Real Flu? Or caused by Crohn's or Humira?

[WebJunk]

How do you tell the difference if you have the real flu? Caused by Crohn's? or caused by Humira (or other meds) injections?

I normally get flu symptoms for only a couple of days after injecting Humira. But I have not had an injection in a few weeks but have had what I thought is the real flu (have symptoms don't get w/injections) or another virus. And I have not taken my Humira in a few weeks because I thought I had the flu. Then thought I was better a week ago but now feeling sick again exactly the same. Of course a friend (with Crohn's) suggested maybe it was flu symptoms caused by my Crohn's which seems to be getting much worse lately probably from not taking the Humira for so long. Did see my regular doctor this week and had tests but nothing showing anything.
Kind of a Catch-22 right now. Should not take the Humira if I have a flu or virus but my Crohn's disease is getting worse because I am not taking Humira.

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SarahBear]

Hi, WebJunk!

Would you mind sharing what your symptoms are? Could you also list the symptoms you typically associate with a Crohn's flare?

I think your best bet at this point is probably contacting your GI and asking them what they suggest.

 

[WebJunk]

Hi Sarah. Thanks for the reply. Not looking to be diagnosed for the flu over the Internet. Don't think that would be a wise thing to be doing. My GI doctor has no suggestions other than if I think I have the flu then don't take my Humira.
As I wrote, was looking for the differences people feel or see between Real flu, Humira or Crohn's side-effects. With enough info should be able to come up with a matrix.

 

[PsychoJane]

Well, I never had flu like symptoms from my humira shot other than maybe feeling sometime like I had congestion and headache.

The few times I had the flu, I really knew it was the flu. I mean you feel terrible, weak, with intense fever. You are totally exhausted, 10-12hours of sleep a day are needed. Muscles aches and headache are pretty terrible. Nothing to do with these symtoms other than sleep them through, knocking them out with tylenol flu lots of lozenges, plenty of broth and orange juice. Total lack of apetite in my case too. There is not one time where I caught the flu where I would not wake up in my sweat, freezing like a chicken feather less. Its roughly 7-10 days of misery then its a good 2 weeks to recover with lack of energy that progresively get better.

 

[SarahBear]

I certainly wasn't intending to diagnose you, just help you draw comparisons between the flu like symptoms and your Crohn's symptoms.

 

[rygon]

Just so we are all on the same boat. Flu like symptoms are:-


Headache.
Fever (38o to 40oC).
Aching muscles and joints.
Chest pains.
Lack of appetite.
Fatigue and weakness.
A runny nose and sore throat.
Dry cough.
Restless sleep.
Chills and shivering.
Indigestion.
Vomiting or diarrhoea.

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/influenza.htm#ixzz2r1BoLVxt