Flu/covid vaccine

Hello, I was diagnosed non hodgkins lymphoma in May, this year, watch and wait.

Had both flu /covid vaccine on Thursday, thinking best thing to do. I expected the usual sore arms, possibly bit of a temperature, but I've felt so rough.

Started being sick Friday, even sips of water, wouldn't stay down, had to crawl to bed, where I still am.

Today, I'm in a lot of pain, particularly left shoulder, (not the sight of needle) neck and headache, joints sore too  Still can't face food, though now drinking sips of water.

I'm also type 2 diabetic. Since Thur I've managed 3 desert spoons of porridge, 1 ginger biscuit and 4 jelly sweets. I've not managed any of my routine meds, and paracetamol have made me feel very sick again. Not actually being sick now, just heaving.

I've never had reaction to vaccine before, could this be because my immune system 

Any advice greatly appreciated 

Regards Janet

  • Hello Janet and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear about the symptoms that you have been experiencing.

    If your symptoms are still persisting I would get in touch with your GP or your haematology nurse to let them know. In some cases the flu vaccine can produce flu like symptoms such as shivering and chills but if it does continue then do ring one of your team.

    We have some information on our website about flu vaccination and cancer

    With NHL disease you may have a slightly weakened immune system which may account for your symptoms.

    If you are still not eating try and drink plenty of fluids (at least 2-3 litres) a day. Try and eat small meals that are easy to digest such as scrambled egg or yogurt so you are getting some protein in to your body.

    Keep an eye on your temperature and do get in touch with your team or your GP if your symptoms don't settle down.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Thankyou Catherine, I'm a lot better today, have managed a few baked beans with a piece of toast, and a yogurt. I'm seeing heamotology on Fri for results of biopsies, HOPEFULLY I WILL THEN, get to meet nurse, as yet, I haven't been given any telephone contact details, or met with a nurse, just consultant twice, telling me at second apt non hodgkins, and wait and see, is way forward for now. Appreciate all you do. As for my gp, much use as a chocolate teapot, even denied at last apt I even have a cancer, UNTIL I SAID, do you actually READ LETTERS FROM CONSULTANT, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MY COPY. She hasn't a clue. Many thank

    Regards Janet