Has anyone had Covid or the flu along with PMR?

I had the Flu Flu A really knocked me out for more than a week Was on 4 mg prednisone at the time.
back on my feet again and down to 3 mg but achy.

Getting a vaccination is always an individual choice. Yes, I had Covid during a flare and I was fully vaccinated. It was mid-summer. If was horrid, but I lived thru it. I believe the vaccination made a difference. If you do decide to get the vaccinations I would recommend you only get one at a time and space them out by at least two weeks.

I got PMR two weeks after my second vaccination. So I am a vac. critic. As mentioned it is an individual thing. Your immune system is suppressed while on steroids. However, getting covid for me was no worse than a 3-4 day flu. I have asthma and thought it might be worse but it was nothing. Everyone is so different.

I got Covid in July 2025. Last booster in Oct. 2024. I was on 5 mg. of Prednisone and taking monthly Actemra infusions. My rheumatologist suggested that I not get a Covid vaccine this year. I'm okay with that. I did get a flu vaccine in early October 2025. I made sure I was 2 weeks out from my infusion date. No issues.

I have to disagree that getting a vaccination is an individual choice. It affects all of those around you and those in your community that come into contact with you. It is the responsible thing to do unless your doctor indicates otherwise. I got covid (from working the polls) while on prednisone. I was vaccinated and only felt bad for a day or two, like the flu. But I tested positive for 2 weeks after that and wore a mask when I went out. I did take Paxlovid, which may have helped. I was not in a flare, but it did not seem to affect my PMR noticeably.

@54pontiac I got covid about 4 months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. So the vaccine does not stop you from getting covid. Did it help with symptoms? IDK? I was on dexamethasone for PMR. I cannot take a statin, I am allergic to latex, I have asthma and allergic to almost every pollen and dust. Others are allergic to wheat on and on. My belief would be that anyone not getting vaccinated takes their own risk not a risk to others. Others are going to catch it anyway. I got the shot because my wife had cancer. We both thought that it would lessen the impact if we got the vaccine. A personal choice. we both got covid probably from someone already vaccinated.

I got both of mine at the same time last month. I was worried about how this new body of mine would react. Well, nothing bad happened! Felt fine. Not sure if I’m totally protected from these viruses but what the heck. I did pause my methotrexate the week after my shots. We shall see what this winter will be like w/more holiday gathering & groups staying indoors.

I had covid 3 weeks ago. Had a moderate fever for 3 days and a cough. Lasted about 8 days. It did not cause my PMR to flare.
Maybe wait till your flare is over.

I am a 71 year old female, diagnosed with PMR 7 months ago, taking 9 mg prednisone once a day and still tapering. I was vaccinated ( boosted) last fall for Covid but not yet this fall. I got covid in Sept. after returning from a train trip. My Dr. put me on Paxlovid since I have PMR.
It worked really well and my symptoms were pretty mild-mostly congestion and sore throat-no fever.
FYI-The manufacturer of Paxlovid is charging for it now so even with Medicare and prescription plan, it cost $700 ( $1700 without a prescription plan). I worked very well but not everyone can afford it but maybe there are ways to get a better discount price.
I just got my over 65 stronger flu shot yesterday that's recommended for seniors. Only side effect this time was a sore arm and just a little fatigue today.
Hope this helps.

@gigilea Just to clarify, the government paid for Paxlovid, said another way the US Government paid the makers of Paxlovid for the drug until this year. Trust me the manufacturer did not absorb the cost, they would have gone bankrupt.