Facebook Pixel
EmpowHER Guest
Q: 

Do you get shingles from a flu shot?

By Anonymous November 27, 2008 - 1:51am
 
Rate This

I got shingles after getting a flu shot? i read where there were others that got the shingles after getting a flu shot

Add a Comment37 Comments

Personally I am not a fan of any type of vaccinations. I had enough while in the military! Flu shots (whether type A, B, or C and live or not) were given to the troops every year in addition to many other vaccines which were repeated periodically. I have a theory about vaccines, especially FLU vaccines: I DO NOT BELIEVE IN THEM, period end of story. That is my stand on them so I avoid them for several reasons. We are the only society in the world that NEEDS flu shoots during what we have learned to call "FLU SEASON". What is flu season any way, correct? Here is my story and I am sticking to it! I prefer to take vitamin D and C year round. For the past 7 years I have not got the flu.

Going back to your question. Do you want to hear my theory of what may be happening to you as a result of the flu vaccine? First of all, depending on your age, I would assume some time in your life you were exposed to the chicken pox virus. This virus will stay with you forever dormant until your body ages and it is stressed to the max. If you are experiencing stress in your life or you are going through “the changes”, or you do not maintain a healthy diet and life style, more than likely your immune system is depleted. On top of that you get the flu shot which stresses your immune system further. The result? A bout of shingles, why? Because your immune system is smart and it is telling you it can only fight one thing at a time when it is overwhelmed. The smallpox virus, which has remained dormant to this point awakens as your T-cells and natural killer cells are unable to recognize the threat. Your job? To boost your immune system with natural supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B-12, Lysine, rest, hydration and diet high in greens. I use a product called Transfactor Cells by 4Life Research. They have the best products to boost the immune system by using your own bone marrow cells via their products. Remember, your immune system is very wise and the shingles are just a cry for help. Your immune system is overworked! It is confused and cannot focus on the “invader” viruses (i.e. virus or chemicals contained on many types of vaccines). Boosting your immune system will help you greatly!

November 27, 2008 - 9:15pm
(reply to Coach Virginia)

I had my flu shot 13 days ago. I had the first signs of shingles 2 days ago. I am also pregnant and suspect that my weakened immune system contributed to my development of shingles. I have had shingles one other time (2 1/2 years ago) when I was traveling excessively and not getting my much needed rest. Having said all this, it is very possible that there is some unknown connection between the flu shot and developing shingles, however, I have had the flu shot ever year for 8 of the past 9 years. That one year I missed getting the shot, I did get the flu and missed 2 weeks of work and was TERRIBLY ill. I will continue to get the flu shot as the benefit outweighs the risk. I am anxiously awaiting the H1N1 vaccine as I have several students (I teach high school) who have been diagnosed with the virus. It is not anything I'd like to play with. People need to remember that, while your body IS your own, it can also directly or indirectly affect the way my body functions...and for this reason, I am grateful for the flu vaccines

October 4, 2009 - 6:07pm

Hello there. I'm sorry to hear that you had shingles as I understand this is a very painful condition.

And, as you mentioned, many other women have written in saying they also believe there is a connection between the flu shot and shingles. You can find a link to what they're saying here.

https://www.empowher.com/community/ask/can-flu-shot-lead-shingles

While scientists believe that shingles is caused by a reactivation of the virus behind chickenpox, the causes for the reactivation itself are poorly understood.

Because so many women have asked this question, we have contacted the American Lung Association and the Centers for Disease Control to 1) try to learn more about any potential connections and 2) make them aware of the situation.

Did you chat with your doctor about the possible connection in the flu shot and shingles? I'd be interested to hear what he or she had to say.

November 27, 2008 - 7:57am
(reply to Tina Tran)

I did go to the doctor. When she said I had shingles I asked what's that? She explained it is from the chickent pox virus, etc. She asked if there was any stress? There wasn't and the only thing I did differently is I got a flu shot about 10 days ago I reminded her. She asked which arm? It was in the opposite arm. I have the shingles on one side in row from my back, under my arm pit to my breast. She said there was no connection with the flu shot and it was better to have the flu shot. I decided to check it out because I couldn't imagine how I came to have the shingles. To my surprise, there where others with shingles after the flu shot.

November 27, 2008 - 11:54am
(reply to caffern609)

Hi, my name is Verina. my mom got the flu shot October of last year and is experiencing pain in the area described in your email. I need to find a connection ASAP. Thanks and God bless you.

[personal email removed by Moderator, per posting guidelines]

July 18, 2010 - 3:07pm
(reply to verina)

Verina,
Have you read through these postings, and found any helpful information?

Has your mom talked with her doctor?

Can you tell us more about your mom? She received a flu shot last October (9 months ago), and is now experiencing symptoms of Shingles? Or, are you just saying that your mom is experiencing pain at the site of her flu injection, and this pain has been lingering for 9 months?

July 18, 2010 - 8:14pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Alison Beaver)

I broke out in shingles on the right forehead area last year about a week after receiving my flu vaccination. Lasted over 3 weeks in bed. I am very healthy, walking 5 miles 2-3 times a week and I lift weights. I am retired and have no stress. I can only account shingles as coming from the flu vaccination.

September 22, 2010 - 9:07am
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Tags:

Flu

Get Email Updates

Flu Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!