Should You Get a Flu Shot? Here's Dr. Lapp’s Current Thinking   (132 votes) ProHealth.com • October 3, 2012 Tweet previous article next article Each year as flu season advances people with 'chronic fatigue syndrome' (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, and related illnesses struggle with the flu shot decision. Here we share the current insights and recommendations of Dr. Charles Lapp, director of the Hunter-Hopkins Center in Charlotte, NC. It is reproduced with kind permission from the Hunter-Hopkins website (http://DrLapp.com), which offers many resources including an “Ask the Doctor” Q&A. Hunter-Hopkins Center, October 2012 Influenza Vaccination: Should I Get a Flu Vaccine? Due to reports of severe relapses following immunization, flu vaccinations are generally NOT recommended to persons with CFS or FM unless: 1. You have taken flu vaccinations in the past and tolerated them well, or 2. You have a serious chronic illness (such as emphysema, diabetes, or heart disease) in addition to CFS/ME/FM. Not only do some patients relapse after flu vaccination, but many do not sero-convert (develop antibodies) to the vaccination. Thus you may suffer the discomfort of a “shot” plus the misery of a relapse, and not even develop immunity. These are the current recommendations from the Hunter-Hopkins Center: • If you have tolerated it in the past, you may take a flu vaccination this year if you wish. • Recognize, however, that you may not develop protective antibodies. • If you are elderly, infirm, or have a serious chronic illness for which vaccination is recommended, weigh the risk of immunization against the risk of contracting the flu. If you don’t take the flu vaccination, “antivirals” are available to fight influenza. These should be started within 72 hours of onset in order to reduce the severity and the length of your illness. These drugs include: 1. Symmetrel (amantidine) 100mg bid [twice a day] for 5 days for influenza A 2. Flumadene (ramantidine) 100mg bid for 5 days for influenza A 3. Relenza (an inhaler) 2 puffs bid for 5 days for influenza A or B 4. Tamiflu One tab bid for 5 days for influenza A or B (Tamiflu and Relenza are currently preferred due to resistance that has developed to the other antiviral agents.) There have been anecdotal reports of relapses being triggered by Hepatitis B and Rubella [‘German measles’] vaccines as well, but pneumococcal, H. influenza, and tetanus seem to be tolerated satisfactorily. ____ Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general information, represents the research and opinions of the author, and should not replace the attention and advice of your personal physician. Nor is it meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any condition, illness, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.

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Flu shot
Posted by: dippyjean Oct 3, 2012	Was this review helpful?     115
I got the flu shot for the first time a little over 4 months ago and have had massive flare up and my doctor says a different strain of the flu... I feel it was a reaction to the shot either way I haven't felt so ill for a long time. I have been virtually bed bound for 31/2 months... Will be thinking twice before I have it next year.
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Should you get a flu shot?
Posted by: itreeit Oct 12, 2012	Was this review helpful?     13
Even though I am diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency syndrome and do not make antibodies, I have opted to take the flu shot for many years and have never had a problem until this year. One month ago I had the shot- Within 48 hrs, I had a fibro and cfs relapse- headache, swollen glands in my neck and an eye infection. I didn't put all the pieces together for a few days and then it all dawned on me. My theory (and my Drs. really don't know) is that the flu vaccine set an antibody reaction in motion and although, I do not produce my own, I think the flu shot was in a way, trying to force my body to produce antibodies causing the strange set of symptoms. Two weeks after the shot, I had my IGG levels tested and although, I take weekly IGG infusions, the levels were down considerably, adding more fuel to my theory. All of this to say, I will probably continue to take the shot- better safe than sorry!
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