Asthma and Flu Vaccine. What should I do? - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

jnlmom · 10-29-2008, 01:30 PM

My 6 month old was just diagnosed with asthma. He is on Singlair, Pulmicort, and Nasonex. My doc wants me to get him a flu shot. I've never been too keen on the flu shot, (I've been a teacher for 11 years and never recieved one). I sometimes feel that the flu isn't so bad compared to the side effects of the shot. I don't know if the benefits of the flu shot out weigh the side effects. Need some opinions.

AlexaIn2006 · 10-29-2008, 07:40 PM

My personal opinion is that your 6 month old is on a lot of drugs for such a young and tender age. For instance: Did you know that Pulmicort is a steroid? Did you know it is not really recommended for children under the age of 6 years old, unless your doctor thinks it is okay. It also can effect the growth of children. He is taking Pulmicort Repsules? Those are approved from the age of 12 months to 8 years of age.
Nasonex is another steroid. Again, because this is a steroid is can affect your child's growth. Steroids also suppress the immune system leaving you child more vulnerable to getting sick. Did you know that the safety and effectiveness of Nasonex have not been established for children under 3?

You need to find a naturopathic or holistic doctor who will treat your child naturally. Chemicals to not belong in the body, and having an infant on several steroids and assuming that he gets vaccinated and thinking about a possible flu shot too? Don't you think that is a bit extreme? Your best defense against is to build the immume system NATURALLY, not with a shot. Many think that the flu shot will "prevent" and "protect" but that is far from the truth. Basically it is a crap shoot as far as which strains the scientists chose to include in the seasonal shots. There are many chemicals that are in each shot that are introduced to the system including other animals DNA, mercury, formaldehyde, etc. These things only further lower the immune system, so it really doesn't make any sense.....not to me anyways.
I think you need to start doing some research on your childs drugs, that is way too many for such a tender age. Their bodies do not have the ability to filter out the chemicals as much as an older child or adult can, so the body will store those chemicals in the tissues which over time when the body becomes weak enough will lead to sickness, disease, and other illness. These are not opinions, but rather facts of how the body works.
I stronly urge you to research for yourself, read others experiences. I would look into another doctor ot better yet a holistic or naturopathic doctor who will take a more gentle and natural approach.

marisuela · 10-29-2008, 08:45 PM

i personally don't believe that flu shots are worth the trouble, because there is no guarantee they're giving you the right strain of the vaccine. but as you are a teacher and you're around kids all day, make sure to be extra careful about handwashing and such....

as far as your 6 month old having asthma, i was always told asthma can't be diagnosed until a child is much older. i could be wrong, but if i were you, i'd try to get a second opinion. it does sound like they've put your baby on a lot of big medicines.... just make sure you do your research and understand the pros and cons of each medicine you're giving your baby. you might ask your doctor about alternative treatments that don't use steroids.

hope this helps!

~mcr

Ratatosk · 10-30-2008, 10:46 AM

DS has cystic fibrosis and we've always had him get a flu shot and anyone who is close to him -- grandparents, aunts and uncles, get them as well. We're just not willing to risk lung damage, hospitalization, etc. from getting the flu.

jnlmom · 11-02-2008, 10:52 AM

Thank you for all of the replies. He is doing really well now and I'm going to stick with the pulmicort and drop the nasonex. I agree Alexa, that it's best to take the natural route with most things, but we have a history of severe asthma in our family that has left members hospitalized on and off. It doesn't help that I live outside of Chicago. Not the best air quality. I'm banking on him to feel better after it gets cold. Dm'ed if you do, dm'ed if you don't.