Question for MS veterans

[greaterexp]

Can something as simple as a cold virus affect symptoms of MS? We read about infections, especially those causing fever, having an effect on symptoms. I take only Copaxone and have no fever, but since getting this cold, I'm having more muscle spasms and weakness. What do you say? Just coincidence?Thanks for your thoughts.

[erash]

greaterexp

I assume anything that can cause a physical or emotional stress, can exacerbate symptoms--w/or w/o fevers...

[greaterexp in reply to erash]

Thank you, Liz! I don't see much that discusses garden variety URIs.

[jimeka in reply to greaterexp]

What are garden variety URIs? Please. Thank you blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈

[erash in reply to jimeka]

Uri upper respiratory infections

Garden variety = common cold

I'm guessing 🙄

[jimeka in reply to erash]

Thank you 🦋 🌈

[greaterexp in reply to jimeka]

I'm sorry for the confusion. I meant just an ordinary cold as opposed to pneumonia or something.

[kdali]

I'm no veteran, but I've been told any stress can "wake the MS dragon". Time for more TLC, if you can!

[BillD999]

greaterexp I believe that anything that activates the immune system can cause a flare up of symptoms. I see a definite exacerbation if I have even a low grade fever, which thankfully I rarely get. But even minor things can have an effect. The last time I got a flu shot I had a small reaction, not serious but noticeable, especially since I have had many flu shots & never had any reaction at all. I guess that is progression.

[Allen5280]

I know that when something is going on stress, cold, lack of rest etc... my whole being goes haywire. Exacerbations go through the roof. It's a big enough battle on even a good day that it doesn't seem to take much of anything to wake the sleeping monster that resides within. For me, even down to some foods I may eat can make things worse.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

I know for me greaterexp the answer is YES!! I used to get sick easy, now l stay away from sick ppl. Having a cold will knock me out for days at a time, and my balance is completely off kilter, I keep a cane by the bed just in case.

I hope your not getting sick😞

J 🌠

[casteeldb in reply to Jesmcd2]

YES. I have had this since 90, so 27 years and counting now and can only answer for myself. YES .

Everything seems to , sleep (not enough) heat (too much) do something (too much) besides stress - (perhaps that too is just when too much arrives :)\

[mepilot61]

Yes, a cold or ANYTHING like that can make MS symptoms worse. I have had MS for 19 years, so I DO know about this. I pray things get better for you!!

[Morllyn]

A cold or any illness is stressful to our bodies so I say yes.

[goatgal]

greaterexp If my understanding of the body's defense mechanisms is accurate, a cold virus activates a response from the immune system. The immune system responds, going on an offensive to defend against the virus. If MS is caused by a defense system that has gone rogue (so to speak) by attacking itself indiscriminatorily, it makes sense that even a simple cold virus would stress an already compromised system. Take it easy and get better soon!

[greaterexp]

Thank you all for taking time to respond. I'm grateful for the prayers and am sure I'll feel better quickly.

[Hidden]

I'm no expert, but I believe that at least a fever affects our MS symptoms. Thank goodness I rarely get the flu, sinus infection, etc. When I have, I definitely see an MS reaction. I have issues with additional weakness in my legs, balance, spasms, vertigo, etc. Also, when I get added stress from dealing with taking care of my 94 yr old mother, my body goes into overdrive! These are additional factors we must deal with, that many people don't understand. Hope you are feeling better asap!!!

[MSJamee]

I know that for me, any kind of illness, even the little ones like a cold, exacerbates my MS symptoms. Sometimes being sick could also cause a full on exacerbation, according to my MS neurologist. Just make sure you rest, drink lots of fluids, and make sure you follow up with your main doctor. Also let your neurologist know what's going on. Feel better soon!

[Hidden]

Yes, yes, and, of course...YES. greaterexp, your question has brought forth many, many answers, all supporting the idea that common illness and virus can, and does, affect our MS symptoms. My explanation to family and friends, when these occasional bouts occur, is that my immune system has determined that whatever virus, germ, or bacteria I have has taken priority over my MS. It's almost as if 100% of my immune system is working to eradicate :the new illness". !00%, ha ha ha. Whatever % I have, is what I mean. Thank you for presenting the question. Interesting replies, all.

[jackiesj]

OH yes! healing takes longer for me and when the body is attacked it throws my sched off thus vitamins etc.catch 22.I hate it when people come to an activity and say, I should be home I'm so sick....and than I get it....sheesh....

[IFwczs]

I was infected with a cold by my former physical therapist after I had had my first Ocrevus infusion. I couldn't bend my knee or close my mouth after yawning. This was when I got my rollator. The physical therapist was just caughing, but our immune system is compromised. So yes, of course.

[falalalala]

Colds,flu,etc. definitely make things worse for me. They affect (raise) my blood sugar which in turn affects my MS. My endocrinologist was the first doctor who told me that a high blood sugar can mess with MS and I have to agree with her.

If my blood sugar is high, my gait is worse.

[Hidden]

Iv had ms since I was a child and yes ms is a little trigger happy u really have to keep them hormones in check ms and hormones are a team in itself