I said in your other posts, that I take a LOT of vitamin and mineral supplements. This is also for my bones, so that they stay strong, which they have. I have been 12 years since I lost any bone density. That is the supplements, plus a LOT of exercise.

I have heard many people saying to keep wipes handy, and use them in stores, with children, etc, etc. That doesn't seem necessary in my case, but maybe it will help you.

I'm on Arava, mthx and Orencia right now, and I have had one grandchild cold in 2 years. They are in daycare, and they get terrible colds. But, everyone else in my family caught it, so I don't feel particularly vulnerable.

I hope you get a few more replies.

As for the website, my problems lately have been internet related. We have been traveling in our trailer, and the wi-fi connections have been terrible. Tonight is good, in Las Vegas. Can you just shut down your browser, instead of your entire computer? That is what I do for glitches. Another thing is to update you apps, and your computer. Finally, go to DS Community Members forum and complain. As Lynn used to say, every new update results in a bunch more glitches. And sadly, sometimes some people get hit with the glitches harder than others.

I take vitamins and minerals...BUT, I have been weary of taking specific "immune boosting" supplements like Vit C and Echinacea.

Q: Is it ok for those of us with RA to take immune boosters??? Sounds counter-intuitive.

I am early in this crazy rat race of RA, and have only been on MTX and Humira for a couple of years (with one year of very low dose prednisone early on). I have no other significant chronic diseases.
I get the flu shot every year, and got pneumococcal series and shingles vaccines prior to starting humira. I wash my hands or use sanitizer frequently through the day and I do not use any herbal supplements. I work with children so am exposed to a lot of those kid infections, but I get sick about once or twice a year and it usually is pretty mild (albeit sometimes lasting several weeks).
I think, just like RA symptoms, everyone's susceptibility and response to infections is going to be very different.
I would say to be very careful with herbal supplements and be sure there aren't any reactions to your meds (RA and otherwise). Regarding the ones mentioned above, echinacea in particular should be used cautiously as it can have effects on the liver, and most of us are on other meds (like MTX) that also affect the liver.
I hope you are feeling better soon and do not have another severe illness as you described from last year (I was not on this forum then).

I am on Methotrexate and Embrel. I have been getting minor colds and stomach bugs here and there. My Dr. said I am not crazy, I'm immuno-comprised. All the medications they give us are supposed to make our immune system stop attacking our joints. I was specifically told no vaccines. In the meantime it makes it easy for us to pick up every Tom, Dick and Harry cold that's out there. Here are a few things I have been doing, some of which was suggested by my Rheumatologist (She has RA too).
Sun: About 5 minutes everyday. It helps with natural Vitamin D.
Zinc: Helps you fight off the nasties a bit more quickly.
B- Complex:
Silver Nasal Spray: Again helps you fight it off when it first comes in.
Hand Sanitizer: I have it stashed everywhere and use it all the time. (especially after handling mail or money!)
Clorox Wipes: I have a Ziploc of these thing in my purse, I wipe down everything (I know I'm nuts)
No visiting Hospitals or Schools: They have diseases there we haven't even thought up yet! (lol)
No Buffet restaurants: too many hands on everything.
New wash cloth for each shower, dishes etc.

I hope this stuff is helpful, and that you feel better soon!

Oh and I forgot, avoid as much stress as you can

1. No, thankfully, I'm not having problems withe DS. If you live in the Eastern part of the country, I know there was a massive Internet failure, could it be from that?

2. I know the Doctors want our Immune Systems suppressed, but when I was working in the schools, I was desperate because I caught everything. I was sick all the time. Add all the illnesses the kiddos had to all the mold, it was a real nightmare. So, as always, I'm not a doctor, everyone check with your doctors because that's best. However, my doctor knows I use the following to stay well.

