Arthritis Patients: Have You Had Your Flu Shot?

By now you have heard we are in the midst of an early flu season. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the United States is experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness. The CDC provides a Summary of Weekly FluView so you can keep up with how the flu outbreak is progressing in your state and across the country. Flu.gov is another good resource that offers information about the flu and the flu vaccine.

Due to the early flu season this year, everyone 6 months and older is being encouraged to get their flu shot. It's not too late if you haven't gotten your vaccine yet. People with arthritis and rheumatic conditions, especially those being treated with immunosuppressant drugs or biologic drugs, are sometimes confused about whether they should get a flu shot each year. The short answer -- talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Generally, the flu shot (an inactivated or killed vaccine) is recommended for people with rheumatic conditions, but the nasal spray vaccine (a live vaccine) is not. Here's more information.

Related Articles:

• Should People With Arthritis Get a Flu Shot?
• Flu Vaccine Protects Against Contagious Virus
• How Do You Avoid Colds, Flu, Infection When You Take Immunosuppressive Drugs?
• Readers Respond: Do You Get Your Annual Flu Shot?

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