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The flu (influenza virus infection) can be a very serious
illness. The flu is not the sniffles, sore throat, or an upset stomach
that goes away in a few days, even though some people think it is.
Influenza most often causes fever, body aches, tiredness, and a cough
that can last for weeks. Up to 1 in 5 Americans gets the flu each year,
and over 200,000 are put in the hospital because of it. About 36,000
people each year die from the problems caused by the flu.
In 2009 there is another type of flu -- the swine flu. It
causes the same problems, with fever, cough, and the risk of more
serious illness. But this type is caused by a different virus, one that
the 2009 flu shot does not protect you from. This is why a new vaccine
is being made to prevent this new type of flu. So this year, there are
2 flu shots: the usual one and the swine (H1N1) flu shot. People who
need flu shots should take both shots this fall.
These flu vaccines are the best way to prevent the flu. Talk
to your doctor about whether or not you should get the flu shots.
What about patients who are getting cancer
treatment?
People getting cancer treatment often have weak immune
systems. For them, the flu can lead to serious, even life-threatening
problems. The flu shot is recommended for most people with cancer.
Many people with cancer worry that the flu shot will make them
sick or cause a reaction with other medicines they are taking. Talk to
your doctor about this -- he or she knows your situation best and can
tell you if you should get the shot and when is the best time to get
it. Some people do get mild symptoms, such as a low-grade fever or achy
muscles, after a flu shot. These symptoms are caused by the immune
system's response to the flu shot and should go away in a day or so. The flu shot cannot cause the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that
people with a high risk of having serious problems if they get the flu
should get the flu shot every year before flu season begins. It is best
if they get it as soon as it is available, or before December. (Flu
season is usually from November to April and peaks in January and
February each year.) People who are at high risk for problems if they
get the flu includes anyone with a weak immune system due to cancer
treatment with x-rays (radiation) or drugs (chemotherapy). Those who
are very sick should talk to their cancer doctor about getting a flu
shot before
they do it.
The CDC also recommends that anyone that lives with or cares
for a person at high risk for flu-related problems get the vaccine,
too. This means that if you are in cancer treatment, your family
members and children at home should get the flu shot, too.
Remember that
if you have an allergy to chicken eggs you should not get the flu shot.
What types of flu vaccines are recommended
for people with cancer?
Cancer patients do have to be careful about the type of flu
vaccine they get. There are 2 types available:
- live vaccines
are made up of weakened live virus and are given as a nasal spray
- inactivated
vaccines are made up of killed virus and are given as
actual shots or injections, most often in the arm
One more
inactivated vaccine: In 2009, there is an extra flu shot,
called the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine. Those who make this special
vaccine got a later start, so this vaccine may not be ready when the
regular flu shots are. So if you get your flu shot in early fall, you
may have to go back to the doctor later for this other shot.
Those who get their shots later in the fall will still need to
get 2 shots, since the main shot won't have the swine flu type in it.
But you can get both shots at the same time.
Like the standard flu shot, the H1N1 vaccine is an inactivated
vaccine. It is OK for most people with illnesses like cancer.
People with
cancer and their family members should get the inactivated flu shots,
NOT the nasal spray.
How do flu shots work?
Both flu vaccines (the flu shots and the nasal-spray flu
vaccine) work in the same way. They cause the body to make antibodies
that protect it against influenza virus infection. It takes up to 2
weeks after the shot for the body to do this. This is why you should
get the flu shots as soon as you can -- in September if possible. That
way your body has time to form the protection you need before flu
season starts.
Remember, if you
have a serious illness like cancer, you should talk to your doctor
before getting any flu shots this year.
Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
We have selected some related information that may also be
helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our toll-free
number.
National organizations and Web sites*
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Toll-free number: 1-800-232-4636
Web site: www.cdc.gov
Has information on influenza and flu vaccines, including side effects
and which types can be used for people with serious illness.
*Inclusion on
this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society.
No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or
night, for information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or
visit www.cancer.org.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inactivated
Influenza Vaccine 2009-10: What You Need to Know. Accessed at
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf on August 28, 2009.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts about
Seasonal Influenza. Accessed at: www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm on August
28, 2009.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Questions and
Answers: Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine. Accessed at
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm on August
28, 2009.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Flu
Vaccine. Accessed at www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm on August
28, 2009.
Last Medical Review: 09/03/2009
Last Revised: 09/03/2009
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