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Has anyone found that they get a flare up when they're already ill/sick?

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭

I've recently come down with a cold/flu but before I started to feel sick I got a really bad flare up and a mouth ulcer/canker sore. I'm wondering if illness might bring on a flare up or if a flare up might bring on illness. Either way it feels like a double whammy attack on my body!!

September 21, 2024
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A myHSteam Member

I was going to ask the same thing. I have had three flare-ups in the last year and each were accompanied by a virus of some sort (eg. Flu or COVID, wet cough, cold). It definitely seems like my immune system crashes. I'm not sure which causes the other.

February 2, 2025
myHSteam

Yes, it's possible for illness to trigger a flare-up of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or for a flare-up to coincide with illness. Here are some key points from my knowledge base:

- Flu-Like Symptoms and HS: People with HS may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, muscle aches, fatigue, or headaches, even Show Full Answer

Yes, it's possible for illness to trigger a flare-up of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or for a flare-up to coincide with illness. Here are some key points from my knowledge base:

- Flu-Like Symptoms and HS: People with HS may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, muscle aches, fatigue, or headaches, even without having the flu. These symptoms can occur before or after a flare-up.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications for HS, like antibiotics and NSAIDs, can cause nausea and other symptoms that might be mistaken for the flu.
- Immune System Impact: Biologics used to treat HS can modulate the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections like colds or the flu.

It's important to communicate your symptoms to your healthcare team to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.

September 21, 2024

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Does anyone get colds/ill all the time?

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February 28, 2025

Hi, Just wondering how people manage the mental drain that a flare up has?

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If you’re on a biologic, what has your experience been? Did it help? Which one are you on? Did you get sick more often?

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March 24 (edited)

Can You Start Biologics During a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Flare-Up?
What To Do During an HS Flare-Up: Relief Tips
Why Hidradenitis Suppurativa Smells Bad During a Flare
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