Pandemic Flu

H1N1 flu and immunesupressive medications

11/02/2009

Question:

I am taking Orencia, Prednisone, Methotrexate, and Volteran for my RA. I also have pulmonary hypertension. I have not got the H1N1 vaccine yet because I have a cold. I did get the regulary yearly flu shot. I have a stuffy runny nose for the past few day and it has not developed into any thing else so I think that it is just a cold. But everyone around me at home and at work have the H1N1. If my symptoms change or get worse do I need to do any thing about it or just stay home and let it run its course? I had bronchitis three times last year and don`t want to get that again either. Can I get the vaccine while I have the cold or is it like the regular flu shot and have to wait until the cold is gone? Because of my medical problems and the medication that I am on I am concerned about the cold that I do have and the H1N1 flu that is going around here like wild fire. I want to get the vaccine as soon as I can.

Answer:

Thank you for visiting NetWellness. On this site, NetWellness experts try to answer general questions about health. Only a health professional performing a thorough clinical exam is able to evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment. However, NetWellness may have some general information available that you can access through our search feature. Feel free to write back if you still have questions or need an explanation.

For more information:

Go to the Pandemic Flu health topic, where you can:

Read articles on this topic
Browse the previously asked questions
Ask your own question.

Response by:

NetWellness Staff
NetWellness.org