Flu and Colds

[navejasjoe]

Before my wife was diagnosed with PMR 22 months ago, she used to be the strong one in our household as far as the flu and colds. My sons and I would get each other's viruses and she would not even be fazed. In the past year, though, she has had very frequent colds and the flu. I have not read too much online nor on this forum referencing this as a symptom, although it would make sense that her immune system has taken a hit. I'd like to know if others with PMR have had frequent colds that they didn't have pre-PMR. Thank you.

Joe

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Joe,

Personally no, but then I take Vit C every day -started many years ago when my late hubby had first heart attack and I didn’t want to bring colds etc home from work.

Her immune system is compromised so much more susceptible to colds etc as you say. Has she been offered the annual flu jab? - quite safe to take alongside Pred. Might be wise for next year.

Sure others will be along idc with comments.

[navejasjoe in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady. She had the real bad flu in January, and figured she would be ok for a while, but it hit her again 2 months later. Next year she will take the shot. She has not been good about taking vitamin c. I have taken it for a while now and my colds are a lot less frequent.

Joe

[Hidden]

I wouldn't say I have been more susceptible, rather the colds/flu I have had seemed to effect me more than usual and hang around more. I have had flu injection every year for years. I take another drug that lowers immune system as well as tbe pred. I wash my hands a lot and use antibacterial gel when I use communal things like shopping trollies.

[navejasjoe in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Poopadoop. I will make sure my wife gets the flu shot next year, and she will be more diligent about taking Vitamin C.

Joe

[SheffieldJane in reply to Hidden]

Me too obsessively.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't - still the single humdinger cold/viral infection once a year. I think it depends on the person, some people do find they catch everything.

I have always had the flu shot since I could have it and I am absolutely sure it helps at least reduce the impact of a viral infection.

[SheffieldJane]

Yes, I have an almost constant runny or blocked nose. It is the compromised immune system from taking steroids to suppress it, because our bodies are attacking themselves. I hope you are looking after her Joe, trust me, she feels terrible.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to SheffieldJane]

Same here. Seem to have lurched from one viral thingy to another courtesy of the family all through the winter. Whereas they get an acute extreme and shorter lived episode, my reaction to infection has been a half hearted dampened down affair, but whatever it is it seems to linger on. I’m assuming this is down to my pred depressed immune system. Only one course of AB’s though for mucky chest. I’m really banking on the sun and better weather helping. Have a week in the sun booked in May, last year I felt really good after a spring dose of sunshine.

[navejasjoe in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Wishing you more sunshine, Soraya_PMR

Joe

[navejasjoe in reply to SheffieldJane]

Looking after her as much as I can, Sheffield Jane. I know it's tough for everybody.

Joe

[SnazzyD]

I’ve not had any problems over the last year, even when on higher doses for GCA. My family got the flu but I didn’t and no jab.

[navejasjoe in reply to SnazzyD]

Good for you, SnazzyD!

Joe