Flu shot season is just around the corner. For those 65 and older, it’s time to roll up your sleeves—because the vaccine can be a real game-changer in dodging the flu and avoiding hospital visits. But here’s the twist: the medications you take before or after your shot could hinder the vaccine’s effectiveness. Let’s dive into the four drugs you should watch out for when getting your flu shot.
1. Pain Relievers
We’ve all been there—reaching for ibuprofen or naproxen to ease the soreness after a flu shot. These NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are go-to solutions for pain relief, but here’s the kicker:
Doctors are raising red flags about using NSAIDs around flu shot time. Why? These medications can interfere with your body’s antibody production, reducing the immune response to the vaccine.
Dr. David Topham from the University of Rochester advises that, unless recommended otherwise by a doctor, one should avoid pain relievers for a few days before and a week after receiving a flu shot.
That said, don’t worry—acetaminophen (like Tylenol) is a safe alternative. It’s a better option for managing fever or soreness post-vaccine.
2. Steroids
Steroid injections for chronic pain—like those in the hips, knees, or shoulders—might offer relief but could also weaken the flu shot’s effectiveness.
Dr. William Raoofi, with the Center for Interventional Pain Medicine at Mercy Medical Center, explains, “When getting an injected steroid in a joint or epidural space, you get some systemic absorption of the medication, which causes a transient dampening of your immune system. Then, when you are vaccinated and exposed to the weakened flu virus, your immune system is not as good at responding to it.”
A 2018 Mayo Clinic study revealed that people who received steroid injections around the same time as their flu shot were 52% more likely to catch the flu than those who only got the vaccine. Timing is crucial, as it’s a double-edged sword.
3. Prednisone
Prednisone, often prescribed for conditions like arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, is a lifesaver for many. However, it can also impact how your body responds to the flu vaccine.
Doctors caution that taking more than 20 milligrams of prednisone daily for over two weeks may reduce your vaccine’s effectiveness. Like NSAIDs, it can suppress your body’s antibody production, leaving you with a weaker immune response.
4. Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy medications can also diminish the flu shot’s effectiveness. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cancer patients on chemo might need extra precautions, such as receiving two flu shots annually, to ensure adequate protection.
Cancer patients are at a higher risk for flu complications like pneumonia. A 2022 study found that cancer patients have a 41% greater chance of dying from pneumonia compared to those without cancer. This makes staying vigilant about flu prevention even more critical.
If you’re taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor about how to time your flu shot for the best protection. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you healthy this flu season!
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