I do everything you do, washing hands, avoiding high risk areas.I carry Hand Sanitizer everywhere. Drink lots of fluid. When I feel an illness coming on, here is my secret "Master Tonic 101." You can Google it. It's overwhelming to make the first time, but gets easier. I give it as gifts, and everyone is always asking when I'm going to make it, so they can get some. They ask if they can pay me to make it, etc. It works that well. It's wicked spicy. But it works in preventing or reducing the duration.

I also get Umcka and Sambucol from the Health Food store to help symptoms. All these won't cure the flu, once you have it, but they may help relieve symptoms. But I do find great results with Master Tonic preventing colds.

I hope you get over this quickly. Having the Flu is such a nightmare. Rest and heal...wow, this is long, sorry...

#1. Problem seems to have subsided.

#2. Thanks~ I never get colds. NEVER. Not since adulthood. And up until last year I didn't get the flu either.

But my question is, is there risk of boosting our immune systems too fight off a cold or flu? By booting our immune systems it is counter-acting our treatment and does it risk amping up our RA???

Is there any actual research re that???

Warrior gal, that's an easy one for me to answer, " I don't know." It's a great question for a Rheumy. I know my Rheumy said 'don't take anything to boost your Immune system,' but she has always said ok to taking the remedies I posted, when I get sick.

I intend to ask my rheumy. I was actually thinking of the most common claim for immune booting which is Vit C.

I cannot take your magic elixir cause it has hot peppers. But, here's something interesting. I was taking Apple Cider Vinegar in an attempt to shed some LBS. and stopped just before I got the flu! Maybe it was protecting me?

I know you would be asking your doctor. I just feel the need to always give "The Disclamer."

I've heard people say they lost weight using Apple Cider Vinegar, and I've heard it boosts your immune system. So, maybe it was protecting you. I use the Braggs ACV with the Mother.

I take vitamin C, and D, I agree with other posts that vitamin D is very helpful. I'm always low, so my Rheumy prescribes a six week dose of prescription strength D. Then I supplement the D3.

How are you feeling? Is that a dumb question?

I was thinking, we can't always ward off illness, especially, during stressful times. Like emotionally draining times, unexpected challenges. We are a high risk group because of RA and the High Risk meds. Last week, my husband was on his way home to take me to a doctor's appointment, and a guy crashed into his car. Thankfully my husband wasn't hurt, but it totaled his car. Then our checking account was hacked, and some other emotionally draining situations happened. I could tell I was starting to come down with a cold, and I've been keeping it at bay. Some bizarre health things did spring up, almost preventing my Orencia Infusion. We just need to do the best we can managing stress, taking care of ourselves and following our doctor's advice. I think a sense of humor helps, too. I'm thankful for my husband and the friends that we can just let loose and laugh ourselves silly.

Oh my oh my!! That is a LOT of stress! Glad hubby is ok!

I feel I am slowly getting a little bit better each day!! Coughing less...but still taking cough syrup with codiene...so.... am I getting better or is working?

I also feel better cause my fever is down.

Good to hear! Are you good about still getting enough rest, not over doing, when you start feeling a bit better? The Flu takes it out of you, as you well know. For me, after the Flu, it takes about two weeks for the fatigue to dissipate. That's if I don't start over doing it. Glad your fever is down. I also notice, when I get the Flu, the Sjogrens really starts to flare. My eyes and mouth get so dry that nothing provides relief. Does that happen to you?

I have not done much at all. The weather here is FREEZING cold so I am hunkering down. I neighbor bough some supplies for me.

Did not notice any increase of Sjogrens symptoms - expect that if i'm stuffed up I mouth breath which of curse is drying. But I take Evoxac to help keep my saliva flowing. When I first went to the urgent care, the doctor noticed that one of my eyes was very blood shot. I imagine the was sjogrens.

Last year when I got sick and had to off my RA meds my sjogrens flared along with my RA, and quoted down when I was able to resume my meds.

Today is my MTX day and I was told not to take it. Tuesday is my Orenicia infusion that I was also told to skip.

So, yes...I am taking very good care of myself and getting lots of sleep so i get better and can resume my meds!!