can corona symptoms be different if on medication?

[Gunner73]

Hi can you have different symptoms if on medication for ET?

I am on interferon and have had a dry throat for the last couple of days but no cough? I am also experiencing a slight pain in the centre of my chest?

Does interferon have affects on the virus if contracted?

Thanks

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Gunner73, you need to refer to the NHS advice page, where it will tell you what to do

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

[Gunner73]

Ok thanks

[jon1972]

I too have been concerned about whether taking Interferon will put me at higher risk, both with Covid-19 and in general. The physicians I've spoke to are not consistent in their answers. From what I've read IFN boosts the immune system, but if so, why do our WBC's and neutrophil counts drop which supposedly weakens our defenses? Which is it?

[Gunner73 in reply to jon1972]

Hi yes as you say it seems to lower our immune, which obviously won’t help with the virus

I’ve been on this for around 6 years and so far had the odd illness from the lower count but other than that I am happy on the interferon as I only have to self inject once a week where before it was tablets all sorts of times

I’m hoping to get a letter to say we are high risk and then I will isolate for the 12 weeks as a bit nervous with how the virus could affect someone with the blood cancer

Thanks

[Riviera]

Hi Gunner 73. I too have a slight pain in chest. Have been a little phlegmy aswell so not sure if related. Have tried NHS site but couldn’t find anything on there. 🤷‍♀️

[Gunner73 in reply to Riviera]

Hi Riviera

Yes seems weird as still have the same dry throat and slight chest pain for 4 days now??

Hopefully it’s nothing other than one of the wonderful illnesses I pick up from being on the meds as the side affects list is as long as your arm, which I’m sure your aware of.

I assume we are all a bit more worried if feeling a bit under the weather due to what’s happening

Stay safe and well