Are we more susceptible to flu?

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Little-G
Little-G Member Posts: 647
Are we more susceptible to flu?

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  • Little-G
    Little-G Member Posts: 647
    edited February 2008

    I have had bronchitis for the last couple of weeks,which I think is now the flue.  It is kicking my ass this time!!  Fever, very bad bone aches, lungs full of crap.  Do you think we are more likely to get the flu and different viral stuff because we had cancer before?  And this may be a are a really stupid questions, but I don't know the answer. 

    It is so beautiful out today, and I can't even enjoy it.  :-(

    g

  • abbadoodles
    abbadoodles Member Posts: 2,618
    edited February 2008

    Well, I had my first bout with bc 16 years ago and I have never had the flu in my life.  Nor a flu shot.  Knock on my wooden head.

    Poor you.  I hope you feel better soon.  At least you're feeling well enough to complain.  That's a start. Smile

    Tina

  • NarberthMom
    NarberthMom Member Posts: 615
    edited February 2008

    According to my onc, we are not more susceptible to infections than the general population once our blood counts have recovered after finishing chemo. I did read today that the flu shot this year is less successful than in the past. Apparently, they guessed wrong on what flu strains would be around this year.

  • Little-G
    Little-G Member Posts: 647
    edited February 2008

    LOL Tina!!  That gave me a laugh!  I guess that's true.  It could always be worse.  I didn't get a flu shot either.  Oh well.

    Narberth - thanks for answer on that.  I don't remember what my onc said on that, or if I ever even asked him.  My eyes are even hurting every time I blink. yuk!!!

    g

  • Sierra
    Sierra Member Posts: 1,638
    edited February 2008



    I have had the flu shot all along now

    and the past 2-3 yrs

    every Feb.. I get the flu

    this time.. it was 3 weeks

    could not talk

    all in the chest and lungs



    Hugs





  • Jellydonut
    Jellydonut Member Posts: 1,043
    edited May 2008

    It's been six years out since cancer diagnosis and I've never had a flu shot, nor the flu.

    Hope you feel better real soon.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    My first year post chemo, I got a cold every 6 weeks weeks.  Turned into pneumonia once.  So I believe the chemo compromised my immune system.  Being in Healthcare I get the flu shot every year.

    Lots of people are out there sick right now.  There is a "super  cold." that is making people really sick and lasting longer.   There is a flu that is also knocking people on their butts.

    I heard on the news there is a new flu bug out that is not responding to 10 different medications.  People are pretty sic with it and it wasnt in the flu shot for this year.

    I also found my colds were twice as bad as before bc.  Hope you feel better soon.  The only thing that made me better was going to the doctor and getting antibiotics.

    Nicki

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    My grandchildren and son-in-law had the flu.  They went to their primary and got tested and it showed what strain they had...not in the shot.  The doctor put my grandson and sil on Tamiflu.  My granddaughter had not yet gotten the flu, but was also given a prescription to start taking it since she was exposed.  Her flu was over much more quickly and the Tamiflu seemed to have worked pretty well for my grandson and sil.  My daughter stayed well thank goodness.

    Shirley

  • Jorf
    Jorf Member Posts: 498
    edited February 2008

    I don't think so.

    The crud went around my office and hit everyone around me. I was a little stuffy and tired for a week - which is a little longer than I usually am. My resistance to infection is no different than it was previously. I still don't get sick. I still don't get a flu shot.

  • Little-G
    Little-G Member Posts: 647
    edited February 2008

    That is good to know!  I guess it has just decided to hit me this time.  Its been a little over 2 weeks its been hanging on, but the worst these last couple of days.  My joints are swollen and my eyes are swollen, and this fever just keeps coming and going.  I'm sick of being sick!  Oh well.  I will quit my complaining and crawl back in bed :-)

    g

  • celia088
    celia088 Member Posts: 2,570
    edited February 2008

    I read an article recently that said the flu shot this year has apparently not covered the flu bugs strains that are going around this year.  I got the flu shot, but this is not very encouraging for this flu season.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    It's odd...my gals pals always have the flu or a cold or a cough or a sore throat, but have NEVER had bc. I never have the flu or a cold or a cough or a sore throat, but had BC! LOL What am I missing! LOL

  • Little-G
    Little-G Member Posts: 647
    edited February 2008

    I wish you would have got the cold instead!  :-)  But...since we are in this boat together, I can tell you, you're not missing much!!  I'm glad its stayed away from you.

    g

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited February 2008

    I have compromized lung function due to scoloisis and I get frequent sinus infections. If I don't get meds when my sinuses are acting up, I end up with pnumomia. One time I went to the drs clinic I used to go to with the sniffles, there was a new doctor there and he said that I was not 'sick enough' for antibiotics. I told him to check with the doctor I usually saw and tell him my symptoms and see what he had to say. Needless to say, I got the antibiotics.

    I have gotten the flu shot every year for the past 15 yrs and I actually have fewer doctor visits.

    Sheila

  • Little-G
    Little-G Member Posts: 647
    edited February 2008

    I broke down and went to the doctor myself yesterday.  I have bronchitis and sinus infection.  This is my first time for both.  The sinus infection, I think, is the worst!!  They also gave me antiobiotics, so I'm taking them.  I hope to feel better soon! 

    g

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2008

    Alot of my friends have been sick quite a bit this winter but I haven't. (knocks wood) I don't seem to get sick nearly as often as I did before bc. However, when I do get sick I'm really sick and it usually lasts awhile.

  • sccruiser
    sccruiser Member Posts: 1,119
    edited February 2008

    I've had a virus type flu (no fever) since the week before Christmas. I have been on 2 rounds of strong antibiotics, as well as currently on a steroid inhaler. Have been referred to ENT doc & pulmonary doc.

    Have appts made starting next week. Docs even told me as long as no fever I could keep up my usual routine but get more rest. Swimming every day didn't make it worse or better.



    No one I've seen can figure out what's wrong. I do have Lymphedema from bc tx so feel like I get more fluid in my sinuses as well as my lungs. No one seems to think it is connected. We'll see what these next 2 docs have to say.



    I'm just tired of blowing my nose! Oh and for the past 12 years I haven't had a cold or flu, even though I worked on a community college campus where all the kids who are sick continue to come to school and infect all of us. Somehow I escaped getting whatever they had.



    Sorry Little-G you are under the weather--hope you get better and can go out and enjoy it soon.



    grace



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