Question for those with MS: how can I tell if its the flu or a relapse?

[clemetteattlee]

Just that really. Diagnosed with MS in February following two episodes in eight months. Since then I have experienced exacerbation of symptoms on and off but for the past four weeks I have been even more bone-crushingly tired, all my limbs hurt and I feel like my cognition levels have reduced. At the weekend i couldn't even walk! Could it just be the flu making the symptoms worse? Anyone had anything similar?

I'm so sorry to hear that. The unhelpful answer is that you often can't. Flu does make the symptoms worse, and so does migraine (for me). Generally true relapses last much longer than illness-induced flare-ups. Do get a flu jab when you can. Have you called your hospital? There should be an MS nurse you can speak to.

Take care. (Diagnosed 2008, two DCs since.)

infections, flu etc can cause relapse - call MS nurse?
take care

My mum has MS (20 years) - she relapsed early summer and wondered the same thing...advice from MS nurse and consultant was wait and see....give it 4 weeks, if symptoms still there we treat it as a relapse, if not was the flu (probably) - this is the difficulty isnt it? - Certainly flu/colds even go as my mum calls it "straight to her legs" anyway. Hope you feel stronger soon.