Flu symptoms

[Jacki08]

Hi--- I have got a very low dose of flu- aching, sore throat and head cold, no energy etc. Could this make my RD symptoms worse ? The pain in my hands and shoulders is as bad as it was before I started taking mthx and hydrox at the end of Oct. Does anyone know if it could be connected to the virus or pure coincidence? Thanks x

[nomoreheels]

We're recommended if we're on immunosuppressants if we have signs of flu to seek advice Jacki. Even if you've had the vaccine it only protects against the most virulent one that year so we still need to be vigilant if we get symptoms. Even a cold could turn nasty & so I'd let your GP be the one to determine if you need something to help stop it in it is tracks. I've just got over a nasty infection that started as a sore throat but it took two courses of antibiotics to get rid as it ran riot through my mouth & that was attacking it with a penicillin-based antibiotic & withdrawal of MTX to let my system right it better. You could be harbouring a virus but RD can also feel like flu so another reason to see your GP.

Are you going to the Minerva Centre/NRAS meet? x

[Jacki08 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for replying---have had the flu symptoms for the 4 .5 years prior to diagnosis -- the meds have sorted that out thank goodness (still got the pain though ). What I've got now is some sort of virus---- all my patients have had it so it was bound to land on me at some point!! I am just amazed how my joints have reacted.

Yep - going to Minerva-- that's where I see the consultant etc. Great team of doctors and nurses. Are you going? X☺

[nomoreheels in reply to Jacki08]

I nearly mentioned that (patients) then scrubbed it as I wrote clients & thought that sounded dodgy then was distracted & forgot to go back to it lol! Yes, though your joints can react in my experience, guess that's why they relate RD pain to off-line symptoms sometimes. Maybe the start of a flare? Don't hang about though if you get chesty will you?

I can't plan too far in advance just now because of my h's op but I've diaried it & if he's not had it before then I'll be there. I've heard good things about the Minerva. I'll keep you updated x

[Jacki08 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks ---- would be good to meet xx

[nomoreheels in reply to Jacki08]

I hope it doesn't worsen & yes, it would be nice to meet up! x

[Hidden]

Hello

While ill I would advise you to contact your RA Nurse for advice, they may stop your medication until you are well

BOB

[Jacki08 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Bob--- will do that x

[cathie]

Yes anything like a virus can increase inflammation and we all know what that means. Plenty of rest, warm drinks. Did you have a flu jab? Apparently a significant strain isn't covered this year, but it's still worth having it.

[Jacki08 in reply to cathie]

Thanks Cathie --- yes had flu jab so hopefully what I've got won't develop to full blown can't get out of bed flu!!x

[cathie in reply to Jacki08]

I hope you feel better soon

[Hidden]

Oh poor you jacki

I have a bug too feeling rubbish for weeks now. Our lovely nurse practitioner says there's a nasty virus going round and people are suffering for weeks with it.

Keep cosy, drink plenty and take paracetamol every 4 hours for fever, sore throat and general aches. If your not already taking co-coda mol. Luckily my joints are behaving themselves but I've recently had IV steroids but I've heard lots of people say over the years that when they are fighting a bug their joints get better not worse.

If you don't improve see your gp. Also it may be worth contacting rheumatology about your sore joints. It may be connected to your bug, it may not?

Get well soon

Kiki

[Jacki08 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Kiki --- I'm still new to this horrid disease-- can't belive that having a really bad throat, cough and head cold can make my joints swell like this. Hope you feel better soon x