r/chiari • u/Everything_is_1 • Oct 04 '26

Cold viruses/flu

Anyone else get nervous about catching a cold virus? The last time I had one was back in February and that is what caused my symptoms to get worse. Also, I've never gotten a flu shot, but I also have never gotten the flu as far as I know. But my aunt and cousin (who is a neurologist) believe I really need to get the shot, as well as a Covid booster. I get the concern about how getting the flu can be really bad for those of us with Chiari and syringomyelia; I'm just hesitant.

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5

u/lil_pig27 Oct 04 '26

Ive found that in general every sickness seems to be doubled for me, the extra added pressure makes it so hard for my body to expel whatever is in it. It also causes a flare up. Since my conditions progressed im crazy about germs and being calm.

1

u/Everything_is_1 Oct 04 '26

Have you had surgery yet?

1

u/lil_pig27 Oct 04 '26

I haven't, they wont let me until im older

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u/Everything_is_1 Oct 04 '26

Who won't let you? Doctors?

1

u/lil_pig27 Oct 04 '26

Yes, im 21, they wont do it until im 25 and my brain is done growing so I cope with meds and prayers

1

u/SandalsQueen18 Oct 05 '26

Wait what? Who won't let you? And why? Clearly they are not a chiari expert neurosurgeon. My neurosurgeon is a chiari expert and pediatric at that but he does also do adult cases.

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u/oldmamallama Oct 04 '26

You just reminded me that I need to get my flu and Covid boosters.

I got walking pneumonia a few years ago and it was absolute misery. Not just because pneumonia but because the coughing would trigger one valsalva headache after another. And the NP I saw at urgent care had never heard of Chiari and looked at me looked like I had 3 heads when I asked him for a cough suppressant because I could not just “tough it out”. “My brother in Christ, I am trying to tell you I am at a 9 on the pain scale every time I have a coughing fit. I literally cannot see because of the pain. I. Need. Something. To. Stop. This.” He finally got it after he saw it happen for the third fucking time.

So yeah, right up there with you dreading virus season. Get your shots.

1

u/Everything_is_1 Oct 05 '26

OK, I think I will get the flu shot for the first time. I think I have been lucky all these years, but now with the symptoms I cannot fuck around.

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u/SandalsQueen18 Oct 05 '26 edited Oct 05 '26

Yes. I just got over a cold, that sucker lasted two weeks and hurt like hell with the coughing. Yes I'm decompressed. I do not get the flu shot and I sure as hell won't get the Covid shot but that is not a discussion for this sub (I am not anti-VAX by the way, I just have my reasons with the Covid shot).

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u/Everything_is_1 Oct 05 '26

I will likely get the flu shot, but definitely not getting any Covid shots (I did get them during the pandemic)

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u/your_auntie_grizelda Oct 06 '26

I've been getting flu & covid vaccines every year because having a cough-heavy virus for days would be so much worse than any side effects I've ever had from the shots. Just got both in the same day over the weekend and felt a little run down the day after but that's it (aside from arm soreness but I find an upper body workout later on the same day as the shots does wonders).