This is always a contentious subject and crops up every year

After a risk assessment it's ultimately down to a personal decision. With some docs saying yes and some saying no, it's not surprising there's so much confusion surrounding it!

The question of whether or not to have a flu jab on tx brings the same response. One argument is that with Interferon ramping up the immune system and Riba being an antiviral, in theory you shouldn't catch any viral infection. However, the immune system can be weakened with tx, so the opposite argument also carries some weight. I did have a flu jab on tx and it felt like I'd had a double dose of Interferon that week I don't have them now, although I get an invitation for it each year.

It's always a good discussion, though!

Steff xx

Margo wrote:

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Lol, we will get the " liver flu". Sorry I'm against of over vaccination and don't believe in flu vaccines, that's just my opinion. People get sick regardless, because if the virus mutation. Flu vaccines have mercury in it and isn't very healthy for the liver as you know...

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Margo wrote:

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Margo wrote:

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***In fact, surprisingly, having a chronic liver disease like hepatitis C is the single biggest risk (more than having heart disease, for example).*** Oh yeah, im surprised alright! My mom had a heart attack 2 months ago st 62 and was saved by an emergency open heart surgery to close the rupture. Liver disease is much, much more serious then heart disease, it will only take decades to develop cirrhosis! This article is sarcastic, I'm sorry Cinnamon Girl, nothing personal please, I just think this article is too funny and absurd...

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Hi Margo, the article isn`t saying that " liver disease is much, much more serious than heart disease".  What the article actually says is this...

"surprisingly, having a chronic liver disease like hepatitis C is the single biggest risk (more than having heart disease, for example)...of getting severe complications...if they get flu."  And " these complications could potentially be fatal...."

You are entitled to express your opinion, of course.  I have never had a flu shot, that`s my own personal choice.  Others will see it differently and some people are advised by their doctors to get it done.

Cheers, Jill xx

ps - Sorry to hear about your mom, I hope she`s making a good recovery.  xx

Hi MJ, this article refers to people with Hep C but doesn`t say whether or not you should have a flu shot if you`re on tx.

I would say this is something you need to discuss with your doctor or medical team.   If you have a read through this thread it looks like some doctors advise it and others don`t...

http://hepcfriends.activeboard.com/t51020210/flu-shot-doc-says-no/

Sorry you`re feeling so rough...hang in there girl,  you`ll get through it.   All best to you,  Jill xx

I had the same problem Malcolm. I ended uo doing a search for flu shot on the home page and going from there. 

Hi Jill, I can't get this link to work, even if I go to HepC Trust?

Sorry guys, I`ve corrected it, try it now..

I usually check my links but it was late and I was tired...  Thanks for pointing it out ~ Jill xx

Seasonal flu - why you definitely need to get vaccinated if you have hepatitis C

Brand new research by the Health Protection Agency and by Health protection Scotland has shown that people with chronic liver disease are much, much more likely to develop severe complications if they get flu.

Full article from the Hep C Trust...(edit - link corrected)

http://www.hepctrust.org.uk/News_Resources/news/2012/October/Seasonal+flu++why+you+definitely+need+to+get+vaccinated+if+you+have+hepatitis+C