Follow this thread. There was a discussion pertaining to this not that long ago. We all worry about catching something else.
Mare
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Polymyositis-and-Dermatomyositis/forum/12540241-avoiding-infection

I have to tell you...my white count runs between 2 and 4. Never any higher. I work in a hospital and have since about a year into my diagnosis and I've not had a single cold...well, maybe one...but, I have noticed no difference. Now, maybe subconsciously I take more precautions...but, knowing me...probably not! When I worked in a family practice office, I just didn't go into rooms that there were positive flu screens or strep tests.

I definitely wouldn't worry about a public pool. Heck, I swim in lakes and rivers and anywhere there's water!!

I think it's ok to do normal things like swimming, but just be a little more conscientious about staying germ-free. I work in a hospital, too and have actually had less infections that I did before DM. It's probably because I'm more careful now. I wash my hands a zillion times a day, wear a mask and gloves every time I touch a patient, and try to avoid crowds during cold and flu season. None of those precautions have really put a cramp on my style or prevented me from doing anything I really wanted to do.

You might be interested to know that some newer meds for autoimmune diseases are addressing this issue. Instead of totally shutting down the immune system like imuran and cellcept probably do, the newer drugs target very specific biochemical actions that are thought to contribute to DM or PM. There are still some drawbacks, though - the new drugs are very expensive; many insurance companies won't pay because they're not FDA approved for DM or PM yet; some of them have rare but very serious side effects; most of them are given by IV infusion which is not as convenient as popping a few pills; and once the infusion is given, you're stuck with the drug in your body for a pretty long time, so if you have an allergic reaction you can't just quit taking the drug.

Right now, docs usually only recommended the newer treatments if the older drugs don't work for one reason or another. But at least there's some promise of some kinder and gentler treatments for DM and PM in the future.
~Lucky

I teach music to 1276 children grades K-4. I keep an air purifier in my classroom. Students who have colds, flu, or an infection are removed from my class as a precaution. I always have the students use hand sanitizer. My doctors tell me that I am in a petrie dish environment that is ripe to catch an illness. I know that prednisone & MTX lower the immune system. I think with our illness or any illness that choices must be made. I carefully thought about the bible and the testings of Jesus. After thinking and applying God's word with several scriptures, I was able to come to the conclusion that the Lord would protect me in my job if it was His will for me to be a teacher. I have not caught any illness from the kids and my illness is headed toward a remission. Infact, my illness has done a nice job of strengthening my spiritual muscle. Doctors will never tell you what personal choices to make with DM. Do not be afraid of the lowered immune system. Make decisions that you feel would be best in your situation. Good luck

Thank you all for you replies. You have put me at ease. I really want to swim with my granddaughter who are 2, 4,5. The pool in our area just reopened and it is small and nice and I figured it would be a good way for this granny to have some quality time with them. I had decided that when I fly I would still wear a mask and probably take airborne before my flight because I know they circulate the same air over and over.

Brenda,
I don't know about Airborne specifically, but be careful about taking natural remedies that are designed to boost your immune system. Your disease is caused by an over-active immune system, and stimulating it is counter-productive to the meds you're taking to suppress it. Crazy I know, but be sure to talk to your rheumy before you take it.

I always wear a mask when I fly and try to book a seat as close to the front as possible. I also carry antibacterial hand wipes and change my clothes as soon as possible after getting off the plane.

I'm somewhat paranoid about flying because I was on a plane the day before I was practically paralyzed by DM. My husband says I was green when he picked me up at the airport, and I remember the air burning my lungs every time I took a breath. All those bad memories come back every time I get on a plane now, so be very very careful.
~Lucky

I totally forgot that the Airborne is to support my immune system. Thank you for reminding me. I plan not to take anything other than what is ordered by my physician and even with that I was a little concerned that they each were ordering different things. The blessing in it all is that they are all at USF and can read each others records online the computer while they are treating me. At first I wasn't for computerized medical records, but now I am all for them.