Prednisolone

[Sunnydays1982]

Hi everyone! Just wondering about my steroids....if I am required to take them due to a flare up, am I ok in doing so due to covid? Does it drastically lower your immunity? Thank you 😊

[Js706]

Hi

Sorry to hear you’re having a flare at the moment! Please do make sure you still take the steroids prescribed! All of the guidance given to drs etc at the moment says to keep managing asthma as normal, including giving steroids if needed.

Steroid tablets can lower immunity but this is normally only considered a risk when people are on them for long periods of time (at least 3 weeks) and even then it won’t necessarily cause any problems with immunity. There is very little chance of a short course given for an asthma flare would reduce someone’s immune system.

Hope that helps 😊

[Lotti_321-]

I had this fear for ages and put off seeking treatment as I didn’t want pred incase it made me more susceptible to covid. When I told my consultant he said I can see why you thought that but said steroids are now a treatment in the fight against covid. So it’s not going to make you any more susceptible.

I was also told that what was an issue was if you caught covid and your asthma wasn’t controlled. So he was like at the minute I’d rather you taking them and be as controlled as possible rather than delaying. Have you spoke to AUK or your gp about your concerns and have a plan on your asthma/ covid etc?

[shirl13]

Oral steroids do have side effects if taken for long periods. Short courses shouldn't have any and will help your asthma. I have been on them since 1991 24/7 and yes I have numerous side effects but I am still alive