Immune suppressed and suffering from a cold - what do I do?

[eescvc]

This is the first time I've caught anything since taking immune suppressants, so I'm unsure of what I need to do. I've had the cold since the weekend and it's pretty full on. It seems to be setting off a flare too.

Do I just ride it out or is this something I should see my GP for? I don't want to make a fuss and definitely wouldn't go to the doctor's about a cold in normal circumstances but I don't know if this could be dangerous or not?

[whisperit]

Hello eescvc

Confusing isn't it? This was actually one of the first things I asked on this forum 2 years or so ago. I was on 20mg pred and 400mg HCQ and had developed phlebitis. I was given antibiotics and advised to continue with the steroids and HCQ.

There is no one answer, though. It depends on your individual situation, including your underlying symptomatology, how aggressive the infection seems to be and how big a dose of meds you are on. For example, since I have lung scarring, I have been advised to present for antibiotics at the first sign of a respiratory infection.

Since you are new to this, why not ring your rheumy nurse or GP for their individualised advice? x

[eescvc in reply to whisperit]

Thanks so much for your response, I'm going to see how I am tomorrow and ring my Rheumatology nurse advice line once I get to work (unless I'm too ill for work. I was planning on doing so today but work was so busy I didn't get the chance.

I've never had cold symptoms this severe before and seemingly all at once. I have an all day tattoo session on Wednesday and I'm hoping to good I'm on the upward climb to health by then.

[Ianrussell69]

Hi I’m on hydroxy and methatrexate if I feal like I’m coming brown with a cold or infection ( I get wicked uti,s and kidney stones ) I stop the methatrexate straight away and start again when fealing better ,had to have a 7 month layoff from methatrexate due to a nasty infection that req surgery there is a post I think it’s called sepcis aware it’s worth learning to recognise the simptoms I got a uti 2yr ago wife got me to hospital just in time I had got sepcis so please be aware the rumi dr told me the methatrexate short term will help me but long term could kill me you have to balance it me and the wife we’re gobsmacked pretty straight talker that’s the horrible bit the good bit is the methatrexate really helps just be cearful

[RachelD1972]

Hi, gosh I remember those early days of being newly diagnosed and it was so confusing. I’d ring your rheumy nurse. I’ve always been told to keep an eye on my temperature. Invest in a thermometer. I’ve also been told not to stop meds unless told to or on antibiotics. But, different rheumys advise differently. I would also add as we go into cold & flu season, keep up on handwashing regularly & carry anti bacterial gel. Good luck & hope you feel better soon x

[weathervane]

Try steaming if your nose or sinuses are blocked , at least 3 times a day . If your throat is sore gargle with warm salt water and take lots of fluids , squeeze a lemon , and add hot water and honey. I hope you feel better soon 💐

[dazzle8]

You’ve had some great replies above, well beyond my knowledge/experience, but maybe over the counter zinc lozenges could help too?

Hope you feel better soon.