the flu strikes again
 

A few people in my household seem to have the flu (fever, body aches, sore throat). I am not sick, but for a few days my immune system was evidently waging war on the flu virus. I should have realized that's what was going on, because a few days ago I collapsed to the floor unexpectedly, while standing (not even walking). The last time that happened to me was three years ago, and it was the same situation: my kids had H1N1, and I was fighting it off.

Anyway, that collapse three years ago was the very first noticeable myasthenia symptom I had. (Looking back, I remember that for about six months before that collapse, I was sleeping a lot more than usual, so it may be that I got MG earlier, but the flu virus caused a flare-up. Sometimes I suspect I've had MG for many, many years, but that it was mild until three years ago.)

I don't know if my experience is typical, but if you have a sudden flare-up that you can't explain, consider the possibility that it's a response to fighting the flu virus.

Abby

Ugh.. I feel your pain.. I have the flu now, and its miserable!!!! I always am weaker the day before I get sick or so.. but that first day even though I had awful pains -joints, eyes, muscle aches etc.. I was impressed with how well I tolerated the coughing etc.
. but man, now it's starting to catch up to me!! I was going to go ahead with my IVIG on monday (which was the 3 week mark, but my heart rate was 133 so they said not until I get over the flu a little more.. ick).. Today I have been soo much weaker.. and have to wait until friday for IVIG.. stupid germs!!! I even got the flu shot this year, but guess there is some breakthrough this year.. Hopefully it will be all done in a few days, I'll get my IVIG and I'll be good for a bit! :)

Get on Tamiflu---NOW! Everyone in the house, sick or not. You must act quickly for it to work. It DOES work--it's saved our family twice now!

Abby, I'm sorry your family has the flu. Please watch out for "secondary" infections if you get the flu. Some people, for whatever reason, are getting them and dying!

You also may need more respiratory support, like oxygen or a CPAP or BiPAP. Or a rescue inhaler. If you get so sick that you can't take a breath in or out well, it's time for the hospital!

Inhaled steroids can be beneficial too.

Well, like I said, there are other supportive therapies that can help you while you have the flu!!!

I'm glad you didn't get a full blown version of it, Abby, but it sounds like it was bad enough. :hug:

Annie

Annie, thanks for the reminder about secondary infections. H1N1 was like that--it was the pneumonia that was so dangerous. We had a scare with my teenager daughter who has heart problems when she caught it, several years ago. Anyone whose breathing is already compromised by MG should take this really seriously!

I'm fine, by the way--not so much as a sniffle. For reasons I don't understand, even on a large dose of Imuran I still never catch anything.

Abby

There are other measures that MGers can take. Wear a mask and gloves while out. Have Purell with you and use it. Wash your hands and blow your nose (yes, that helps) when you get home. Wash your hands after getting your mail because your mailman may have the flu too. Order things on line instead of going to the store.

Abby, I would really like to know the reason why this particular flu is causing secondary infections and in younger, healthy people. It seems odd to me.

Annie

I am 4 days into this thing and starting to wear down - IVIG tomorrow YAY, but on the other hand, don't feel up to feeling the bad part of the IVIG... but good news is I tolerated this flu thing better than the last cough illness I had a few months ago - by the third day of that my cough was so weak it was scarey!

It is crazy not think that this year so many people are sick, when probably more people got vaccinated than before.. I am SOOO careful out and about.. but my kiddos go to school, so when they get sick, I get sick.. I just cant' reduce my snuggles!