Effects of Flu Shots to RA Patients

[Terrie]

I've never thought to ask my Rheumy this because I don't normally get Flu shots but I was wondering if anyone knew the answer.

Since RA and some other diseases that we have are autoimmune diseases why are we allowed to get the H1N1?

The Flu vaccine boosts a Person's immune system. Wouldn't that cause a Person with RA more pain and/or damage to the joints? The drugs we take suppress our immune system so that it hopefully doesn't attack our joints.

Or would this little bit of a immune system boost affect us much? Or because we are on immunosuppressants perhaps it doesn't boost our immune system at all? Sorry, I'm grasping at straws.

[Terrie]

The Nurse explained it to me. If I understood her correctly(she's French :D ). The shot only boosts a small part of the immune system that directly fights against the H1N1. The seasonal flu shot does the same for seasonal flus.

[kageyd]

thanks. Good question, I hadn't thought of it. And a good and welcome explanation from the nurse.

[crimson]

I recently read this thread and thanks for sharing this tip, especially now that H1n1 is still out there and still spreading.