arm was sore for a day or two and that was that. It had been 40 years since my last flu shot which made me sick. I worked at a bank at the time and they insisted all the employees get one to prevent work loss.
I remember at the time not being concerned as I had a dinner date that night with a doctor I had just met. Figured he could help me if things went wonky. Well I had to cancel my date as I was feeling pretty rough. It was unpleasant enough that I went 40 years before getting another flu shot.
Thinking surely the vaccine had improved in those 40 years and knowing my age made it kind of important to be protected, I went to my local pharmacist and bared my arm. I have had a sore shoulder for 3 years so what is a little shot pain?
That evening I started getting really cold. I jacked the thermostat up to 82 and was wearing a sweater. The outside temp was 80 but I was freezing. So I took my temperature and it was 100.4. Ok, still classified as low grade but the body aches and headaches started. This was not fun.
I slept under an electric blanket after taking a scalding hot bath and finally with the aid of Tylenol, got some sleep.
In the morning I was still cold with the same low grade fever and was stunned by my complete loss of appetite and flashing headaches. Now I have only had the flu once in my life and it was soooooo much worse but this still was not pleasant. The arm pain was now also in my arm pit, migrated into my breast and down my side to my waist. Come on guys, you just said a sore arm.
I had achy body and no appetite Saturday but by Sunday morning I was feeling close to human. Right now I feel pretty good but a bit puzzled. Ok, I have whined for 2 weeks in a row, promise to do better next week.
Now for my FMI. Has anyone else had a similar fate from the flu shot?? Everyone I have quizzed just talks about a sore arm. Help me out here and make me not feel all alone.
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Sorry you had such a bad reaction, Patti. I have never had a flu shot (I'm seventy-two) and rarely get a cold. You have added to my resolve to remain shotless,
ReplyDeleteOut to pasture,
DeleteHope I didn't scare you off. My reaction may have been a fluke.
I just answered a comment on my blog about someone who reacted badly to a flu shot years ago and won't get them anymore. I had mine last week and other than an itchy arm at the site, I've had none of the symptoms. I have some respiratory issues all the time, and I'm afraid of getting the flu.
ReplyDeleteJean R,
DeleteIt was my own respiratory issues that made me take the plunge this year. Hope I got in the 60% effective.
I think perhaps part of your reaction is not having had the flu or a shot for decades, your body reacted to the weakened virus rather spectacularly. My husband, years ago, had such a reaction as you describe, but he never had another one like that. Another friend this year is having a hard time, similar to your reaction. All I can say is that if this is what the weakened virus does to you, thank God you are now exposed to it and have built up antibodies. Scary, though.
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteI just wish it were more effective but since I haven't had the flu in 30 years, perhaps I'll continue with my good luck.
You might want to explore the possibility that you are having an allergic to one of the ingredients in the shot. My mother-in-law was allergic to eggs, so of course anything with albumen was off limits. My sister was allergic to coconut which is another item often found in shots as part of the carrying agent
ReplyDeletesmartcat,
DeletePretty sure it isn't eggs--eat them regularly and I used to do pulling with coconut oil but there may be another thing in there that doesn't like me.
I'd certainly ask my doctor on this one. I have never had this happen. Sometimes a sore arm and sometimes I don't even get that. I'm so sorry. I hope you are feeling better now Patti!
ReplyDeletePeggy,
DeleteI do plan to ask my doctor about it though the pharmacist said there was nothing that could make me sick except an allergy. We will see what my PC says.
Many of my friends and family members have had bad reactions to the flu shot. Thankfully I never have. (Knock on wood).
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteTHANK YOU. Now I don't feel so odd. Most of the people I know said sore arm and nothing else.
Oh dear, I'm due my first ever flu shot on Saturday! Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteAround My Kitchen Table
Around my kitchen table,
DeleteYikes bad timing for you to read this. Surely you will be like the majority and only have a sore arm. Let us know.
I used to get flu shots (no problems) --but once George was told never to get a flu shot again (due to getting Guillain Barre Syndrome in 1990 -before I knew him-- because of the FLU), I decided not to get a flu shot either --since that may affect him if I were to have a bad reaction. I've only had the flu once in my life (years ago) --and seldom ever get colds or anything like that anymore.... SO---I am HAPPY not to get the flu shot. Sorry you had such a horrible reaction.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
The Centers for Disease Control report that there is little (if any) increased risk of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) from today's flu vaccines. If there is a risk, it is one increased case of GBS per MILLION flu shots. The risks of serious complications from flu are far greater, especially given your recent medical history. I suggest you ask your physician's advice on the vaccine.
