Question: I am recovering from Cushing’s and I feel like I have a cold, but don’t seem to be running a fever. Does Cushing’s have something to do with this?

Answer: After correction of the hypercortisolism and during the immune system rebound period, the body is in fact protected from viruses, such as those causing common cold. Frequently, the flu-like symptoms of postoperative patients with Cushing’s are due to exacerbations of glucocorticoid withdrawal rather than a true viral or other infectious illness. The symptoms for either condition are quite similar and it is hard to distinguish between them.

By Dr. George Chrousos MD (July, 1998)