Ds got a flu shot in October because he has asthma. I swear he has the flu. He was fine yesterday, actually doing great. Today he woke up and he has major chills, a fever of 101, vomiting and says his whole body hurts. He is also very tired. He got really quiet this morning, so I went to check on him and he was in his bed asleep(this never happens) I did call the doctor and left a message because he just started taking Prevacid. But, he has taken it before, so I don't think it is a reaction to it. Can you still get the flu, if you got the shot?

By Debbie on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 02:30 pm:

I just thought of something. Ds's teacher has shingles, which I know is a form of the chicken pox virus. We have never had chicken pox, do you get a fever and stuff before the red dots appear?

By Vicki on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 02:39 pm:

I am not sure about your second question, but yes, you can still get the flu if you get a flu shot. There are many different "strains" of flu and if I am not mistaken, the shot only protects against one of them. I believe that it is the most common one. I am not sure of the specifics, but I do know that you can still get the flu!!

By Kay on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 03:09 pm:

What Vicki said is exactly right - each year, they try to guess which of the strains might be more prevalent and manufacture a vaccine for that particular one. Sometimes it works, but only if that strain is going around.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 03:22 pm:

Yes and Yes.......

I had the flu in 2003 and I got the flu shot. I was VERY sick then. Certain strains of the flu are not protected against in the flu vaccines each year.

And yes, you can have fever and generally viral illness symptoms before outbreaks of shingles and/or chicken pox.

When Jen had the chicken pox, for 2-3 days prior to breaking out, she had a very high fever and vomiting/diahrrea.

From what you are describing though, it sounds like your DS may actually have the flu. I hope he feels better soon!!

By Kernkate on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 03:56 pm:

DH just got over having the shingles and the doctor told us the only way you will get the chicken pox is
When the blisters from the shingles are oozing and you come in contact with that fluid.

Hope he feels better really quick!

By Debbie on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 04:58 pm:

His GI doctor called and she thinks he has the flu. She said it is very uncommon to get chickenpox from shingles. She said the same thing Kathy about coming in contact with the oozing blisters. I am glad I called though, because he can't have Motrin with his stomach problems. I didn't know that.

By Colette on Thursday, February 17, 2005 - 05:21 pm:

I hope he is feeling better soon.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 12:31 am:

Fever, body aches and fatigue sounds like the flu to me. Poor kid. Hope he is feeling better soon.

By Karen~moderator on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 07:55 am:

Debbie, Motrin and Aspirin are definitely off limits to anyone with reflux and similar things. We recently learned more than we wanted to know about that when Jen was diagnosed with reflux and a bleeding ulcer. She can't even take Anaprox for her menstrual pain because of the stomach things going on.

How's your little guy feeling this morning??

By Heaventree on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 07:57 am:

Sending healthy vibes your way, hope your ds is feeling better soon.

By Debbie on Friday, February 18, 2005 - 08:07 am:

Thank you for asking about him. He is doing better. His fever broke and he doesn't have the chills anymore, but he has been up since 4am. He is still not eating, but he is drinking water and eating ice chips. Yesterday he couldn't even keep water down, so that is an improvement. I am just hoping my oldest doesn't get it. They had been sleeping together this week. Hopefully, even with the close contact, he won't get it.