HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Getting over the flu while on immune suppressant drugs

Support Forums
>
Crohn's Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/2/2012 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Getting over the flu while on immune suppressant drugs--well I actually tested positive for the flu--lovely--I have been down for awhile with this but my question is what to do you Crohns do especially when on immune suppressant drugs to get over this faster along with worrying about over the counter drugs upsetting the Crohns apple cart and how do you distinguish this is sending me into a flare..I have ran a low grade fever for days..
Posted 10/2/2012 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear, while I am no longer on an immune suppressant, I was very recently and my immune system seems to be picking everything up as well. I am currently going through an upper respiratory flu, and I have tried just about everything, well it seems that way. I've been thinking the same thing, how can I shorten the duration, but not only that, how can I build the immune system (or suppress it) so I won't catch all the bugs going around. As soon as I get better, I plan on getting the flu shot for starters.
You might try Vit C, D and Zinc in small doses if you are able to tolerate it to help get rid of the flu sooner. Have you tried Echinacea?
Posted 10/2/2012 3:42 AM (GMT 0)
I should mention that echinacea is an immune stimulant and may interact with the immune depressant. Some say even with the drug, it is helpful but maybe check with a pharmacist or doctor before you add this one.
Posted 10/3/2012 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
I do know the flu shot will be given next week at my work..I will get a shot so I will hopefully not get anymore..I do react every year for a couple days..The shot will be given next Wednesday so hopefully I will be in good enough shape to take it..The raising and lowering of the immune system with natural supplements on predisone is controversial..I have tried different things..I have tried to take echinacea instead of antibiotics but it has not worked in the past very effectively..I do not heal well and bruise easy on predisone..and I pick up everything and it takes me awhile to get over it..
Posted 10/3/2012 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
The way it was explained to me was that CD symptoms are a result of an overactive immune system (obviously this is a simplistic break down). We take suppressants to bring our immune system back to what would be considered normal levels so it stops its attack. Finding this balance is key. Well, that's how my GI explained it to me anyway. So as I understand it yes, it is suppressing the immune system but our immune systems are not normal.
Maybe I was just spun this line by my GI to get me to take the drugs ;-)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply