Frequent Infections

[garden49]

Good morning. I have had PMR and GCA since 2018. I’m now on 3 mgms of pred daily. I have recently come out of hospital with gastro enteritis. It is very frightening how quickly I become ill. I seem to pick up every infection going despite being very careful. I feel vulnerable but don’t want to shut myself away. I would be grateful for your advice. Thank you.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Were you as bad during lockdown or while wearing a mask? Hand washing and masks did make a big difference but as a result of avoiding all bugs then, our immunities have gone down a bit and of course we are also on pred which doesn't help and our immune systems are deranged too.

Is it always gastric problems or all sorts of infections?

[garden49 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply. I was fine during lockdown. Not usually gastric problems but have asthma so chest infections more of a problem. Phlebitis can be a problem as well

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to garden49]

Mask and hand wash, hand wash, hand wash ...

Phlebitis is a bit different, not an infection.

[garden49 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply and advice. This site is so helpful and I have learned such a lot.