DeleteBetsy,
DeleteYikes. I heard GBS is one of the scary possibilities. My medical history is why I took the plunge this year. Also got my last pneumonia shot. I will check with my PC.
I've never gotten a flu shot, so I can't really be of any help. But I read a friend on Facebook who reported that she got very sick after her most recent vaccine. Your response sounds very rough and might be worth reporting to your doc. I'm really glad you are starting to feel better. I have to say, reading this makes me want to never get the vaccine. Ugh.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteI am surprised at the number of people who have said they have heard of the reaction. It was rough but hopefully with my medical conditions, I will get some protection. You are still young and healthy.
You probably got the shot for older adults. My friend and her husband got those a few years ago and got really ill too. I just had mine, a regular one at my doctor's office. I didn't feel a thing, my arm was never sore, I was out picking up trash in our canyon the next day. So, next year, make sure you get the regular one, not the old folks one.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteMy sister said hers says that it was for an older person but she had no reaction. I can't find anything in the papers that says what mine was. I will be sure and ask.
Every symptom you have described is also listed in the literature you received with the vaccine. It is unusual for someone to have these, but not unheard of and they almost always subside within a few days. The real things to worry about have to do with allergic reactions and you don't seem to have any of those. I'm very sorry you had problems and felt so bad.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind that it is also possible that your symptoms were caused by a virus that had nothing to do with the shot. Just happened at the same time.
I had my flu shot (like I do every year) with no side effects at all. I'm sorry you did, but even if the shot caused the symptoms, it's far preferable to having the flu. The vaccines are remarkably safe and cannot give you flu.
Carolyn,
DeleteThe guy that gave me the shot said the same thing might have happened to me 30 years ago. Can't believe I got struck by lightening twice but it is possible. We will see how I do this flu season. Toes crossed.
Ditto the comment from "Out To Pasture"
ReplyDeleteJoe,
DeleteStay safe and flu free you two. Think I might have done the same had I read this post before I got the shot.
Dear Patti, I've never had any problem with the shot and I've been getting it for nearly 30 years. I read Inger's comment and didn't know there was a shot for older adults. I'm not sure which shot I've been getting. But no problem with it. What you had seems so extreme. I'm wondering if you've spoken with your primary care doctor to see if this always going to happen. Are you perhaps allergic to what's always in the flu shot. I'd hate to think that because I'm sure the shot has helped me not have flu in all these years. I just so hope you get some answers by posting about it. Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteYour reaction is the most common one and the one I leaned on this year. I am so glad it has worked for you and that you have had no problems or reactions. Stay healthy.
I would think a shot for older (elderly?) people might be milder so they don't react so badly.
DeleteRiver,
DeleteOddly the elder version is called heavy duty and is 4 times stronger than the regular shot.
I will never get a flu shot again. Years ago I was in the hospital for something else and they asked me if I wanted to get a flu shot and since I was in the hospital I thought, what could go wrong? So, I got the shot and felt so poorly afterward I cannot describe it. It made me have pleurisy in my shoulder and it hurt so badly for days. I got the flu that year. Worst I have ever had in my life. Never again.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteI feel for you and know how bad to get sick while in the hospital. Doesn't seem fair. Also, I thought it was supposed to lessen the flu it you got it. I was thinking never again till I just heard the stats on the TV this morning about how many died last year.
I have a mild allergy reaction to the heavy duty shot. I just can't chance getting really sick again. I cough for a year after getting a bug, and they always turn into some nasty bacterial thing. I get the flu shot and try not to scratch.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteI checked and it seems I got the heavy duty shot also. Hearing how they are so worried about this flu season makes me hoping it was worth it.
Well... since DH and I just got our flu shots this afternoon, I'm hoping that your reaction was not a common one. We have been getting the flu shot every year since I had a bad bout of the flu back in '97. So far outside of a little soreness, we've never had a bad reaction. But... we do get the regular vaccine and not the one for those 65 and over. AND we have to specify this when we go in or otherwise they would give us the more potent injection. Glad you are feeling better and hopefully you are now protected (if not 100%, then at least more than before).
ReplyDeleteRian,
DeleteI wish I had know there were options. It was only when I got home and examined the papers that I realized I had gotten the heavy duty version. I have only had the flu one time in my life when I was young and healthy. Not sure this old body could handle it so in spite of my miseries, I am glad I got it.
