Hi all, this may seem like silly question but I currently take hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate, I work in a school as a ta and within the last 4wks I’ve caught covid(3rd time) and now I’m just recovering from the flu. Can anyone recommend a good vitamin supplement or something to try and support me more from catching things so quick.
thanks in advance xx
there are loads out there some work for people
Others don’t plus what you eat so it’s like a endless answer.
Personally I take Vit D bio lite for gut health I also have the flu vaccine. However for me since getting RA I have not had a cold Or Flu or even Covid but chest infections I do but more to do with asthma etc.
thank you for replying, do take a vitamin D tablet and also had the flu vaccine. This year I just seem to keep picking everything up. I have been thinking about changing my diet so maybe I look into that more to see if it helps. Plus maybe if I can get myself into a good routine of exercise to get myself stronger. I have noticed over the last few months is alcohol doesn’t agree with me, and it could be a coincidence but both times I’ve got poorly has been after I’ve had a few glasses of wine. Thank you again for your time. Take care
Not sure anything can protect you in that environment! When I was teaching I got sore throat after sore throat for years. Stopped the minute I stopped teaching. Good luck!
thank you for taking the time to reply. You’re so right in the environment I’m in is hard I do sometimes wonder if I should change my career. But then that’s also hard when I love what I do. Glad Thank you once again for taking the time to reply. Take care x
yes it’s a tough decision which Covid ha made even worse.
could you wear a mask?
generally things like Echinacea are contraindicated in people who are immunosuppressed. We should generally avoid anything that boosts our immune system, that work’s opposite to the meds. Saying that I do take Vitamin C, and I’m prescribed calcium and Vitamin D. I worked on the frontline as a nurse, so was exposed to all sorts of infections. I’m on methotrexate, a biologic and prednisolone, and found in the winter time, I would pick up chest infections and laryngitis. Since stopping work, I’ve rarely had infections. I do eat a fairly healthy diet, which I feel helps, and try and always cook from scratch. I do make double of some things to freeze for days when I’m rough. Hope you can get on top of these infections, and that you’re able to enjoy Xmas. Like others I always get my yearly flu vaccine.
If you're interested in diet, I'd recommend looking at the work of Prof. Tim Spector. He has a You Tube channel (Zoe) and has just published a book. It will change to way you approach food and is so interesting too.
I take Vitamins D and B12, but as mouth sprays so the body can absorb them better. With tablets you never know how much the body has absorbed (or just excreted ). My consultant recommended these vitamins to me to supplement my meds (hydroxychloroquin, methotrexate and Amgevita).
A friend, ex nurse, has recommended Boots version of first defence nasal spray based on seaweed for when with my grand daughters. Not sure if ok for daily use? I also recommend Zoe on diet
Good luck
Hi Ratty I have worked as a TA in a special school for years and hopefully I have built up some immunity. I often get ill at the end of term when I’m more stressed and tired. I do however take vitamin D which was advised by my RA doctor. Try to rest over Xmas
The treatment you are taking for the Rheumatoid Arthritis is intended to return your immune system from overactive to normal levels (to reduce any damage to joints and other systems). If you try to boost your immune system you will be doing something contrary to those intentions. Sorry, but boosting your immune system is not a good idea.
Someone suggested mask wearing - is that possible? Frequent hand washing, cleaning surfaces, try a gel to put in your nose to catch viral particles perhaps ( there are several commercial types called things like Stop colds, etc). Get a good balance between rest and work, exercise in fresh air, good varied diet.
You will be likely to catch lots of infections because children have lots of infections and spread them well by their habits. I'm afraid it's a hazard of working with people especially children.
Not much comfort, I'm afraid! But at least it does mean that usually your immunity levels are good against most of the current circulating viruses and bacteria.
Hi Ratty, sorry to hear of your struggles & 3 Covids!
I'm no expert - and acknowledge others saying below that we shouldn't boost our immune system, but from my own experience when I was on Methotrexate for many years, whenever I'd feel I was about to come down with an infection or something, I would for example take 5000 mg of Vit C in one go, then the next day 4000mg and it always seems to allay things developing. I never take Vit C regularly/daily etc, but only an isolated large amount to zap something coming on. For me, this strategy has worked pretty well. over the years, but I don't leave it until I have an infection - but do it as soon as I feel something coming on. I keep a tub of Vit C 1000mg tablets in the cupboard and still do it, though thankfully rare occasions.
I don't think we're all supposed to tell others what to take etc, so not doing that at all , just saying what seems to work pretty well in most cases for me over the years! I also take a Women's Over 50s multi vitamin most days.
Hope things get better for you, all the best X
Hi, I strongly recommend taking Fish Oil along with Vitamin D. Fish oil helps the body absorb Vitamin D. They should always be taken together. In addition to the above take one general multivitamin tablet and one zinc tablet. Vitamin C is also good but depends on your appetite for so many meds.
A non-inflammatory diet is also good. You might want to google this.
you should speak to your RA team. The meds you are on reduce your immune system so they may not want you to boost it with lots of vitamins. Instead they will prescribe specific vitamins for you
Hi, I'm currently on lefluminode, hydroxychloroquine, etoricoxib, sulfasalazine (in place of methotrexate as it didn't agree with me) & gabapentin, was advised by consultant to take vit D & calcium but I do remember seeing someone suggest vaseline around their nose to help ward off infections x
Ok I'm not a Doctor etc so not my info.
Dr Sarah Jarvis was asked about the round of nasty colds going round she mentioned the taking of Vitamin D.
Here's a link to a page she authored, scroll down to the Vitamin section.
patient.info/news-and-featu...
I've no idea however if it works.
I read the book, Immune. It said the immune system is super complicated and you can’t just boost it., maybe you can boost one part of it but that will put it off kilter. Never take copious amounts of anything to boost the immune system without doctors approval. As for diet, every body is different as shown by variation in treatments and disease courses and severity. So, there is no perfect diet or absolute of foods to avoid. A food you need to avoid will not be the same for me. At least that’s my take on all of this.
I would just like to thank everyone for taking the time to respond, there is some helpful ideas. I have phoned and managed to get hold of my rheumatologist, I’m getting my bloods rechecked on Thursday then she said she will discuss with me what I can do. Although she is saying maybe vitamin c I could take, she. Also said to eat a balanced diet, exercise daily will help. Thank you again for your advice what a great group this is. Hope everyone has a Happy Christmas xx
Hi Ratty10 I'm a bit late to your post but I take vitamin D,C and zinc. Working in a school will be hard for you to avoid catching things. I personally think vit C is a much overlooked vitamin. Your body can't store it so pile on the oranges or satsumas in the winter 👍🍊☺
Vitamin D is essential, a good quality one not as part of a multi vitamin. When I had covid I treated it very effectively with cholecalciferol ( the active for of vitamin D). It also works on flu with the only side effect of better health.Add to that vitamin C and try to eat a balanced diet drinking plenty of clean water.
A vert effective treatment when you are ill and protecting you from further bugs is grateful seed extract. As an Alkaline it helps balance your body's acid levels meaning it's unsuitable for acid loving bugs/ viruses to exist in you.
Other things you can do is exercise get out side fresh air sunshine, and what ever you do don't use a mask. They are infective and stop you from breathing not to mention the involvemental and mental damage they course.
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