Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
This Forum is made possible in part by Gilead and GlaxoSmithKline.
Ask the Experts about Choosing Your Meds
FLU VACCINE
Oct 14, 2007
Docs
Its that time of year again, when my GP will ask if I want a Flu jab.
Last year I did nt bother with a VL<40 CD4 300 18% and thankfully was fine.
Now my numbers are VL<40 CD4 440 24%.
So firstly is it advisable to get a jab and secondly can there be any complications - I ve read it can cause an increase in Viral Load levels, how dangerous is that - could it cause resistence and my Consultants hard work in getting me well be compromised. White male, 39, non smoker, no drugs Kivexa/Sustiva.
Thank You.
Response from Dr. Young
Thanks for your post.
Influenza (flu) vaccinations are recommended for all persons with HIV infection. There can be a transient (and insignificant) increase in viral load after vaccination- for this reason, getting viral load testing is not recommended for at least 2 week following the jab (or shot, as we call it in the US).
Be well, BY
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
