Rads and flu shot

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tarry
tarry Member Posts: 156
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I'm scheduled to starts rads on Oct 24th. I'm wondering about getting a flu shot next week. Could that cause a problem? I'm 69 and really don't want to add flu to all the stuff this fall. Has any one discussed this with their RO. My RO's nurse just gave me a non-answer. I'll try again, but thought some people here might know.



BTW, does radiation weaken one's immune system?



Cheers, Tarry

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  • tarry
    tarry Member Posts: 156
    edited October 2011

    I just found one response from a CVS 'press release.'.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for people at high risk for complications from influenza, adults ages 50 and older, those with respiratory or chronic diseases that lower the body's immune system, those with pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders, and those receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The flu vaccine is also recommended for women who will be pregnant during influenza season.



    I don't know if this is correct, though.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited October 2011

    Tarry, it would probably be a good idea to get the flu shot soon, since you're starting rads on the 24th. That way it will already start working before the rads has a chance to lower your immune system (and I understand that it does) and you'll probably have less of a reaction to it.

    As far as I remember, it's not recommended to get it after you've already started.

    Best if luck with the rads.

    Leah

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited October 2011

    I am almost certain they will tell you to get the Flu shot.  I went through radiation treatments a few years ago during Oct -Nov weeks.  I am positive my Onc told me to get my Flu shot and also got my 1st Pneumonia shot too.  I had ended my chemos in late Sept for timing so mid-Oct was Flu season. 

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  • tarry
    tarry Member Posts: 156
    edited October 2011

    Leah and cp, thaks so much for your wise words. I just going to get the shot!

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  • skl679
    skl679 Member Posts: 42
    edited October 2011

    May be too late for me - started brachytherapy this morning and am running 101 degree fever. When it rains, it pours!

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