Posted , 20 users are following.
hello, do any of my fellow sufferers of this unwanted disorder, develop flu symptoms frequently? I know my immune system is compromised, and I am retired. My husband seems to think I should even give up my weight control group. I cannot live in a bubble! I just had got back to my outdoor walking, then this! Any comments welcome. I read every post daily. I am in US
2 likes, 29 replies
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EileenH judy93591
Posted
Flu symptoms are often a symptom of increased activity of the underlying autoimmune part of PMR/GCA. It does tend to cycle up and down. Maybe you are absolutely on the edge of the lowest dose you can manage on. I haven't had any increase in infections at any time since I have been on pred - but everyone is different.
BettyE EileenH
Posted
I didn't, either and I've always refused the'flu jab as I've found that if there is an adverse reaction to be had, I'll have it. Only ever had 'flu once, as a child.
Given that PMR is an auto immune illness do our over enthusiastic immune systems not only provoke PMR but also protect us form other illnesses/ infections or am I just being my original optimistic self once more?
EileenH BettyE
Posted
I don't know - but a lot of people do complain about having colds and stuff. Maybe it is just us...
erika59785 BettyE
Posted
Yes, I agree about the flu shot - I don't trust those to be effective, and I feel I am exposed to adverse reactions.
Twopies erika59785
Posted
A prominent immunologist here in u.s. said she wouldn't allow any of her patients to get flu shots...so I never have.
BettyE EileenH
Posted
When I was teaching I caught colds whenever I changed jobs and met a new set of bugs from the notoriously infectious small fry.
Now I live in the sticks at the end of a half mile farm track so the bugs have to work hard to find me.
EileenH BettyE
Posted
Bit like us - being halfway up a mountain and only really meeting people inside when we go to the supermarket we are probably fairly well off. Didn't stop David picking up flu somewhere and developing pneumonia. The only winter he hadn't had his flu jab...
Juno-Irl-Dub EileenH
Posted
diana21296 BettyE
Posted
I haven't had a cold since I stopped having the flu jab 4 years ago. Jab always gave me chest infections, only tried it twice. Never again. I was bronchial for years but suddenly seem to be ok which is strange. PMR for 21 months.
EileenH Juno-Irl-Dub
Posted
rhea28447 EileenH
Posted
I'm curious too about the flu shot. I haven't had it for the last 10 years or so, and I very seldom get ill. I figure I had a very strong immune system, but now with the Pred, it's probably not as strong as it was. I've only been on Pred since July. My nurse practitioner wants me to have it, but I'd rather not.
celia14153 diana21296
Posted
EileenH rhea28447
Posted
It is less whether you have a strong immune system - it's working oertime at present in the wrong way - but the fact that pred suppresses that immune system and it may not respond as well as it should to flu viruses and that may make any flu longer and more severe. At least the flu jab reduces the risks of developing flu somewhat.
linda17563 EileenH
Posted
Yes, I have flu shot, but have never had pneumonia shot till few weeks ago, last December got what they call "walking pneumonia" doctor said if antibiotics haven`t eased it in 3 days get to hospital quick....it was awful, what with PMR as well it was no joke.......
I seem to be unlucky and pick up allsorts since having pred (6 years) shingles/pneumonia/hives........so I don`t take any chances.....
Bethune judy93591
Posted
Luckily, Ive had practically zero infections, viruses, etc since I started on pred. 5-6 years ago. I've also not had a flu shot. . Very unscientific of me, but I fear I'll have a reaction.