I have been battling for the past few days with an awful viral sore throat, persistent cough which has now gone on my chest ie bronchitis. It has been doing the rounds locally and people feeling rough. I’m doing all the usual things, paracetamol, fluids, rest etc and started an expectorant today to try and help shift the phlegm. ( I did check this with the GP online) ( I am Covid neg, did a quick test to be sure. ) The reason for this post is to ask if anyone knows if our immune systems are affected after a stroke ? Are we more susceptible because this is the worst I have ever been with a throat infection and I also feel rather wheezy. It has impacted my balance etc probably as I’m more tired. Any worst tomorrow and I will need to ask the Gps advice though I try and avoid at all costs for things such as this. Any thoughts learned survivors?
I have just recovered from something very similar so sending you my sympathies and hope you feel better soon.
It is common to be affected more from illnesses after a stroke. Not sure whh but I think itvis probably because your new brain connections can’t cope with fighting an illness & dealing with the new connections. I have found even the mildest of colds can completely wipe me out. It can also make your stroke affects worse temporarily too.
Plenty of rest & stay hydrated. Get well soon.
Ann x
Hi Hilary - sorry to hear you have picked up a horrid infection. Pleased you tested negative for Covid. Good that you are doing all the usual things.
Unfortunately, in my experience, these infections do take about a week or possibly two to clear, and the strains are getting stronger through building up resistance to antibiotics etc.
Wrt to contacting the GP, I think perhaps now, it might be worth not avoiding at all costs for such things - being a stroke survivor is hard enough and you should take all the help that is available. To be fair you did check with the online GP - so well done!
Get well soon
Today, I learnt something new from your post
I learnt what an expectorant is - this is the first time I have ever come across this word
Sorry to hear that you are unwell at the moment. Take care and look after yourself and I hope you will be feeling better soon.
Sending positive thoughts and regards
Sue
Regards Sue
My immune system doesn’t seem that affected after my stroke, but my CPSP gets far worse on the run up to any illness (ie colds, Covid etc) even before I know I’m ill. It then goes away when the symptoms develop.