To get the influenza vaccine or not. This has to be a hot topic of discussion especially with the current pandemic going on.
Obviously, our health is our number one priority and we want to put in place everything we can in order to take care of it. Nonetheless, I find my fellow ITP sufferers divided on this topic. Why are we so divided? Well, our condition is unique to our bodies. What may work to help treat one ITP patient may not necessarily work for another, hence, why there is no cure for ITP.
Furthermore, many patients have come to realize that what we may put in our bodies to help fight off potential risks whether it be a vaccine, medication or treatment can have side effects. Sometimes those side effects can be serious and do more harm to one’s body than the potential illness itself. I know mind blown right!
When I was first diagnosed with ITP I was all for treatment, what can you give me because I want to tackle this illness face on. I was in the mindset that this was a sprint, not a marathon and that I could resolve my condition with treatment. It took many conversations with fellow patients, with my doctor and much research to understand that treatment can often be worse than the condition itself. Furthermore, after a few bad experiences with treatment methods, I have come to the mindset where I am almost fearful of putting anything into my body that can potentially have side effects.
Nonetheless, I have also become very fearful of catching viruses. My experience thus far with ITP is that each time I have caught a simple cold or flu it has caused my platelets to plummet. Therefore, I find myself at risk from my condition when my body is compromised with another illness.
This often puts me in a situation where I have the balance out the risks. When my platelets plummet, I have no choice but to select a treatment, the other alternative to not treat my condition when it flares is too risky especially when my platelets get to a level where they are limited or nonexistent. Hence, the risk of side effects is outweighed by the risk of the condition itself.
Now, not every ITP patient has the same reaction to catching a common cold or flu. I want you to keep that in mind especially if you are new to this condition.
When it comes to the influenza vaccine, you’d think I’d be all for it especially knowing that my previous experience is that my body reacts to catching viruses nonetheless, I have not been convinced to move forward with the influenza shot and my Hematologist has not recommended it for me. Please keep in mind your hematologist also weights up the risks and can give you advice in regards to the influenza shot and your personal situation with your ITP.
I do believe the influenza shot still serves a good purpose. It does offer the venerable protection against influenza and can make the symptoms milder. To learn more about the influenza vaccine please see here: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/flu-influenza-immunisation-service
All I can say is, please take the time to evaluate what you plan to put inside your body, talk to your doctor or hematologist to confirm they agree and make the right decision that you feel comfortable with. At the end of the day, it is your body.
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