Flu Shots and Cancer Patients
As flu season approaches, many people race out to their local pharmacy or grocery store to get an annual flu shot. Because serious complications can arise from the flu, the flu shot is the best means of flu prevention.
What about for cancer patients? Many wonder if taking the flu shot can cause an adverse reaction with current medications, or generally have an ill effect on current health.
Should People with Cancer Get the Flu Shot?
Because it is common for people undergoing cancer treatment to have a compromised immune system, the flu shot is recommended for most. The flu can lead to more serious conditions like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening to those with a weakened immune system.
Types of Flu Vaccines Recommended for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients have to be cautious as to what type of flu vaccine they receive.
Flu vaccinations come in two forms:
- Inactivated vaccines (killed)
- Live vaccines (weakened)
People with cancer should receive the inactivated vaccine, which is administered by a shot to the arm.
The live vaccine is administered by a nasal spray and should be avoided by cancer patients, unless otherwise directed by a physician.
Keep in mind that if you have serious egg allergy, you should not have a flu shot, whether or not you are a cancer patient.
When Should People with Cancer Get a Flu Shot?
Flu shots generally become available as early as September and are given through December. The CDC recommends that people with a high risk of developing complications from the flu get vaccinated in October or earlier.
Those who are seriously ill should discuss getting a flu shot with their healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.
Adverse Reactions
Like all vaccines, the flu shot can produce adverse reactions. Call your healthcare provider if you experience dizziness, high fever, disorientation, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hoarseness, or a rapid heartbeat.
Adverse reactions to the flu vaccine normally occur within minutes to a few hours after receiving the vaccine.
Remember to always consult your doctor before having a flu shot if you have a serious illness like cancer.
Flu Shots and Cancer Patients
