Flu jabs & steroids

[Flamer]

So, just a question - hoping someone can enlighten me!

Had my flu jab at work yesterday. One of the questions on the consent form was:

"Are you taking steroids?" - my reply "no such freakin luck"...........but anyhow, what's the theory behind askin that?

Is there an interaction issue? Or is big brother just collecting information?

[Gym rat]

I would say it is big brother just collecting information.

[Flamer]

I would say it is big brother just collecting information.

I was hoping for something more scientific....but thanks GM

[GreekAdonis]

Was the question "Are you taking steroids"? or "Are you taking AAS"?

Probaly one of those questions just to check if the flu jab is gonna react with anything you are currently on or rendered ineffective by current medications.

Im no doctor so some of the AAS users might know the exact answer.

[AgentOrange]

Prob didnt mean Anabolic steroids... maybe they meant some kind of anti - inflamatory lol

[Flamer]

Prob didnt mean Anabolic steroids... maybe they meant some kind of anti - inflamatory lol

Correct - they possibly did. Just wondering if there was more to it. Anti-inlamatory or otherwise!

[tailhold]

This help?

HOUSTON -- (May 11, 2004) -- The influenza vaccine protected asthma patients who use inhaled steroids against type A flu, although its protection against type B flu was significantly reduced in those taking high doses of inhaled steroids, said a researcher from Baylor College of Medicine in a recent publication.

"The findings of this study should reassure physicians and patients that influenza vaccine does provide protection against influenza in most asthma patients taking inhaled steroids," said Dr. Nicola Hanania, BCM assistant professor of medicine and director of the Asthma Clinical Research Center. "We certainly don't want asthmatics to avoid taking their influenza vaccine because of these study results."

"It works for influenza type A, the most common type that circulates in Houston and the United States," he said.

There are occasional outbreaks of influenza type B, and in the event this happens, people who use inhaled steroids to control their asthma may need to receive other medications in addition to the vaccine, he said.

[becbec]

i know that my anti-inflammatory steriods (prednisone) make my immune system weak, the flu jab shouldn't be a problem as it's not a live vaccine but if it was your body might not be able to fight the virus off

[Pete_S]

When they asked...you should have said no but would really appreciate some HRT

Interestingly enough, i have "test flu" at the moment into week 5 of cycle can't shake it errrrrggghhhhhhh