does a dreadful cold affect GCA

[Bluemoon2023]

I have dreadful cold ,sore throat congestion in my nose fatigue.i am going for bloods on Monday perhaps wait till I feel stronger.

[SnazzyD]

I would wait, it could be Covid and yes it could make your markers higher than normal. As to whether it will affect GCA, that one can’t say. I had long Covid on low doses of Pred and didn’t get a relapse and not since. A probable influenza in the early months didn’t kick anything off either. It’s down to whatever is going on with you internally.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It is very likely to make your markers higher so could be confusing, especially since chesty colds can send CRP up a lot.

Some people find having another illness reduces the GCA/PMR symptoms - the immune system is distracted by fighting the illness and can't take action on two fronts!

[Bluemoon2023 in reply to PMRpro]

I have made another appointment for bloods doing

[Gimme]

I don't know about GCA, but a viral infection has made my PMR symptoms kick off big time, the last 2 or 3 times. I can't remember before that and I didn't know that I had PMR back then, but I have a suspicion that what must have been flares were associated with a virus. That seems to contradict what pro has just said, so I guess it might go either way, depending on the individual. My doctor wasn't surprised when I told him.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gimme]

Oh yes - I did say SOME! Everyone is different ...

[Bluemoon2023 in reply to Gimme]

Thankyou for your reply , Spoke to the doctor yesterday.treating it as a cold. But have to be aware of contraindications. Delayed my bloods for a while

[AtopicGuy]

Never rule out hay-fever. This is the peak of the grass pollen season and it can develop at any age. Allergies used to be dismissed as 'summer colds'.

[marionofnorwich in reply to AtopicGuy]

Yes my husband was complaining of feeling ill in the last couple of days, well out of sorts until I finally persuaded him to take an anti histamine. Lo and behold he is better!

[AtopicGuy]

Well done! Sometimes antihistamines take 2 or 3 days to fully take effect, and people can give up if they don't get instant relief.