I have been getting flu shots for about 20 years, and have never had any reaction. My husband ets a sore arm for a few days, but that's all.
ReplyDeleteLinda R,
DeleteYou are more the norm and fortunate. Hope it stays that way.
I haven't gotten my shot yet. I was not going to get one because the last one I got made me so sick. But then I heard that they have the right type of flu medicine in the shot for this year so I decided that I would get the shot. Now that I hear your story I fear that you, like me are one of those people who react to the vaccine. I find that I react to many of the medicines I'm given but the type of aches and pains you were talking about sounds like a real drag. But, like you said, getting the flu is soooooo much worse. I'll let you know if I get a sick as you did.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteConsidering how bad it can be if you don't get protection, hope you do and that there is no reaction cept maybe a sore arm. Perhaps your last one was the new heavy duty one. Be sure to ask.
No reaction like that for me, all I noticed was arm soreness when I rolled onto my side to sleep.
ReplyDeleteI suggest telling your doctor about the severe reaction and asking is there a gentler option for you.
The shot is like any other vaccination, causing a mild case of whatever it's for so your body can produce the necessary antibodies but it seems like you had a more pronounced version. This could be because you haven't had a vaccination in so many years. Gave your body a bit of a shock.
River,
DeleteYou are probably right and think next year I'll go for the milder version, not the heavy duty one. I wasn't asked and didn't know I had a choice. Stay flu free.
Some died of flu shot. My friend/colleague Tom died of flu shot 5-6 years ago at age 68...Tom was healthy, didn't take any medicine. Tom's cubicle was < 20 steps from mine. That was Tom’s very first and last flu shot.
ReplyDeleteI have never had a flu shot. I get my immunization from getting contact with other people.
DDD,
DeleteOMG I had not heard about deaths. How awful for your friend and his family.
Keep up your great health run.
I had my first and last flu shot many years ago. My husband got the shot the same time I did. We both were so sick we were in bed for 3 days...Only get up to get to the bathroom as quickly as we could. That was also the first and last time either of us had the flu which the shot gave us. I have never forgotten how sick we were and since then have not trusted the flu shots so I do not get them. Sorry you had that reaction sweet Patti but glad you are doing better and I truly hope the shot works for you and you do not get the flu. Hugs
ReplyDeleteMaggie,
ReplyDeleteHow awful that you both got sick. No one to take care of the other. I had a long talk with my pharmacist today and she said we are all different and respond differently but that most people just get the sore arm. We are just in that unfortunate group that gets sick. She did think that because I got sick, I might have better protection. She also said with all my health issues that it would probably be recommended next year. Great.
Just got my flu shot today. Started getting them when my husband asked me to when his immune system low. Also as a health care worker was encouraged to do so. Have not had any problems. The shot today was just the regular one my Dr. said when I asked if it would be the heavy duty double or stronger one. That heavy duty one is for people with more medical problems including COPD that I don’t have. Sorry you’re having a reaction. Takes about two weeks to become effective. I understand if a person becomes ill after the shot that it probably is because they had already contracted the virus before the shot. Hope you feel better soon. Not sure which shot you got, or if people receiving the heavy duty one experience more soreness, etc.
ReplyDeleteJoared,
ReplyDeleteSure hope you are doing well with your shot. Thoughtful of you to get it to protect your hubby. I thought the HD one was for anyone over 65. I will probably get the regular one if I do it again next year. Seems the HD one is the trouble maker. Feeling great now so I guess it wasn't so bad, just unexpected.
Hi Patti,
ReplyDeleteSorry that you have had a reaction to the flu shot, it is sad that something that was supposed to keep you well, made you ill! It is interesting that you also reacted badly to the one that you had many years ago, maybe you and them just don't agree! :-)
I've never had a reaction to flu shots, so feel very lucky when I read of yours and others who have commented.
Hope you are all better again now,
Pxx
Gosh, Patti... You must be allergic to it. I’ve had the flu shot for a couple of decades or more and never had that kind of a reaction. On the other hand, I just had the updated Shingrix (1st of 2) shingles vaccination with my husband and we both felt pretty lethargic and yucky for a day. They told us to expect that though. We also got the high dose flu shot and were fine. I really think you must be allergic to something in it.
ReplyDeleteI think we are easily swayed to getting shots. Over the years I have always reacted to those. Now the only one I had in last 5 years was tetanus and even that was a challenge. Sorry you reacted but at least you improved. None of our family takes the flu shot. Hubby did the pneumonia one two years ago.
ReplyDeleteSide effects are always a risk,