HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Do you get other illness really easily?

Support Forums
>
Lupus
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/15/2009 8:58 AM (GMT 0)
I don't have a diagnosis yet, but the one thing that is really hitting me hard at the moment is the fact that I seem to pick up colds and flu really easily. I've been ill with a really bad cold and tonsilitis since last weekend, it has now moved onto my chest and I've got a chest infection AGAIN! That's the second time in 5 months - I haven't had a chest infection since I was a child. Does the presence of some sort of autoimmune disorder mean you're more susceptible to other illness and less equipped to deal with it? That's how I seem to be right now. I could barely breath last night without my inhaler.
Posted 3/15/2009 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there, It's usually the opposite with an auto immune illness since the immune system is over active.

It sounds like your immune system is really taxed.
This also depends on other things like , you age, if you smoke, were you live, etc.

Are you on any meds for any other conditions?
Posted 3/15/2009 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
I've heard two different opinions on this. When my kids got strepp throat, their doctor, whose wife has lupus, said I probably wouldn't get it since my immune system is already in hyperdrive. My doctor said not to count on it, because the bottom line is my immune system does not function properly and I may get sick and have a flare, especially since I was caring for two sick kids.My doctor said my immune systems programming is out of wack and doesn't fight what it's supposed to. So, no definite answers on this one. I hope you're feeling better soon and be sure to get lots of rest. Take care and God bless.
Posted 3/15/2009 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
If I pick anything up I seem to hang on to it for a long time. I'm absolutely exhausted at the moment. I could literally sleep the clock round. I don't have any other conditions, and I'm not taking any medication (other than paracetamol and ibuprofen). I'm currently waiting for test results for 'something autoimmune' as I have had two positive ANA results at 1:640 coupled with joint numbness and pain and several years of undiagnosed rashes and heart palpitations.
Posted 3/15/2009 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
If your body is weak and run down, and your immune system is out of whack, it makes sense that you'll catch things easily and that it will be hard to get rid of them. Those of us who are on immunosuppressants have to be extra careful to stay away from sick people because our immune systems are knocked way down. It's important to avoid people with colds and other illnesses, and wash your hands often, esp. after going out in public, such as the grocery store. I can't tell you how frustrated I get if a checker has a bad cold and touches everything I bring into my kitchen. I hope you get some answers soon.

Pat
Posted 3/15/2009 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I saw an Infectious Disease doc in Dec.  He ran tests on my immune system, and the results inidicated what Peacesoul said - my Tcells were above the normal range.  He referred me back to rheumatology and my pcp concurred that it showed my immune system is hyperactive.  I'm taking Plaquanil but not an immunosuppressant.   Several years ago I went through a period where I did catch anything that was going around - especially respiratory/sinus bugs.  It was miserable.  We discovered that not only was I dealing with a mold issue at work, but we uncovered some in our own basement.  When those problems were eliminated - it seemed my rate of infection also decreased dramatically. 

I only bring this up to suggest you think about whether there might be something in your environment triggering these illnesses or that are keeping  you from fully recovering.  Mold is a common culprit.

Posted 3/15/2009 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
I am on immunosuppressant drug Cellcept and on Pred, and I am very prone to infection. I contracted TB a year and a half ago, and I was infected by Group A strepcocous half a year ago. I am also very easily to get sick if someone around me is sick. I would avoid going to a crowded place, especially during flu season.
Posted 3/16/2009 1:12 PM (GMT 0)
Some interesting thoughts, thanks everyone. We are having some building work done in the house at the moment, and there could be lots of damp and mould around. I seem to be really suffering at the moment, I can hardly catch my breath today with this chest infection.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply