Anybody can catch a typical chilly or flu, however when you’ve gotten ulcerative colitis (UC), you could be extra vulnerable to each. Inflammatory bowel illnesses (IBD) like Crohn’s illness and UC can disrupt your immune system’s skill to guard you, which may result in an elevated threat of infections like colds or flu, says Asad Rahman, MD, a gastroenterologist with Cleveland Clinic in Florida.
Many individuals with UC get the flu every year. In a single research of greater than 1.6 million individuals with IBD, the flu was the most typical vaccine-preventable illness that triggered a critical an infection.
Past the results of UC itself, the drugs you are taking for this situation may improve your an infection threat. “Some UC medicines, like steroids or biologics, calm the immune system down so it doesn’t overreact, [which] may make it tougher on your physique to battle germs like chilly or flu viruses,” says Andrew Dam, DO, a gastroenterologist at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Heart in Pomona, California.
The excellent news is, you’ve gotten loads of choices for stopping and treating a nasty chilly or flu when you’ve gotten UC. Listed here are seven key details to know.
1. You Can Forestall Colds and Flu With Frequent Handwashing
Most individuals get a chilly or flu virus by inhaling droplets from another person’s cough or sneeze, or by touching an object that has the virus on it after which touching their mouth, eyes, or nostril. However, if you wash your palms with cleaning soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, you scrub away any germs lingering there.
“I at all times suggest common handwashing, avoiding touching your eyes or nostril, and avoiding biting fingernails or placing fingers in your mouth,” says Jill Gaidos, MD, a gastroenterologist at Yale Drugs in New Haven, Connecticut, who additionally suggests staying away from others who’re sick to guard your self.
You need to use hand sanitizer in a pinch, however it doesn’t work on all germs and isn’t as efficient on greasy or visibly dirty palms. Dr. Dam recommends sporting a masks in crowded locations, cleansing surfaces like telephones and keyboards typically, and supporting your immune system with good diet and sleep.
2. If You Have Chilly or Flu Signs, Inform Your Gastroenterologist Instantly
In case you discover the widespread signs of a flu or chilly, let your gastroenterologist know straight away. “As a result of your immune system isn’t as sturdy, an unusual flu might flip into an even bigger drawback,” says Dam. The flu may cause signs together with:
Fever
Chills
Sore throat
Cough
Stuffy or runny nostril
Physique aches
Complications
Feeling exhausted
Colds may cause related signs, however signs are sometimes milder and have a decrease threat of issues than the flu.
“I counsel my sufferers to maintain me knowledgeable in the event that they develop a viral an infection,” says Dr. Rahman. With both sickness, by getting assist early, you’ll be able to forestall issues and generally deal with the virus itself.
3. Your Gastroenterologist Could Inform You to Pause Your Medicines
When you have a gentle chilly, your gastroenterologist in all probability received’t modify your UC remedy. However for extra critical infections, your immune system may have a break from suppressing UC drugs.
“In some circumstances, we might must briefly maintain their immunosuppressive drugs, notably throughout energetic an infection, hospitalization, or issues from bacterial superinfection,” says Rahman.
4. You Could Have a Increased Threat of Chilly and Flu Issues
As a result of UC causes the immune system to malfunction, and its remedy entails reducing your skill to battle infections, a virus can do extra injury to your physique in case you have the situation.
“Sufferers with UC are at elevated threat of hospitalization from influenza due to their immunocompromised and immune-dysregulated state,” says Rahman.
Frequent flu issues can embrace sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and irritation of the guts, mind, or muscle groups. In excessive circumstances, flu can result in organ failure and a life-threatening response known as sepsis. It may possibly additionally worsen different situations like bronchial asthma and coronary heart illness.
Adults with UC ages 65 and older have a good greater complication threat due to their age, particularly from the flu, says Dr. Gaidos.
5. You Want a Flu Shot Each Yr — however Not the Nasal Spray
One of the simplest ways to guard your self towards the flu is by getting a flu shot yearly. Gaidos recommends older adults particularly get a high-dose flu vaccine throughout flu season. “[But] anyone with UC ought to get an annual flu shot,” she says.
Some flu vaccines, just like the nasal spray, comprise stay influenza virus and aren’t your best option for individuals with UC. “UC sufferers, notably those that are immune-suppressed, ought to obtain the flu shot, which accommodates parts of a mixture of flu viruses that aren’t alive,” says Gaidos.
You want a flu shot yearly as a result of it loses its effectiveness over time. The influenza viruses floating round your neighborhood additionally change yearly, and infectious illness specialists consistently replace the vaccine to battle the flu because it mutates. So, by getting vaccinated every year (ideally in September), you’ll have the very best probability of stopping flu and its issues.
6. Chilly and Flu Could Not Trigger UC Flares, however You Ought to Nonetheless Take Further Care
Some individuals cease taking their UC drugs whereas they’re sick with a chilly or flu, however it’s very important to verify together with your supplier earlier than doing this, says Gaidos. “[Stopping your medications] is often pointless and may end up in an exacerbation of [UC] signs.”
When you have a chilly or flu, Dam recommends taking it straightforward and getting loads of relaxation. “Keep hydrated with water, broth, or tea, and eat easy-to-digest meals so your intestine isn’t pressured,” says Dam.
7. Each Antiviral Meds and Dwelling Treatments Can Enhance Chilly and Flu Signs
Most chilly and flu infections go away on their very own, however you could be provided antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) to deal with influenza.
“I like to recommend consuming loads of liquids, getting relaxation, after which addressing different signs (cough, congestion, sore throat) with over-the-counter chilly and flu therapies,” says Gaidos. She additionally suggests sizzling tea with honey to assist relieve a sore throat.
Dam’s go-to residence cures for chilly and flu with UC are to drink heat fluids for consolation, use a humidifier for simpler respiratory, and eat meals light on the abdomen, like rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast. Keep away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen until your physician says it’s okay, as a result of they will irritate the intestine, says Dam. “Let your physique relaxation — therapeutic takes vitality,” he says.
The Takeaway
When you’ve gotten ulcerative colitis, you carry the next threat of catching a chilly or the flu and creating issues from them.
You may assist forestall chilly and flu by washing your palms typically, sporting a masks in crowds, avoiding individuals who you already know are sick, and getting a flu vaccine yearly.
When you have a chilly or the flu, you could be handled with antiviral medicine, however you may also ease signs with residence cures like a humidifier, heat fluids, and loads of relaxation.
