Hi. What meds are you on for your RA? I never heard of prednisone for a cold or flu, Is this something your doctor prescribed for that purpose? There is a test to determine if it is the flu, kit's simple and quick - results are immediate and no needle stick.

RA does produce "flu-like" symptoms when it si un-treated or not being treated properly. But that generally means the achynejss and tired, fatigue feeling of the flu. RA does not produce typical COLD symptoms such as runny or stuffed nose. However, as you are likely aware, many of our medications work by subduing our immune system making us more vulnerable to catching colds and flus.

Did you get a flu shot? It's not a guarantee, but helps reduce the likelihood and the severity.

I'm on Orencia Infusion, Plaquinil, and Ultracet. I take the prednisone when i start experiencing more body aches than normal/can't manage to control the pain. Your right I need to pay more attention to the runny/stuffed nose!!! (light bulb goes on). I just assumed it was allergies :( Normally I'm very stable on my meds but this past flu shot, I did not take well, I felt worse after and a long time to recover from that feeling.

No flu shot for me. I used to get them in the 1980's before RA. One year, I got the flu 7 times, the last time so bad, I had to go the hospital. The doctor told me to get the flu shot next year, and I told him I did. He said don't ever take it anymore, and I have never gotten the flu since then. I've read recently, that if you start taking flu shots and get sick then you are getting a reverse reaction, and you should not take it again!

Anyway, I have allergies and asthma, it used to be so easy to catch a cold. But I take massive amounts of vitamins and minerals, especially zinc and Vitamin A & D. I do get the occasional "daycare" cold when my grandkids get one, but they rarely get them anymore, so neither do I!

For me, RA and cold symptoms are distinctly different. Not sure if that is just experience, or the way my body tells me I am sick.

Go to Target and buy a case of "Wet Ones." Use them liberally.

I haven't had a cold in 6 years. Am on MTX and Humira.

Thank you for the advice, I do supplement with D but will try the other two as additions. The "Wet Ones" is also a good idea, i should probably carry them and be more proactive about prevention.

I take no vitamins.

Garden candy, I worked as a school counselor for years, and, like you, was exposed to everything. My plan of attack was to buy huge amounts of Clorox Wipes, and I wiped down everything in my office all throughout the day, doorknobs, key board, chairs, light switches, everything. And, like Lynn recommended, hand wipes. I kept lots of Kleenex for my students to use, and washed my hands so often they were always dry. I kept lotion on hand, also. And I put an Air Purifier in my office

Also, my family for years have used the Master Tonic recipe. The recipe is on the Internet, and it's not for everybody, and I recommend talking it over with your doctor. I had a cold all the time, until I started using the Tonic. In fact, I have two jugs of it fermenting now, and it will finally be ready tomorrow.

Aren't Middle School kiddos great? I loved working with them.