Flu Shots, Influenza, & Lupus

Lupus and Flu Systemic Lupus and other autoimmune diseases make people more susceptible to infections and more likely to experience complications of infections (such as pneumonia). This is due to 2 reasons: Weak or improperly functioning immune systems By definition, autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system misidentifies the body’s own tissues as foreign Medications for lupus Immunosuppressants are a common medication for the management of lupus. These medications work by decreasing the activity of the immune system Because of these challenges, Lupus Warriors need more help protecting their body against invaders like bacteria and viruses. Can the flu shot trigger symptoms of lupus? Flu shots administered via needle are created using versions of the influenza virus altered in such as way so that they are not infectious. The shot initiates the immune response to the virus without the risk of infection. However, this is NOT the case for nasal sprays that combat influenza. Nasal sprays, or live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV4), are not recommended for people with lupus because they rely on a weakened virus strand to generate the immune response. People with lupus, or other people with weak immune systems, are at risk of developing the infection even from this weakened version. A 2006 study looked at the safety of the flu shot for people with lupus and people with RA. Half the participants, all of whom were in stable condition, received the flu shot while the control participants did not. The researchers followed the participants for a year. The researchers noted that the shot was well tolerated by all participants. And, those who received the flu shot experienced significantly fewer infections. Additionally, the study “Autoimmune response following influenza vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease” looked at how 218 people with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (and people who were otherwise healthy) reacted to a normal H1N1 seasonal vaccine. The study didn’t identify any major safety concerns with the flu shot. The researchers did detect the production of autoantibodies in a small number of the participants but this increased production was temporary and only identified via blood test.

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