Do you have more colds with PMR?

Posted by bainbridge @bainbridge, 1 day ago

Do others seem to get more colds? Diagnosed 8-24 and had two colds in last 9 months- very unusual for me. Started 15 mg prednisone and now down to 7.5 after ups and downs. A1C was up and now high normal.
Active lifestyle with 3+ mile walks each day.

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jeff97 | @jeff97 | 1 day ago

I have PMR and GCA, and I have definitely gotten more colds since I started treatment late June 2024. I have been taking prednisone for a year, and Actemra for about 10 months. Both of those drugs suppress the immune system. I caught 2 colds in the past year. Before getting sick with PMR and GCA, I used to catch a cold every few years. I also caught Covid while I was sick with PMR but before I started treatment.

I also noticed that when I catch a cold it takes longer to get over it. Both times I caught one in the past year it took a full 2 weeks or more to get it.