Prednisone, a corticosteroid, significantly weakens your immune response. It achieves this by suppressing the activity of your immune cells, including lymphocytes (T cells and B cells) and macrophages. This suppression reduces inflammation, which is beneficial for certain conditions. However, this also makes you more vulnerable to infections, including viral ones.
Reduced Inflammatory Response
Prednisone directly affects the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing their levels in your body. This means your body’s response to infection, while lessened, is also less damaging to surrounding tissues. This is a double-edged sword: beneficial in managing inflammation, but detrimental in fighting off infection.
Impact on Specific Immune Cells
Specifically, prednisone affects T-helper cells (Th1 and Th2 cells), crucial for coordinating the immune response. Reduced activity of these cells hinders the body’s ability to effectively clear viral infections. Additionally, it impacts the production of antibodies by B cells, compromising your body’s ability to remember and fight past infections.
Practical Implications
Increased Infection Risk: This immune suppression increases your susceptibility to various infections, including viral ones. The severity of infections can also be amplified. Careful Monitoring: Regular monitoring for infection signs is therefore crucial while on prednisone. Prompt medical attention is necessary for any signs of infection. Vaccination Considerations: Discuss vaccinations with your doctor; some vaccines may be less effective or even contraindicated during prednisone treatment.
