Q. Am I more susceptible to H1N1 because I have multiple sclerosis?
I recently got the following e-mail: "I have MS and I guess that means that I have a weak immune system because I seem to catch every cold that is going around. Once I get a cold, it turns into something worse and I end up coughing for a long time. Does this mean that I should not get the H1N1 vaccine, because is it dangerous to me with my compromised immune system?"
A. There are a couple of things going on here and I will try to clarify some points:
1. People with MS do NOT have weak or compromised immune systems. Quite the opposite, actually - our immune systems are overactive and are attacking our myelin.
2. It probably seems like you are getting sick more often than most people because of the symptoms that you are experiencing from minor infections. People with MS tend to have decreased lung function. Even people with very little noticeable disability can have lung function that is only 60 to 70% of normal. As a result, even little respiratory bugs can cause us to cough for much longer than someone without MS as these infections "settle in" to cause bronchitis or even pneumonia.
3. You absolutely SHOULD get the H1N1 vaccine. As mentioned, people with MS do not have compromised immune systems (for the record, immunocompromised people should also get the vaccine). The H1N1 virus is very dangerous to anyone who could easily develop pneumonia, which is our big risk factor due to the decreased lung function that I mentioned.
Here are a couple additional points about the H1N1 vaccine for people with MS:
- People with MS should NOT get the nasal mist version of the vaccine, as it contains live virus.
- If you are concerned about thimerosal, avoid the vaccine that comes from multi-dose vials. The single-dose syringes do NOT contain thimerosal.
- Adjuvants are not included in the flu vaccines that are used in the United States.
Read more: Should I Get the Flu Shot if I Have MS?
Hi Julie,
I was actually told by my MS specialist NOT to get the H1N1 vaccine. Being newly diagnosed (only seven months), he wanted to see how his longer term patients reacted to the vaccine. I think when it comes to medical advice it’s best to have folks check with their individual physicians. The seasonal flu shot was fine, but he also said to see what side effects I might have afterward (none) to determine course of care for next flu season.
Much needed and Excellent Information Julie.
A fantastic time to have this posted. I too have been receiving too many emails from mis-informed patients.
Your posting is now posted to my blog as well.
Best Regards
Stuart Schlossman
http://wwwmsviewsandrelatednews.blogspot.com
I am hoping that the person you are responding to does not take one of the current 5 choices of medicines to help control their MS. As I am sure you are awear they work by keeping the immune system busy and therefore not attacking your own body. If they are on one of these treatments, then yes they do have a weakened immune system.
What does thimerosal do to MS symptoms? Worsen them?
“Am I more susceptible to H1N1 because I have multiple sclerosis?”
Not sure about the H1N1 risk but you are definetly more susceptible to thimerosal damage. Nothing destroys myelin more than mercury. In addition, thimerosal containing vaccines dwarf all other mercury exposures. The type of mercury in thimerosal is ethylmercury, maybe the most toxic form that exists. Good luck finding the vaccine without it. Here’s some quick facts;
20 ppb mercury = Neurite membrane structure destroyed (Leong et al., Neuroreport 2001; 12: 733-37).
200 ppb mercury = level in liquid the EPA classifies as hazardous waste based on toxicity characteristics.
50,000 ppb mercury = Concentration of mercury in multi-dose flu, H1N1, meningococcal and tetanus vaccines. This can be confirmed by simply analyzing the multi-dose vials.
Thanks Julie… You always seem to respond to just the right question. Great information.
Dear Julie, i read every week your blog thank you, i stopped LDN because dreams got too much, i have MS and get every 3 months Trigeminal Neuralgia in my face its very painful, do you have more information from other MS patients who suffer with TN at top of MS, Kind regards Truus
You said, “Quite the opposite, actually – our immune systems are overactive…”
Please remind your readers that the “overactive immune system” theory is just a theory. It has never been proven, and some studies even suggest that it is not true.
I would check the information provided. I have MS and I DO HAVE a compromised immune system because many MS medications are designed to SUPPRESS the immune systme – that’s how they work. I, too, have been told to avoid the H1N1 vaccine, but to get a regular flu shot and perhaps a pneumonia shot.
Thank you Julie for sharing your life, it seems that I am just ahead or behind you every step of the way.
Because I have a prior history of Guillian-Barre, I am not eligible for the H1N1 shot, but have received a flu shot every year without a problem. It definitely has my family concerned for me as I have had pneumonia several times in my nursing career.
Peace and Love
Hi Julie
Just worth mentioning that for those of us with MS, taking high dose vitamin D is highly effective not only in reducing relapse rate, but in protecting us against winter infections, particularly the flu. I have posted a graph on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=834177&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=2222988343&aid=-1&id=1224960633&oid=2222988343) from a randomised controlled trial of vitamin D against placebo showing how those on placebo get winter infections and those on vitamin D don’t. Really useful for those who don’t feel they should get the H1N1 vaccine for whatever reason.
Be well
George
Dr. Skip talks about MS and LDN (September 2009)
http://www.tdgr2productions.com/rw_common/vid/ldn_skipnih09tape1-webpreset.mov
Wouldn’t it be better to simply get the pneumonia vaccine since most people who die from the flu die from pneumonia anyway?