For some people, the flu can lead to the development of complications. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved Avoid contact with people who have illnesses that may spread to others (e.g., flu, chickenpox).Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured.Kidney function declines as you grow older. Verywell Health uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Robert Burakoff, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroentrology. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Before or during treatment, your doctor may perform a blood test called TPMT activity level. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. I have done fine on it with no side effects. Your body will still fight off the flu or other virus or infection just fine and your immune system will rev up just fine even with the Azathioprine, But just like when we are not taking an immune suppressant we can still occasionally get a flu or cold, thats just normal.

While you are being treated with prednisone, do not have any immunizations (vaccines) without your doctor's approval. The pneumonia (new-mow-nee-uh) vaccine and yearly flu vaccines don’t affect azathioprine and are perfectly safe to have while you’re taking it. Flu shots are generally available in early September. The drug has been used in some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), usually if they have problems with standard FDA- approved medications for their MS, or if they are unable to tolerate injections. Do you end up in the hospital?

Content should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Vaccines for chickenpox and shingles are also live and should be avoided.If you’re unsure about whether you should be having a vaccine, have a chat with your rheumatology team first.If you’re due to have surgery, you might need to stop taking azathioprine or other drugs beforehand. These medications are not usually taken together. Live vaccines should not be given while you are taking … Since the timing of the onset, peak, and end of flu season changes from year to year and cannot be predicted, it is difficult to pinpoint the best time for getting vaccinated. While you are being treated with azathioprine, and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (vaccines) without your doctor's approval. By using Verywell Health, you accept our

Its a good precaution but be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes in your dosing schedule. If you do get sick, treat it like normal, get rest, liquids and take it easy for a bit. All rights reserved.

Along with … People taking immunosuppressive drugs should get the flu shot, This medication is removed by the kidneys. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. But it’s not suitable for everyone.Before prescribing azathioprine, your doctor will order a blood test for an enzyme called TPMT, also known as thiopurine methyltransferase (thio-pew-reen meth-ile-trans-fe-raise). Flu activity usually peaks between December and February, with some activity as late as May. Both azathioprine and afatinib can increase the risk of myelosuppression. So you’ll need to have blood tests before and during your course of azathioprine.You may be asked to keep a record of your blood test results in a booklet, and you should take it with you when you visit your GP or the hospital.These illnesses can be worse than usual if you’re on azathioprine. Registered office: Copeman House, St Mary’s Court, St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield S41 7TD. If you have lower amounts of …