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Flu and MS: Did it get worse for you?

PharmDFighter
PharmDFighter
I recently had the flu, a severe case of it, too. I think my MS worsened as I developed new symptoms. Did anyone have worsening of MS, whether it was worsening of disability or just a simple relapse, after coming down with the flu? Please do share.
marilyn4342
marilyn4342
I have heard that many people with MS who get the flu have had an exacerbation along with the flu symptoms.

I always get the flu shot. One year I did not and the exacerbation with the flu almost killed me. I hope you are feeling better!
ChrissyH
ChrissyH
I have always gotten a flu shot. Last year, April 2012, was the first and only time I have ever gotten the flu and it was horrible. hope I never get it agai
princessgwenda
princessgwenda
WheEVA I actually get the flu shot I get sick with the flu!!!f Ayone NEEDS to ONLY do what is healthy for your body.

I haven't gotten a flu shot since 1994. EVERYTIME I go to my general Dr.s office the urses tell me that"You should try the flu shot because there is one set aside for individuals with weaken immine systems and they want to keep me healthy..." I always seem to dissapoint them because I refuse it. I've had a few ot them whine to me during the fal and wintertime that "But you need to stay healthy!!"

It does take time to take care of yourself ESPECIALLY when you have any physical difficulties
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
MS makes everything more intense. I find that the slightest low grade fever affects my ability to function. I haven't really had a major flu since I've been off all the meds. When I do start to get one and sense a little queasiness coming in and the wooziness, I immediately take something called Oscillococcinum, a homeopathic remedy. I'm not endorsing anything in particular but can say that one morning, I had a test at school and I almost didn't go in but I was brought some of this stuff and it started working right away. I went from feeeling like I needed to go lie down, to being able to carry on with my day. I love the stuff. I won't be without it now.

Whenever I feel badly, it's tempting to blame everything on MS but I try to remember that we are still susceptible to the same old things and even moreso with a compromised immune system. So, other questions come into mind... Have I overexerted? Running a low grade fever? Stressed? Overheated? Emotional? Usually I have a rought time around the holidays and that's no surprise to me. Ever since being a small child, I always felt rundown on the holidays with all the excitement.

Hope this helps. :)
ezone
ezone
I have not had the flu since I quit smoking 17 years ago. So I haven't had the flu since I got dx with MS 15 years ago.

I got a flu shot right before my diagnosis of MS in 1998 at the suggestion of my father and then I got the dx with MS so I never got a flu shot again and I haven't gotten the flu either. So I don't know about whether the flu hurts MS or not. I am one of those who doesn't like flu shots because of getting the dx of MS closely after getting the shot.

I never got a fever all my life until I took interferon. When I got a one degree fever the next day after the shot, I felt weak and so definitely the fever made my MS worse. As soon as the interferon wore off, the fever went away and my MS symptoms got better as well. So a fever will make the MS worse. The interferon people will tell us that--that is the fever makes you weak. So I am sure if you have a fever, the MS will get worse.

Hope you are lots better by now. Take care of yourself and eat well.
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