Virus Hanging on

[firerescue9]

I have had a virus over the past 2 weeks (went to my Primary when It first started).  In the past I have been mostly healthy and when I did get sick it would not last long.  This is the first time that I have been sick since my MS diagnosis.  It seems to be hanging on.  Is this natural for someone with MS?  Is this possibly because of the MS medication that I am on? Should I go back to my doctor and get checked again?  I also have a lot more burning in my  hips.  I usually have this but it is just more extreme since the onset of the virus. I do not like to see the doctors every time something comes up.  I like to just push through it and not have to go.  Is this something I should worry about??

[HVAC]

It is not that tasty but it has helped me get over illness faster. My husband and I got the cough that lasted for everyone a month or more this winter. I had it shorter and less coughing because I hit the Pau d arco right away. It is better with honey. I keep it on hand and use it the minute I feel something coming on. A nurse told me about it. Many grocery stores sell it with medicinal teas. I have a tea strainer so I buy a big bag.

Alex

[firerescue9]

Alex,
I will try the tea.  I usually drink coffee but in recent weeks I have not been able to stomach the coffee.  This sounds like a possible substitute for my morning coffee.  Will let you know how it works out.
Have a wonderful day!
Leanne

[firerescue9]

Thanks for the information that helps a lot.  Keeps my mind at ease and I don't worry so much.
Leanne

[HVAC]

Leanne most MSers if they admit it do to much. I hope the virus clears up. I drink something called  Pau d arco tea. It is from the Amazon. When ever I get sick. I drink a whole lot of it the boost my immune system.

Alex

[doublevision1]

Glad you're feeling better. The increased burning in your hips may have been a pseudoexacerbation. Not a true relapse but a worsening of MS symptoms due to elevation on body temp due to illness eg viral infection. You don't even need to feel hot. This phenomenon can occur with a fraction of one degree increase in temp.

Fortunately Copaxone doesn't put you at greater risk for colds, flu, etc than you were before you started taking it. As Ess stated, some of the newer DMDs (Gilenya, Tecfidera) which substantially suppress the immune system, do put you at greater risk due to reduction in lymphocytes.  

I'm not sure that having MS is protective for viral and other infections by virtue of the fact that this is an autoimmune disease. My understanding is that because this overactivity is specific to the central nervous system, it doesn't "boost" our immunity for attacks on other systems, eg respiratory, etc. This is how my former neuro explained it to me.

[firerescue9]

No throwing up, mostly just felt like I had strep and ear infections.  Long periods of time with headaches with no relief.  I get headaches 3 to 4 times a week anyway but they are usually controlled with Tylenol. (this is what I can take with the tramidol that I take everyday.)  Feeling much better today.  Part of my problem I think is knowing when to rest.  I tend to overdue everyday.  My Niece who was diagnosed 4 years ago is always on me about taking it easy.  I'm still having a hard time with not doing things that I probably should not do.  It is hard to pace myself.  Have 3 wonderful grandchildren that I love to spend time with and they all are mobile and full of energy.  
Thank you for all your support!
Leanne

[firerescue9]

I have been on copaxone for 3 months now.  When I got up this morning it was like someone flipped a switch.  Back to feeling pretty much normal (what I call my new normal anyway).  Must have been the virus just taking it's good old time.  I normally do not get sick. (colds, flu, etc).  This was the first time ever that I can remember being sick for that long. Well other then my first outbreak that lead to the MS diagnosis. Thanks for all the support!  The support of the forum keeps me sane.
Leanne

[HVAC]

There have been viruses this year which last along time. There is one with a cough. People with MS are like anyone else when we get sick. If you have already seen your doctor about the virus I would do what he says. Otherwise you can always see him. There is not much they can do about viruses. If it is a gut viruses and you are throwing up keeping fluids in is the main thing.

I have had MS a long time. I get sick the same way everyone else does. UTIs seem to cause to most problems with symptoms of MS because they often have fevers. The symptoms get better with a resolution of the illness.

Alex

Alex

[essdipity]

Hi. I don't think anyone here will be able to answer your question with any certainty. If you are just recently diagnosed, no one knows the answer.

Most people with MS do not have a history of often being sick. Many, including me, have been exceptionally healthy overall, rarely getting even a cold. Our immune systems are not compromised at all--if anything, they way overshoot the mark. Of course, as with anything MS, there are exceptions.

You don't say whether you are on a disease-modifying drug, or if you are, which one or how long. Some of the newer ones do somewhat compromise the immune system, not to the extent that chemotherapy for cancer does, but somewhat.

I suggest that if you are worried you should see your primary, who can order blood work that includes testing of the white count. If this is low or remains low, you should consider conferring with your neuro. I hope this is all an unfortunate coincidence, and that you soon are better.

Get well soon!

ess