Q: I am a 44 years old female suffering from inflammatory polyarthritis for the last 2-3 months. I have been put on steroids. I started with 40 mg Prednisolone per day and am currently taking 7.5 mg per day in addition to HCQS 2 tablets per day and Oncotrex 15 mg once a week. Recently, in one of the TV programmes, I heard that people on steroids are more vulnerable to swine flu. Is it true? Can Tamiflu be taken along with steroids?

A:Steroids reduce the power of the body to fight infections so people on steroids are more susceptible to getting any infection. If you get a flu like condition, immediately report to your usual doctor. If clinically indicated, Tamiflu can be given to persons on steroids.