Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Symptoms after illness

Sherie
Sherie
I had the flu in December, the exact week after I got better, I started having symptoms. I had them very strong for about 1 month. I have researched this topic and found that a viral infection can set off the symptoms. I have still been having symptoms, some easing or going away, some staying, and getting new ones. I am sick again, and I am kind of stressing out that the symptoms will come back again, the strong ones! Should I be worried? I have never been sick more than once in a year for as long as I can remember, I have a very strong immune system. Does MS lower your bodies ability to fight off illness? I am in so much pain right now! I just want to go to bed and cover up my head.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm sorry that you feel so bad. It's true that viral infections are thought to play a role in the triggering of MS, and existing symptoms often get worse when you're ill.

MS doesn't impact the ability to fight off illness per se. However, the drugs to treat it -- like steroids for exacerbations or the chemotherapies for more progressive disease -- can weaken your immune system. If anything, we MSers have overactive immune systems -- sensitized to any perceived threat, including ourselves. That's why the drugs used to manage the disease at the immune level focus on "turning it down," so to speak.

Take good care of yourself during this time. I'm thinking of you!

-Karen
Sherie
Sherie
Tahnkyou Karen. You are so helpful and such a blessing! As you know, I haven't been dx'd yet, but, well, you know, and I know. I'm not on any meds yet except baclofen for the spasms and stiffness. The Lhermitte's is really really bad right now, it was gone for about a week, but it is back full force. One day at a time! Thankyou again. Sheri
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