Covid

[Orpheus82]

Having dodged this bullet for over two years I tested positive today. Feeling very rough with high temperature and cracking headache and flu like aches. Despite being identified back in December 2021 as vulnerable I was told today that I’m not eligible for the latest anti virals as I’m only on 3mg of pred daily. I’ve had PMR for 6yrs. My question really is, is it of any benefit to increase pred?

[PMRCanada]

There are “sick day rules” posted in the FAQ section of the forum which can provide some guidance.

Personally I was instructed to increase my pred dose for 10 days by my GP when I had COVID in May 2020. Last month I got it again and it was much milder and I did not increase my pred dose during the 7 days I had symptoms, but nor did I continue to taper. I made it through with Tylenol (taken with food), and plenty of rest/liquids. I did, however, held my weekly Methotrexate dose to aid my body to fight the viral infection better.

You may also want to check in with your doctor to get their recommendations as everyone experiences COVID differently. Hope you feel better soon.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It will be in the context of the Sick Day Rules =- which apply for any illness really. And you are saying you feel pretty rough.

[Orpheus82 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. That’s very helpful. I’ll look them up. Although I know my adrenals are working as I had a synacthen test they weren’t great after my lengthy breast surgery. Started feeling faint this morning and that’s often a sign for me that they’re not pushing out enough cortisol.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

SDR -see sections 6&7 -

medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/...

[Orpheus82 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. That’s very useful as I wasn’t sure of the doses. As I’m only on 3mg I’ll do what they suggest and take 10mg daily for the next few days.

[Nextoneplease]

Hope you feel better soon Orpheus - like the others I would think Sick Day Rules apply xx

[autumnlass]

Hope you feel really better soon. It sounds so unpleasant … I feel for you in this heat too. Rest plenty. ❤️

[2013mayo]

Poor you. I had it back in May/June, I was on a cruise so not in a position to get the antiviral, it did knock me about quite a bit but I didn’t increase my pred, I took paracetamol for the headaches and slept a great deal.

Just take it easy and hope you get better soon.

Xx

[Ozziedays]

It’s always interesting to see the different approaches. I’m in Australia and I had Covid for the first time 2 months ago, like a really really bad cold plus exhausted, and immediately in isolation in a different state about 1200 miles from home. I was on 2.5mg pred a day plus 20mg MTX weekly. Spoke with GP by phone, no change to regime, but he prescribed the antiviral molnupiravir. Recovered, although it took a few weeks, routine bloods all good a fortnight ago, just gone down to 1.5mg (1.75mg first week - my own taper plan from what I’ve learned from this site!)

[Exflex]

Can be; I had Covid 7 weeks ago and on day 2 I felt quite ill , high temp, incessant coughing, running nose and at tea time I could hardly stand up. As I suspected Adrenal issues I increased Pred but only as a one off dose and reverted to my original dose the next day. Non-standard in terms of SDR I know. I’ve had a cough resulting for the past seven weeks and on Monday this week I was put on ABs. I’ve upped my Pred from 2.5mg to 5mg and plan to drop back down at the end of the 5th day. Sometimes you can ‘feel’ what you need.

[Wallysma]

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸💐💐💐💐💐🌸🌸🌸🌸🌷🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[Megams]

~Thinking of you Orpheus82 - I am day 9 post covid & much better albeit drained & fatigued but now eating.Tips shared from Functional Rheumie: Indian Tonic water x 2 half glasses daily - quinine helps flush spike protein.

Quecetin/bromelain x 2 daily (away from mainstream meds just in case) & increase vit C (not absorbic acid), ester C&/or/lypho-spheric vit c + zinc.

Vit D3 + Vit K2 increased a.m & pm.

Decided against antivirals as very sensitive gut & was juggling many balls.

Did use antihistamine, paracetamol for temp +nasty headaches + increased my hydrocortisone by small amount which I haven't yet adjusted until upper respiratory bacterial infection gone.

Get well soon~

[Orpheus82 in reply to Megams]

Thank you, Megams. That’s really useful information and I’ll act on it today. Have increased vitamin C and steroids. Feeling better today and temperature near normal.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Megams]

I fear the quinine claim is a parallel to the hydroxychloroquine claims (they are related). The amount of quinine in modern day tonic water is practically homeopathic. But drinking fluids is good.

[Megams in reply to PMRpro]

~At first a little reluctant due to Indian Tonic water containing sugar which I avoid. I don't mind homeopathic paradigm - would like to see evidence how it works though.Guess when you are in depth's of fever, sweat & rottenness anything worth a go.

Hope you are keeping safe & well PMRpro - good to hear from you