Re: New to the group(Also-on becoming ill)

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Kay, for making me feel welcome. I've never been to

Louisiana. That would be a fun trip.

I think hot, humid weather affects many folks with immune issues and

also older folks. (My dear mother is 84 and has myasthenia gravis.)

I want to add in on this message my thoughts on another thread

that's currently running through this group...that of being exposed

to other viruses and trying to avoid becoming ill.

My experience with MS is that being sick is almost always worse

(longer duration, harder to overcome) because of having MS. Also, a

former neurologist once told me that anytime I had the flu, I would

almost certainly have an exacerbation soon afterwards because of the

trigger of fighting bacteria to my immune system. MS is thought to

be caused by an overzealous immune system. He also recommended a

yearly flu shot to help avoid this if possible.

I have become more sensitive to socializing when I am a " germ

carrier, " and I try to stay away from hand contact with others who

are sick. No hugs, and I am a huggy kind of person...that kind of

thing. I think it's very reasonable to try to avoid contact with

illness which will almost certainly hit hard anyone who already has

health issues and I find most folks to be understanding of my desire

to not " catch " anything. I do try to soften the avoidance with

humor. You know, like crossing your fingers as a protection from

dracula or something.

Also, prednisone, as well as being an anti-inflammatory, suppresses

the immune system and can make one more susceptible to illness.

Daily injections I take(copaxone) are designed to suppress my immune

system, so it is even more important for me to be wise in my

exposure to illness.

Just my two cents worth.

Hugs,

Nita