Should MS cause flu like symptoms

Hi Karen,

Welcome to MS Central.  I'm sorry that you've been diagnosed with MS, but you've come to a place with lots of information and great support.  I'm sure that you will have many questions and please feel free to ask anything.

The tricky thing with multiple sclerosis is realizing that we are not immune to every other normal ailment out there.  If you think that you have developed the flu, then certainly do not hesitate to consult your primary doctor.  The flu this year was resistent to the flu shot so many more people have developed it.

Personaly, I have not described MS symptoms as having the flu, but if we take each example you've given, then yes, they could be MS-related.  Headache is not listed as one of the more common symptoms, although it has been noted as a presenting symptom in MS.  Here is information which the National MS Society has on Headache.  I have friends who have described nausea and headache as being one of their worse MS symptoms. 

Where I've had nerve damage related to a limb, I would describe that limb (left arm specifically) as being very aching when something MS-wise is going on.

And fatigue is one of the most common MS symptoms reported by 75% to 95% of patients.  Here is a recent post which discusses strategies to combat MS fatigue.

If you've just recently undergone Solumedrol (steroids) treatment for an exacerbation, the symptoms you describe could be a result of that treatment.

I hope that this helps a little.

Hi Karen

Were you having these particular symptoms before your diagnosis?  I know for me sometimes worry can make me feel physically sick.  You have just been told this life changing thing.  Emotions can make us more vulnerable to having bodily symptoms.  Another possiblility is that you actually do have a virus or the flu.  I would strongly suggest that you tell your doctor about these symptoms.  They may have nothing to do with your MS.

Here is our MS symptoms page for you to look at.  MS can cause a variety of symptoms such as pain and fatigue.  I can tell you personally that I have felt nausea right before an epsisode of spasticity and tremors.  Everyone's MS is differerent though.  Sometimes it is hard to tell what comes from MS and what does not.  It is just best to check with a doctor on this.

Sorry you are going through this.  I am glad that you found this site though.  Let us know if we can be of more help to you in any way.

I was diagnosed with MS in 1991 at the age of 21. Even before this I can remember having flu like symptoms. In 2007 my flu like symptoms were occurring everyday. I was taking 8 ibuprofen a day with tylenol in between. My neurologist said it is known that MS can cause rheumatoid like symptoms. I am now taking a prescription antiinflammatory twice a day that has made the biggest difference for me. He also said fibromyalgia is known in MS patients also.

Hope this helps,

Vivian