covid 19 antiviral meds

[Scarysit]

just tested positive Covid 19, not sure whether to take antiviral meds this time. Last covid infection I did take and shortly after recovery from Infection was diagnosed with PMR. I’m currently on 19mg prednisolone.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Why do you think the meds had anything to do with PMR ? If anything - and I say IF, more likely to be the Covid infection intself, although that’s open for discussion.…. more likely just coincidence and an immune system already under stress.

You know the procedure for obtaining the antiviral meds… so it’s really your decision..along with the medics… but at 19mg probably sensible.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not really up to you is it? You have to contact them and they decide if you qualify. I would have thought you might at 19mg pred but who knows what the current rules are.

[Scarysit]

Thankyou!

[SnazzyD]

I’m not sure you can say whether it was the meds or Covid. People have got PMR after Covid, and indeed other infections, without antivirals being involved.

[Scarysit in reply to SnazzyD]

Thankyou!

[Sharitone]

If you get offered them again, then it means you really are immunosuppressed - they don't give them out indiscriminately.

And it you don't take them, there is a possibility of Long Covid. I wouldn't hesitate. Though I admit they do give you a most disgusting taste. Thank goodness they only last 5 days!

[Bcol]

If you have reported the positive test result then they will contact you and make the decision for you. I can't see any sensible reason for not taking them if offered.

[Scarysit in reply to Bcol]

Thankyou, yes I’ve reported positive test.

[Hunter134 in reply to Scarysit]

When I had COVID in April I asked if I should take an antiviral med.My Dr told me it would blow out my kidney function.Maybe mine isn't the greatest but never is red flagged.I survived with an antibiotic.Long cough though.Hope you get well soon!

[Scarysit in reply to Hunter134]

Thankyou, I am managing covid symptoms at present, thankfully not as bad as previous bouts of covid! After speaking to medics have held off antivirals, just one more day apparently and I should start to improve. Fingers crossed.

[Hunter134 in reply to Scarysit]

That's great.I have thought other than the cough I functioned fine thru it.I didn't go out obviously but it was my first infection and I was a bit scared.Glad your getting better.

[PMR_sufferer1]

My exoerience when catching Covid was strange.I had at the time undiagnosed PMR and this was pre pred.

Catching Covid removed all my PMR pain and stiffness it was like after taking pred when the pain goes within a days.

That is why i beleive there is a link but what that link is i have no idea.

I no PMR existed before Covid showed it ugly head but what hapoened to me was very strange.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to PMR_sufferer1]

Some people find that when they have something that occupies the immune system in another way, the immune system "forgets" to attack body tissues.

[Scarysit in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou! Yes I’m convinced there’s a link too.

[Scarysit in reply to PMRpro]

Thankyou

[Bailybiscuit in reply to PMRpro]

I found that when I had a chest infection twice the PMR seemed to go away so I thought it was the antibiotics doing something.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bailybiscuit]

A few people have said that. Never worked for me!!!

[RT18]

hi, they’ve stopped contacting you automatically for the meds now. We had a letter. If you test positive you need to ask GP or 111 to be considered for the antivirals.

[Carrollee in reply to RT18]

Yes I had the same letter

[Bailybiscuit]

I got PMR after my flu vaccine. I asked my Dr was it the flu vaccine caused it, she said that so many people get it that some are bound to get it at that time and it was just a coincidence. I think more likely to be stress or runs in the family.

[PMR_sufferer1 in reply to Bailybiscuit]

Thats a lol doctor answer which is 50 % right and 50% wrong. Also many doctors cannot even diagnose PMR when its obvious to see.I know people who have been told the opposite )

[Bailybiscuit in reply to PMR_sufferer1]

I know but I couldn't argue as I don't know the answer either.