Flu Shots and Cancer Patients
Should You Get a Flu Shot If You Have Cancer?
By Lisa Fayed, About.com Guide
Updated July 09, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Excerpts from the above published article...
"What about for cancer patients? Many wonder if taking the flu shot can cause an adverse reaction with current medications, or generally have an ill effect on current health."
"Because it is common for people undergoing cancer treatment to have a compromised immune system, the flu shot is recommended for most. The flu can lead to more serious conditions like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening to those with a weakened immune system."
"Those with cancer have to be cautious as to what type of flu vaccine they receive. Flu vaccinations come in two forms: inactivated vaccines (killed) & live vaccines (weakened)."
"People with cancer should receive the inactivated vaccine, which is administered by an injection to the arm."
"The live vaccine is administered by a nasal spray and should be avoided by cancer patients, unless otherwise directed by a physician."
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