 |
|
|
 |
| A shot in the arm | |
|
|
| Since flu is a known trigger for CPT II deficiency, should patients get a
flu shot every year? Does the shot itself pose any risk? That’s what New Zealander Craig Wheeler and his doctor wanted to know. To answer his questions, we polled patients via e-mail. The overwhelming response, ”Get the shot!” No one reported adverse reactions to the shot other than the sore arm that many people get. Most patients felt the shot gave great protection. Some said they started the annual routine after major episodes of muscle breakdown triggered by flu. Others said their doctor had recommended the shots. Craig appreciated all the feedback. “I’ll make sure I get one,” he says. “It’s pretty cool having a network like this to answer questions.” |
|
|||
| Related
links: Influenza vaccine Everything you ever wanted to know about flu shots, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control. Recurrent rhabdomyolysis associated with influenza-like illness in a weight-lifter CPT deficiency case history where major muscle breakdown occurred due to flu. The authors recommend annual flu shots for people with CPT deficiency. Flu shots—why worry about getting the flu? MedicineNet article explains how flu vaccines are designed and who should get flu shots. Flu shot facts  Web MD brief. 
For some
surprising ways to fend off the flu, visit Bug
off. For foods that
help boost the immune system, visit Digest
this!
To read more about triggers in CPT deficiency, visit Triggers
survey results.
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Studies
in healthy young adults show influenza vaccine to be 70% to
90% effective in preventing illness. Influenza viruses continually
change, so the vaccine must be taken every year. The shot
takes effect in about two weeks and may last up to one year. Less
than one-third of those vaccinated have a sore arm, and about
5% to 10% have mild side effects such as headache or low-grade
fever for one day. Contrary to popular belief, flu shots do
not cause flu. 
