Immune system

[yogabonnie]

So... if PMR is an autoimmune disease and our immune systems are compromised...does this me we are MORE likely to catch the flu/cold/cough whatever evil lurks...or does the prednisone help in that area??? Or am I just as likely to get the flu with or without PMR.?????

[HeronNS]

I think it's the prednisone which compromises the immune system.

[yogabonnie in reply to HeronNS]

thanks!! .Boo! You would think with all the amazingly wonderful things prednisone CAN do ... it might as well Strengthen the immune system while it's at it. Oh Well. can't have everything!!!

[piglette in reply to yogabonnie]

Hi Yogabonnie, pred suppresses the immune system not enhances it, because the immune system got out of control and instead of protecting the body started to attack it which caused the PMR in the first place. So the last thing you want to do is have pred strengthening the immune system.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Pred actually weakens the immune system, so you may be more susceptible to colds, flu etc. That doesn’t mean you will necessarily get everything going, I seemed to sail through without any great problem, but just be a bit more aware, and don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk. Plus if you’re offered a flu jab, accept it.

[yogabonnie in reply to DorsetLady]

I have had the flu shot every year.. and my pneumonia shot.. but was a bit worried about this year's FLU which is rampant now in the states and a doozy. So have added NAC + Vit C and zinc and omega 3 to the mix. and will of course respond to the placebo effect super strongly... so I think I'll be okay! hope so. Will watch out ..and wipe down EVERYTHING especially on airplanes and grabbing grocery carts (trolleys?) Good luck to all of us!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to yogabonnie]

Yes, ironic really, 18 months after finishing Pred et al I recently succumbed to a sore throat and cough (can’t remember when I last had anything) - put it down to NZ airlines and/or Lake Taupo midges!

So careful on long haul flights, but didn’t think about short domestic hops!

Don’t tell anyone, or they won’t let me visit again!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It seems to have made no difference to me - one doozy of a cold per year, without PMR, with PMR no pred, with PMR plus pred. And slight ones are calmed down by the pred I suspect.

Pred damps down the overactivity of the immune system and it MAY reduce the response to a vaccine but it shouldn't wipe it out altogether so having the shot well in advance of meeting the flu is a good idea, not leaving it to the last minute. Unless of course you have something extra affecting the immune system when your body can't develop the response - but you would know about that by now.

[Sandy1947]

Just wash your hands excessively and keep your distance from people and you’ll be fine! Ha! Ha!

[barbthy]

As a nurse, I agree with Sandy1947- wash, wash and wash again