Do Flu/Viral Infections Aggrevate Symptoms - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

PghGuy00 · 01-08-2008, 12:52 PM

Hi all, Since the holidays, it seems as though everyone has developed some sort of cold/flu/viral thing and I usually don't get them, but I have this time!!! ( I have this theory that those of us who have highly-elevated immune systems shouldnt get sick, but maybe thats not the case, sorry to digress) I've had this for 10 days now and the usual cold symptoms of running nose, cough, etc are pretty much under control. My worst feelings are every muscle and joint in my body hurts. Not just aches, but hurts to move. Also, my fatigue is unbelievable. I'm barely able to type here. GRRRRR.

MSJayhawk · 01-08-2008, 01:22 PM

While my illnesses due to non-MS origins is virtually ZERO (Praises and Huzzahs for these blessings), they are not ZERO. When I do get sick, I believe that MS plays a role in the ensuing reactions toward the illness. I get a flu shot each year as a precaution and because I had pneumonia twice in the past. With a compromised immune system, precaution should be maintained IMO.

MSNik · 01-08-2008, 01:45 PM

Hey PghGuy00. Although it is true that we have compromised AND elevated immune systems, we DO tend to get these things worse when we get them at all. Because I work in healthcare, I am ALWAYS getting things which are "going around". Im truly surprised (and grateful) that I havent been hit with this latest bug especially since Im having surgery on Thursday! The MS Society does OK flu shots for MSers- however, the jury is out on that. Some Neuros, including mine, feel that injecting the flu shot into us can actually cause more harm than good and give us horrible reactions...not having ever had the flu shot, Im not 100% positive of what it would do to us.... I know others who have always gotten the flu shot, continued to do so after being dx with MS and have had no problems, and one person who never got it before who got it this year (he has MS) and got horribly sick for a week afterwards...
As for can colds and flu aggravate symptoms? DEFINATELY! Your going to feel worse then if you didnt have MS to begin with, especially since muscle aches and fatigue are such a huge part of our everyday lives to begin with. Take over the counter stuff, Motrin, Aleve and/or cold meds to try to treat the symptoms and get more sleep then usual to try to fight off whatever is going on in your system. Stay extra hydrated and with this nutty weather we are having, try NOT to be in extreme temperature changes...tough this week, I know, but keeping your body temp consistent will also help.
Feel better soon!
Nikki

Hanksmom123 · 01-09-2008, 06:25 PM

My Nuero said the same thing that the verdict was out about the flu shot. But he said the chances of the flu shot causing a flare up are very minimal, the chances of the flu causes a flare up are almost 100%. I got the flu shot and had no problems. He did say not to get the mist that goes up your nose. So i am praying i don't get the flu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good Luck

glamour girl · 01-10-2008, 01:19 AM

Same here.. I get the flu shot every year.
Does nothing for sniffles and general colds, but better that than sick
in bed with a high fever.