Another steroid question

[peglem]

Do steroids make kids more susceptible to illness? I mean, if they suppress the immune system, then what protects them from disease?

[dabel]

Good question. I was wondering the same thing. I just started a steroid burst today for my son. The swine flu is going around and I wonder if this will leave him more suseptible to this or any other "bugs". My child slides back with any illness - not just strep.

[memom]

In theory, yes. Both bacterial and viral, one of the reasons you don't stay on for long periods of time. In short bursts, less so.

[thereishope]

When my son went on a steroid for 5 days, they said they weren't concerned about it compromising his immune system. But, granted, it was short term use.