Question 1

what does it mean to have a suppressed immune system?  e.g the immune system was suppressed by prednisone? does it mean that you have to avoid people?

Accepted Answer

Prednisone: Prednisone does suppress the Immune system.  However it depends on how much and for how long.  As a rule within 2 to 4 weeks your immune system should bounce back to normal. People on prednisone or recovering from being on prednisone usually do no have to avoid people.

Question 2

how much prednisone affects your immune system. daily dose?

Accepted Answer

: Depends on how much prednisone. The higher the dose and the longer you take it the more it affects the immune system. This reason given to those rejecting transplanted kidney or heart. Google immunity AND steroids.

Question 3

is it true that taking the combination of prednisone and humira (adalimumab) for 6 months is not safe and suppresses the immune system completely?

Accepted Answer

MD supervision: Is mandatory while using those strong medications, counseling is important too, which I'm sure happened, yes steroids and biologicals suppress the immun system, but not permanently

Question 4

i know prednisone lowers your immune system, so can i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in occasions: You've got  an excellent point.  For example, in treating sinusitis caused by allergic nasal congestion, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) treatment has much less side effects than prednesone.

Question 5

could taking prednisone for my cough affect my getting over the flu by depressing my immune system?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: For Prednisone to suppress the white blood cell function of the immune system it takes high doses for at least 7-10 days.  A short course of Prednisone will not affect the immune systems ability to function normally.  On the other hand, high doses or long term daily or every other day use could affect immune function.

Question 6

hi i was given prednisone to help with otitis media, i see is suppresses the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Not in short burst: A short 5 day or so treatment has little effect on overall function. Prednisone mimics the stress hormone your body makes every day. Use it at therapeutic levels for a month and it would.

Question 7

can taking 1 50mg prednisone for allergies have an impact on your immune system or put you at increased risk of contracting covid-19?

Accepted Answer

Take if necessary: Use your usual allergy and asthma medications as necessary, avoid allergic triggers such as mold and dust. 
The one time dose of prednisone is not likely to increase your chances of contracting COVID 19. Use COVID 19 standard precautions to avoid contact with the virus.

Question 8

can i take culterelle probiotic while on prednisone? will i be more likely to get an infection because weakened immune system?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both.: Can take probiotic while on prednisone. Will not make you more ill. It is questionable if helps the immune system. It may help prevent an antibiotic associated diarrhea. It depends how long you are on the prednisone. If it is long term then you can develop a weakened immune system. If not long then it is not likely to cause a major problem.

Question 9

tapering down from 15 mg of prednisone for pmr. down to 5 mg now.. is my immune system still compromised.. worried about getting covid or flu. don't want to not be able to get protection from my immune system..also can you take paxlovid w/prednisone?

Accepted Answer

: I don't consider 15 mg of prednisone enough to interfere with the immune system. The human body makes around 5 mg equivalent every day of the year. If your immune system is weak for other reasons this would not make much difference. You can take most meds including Paxlovid on this low dose.

Question 10

what can i do to keep my immune system up. i have sarcoid of the liver and ra. i have 2 infections since being on prednisone taper for first time.

Accepted Answer

Immunosuppression: Having two chronic diseases, one is autoimmune, both need prednisone and other meds that cause immunosuppression, having two infections is not uncommon, at any rate you may want to wear a mask while in crowded places, you need to avoid anyhow, stay at a distance from people with colds, don't change diapers for kids who recently received oral polio vaccination, rest, fresh air, fluids,balanced diet

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Doctor answers about:

How long for the immune system to recover after prednisone

A member asked:

What does it mean to have a suppressed immune system? e.g the immune system was suppressed by prednisone? does it mean that you have to avoid people?

A member asked:

How much prednisone affects your immune system. daily dose?

A member asked:

Is it true that taking the combination of prednisone and humira (adalimumab) for 6 months is not safe and suppresses the immune system completely?

A member asked:

I know prednisone lowers your immune system, so can i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) instead?

A member asked:

Could taking prednisone for my cough affect my getting over the flu by depressing my immune system?

A member asked:

Hi i was given prednisone to help with otitis media, i see is suppresses the immune system?

A member asked:

Can taking 1 50mg prednisone for allergies have an impact on your immune system or put you at increased risk of contracting covid-19?

A member asked:

Can i take culterelle probiotic while on prednisone? will i be more likely to get an infection because weakened immune system?

A member asked:

Tapering down from 15 mg of prednisone for pmr. down to 5 mg now.. is my immune system still compromised.. worried about getting covid or flu. don't want to not be able to get protection from my immune system..also can you take paxlovid w/prednisone?

A member asked:

What can i do to keep my immune system up. i have sarcoid of the liver and ra. i have 2 infections since being on prednisone taper for first time.

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