Seronegative RA and a cold or upper respiratory infection

[Trukay]

Does coming down with a cold or upper respiratory infection exeracerbate seronegative RA? Symptoms didn't seem to be too bad but I came down sick with stopped up nose, mucous in my chest, and extreme ache ALL over, and tiredness despite many hours of sleep. I'm taking guaiffenisen and an antihistamine for it. Does the respiratory infection typically influence the RA even though I'm taking methotrexate which gives me more tiredness and extreme dizziness?

[Mmrr]

Having any chronic illness, can make any cold or other illness on top make you feel worse. MTX is an immunosuppressant so does make you more vulnerable to infections too, so you do need to take care and be observant of possible chest infections for example. Some Drs advise to miss out your MTX for a week or two if you have a cold/virus to enable your body to recover.

Some over the counter drugs do not mix well with MTX either, so best to ask your Dr or pharmacist for guidance on MTX and what over the counter meds are best.

If you do have a cold/virus an antihistamine might not be the best option to take.