Covid + PMR flare

[grapemannz]

Hi Team! Have had PMR for 2 1/2 years; 76 y.o. male; was fit.

Now on 6 mg of Pred, and mainly OK, although can't seem to go lower. Contracted Covid a week ago, despite having had 2nd booster. Covid symptoms not too bad. But in last day or so, despite "taking thing easy", have noticed my main PMR symptoms have worsened.

Has covid affected PMR/immune system? Should I up my prednisone?

Thanks for help..

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Probably would be sensible.

Section 7 of link below gives advice on increasing Pred with covid- it’s UK info but good -but you should discuss it with your own GP.

Would say it may be a combination of factors -covid, you have got to level of Pred where your adrenals need to start working again, and maybe 6mg is only just enough for your illness…so you do need to get stabilised before you even think of reducing again…. And then maybe a slower tapering regime

medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/...

Tapering plans for future info -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Very probably! Not just for the PMR side but also for Sick Day Rules and adrenal function at this low dose.

The symptoms of Covid can also be very PMR-ish and it lasts a lot longer than a week - my very fit cousin caught it here while skiing and his wife tells me it has taken him a long time to recover fully, if indeed he is fully over it.