Cold or Flu Like Symptoms?

I know this probably sounds crazy but I thought I read somewhere that those of us treating for HepC cannot catch a cold, something to do with the interferon, is this correct?  I woke up this morning with a cough and have had a sore throat on and off for a while now.  My boyfriend kept telling me that I was getting a cold, he has one and a lot of others I know have one.  I would like to know the real deal, can we catch colds or the flu while treating with Peg and Riba?

Many thanks!
Linda

[lchou]

Hi Linda,
I am a newbie as well, I think if I remember from an earlier post of yours that we started around the same time.  Flu like symptoms are one of the most common side effects. I had a sore throat and coughing  the first two days.  It is probably not ideal to get a cold while on treatment because the normal discomfort of a cold would probably be amplified, but my doctor nor any of the literature that came with my meds said anything about avoiding a cold.

[Trinity4]

Yes, our immune systems become compromised while on tx.  I had an upper respiratory infection about 6 wks ago.  Required antibiotics.  I'm running a fever right now of 100.6 with heaviness in my chest and a deep cough. Don't know if it's a cold or another upper respiratory infection but I wasn't prone to this prior to starting tx.

[Deb_c430]

I have a terrible sinus headaches,  ear aches, it is a side effect.   Most of the virus getting  stuff gets knocked out by the drugs we are taking.   Be careful with lungs trin my friend,     rarely  your lungs can be comprimised with txt.  Careful huh?

Deb

[Kristina538]

I was told we were 'less likely' to get viral infections but had to be careful with any bacterial infections;  if you WBC and neuts are lower it will take longer to heal and you need to get on to it quickly.  

I've had a 'cold' which has been hayfever and I've taken antihistamine to try to stop it turning into a chest infection.    (I use a saline rinse and nose spray for the sinuses (sx)).

Flu-like side effects relate to the fatigue, aches, headaches and mild fever that can come and go with the interferon - there is a difference between that and a cold or flu.   Others with colds are more likely to be infectious at the beginning of their illness.  Wash your hands often if someone in the family is sick...

Trin - you may have needed a double course of antibiotics;  if your cough is deep (i.e. bronchial), perhaps get back to your doc so that it doesn't worsen.  Hope you're feeling better soon..

[Magnum]

Maybe you just have the flu.

Magnum

[Marc1955]

Linda – As others have said, you may just be experiencing side effects from the treatment. I see you're pretty new to this. For some of us, the side effects get stronger a few months in. Runny nose, scratchy throat and fever are very common side effects.

From my own experience, you really want to watch the cough. The Ribavirin dries out your system and it can make it difficult to produce saliva. I had a mild cough really turn south on me and I ended up getting pretty sick.

Good luck. Try to get lots of sleep. Hopefully you'll feel better soon.

[epiphiny]

I have had symptoms such as you describe for the greater part of my treatment thus far and they come and go in intensity depending on where I am in the arc of the interferon in my system.  Every morning after my weekly shot I wake up with a 'cold', ie sore throat, flemmy cough, earache and a raised temp.  As the week progresses and I get closer to shot day those symptoms fade away only to come back the day after the shot.

If you are worried tho, you would be wise to talk to your medical team.

All the best

Epi.

[nygirl7]

I never had one virus or cold or anything on treatment - however - I did find myself constantly washing my hands (the thing they say to do to avoid colds) and I also stayed as far away from people as I could ... didn't let them use my  phone at work or my pens and stuff like that.  I'm sure that was what managed the 'cold part'.

The virus part.....it was definitely a big bonus. Since you are on an antiviral it only makes sense that it would be killing them off.

The cough can be a result from treatment quite easily - many of us developed that during our time on the meds.  

As the others have said just rest all you can and follow the advice of all of the doctors to general overall health and it will help you out a great deal.  As soon as I stopped following all my own advice above.........I got sick for real again.

[LindaC1207]

Thank you all, I was pretty sure that the cough was a side effect, late Monday or early Tuesday would be when the 2nd leg of the Peg kicks in and I felt lousy when I woke up yesterday, coughing, sore throat, fatigue but as the day wore on, the cough went away and today I feel pretty good, no cough at all and only mild fatigue.  I know this is a wait and see type of marathon treatment and everyday brings a new surprise.  I will just keep on keeping a positive attitude and try my best to take care of myself in every way I can.  Lot's of good advice above, thank you all!

Linda