Does interferon keep you from getting sick?

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Does interferon keep you from getting sick?

This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 7 months ago by Phil S.

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- February 23, 2011 at 9:13 pm
- Quote
djpayn
Participant
If you are able to get through the year of interferon, does it keep you from getting common illnesses as well as keep the melanoma at bay?

By common illnesses I am referring to colds, flu, etc.

I am aware that it doesnt keep melanoma away forever, but since it does pump up the immune system, it would make sense that common illnesses would be rare as well, doesn't it?

If you are able to get through the year of interferon, does it keep you from getting common illnesses as well as keep the melanoma at bay?

By common illnesses I am referring to colds, flu, etc.

I am aware that it doesnt keep melanoma away forever, but since it does pump up the immune system, it would make sense that common illnesses would be rare as well, doesn't it?

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Replies

- - February 23, 2011 at 9:33 pm
  - Quote
  Tracy Chicago
  Participant
  I felt like I always had a slight head cold while I was on interferon. I finished in March and then I got my first sinus infection for the year in October…it hasn't gone away yet!
- - February 23, 2011 at 9:33 pm
  - Quote
  Tracy Chicago
  Participant
  I felt like I always had a slight head cold while I was on interferon. I finished in March and then I got my first sinus infection for the year in October…it hasn't gone away yet!
- - February 23, 2011 at 10:59 pm
  - Quote
  Phil S
  Participant
  It seems to me that Interferon is often times as unpredictable as melanoma itself. My husband has had low white cell counts for his entire 10 months of treatment, although not low enough to have to change dosage. He got pneumonia in December during the beginning of our brutal winter. He is doing well now, and didn't have to interrupt treatment. Valerie (Phil's wife)
- - February 23, 2011 at 10:59 pm
  - Quote
  Phil S
  Participant
  It seems to me that Interferon is often times as unpredictable as melanoma itself. My husband has had low white cell counts for his entire 10 months of treatment, although not low enough to have to change dosage. He got pneumonia in December during the beginning of our brutal winter. He is doing well now, and didn't have to interrupt treatment. Valerie (Phil's wife)

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