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Other Sickness and AS

For the third month in a row, I have gotten sick between biologic injections. This time I've ended up on antibiotics, and my rheumy has advised me to delay my injection by a week in case the infection rears up again.
This month it was strep throat, which I caught off my sister over Christmas, and last month gastro, from my baby nephew. The month priors virus was unknown but it recked havoc on me almost the entire month - fevers, pain flare ups, dizziness, migraines.

Anyone else having a hard time staying well and/or stay sick longer since starting on biologics? everyone in the extended family caught gastro from the baby (it was over thanksgiving weekend!) and they were all sick for 2 days, and I was sick for 6 days.

It's summer here (Australia) so usual winter coughs and colds aren't to blame...

(Australians don't typically celebrate Thanksgiving but my extended family is from the US so we do, in case that part confused anyone)

  1. it’s hard for people to understand. Not only do I have AS & on biologics & methotrexate, but I also have asthma. My son doesn’t seem to understand why I can’t babysit when the grandkids are sick. He’s very healthy, which I’m thankful for, but he just doesn’t get it. I don’t want to be a burden when I get really sick. And you definitely tend to catch things easier on biologics.

    1. Hi @AngeB

      I am sorry to hear how everyone is not feeling well and you have been more prone to getting sick more often. Being on biologics you are more prone to getting more sick often. Which treatment are you on?
      I am on biologics right now as well and find I have to be careful. When everyone is sick or especially the kids get sick, I always catch what they have.
      This holiday my whole family got sick. They wanted me to still go over for the holidays, but I didn't cause I knew I would get sick. They where upset about it, but I explained how when I get sick that mean a flare happens also. Then who knows how long for the flare to calm down.
      I hope you feel better soon. Hope you can get rest and hydrate. Sending you positive vibes with strength.

      Nicky (Team Member)

      1. Hi ,
        I've been taking Simponi since August.

        I definitely need to ask more questions before visiting people, because I didn't know they were sick before I showed up. Well... the baby - he caught gastro from daycare and no one knew that at the time, but my sister knew she was sick at christmas.


        I'm glad I've had a time off work so I can rest but its not how I wanted to spend my vacation days.





      2. I know sometimes we can know and prevent these situations. I hope you get the rest you need and feel better over your time off. Try to do something that will make you feel good.

        Sending you warm hugs and thinking of you,

        Nicky (Team Member)

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