Please advise: Should I get the seasonal flu shot?

[rikkitikkitavi]

I've never been vaccinated for the flu. Nor do I believe I've ever had the flu, though I don't know this for sure. So, I'm likely completely immunologically naive to the influenza virus. What does this mean with respect to my chances with the novel H1N1 virus? When I do get it, am I likely to be better off or worse off if my body has never encountered a flu bug before?

My own sense has been that it would be better to get myself vaccinated with at least the seasonal vaccine just so I'm not completely naive. Am I right to think this? Or will getting the seasonal shot now somehow compromise the effectiveness of the swine flu shot when I get it later?

My doctor's office is offering seasonal flu shots starting next week. Should I get them right away? Will getting it sooner make sure it interferes less with the swine flu shot later?

By the way, I do have asthma, which is usually well under control though it flares up pretty badly with a viral infection.

Thanks for any advice!

[Farmer]

Re: Please advise: Should I get the seasonal flu shot?

This is an excellent topic for discussion with your health care provider who is best able to advise you specifically, especially given your health history.

[rikkitikkitavi]

Re: Please advise: Should I get the seasonal flu shot?

Thanks, but I think I already know what my doctor will tell me, i.e., the received wisdom that it's better for me to get the seasonal flu shot, which offers no protection against novel H1N1, but is also not likely to interfere with the vaccine for it.

I'm just wondering if there is a more informed immunological perspective about this. My doctor is very good, but she's not an immunologist; nor does she have a lot of time to chat with me about the latest research into what I have no doubt she'll regard as an arcane academic point: whether people who are completely naive to influenza are better off with some vaccine, even if it's against the wrong strain.

[Farmer]

Re: Please advise: Should I get the seasonal flu shot?

"whether people who are completely naive to influenza are better off with some vaccine, even if it's against the wrong strain."

That specific information may not be available as applied to you as an individual.

[sharon sanders]

Re: Please advise: Should I get the seasonal flu shot?

Thanks, but I think I already know what my doctor will tell me, i.e., the received wisdom that it's better for me to get the seasonal flu shot, which offers no protection against novel H1N1, but is also not likely to interfere with the vaccine for it.

I'm just wondering if there is a more informed immunological perspective about this. My doctor is very good, but she's not an immunologist; nor does she have a lot of time to chat with me about the latest research into what I have no doubt she'll regard as an arcane academic point: whether people who are completely naive to influenza are better off with some vaccine, even if it's against the wrong strain.

Your doctor knows your medical history. This is something we can not determine on the internet. We have never met you or taken a complete history. I think a great medical practitioner can tell a lot about the general health of someone by meeting them in person and looking at the condition of the eyes, hair, skin, nails, posture, etc.

[tropical]

Re: Please advise: Should I get the seasonal flu shot?

#1: "Nor do I believe I've ever had the flu, though I don't know this for sure. So, I'm likely completely immunologically naive to the influenza virus."


Hi. Maybe you can't be so sure about, other if you lived in a complete isolation until today.

It is more probably that if you didn't notice any flu like illness until now, that you are immune more resistant only - so your body could stil had meet the flu viruses until now.

But that can't drive your future moves in a pandemic.

As the others said, go to the GP or infectious specialist, and get their advice. After that, it is on you to decide.