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A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Hubert, NC

I accidentally posted this as a status update, not only am I new to fibro, but I'm also learning the ropes of this app. Lol-

My question is have any of you experienced a flare up after receiving your flu vaccine? I'm completely miserable. Had I known this was going to happen I would have taken my chances with the flu! So much for being extra cautious!πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ Lol I've read a few studies online where apparently this is a huge debate regarding Fibro.

August 27, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences regarding flu vaccines and fibromyalgia flares, with some reporting no problems from the shot while others... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences regarding flu vaccines and fibromyalgia flares, with some reporting no problems from the shot while others described feeling sick for 24 to 48 hours afterward, experiencing headaches, body aches, fever, and fatigue. Many community members described the flu shot side effects as unpleasant but strongly emphasized that getting the actual flu would be far worse, noting that fibromyalgia magnifies the severity and duration of any illness, whether it's a cold, infection, or the flu. A recurring theme was the importance of choosing temporary discomfort from the vaccine over the potentially devastating impact of contracting influenza, with several members sharing that they continue getting the shot annually despite temporary reactions because their bodies simply cannot handle the real illness.

A MyFibroTeam Member

The flu shot is always a subject for a good debate. In 2009, or 2010, can't exactly remember for sure, all healthcare workers were required to get the flu shot because of the H1N1 flu was spreading like wildfire and people were dying. Two died at the hospital I was working at. I personally have never had the flu and never had a flu shot so I was very resistant to being forced to take it. But if I didn't do it, I would have the choice of being fired or wearing a mask for 12 hours on my shift for a six month time period. Wearing a mask for six minutes was hard enough so I had no choice. They came around with a cart and vaccinated everyone floor by floor. Within three hours, I had a headache, body aches, fever, and fatigue and was sent home. It was 24 hours of hell and this was before I had fibro.
They say it's impossible to get sick from the flu vaccine because they are injecting you with a dead virus. Ha! Tell that to my body because every single year I get sick! To me, it feels like I've been poisoned!
In 2013 I retired from my nursing job because of a shoulder injury but have continued to receive the vaccine. The only reason I do is because I know that getting the flu would be so much worse. So I just know I have to suck it up for a day or two knowing that I will have a reaction. So I don't know if the shot itself causes a flare or it's just the way my body reacts. You are definitely not alone with this.
xxxx

August 29, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thanks @A MyFibroTeam Member for all the info and advice and I'm in Chicago so I've already experienced the cold and it causing a flare😱. I have known that you can get sick whether or not you get the shot, and I've heard that us fibro Warriors stay sick for longer so I'm definitely considering the flu shot. Thanks for the welcome & the well wishes, I seriously appreciate it! Hugs

August 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I got so dang sick with the flu shot this year! On top of that I actually got the flu. Yep- I'm not getting the shot again. It was horrible.

August 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Last winter I was sick from the cold weather I couldn't get warm my body hurts to the bones. I couldn't wait till summer. Lol haha I now can't be out in the heat. My whole body swells my hands n feet swell n hurt. I worked lightly in the garden it was hot but not that bad so I thought. I ended up with one of the worst flares I've had. N suffered from awful headaches that keep me in bed for over a week.
So in the reading I do I found out that a lot of ppl with fibro can't regulate temperature right weather cold or hot. I am for once in my life looking forward to colder weather n on the plus my feet n hands go numb from the cold so I don't feel the pain.
I'm glad I could help.

August 27, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Newbeing
Not sure if u read my comment that I left early. There r a lot of ppl who don't have fibro who get sick from the flu shot everyone is different. However not feeling good from the shot is 100 times better then getting the flu. N us having fibro only get sicker. Don't know if u know yet but weather it be a cold an infection or the flu u r going to feel way worse then u would have without fibro. Any of the above can cause a flare well really anything can cause a flare. Anyways trust n believe that ur better off getting the flu shot even if u get sick because u definitely don't want the flu.
Welcome to the site. Ur going to meet a lot of great ppl. Best of luck πŸ’œ

August 27, 2016

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