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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on February 13, 2016, at 9:33:07
I am just recovering from a nasty flu, and notice that my depression symptoms are much better.
Could some viruses be good for us?
Linkadge
Posted by babbler20 on February 13, 2016, at 11:45:46
In reply to Improvement following flu, posted by linkadge on February 13, 2016, at 9:33:07
I've had the same experience many times. I believe it's due to the realease of something called cytokines that flood your body during the flu and linger for a while.
Posted by SLS on February 13, 2016, at 11:57:30
In reply to Re: Improvement following flu, posted by babbler20 on February 13, 2016, at 11:45:46
> I've had the same experience many times. I believe it's due to the realease of something called cytokines that flood your body during the flu and linger for a while.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain are released by microglia. This produces inflammation, and is usually associated with depression, not remission. I would look for another reason to explain what you have observed.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on February 13, 2016, at 12:20:52
In reply to Improvement following flu, posted by linkadge on February 13, 2016, at 9:33:07
> I am just recovering from a nasty flu, and notice that my depression symptoms are much better.
>
> Could some viruses be good for us?I doubt it, but one of the immune system reactions to viral load is to release beta-endorphin. Perhaps you are more responsive to the antidepressant effects of endorphins than are most other people. I don't know. I'm not even sure that the peripheral endorphins make their way into the brain. It might be worth exploring, though. Systemic infections are usually depressogenic, though.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on February 13, 2016, at 17:33:21
In reply to Re: Improvement following flu » linkadge, posted by SLS on February 13, 2016, at 12:20:52
If had been on antibiotics I would say that antibiotics were the cause as always feel better when on them. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on February 13, 2016, at 18:01:22
In reply to Re: Improvement following flu » SLS, posted by Phillipa on February 13, 2016, at 17:33:21
> If had been on antibiotics I would say that antibiotics were the cause as always feel better when on them. Phillipa
Which antibiotics do you usually take?
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2016, at 11:45:57
In reply to Re: Improvement following flu » Phillipa, posted by SLS on February 13, 2016, at 18:01:22
Scott last year had a bronchitis and took augmentin which I think is of the PCN family. Bowel issues, all issues just improved when on the l0 day course of it. I couldn't help but wonder and still do that the positive lymes that was ignored by the doc here could still be in my body. Seems I'm one of the few that doesn't get side effects from antibiotics. And when was treated for lymes years ago was biaxin xl for two years. On three months and off 2 or three. Not clear anymore. Most likely a coincidence. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on February 15, 2016, at 12:45:54
In reply to Re: Improvement following flu » SLS, posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2016, at 11:45:57
> Scott last year had a bronchitis and took augmentin which I think is of the PCN family. Bowel issues, all issues just improved when on the l0 day course of it. I couldn't help but wonder and still do that the positive lymes that was ignored by the doc here could still be in my body. Seems I'm one of the few that doesn't get side effects from antibiotics. And when was treated for lymes years ago was biaxin xl for two years. On three months and off 2 or three. Not clear anymore. Most likely a coincidence. Phillipa
You're right about Augmentin (amoxicillin). Unfortunately, that drug beats the hell out of me. It produces terrible malaise and perhaps even a worsening of bipolar depression. I refuse to take it anymore.
Have you ever taken doxycyline for 6 months consecutively to treat Lyme Disease? I don't know what kind of doctor would be most receptive to this idea, but it is a useful strategy.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2016, at 22:54:21
In reply to Re: Improvement following flu » Phillipa, posted by SLS on February 15, 2016, at 12:45:54
Yes was prescribed it a few years ago and unfortunately had some surgery and stopped as the doctor wanted to give me another antibiotic and didn't start it again. My mistake. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on February 16, 2016, at 1:04:17
In reply to Re: Improvement following flu » SLS, posted by Phillipa on February 15, 2016, at 22:54:21
> Yes was prescribed it a few years ago and unfortunately had some surgery and stopped as the doctor wanted to give me another antibiotic and didn't start it again. My mistake. Phillipa
Do you think you still have Lyme symptoms? If so, what are they?
- Scott
Posted by SLS on February 18, 2016, at 10:29:09
In reply to Improvement following flu, posted by linkadge on February 13, 2016, at 9:33:07
Full text:
"From inflammation to sickness and depression: when the immune system subjugates the brain"
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2919277/
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Abstract:
In response to a peripheral infection, innate immune cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that act on the brain to cause sickness behaviour. When activation of the peripheral immune system continues unabated, such as during systemic infections, cancer or autoimmune diseases, the ensuing immune signalling to the brain can lead to an exacerbation of sickness and the development of symptoms of depression in vulnerable individuals. These phenomena might account for the increased prevalence of clinical depression in physically ill people. Inflammation is therefore an important biological event that might increase the risk of major depressive episodes, much like the more traditional psychosocial factors."
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- Scott
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