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I was just diagnosed with MS this past February and have only had one attack (Optic Neuritis) which led to my diagnosis. I take Avonex and LDN. I am starting to come down with a cold and was wondering if I have to worry that every time I get a cold, I'm going to have a relapse? Does anyone know? (Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question)

LindaR,

I too was diagnosed this past year and my first symptom like yours was Optic Neuritis.

I asked the same question and was told not to do anything differently than I normaly do as far as getting sick was concerned.

I start taking an herbal supplement called "Cold Snap" at the first sign of a cold or if I have been exposed to a cold. I always make sure to take it when I am traveling by airplane. I haven't had a cold for a couple of years. I am sure there is more information about the product on the internet. I buy at my local health food store.

Good Luck!

I have found that I just seem to take longer to get over cold, etc. and feel like they hit me harder than before if it happens when I am already dealing with a attack. I try and take better care of myself to avoid getting sick in the first place, if I am or have been on steroids recently then I know that I have to be on my toes because you are less able to fight the germs. I have gotten a flu shot every year since my dx but 2, and got the phnumonia shot the first year. This year being one of those years, I am still recovering from an attack I felt like I was weak enough already w/o the possibility of a reaction to the shot. Plus the shots are in such short supply. I know it is still not too late to get it, and if I feel strong enough now that things have settled down around my house I might check on getting one.

There is no way to totally avoid getting sick, especially with 2 young kids and a dh that works in a hospital. I have never had a cold cause an attack, or at least not that I have related. Worrying about it, or stressing are worse enemy IMO for me than the cold...HTH