Is prednisone used for long bouts of cold or flu?

Answer 1

Not usually, however sometimes steroids like prednisone are given when other treatment is not working and inflammation is adding to the problem with the infection. This happens more often with bacterial infections than viral infections like the flu, however, for those hospitalized with serious cases and complications of Swine Flu, IV steroids were often prescribed. They are also used when there is poor response to treatment of secondary bacterial infections in those with current or recent flu infections. It would be unlikely to be used in mild cases of flu or in infections like the common cold.

Answer 2

NO. It is strongly not recommended. Cortisones are not indicated to fight infections. It could worsen it.

The purpose of Prednisone and other similar medicines is to suppress the immune system. With infections, whether viral or bacterial, etc., we need our immune systems to be fully functioning to help us combat the infection. With some microbes we depend on our immune system to also give us immunity from future invasions by that particular microbe (or very similar ones). Swine flu is a viral infection that the immune system fights and creates antibodies that can get rid of that virus now and in the future to give us immunity. As stated above, the action of Prednisone is opposite to the needs of a person with an infection.

Note:
Those who are on Prednisone therapy, especially on long term therapy, are among the risk groups who should get a vaccination against swine flu as soon as possible. They should get the flu shot that has inactivated virus particles instead of the nasal vaccine that contains live attenuated virus in it, however.

When taking Prednisone you can be more susceptible to the virus. Being vaccinated is especially important for you, but, there may also be a diminished immune response to the vaccine which could leave you without full immunity even after getting the vaccination. For that reason, you should continue to practice all recommended precautions (such as handwashing, avoiding exposure, etc.) even after receiving a vaccination.