Community Corner: Seizures and Other Illnesses Over the Holidays

It’s that time of year again. You may be getting ready for the holidays by shopping, visiting family and friends, or decorating. Some of us may be alone and not able to travel. But all of us are susceptible to getting sick at this time of year. Head colds, the flu, and other viral illnesses are common. So too are infections affecting the sinuses, ears, and lungs.

Impact of Other Illness on Seizures

When another illness happens, it can worsen seizures or make seizures more likely to happen in many people. And some medicines that are taken to treat colds, infections, or other illnesses may affect your seizures or your seizure medicines.

• If you have a tendency to have more seizures when sick, ask your epilepsy provider about using a rescue therapy. This is a medicine that can be taken as needed for a few days or to stop seizure clusters.
• Stay on track with your seizure medicine. You’ll be more likely to have a change in seizures if you get sick when you also miss taking your medicines.
• If you’re sick to your stomach and can’t keep your seizure medicine down, call your epilepsy provider right away. You may need a medicine to stop nausea or vomiting.
• If you are given prescription or over-the-counter medicine for a cold or infection, ask your epilepsy provider or pharmacist
  • About any interactions with your seizure medicines
  • Whether the new medicine could affect your seizure control
  • What to watch out for related to side effects, seizure changes, and other concerns
• Call your epilepsy provider right away if there is a change in seizures or side effects.
• Make sure your primary care and other health care providers know about your epilepsy and seizure medicines.

Update Your Seizure Action Plan

Keeping an up-to-date Seizure Action Plan (also called a seizure response plan) will help others know what to do if you have a change in seizures. Make sure all your medications are listed and you describe when to use rescue therapies.

• Create or update your Seizure Action plan on paper
  GENERAL Seizure Action Plan 2020-April7_FILLABLE.pdf

  
  
• Use the Epilepsy Foundation My Seizure Diary to keep an up-to-date Seizure Action Plan all the time!

Tips to Stay Healthy over the Holidays and Winter Months

1. Try to stay healthy by taking care of yourself. The busier you are or more stress you are feeling, the more likely you are to get sick.
2. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Talk to your primary care provider about what’s best for you.
3. Stay away from others who are sick when you can. Avoid busy places like shopping malls.
4. Follow good hygiene. For example, wash hands frequently when you are visiting people.
5. Use common sense if you are sick. Rest, drink fluids, avoid other people if possible, and keep up with your seizure medicines.

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

Patty Osborne Shafer
Senior Director Health Information & Resources and Associate Editor epilepsy.com