COVID-19 and weakened immune system

[mk14]

I've been on Prednisolone for PMR for 13 years, currently 1mg daily.

As far as COVID-19 is concerned should I consider that I have a 'weakened imune system'?

[HeronNS]

How is your health otherwise? I shouldn't have thought that 1 mg would be having a material effect on your immune system. On the other hand, if you catch every cold going around or you get repeated bouts of pneumonia or other related illnesses, then I'd say that would be more of a concern than your pred dose.

This subject has been fairly thoroughly discussed on the forum over the past few months so the related links next to this post may give you a lead to those threads.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I imagine that if you have been at 1mg for any length of time it is immaterial.

But we are all at a similar risk of CATCHING it, other factors will contribute to the risk once you have it.

[SheffieldJane]

I think PMRPro advised on this point a few days ago. The period of time that we have been on Pred has an impact too. Even though you are on a tiny dose now I would take precautions for a compromised immune system overall. Apologies if I have somehow got this wrong.

[RiverKings]

I discussed this with my rheumatologist in U.S. when I was taking 3 mg a day and he said I was “way below” any increased risk. I also did research and found some evidence that anything below 10 mg daily is considered a non-risk by some. Of course everyone is a bit different and the complete role of Prednisone with Covid is unknown since some of the worst effects of Covid seem to be related to a “cytokine storm” from an overactive immune system. Dexamethasone, another steroid, seems to help with Covid outcomes by tamping down the immune system. I know of no evidence that Prednisone improves outcomes, and at least in smaller doses, that it harms outcomes either. As Pro pointed out, we all have the same risk of catching the disease.

[Bibliomaniac]

My GP (UK) said the same- that being on 3 mg is not a risk factor for Covid . He said that while pref will not stop you from getting the virus, it could offer some protection to the lungs by keeping the airways free of congestion , to an extent at least. I have been taking normal precautions, hand washing and masks, but not shielding .