Flu shot prior to surgery?

I know if I ask my doctor, he will say "Yes, get a flu shot" just like every other year. I never do get one because the one time I did, I ended up with chills and fever within a few days. However, I'm wondering whether people who had not previously had the shot got one just prior to their surgery? I am 5 weeks out from my date and just am not sure. Thoughts?

The chills and fever some people get after the flu vaccine is NOT actually getting the flu. Different people have different reactions when their immune system is challenged, which is the purpose of vaccines. Most have no symptoms beyond localized pain, but some do have fever and chills and then incorrectly think they "got the flu from the shot".

I wouldn't get the vaccine within a few days to a week before surgery, personally, but 5 weeks out, there shouldn't be any issues with getting the vaccine. Of course, if your doctor says different, then go with what he says.

Just thought to add... I never recommend that anyone take the nasal spray vaccine. It uses a live attenuated virus, so it can have more complications than the injectable.

I also always ask for the quadrivalent if it's available, it covers 2 strains of A and 2 strains of B where the trivalent (the "normal" one) has 2 strains of A and 1 strain of B. The more the merrier in my book! Quad used to be reserved for high risk patients and certain healthcare professionals, but I've been told that it's much more available now. I started getting it when I was an ER nurse, and always ask for it now if it's available.

You should get the injectable flu vaccine right away as it will take at least 2 weeks for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against flu. The last thing you want is to have your surgery delayed if you get sick beforehand or to deal with it post-op.

It's smart to get a flu shot, surgery or no!

You can't get sick from a flu shot; the viruses they inject you with are dead. If you got sick after your last shot, it was likely a complete coincidence.

Here's some great info on the flu shot that's really easy to read:

https://www.livescience.com/40279-flu-shot-information.html

Like others have said, I encourage you to get your flu shot and soon. You want to get it out of the way and have your immunity boosted before surgery.

Got mine yesterday, as I do every year because ... SCIENCE!

Go get it now, no reason not to unless you are allergic to eggs or have had guillain barre syndrome or are currently sick

I actually read an article today saying that unless your egg allergy results in life threatening symptoms, they recommend that you go ahead and get the shot, just do it somewhere with a doctor and equipment/meds on site to deal with any potential reaction. They believe that the particles of egg that are potentially left are highly unlikely to cause any allergic reaction, and that it's more beneficial to get the vaccine than the slight risk of an allergic reaction.

I have a co-worker who has a violent GI reaction to eggs. Any egg, in the tiniest amount ever. Like, one bite of egg washed granola and he's puking for days. However, he's in his late 50's and as many times as he's been 'egged' he's never had a life-threatening reaction. Vaccines do the same thing to him. He gets a legit pass in my book.

They do make an egg free version. I know because of my MCAS I can not have the egg derived, I get scarey ill on it. My reaction litterally starts within 10 min of injection if not sooner since I have a metal allergy too (surgical stainless included). I litterally am useless for days after. While not life threatening it is absolutely debilitating.

My reaction is so severe the drs werent even sure I should get the egg free. But got the egg free and had no issue. Oh and I work in a hospital, and it was the drs there that were concerned if I should even get the vaccine.

So there are options for thoes who have issue with the standard shot.