New Flu Preventative — NOT for people with GBS/CIDP

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2006 at 5:30 am

      The FDA has begun communication with Meddlmmune, the developers of a refrigerator-stable cold adapted influenza vaccine, a variation of a current med. It is important to note that the med has not be approved by the FDA but the company appears confident of FDA okay before the 2007-2008 flu season; however, a variation of the spray is currently in use. According to Middlmmune, FluMist will stop disease caused by influenza A and B in healthy children and adults 5-49. Information issued by the company warns against FluMist’s use by people who have a history of GBS/CIDP and other immune disorders, including asthma.

      This is another reason why any flu or pneumonia shots should be given only after a careful investigation of its side effects for us. Frankly, doctors don’t always read the fine print.

      Regards,
      Marge

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2006 at 9:22 am

      m,

      thx. no antiflu anything for me. take care. be well.

      gene gbs 8-99
      in numbers there is strength

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2006 at 10:07 am

      Agreed, Gene. I’ve had a flu shot once after onset, after the doctor frightened me by telling me another bout of pneumonia would decimate what remained of my lung capacity. He did not tell me about the possible effects on a GBS survivor. I’ve since learned a lot more about GBS and, even more important, have changed doctors and hospitals.

      Regards,
      Marge

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2006 at 10:41 am

      Marguerite,

      Thanks for the info on the new flu immunizations. I have never had a flu shot or immunization, and certainly don’t want to risk relapsing with GBS. I’ll take a nasty case of flu over GBS anyday.

    • Anonymous
      July 19, 2006 at 10:46 am

      If I am not mistaken, the Flumist has the live flu virus in it and could be potentially dangerous to anyone who takes it. I wish that people would be more informed about the dangers of vaccines before letting their doctors talk them into receiving any vaccine. Information needs to be forthcoming from doctors and the drug manufacturers on the dangers of putting these vaccines into your body or your children’s bodies. Many are made with live viruses and can cause severe disabilities such as GBS/CIDP or other life threatening illnesses.

      Alot of doctors never read the inserts that come with all vaccines or any meds for that matter, I know I’ve worked for Drs long enough to tell you that is the truth. They listen to the drug reps who come into the office and bombard them with all the good info of the med they are touting and the doctors just seem to take them at their word. They never tell of the horrors that some drugs can cause.

      It scares the crap out of me.

    • July 19, 2006 at 1:37 pm

      None for me…Doctors believe that is how I contracted GBS it was the first time I had ever taken the flu shot. No Thanks.

    • Anonymous
      July 20, 2006 at 6:54 pm

      No flu vaccine for me either. I didn’t get GBS from a shot but I am not going to put myself at further risk of getting it again.

      Debbie

    • Anonymous
      July 26, 2006 at 5:43 am

      FluMist is now being shipped to doctors for use during the 2006-2007 flu season. It is rather odd to see FDA approval running a full year ahead of schedule and less than a week since the manufacturer submitted paperwork to them.

      Brandy is right about the live flu composition of this med.

      Regards,
      Marge

    • Anonymous
      July 26, 2006 at 11:03 am

      My Dr. told me in the hospital after he knew what I had that I could not ever have the flu shot.

    • Anonymous
      July 26, 2006 at 11:05 am

      [QUOTE=wv2hot4u]My Dr. told me in the hospital after he knew what I had that I could not ever have the flu shot.[/QUOTE]

      Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many

    • Anonymous
      July 26, 2006 at 4:29 pm

      GBS, CIDP and PDN are all auto-immune diseases, which means that the immune-system is abnormally active in people with such illnesses.

      Flu-vaccines are based on the knowledge that by stimulating the immune-system with a small and “safe” sample of a virus or bacteria, it will recognise and be prepared for – immune to – the same virus\bacteria should it invade the body at a later point.

      It would seem obvious that a vaccine which is meant to stimulate the immune-system, even just to a small extent, easily could create havoc when the system is out of balance on beforehand.

      I would never even consider taking a flu-shot!

    • Anonymous
      July 26, 2006 at 6:51 pm

      My HMO called me a year after I had GBS (2003) and suggested that I get a flu shot because I was among the group considered health compromised.

      I called my neurologist (Dr. Kazim Sheik) at Johns Hopkins and asked him if I should do it. Oddly enough, he said “no, not now, but it would probably be ok next year”. In his opinion the flu vaccine is not likely to cause GBS. I’m a little puzzled about this, after reading other posts on this forum. I didn’t have the presence of mind, or the information to question him further at the time.

      Dr. Sheik is a rather well known neurology specialist who sees a lot of GBS cases. In fact, he has written several articles posted in the GBS International Foundation newsletter.

      I honestly don’t know what to think about this. So far, I have erred on the side of caution and refused the vaccines.

    • Anonymous
      July 27, 2006 at 7:47 am

      suzanne,

      ‘In his opinion the flu vaccine is not likely to cause GBS.’

      the key word is likely. it is not likely but possible & does happen. your call. take care. be well.

      gene gbs 8-99
      in numbers there is strength

    • Anonymous
      July 27, 2006 at 12:16 pm

      Gene,

      I won’t be getting the shots. I don’t want to take any chances of EVER getting this again!

      Best wishes.

    • Anonymous
      July 28, 2006 at 5:19 am

      Suzanne,

      I feel the SAME way…….

      Good decision……………good for you, girl!!

      Perry

    • Anonymous
      July 29, 2006 at 7:30 pm

      Suzzane,

      I think it is up to the individual to way up the risks. If you are in a high risk health category and getting the flu will compromise your well being then you may need to take the chance and get the flu vaccine.
      I am not in such a category and will not be having the vaccine.
      Hard decision but only you can make it.

      Debbie