Getting a cold/sore throat just as tapering about to start- would you advise delaying the taper till cold is better?

[Preposterous]

I’ve now successfully tapered from initial 15mg Pred dose to 12.5mg over 5 weeks using DLady slow taper, then from 12.5 to 10mg, and just about to start next taper from 10mg to 9mg… but woke up yesterday with sore throat and aching lower back that persisted all day. Took Covid test just in case but that was negative so pretty sure this is just a rotten cold, probably caught from my brother who I saw weekend before last who had cough etc. it’s Day 2 today and woke up full of cold, stuffed up nose, aching, headache - all the usual!! Will take paracetamol & take it easy.

My question is - would it be best to hold off on starting my next taper until the cold has subsided, or even go back up to 12.5 for a few days? I’ve read posts / advice from previous years but not quite sure best approach to take this week.

Thanks, as always!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’d stay put on 10mg and hope it is “just” a cold and not covid. I know you tested negative -but there’s a lot about and some seem to have to test a couple of times before they get a positive response. Hope it’s not.

Personally I wouldn’t increase unless it’s so bad you need your bed and then you could invoke the sick day rules - in the FAQs.

Others may have different views.

Plenty of TLC -and hold off on tapering for a few more weeks.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Definitely hold off the next taper until you are better. I wouldn't bother going back up for a cold though.

[Preposterous in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks to both PMRpro and DorsetLady. - will follow your advice (& go and take another 1mg Pred now, to make it up to 10!)

[SnazzyD]

It’s easy to get a negative Covid test, even if you’ve got it. Even when it can only be Covid due to the close people around the person who are testing positive, some still test neg. It can also take days for the viral load to be high enough or that the virus is shedding more in the throat than the nose or in their stool. So, don’t underestimate it and make sure you are fully better before starting to reduce. Get well soon!

[Preposterous in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks - that’s wise advice, I’ll take another Covid test in a couple of days and see what’s what. The extremely annoying thing about the timing of this cold (or whatever it is) is that my choir has a concert on Saturday night and I’d really like to sing in it!!

[SnazzyD in reply to Preposterous]

😕. Covid is rife again unfortunately

[Preposterous in reply to SnazzyD]

I took another Covid test today and it's positive this time! Was feeling pretty lousy this morning and also found out that others in my choir, including our musical director, have tested positive for Covid (our concert has been postponed so at least I won't miss that!). Have just checked Sick Day Rules, so will take extra 10mg prednisolone tonight as advised, and repeat this while I'm unwell. I'm just printing out the Leeds Uni/Vasculitis UK/NHS leaflet that comes up in the link, which is really useful. I saw a post about a Covid anti-viral medicine but looks like this is only on offer if Covid symptoms are severe and you're on higher dose of steroids than I am.

What a brilliant source of help and advice this forum is!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Preposterous]

I didn't say it I see - but I have lost count of how many times I have warned of the unreliability of the Covid tests. My daughter has to test, she is a nurse, and on one occasion had 4 days of negative - and on day 5 tested twice. One was negative, one from a different pack of tests was positive!!!