Rituximab- cold- flu - covid

[ks1966]

Good day everyone

I’m 8 weeks into my Rtx infusion and was exposed to someone who had one of the above.

I’m literally …. bricks.

Any thoughts please? Thank you

[Jewels94]

Have you got Covid tests to hand. If you test positive phone 111 and get antivirals. I’ve heard other people say that they gargle with a CPC mouthwash and use an antiviral nasal spray when they’ve been exposed in order to reduce the viral load.

[ks1966 in reply to Jewels94]

Thank you ☺️

[Lolabridge in reply to ks1966]

That's good advice from Jewels about the mouthwash and nasal spray to reduce viral load. Some people also use saline nasal rinses too.

I hope you won't have picked up any infection but test as soon as you start to feel unwell. As you are on Rituximab you will qualify for antiviral treatment should you unfortunately test positive, so don't hesitate to seek help if that's the case.

[ks1966 in reply to Lolabridge]

Thank you ☺️

[AgedCrone]

I was CEV during the Pandemic…I have been on Rtx for 6 years & it took me over 2 years to pick up Covid…..& it was no worse than a cold…which incidentally I haven’t had since I have been on Rtx.

So just get on with your life & stop worrying.

If by any chance you should feel you may have symptoms of Covid ….take a test & if it’s positive - call your GP or 111…they will tell you the latest info about what you should do.

[ks1966 in reply to AgedCrone]

I might s as well do that. Thanks

[AgedCrone in reply to ks1966]

Not much choice ks…we are all in the same boat!

Either we catch Covid or we don’t!

Luckily the virus seems to calm down here until the Autumn….so enjoy what summer we eventually get…..& keep a mask in your pocket just in case.😷

[ks1966 in reply to AgedCrone]

Will do ☺️

[janmary]

I’ve been having Rtx for 2 years now - had no colds or infections in that time - except I tested positive for COVID once but had no symptoms and needed no antivirals. Don’t panic!

[ks1966]

thank you ☺️

[Seville7]

As everyone has advised try & keep pragmatic as Covid is airborne so masks are best deterrent. However I’ve been exposed & not caught it even though I’m immunosuppressed.

Incidentally I had my first Rituximab infusion yesterday and made decision to go ahead without my spring booster. ( They forgot to call me again & when i finally got an appointment it was too late). So we’ll see …

I hope you stay well and that the rituximab works for you 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤗

[ks1966 in reply to Seville7]

Thank you ☺️

[Amnesiac3637]

It’s such a lottery as to what you’ll get or not as you’ve no idea what someone you’re sitting next to may have. When I was nursing and all that panic about touching the poor souls who had contracted HIV was in the news, we all used to say at least we knew if someone was positive - it was the ones we didn’t know about that could be a problem.

So you know you’ve been exposed to either a cold or covid and as others have said, take a test and contact your GP or 111 for advice if you test positive but don’t panic. I’m sure there’s many of us who have been in rooms with people full of colds and have come out unscathed. As AC says -must get on with life! Best of luck and hope you stay bug free.

[ks1966 in reply to Amnesiac3637]

Thanks for the advice

[Wafflefan]

Hi Ks1966, I came across your thread as I too have been exposed to someone a couple of days ago who now has the flu. I haven't got any symptoms yet. Just wondering if you were thankfully okay, or did you need to go the antiviral route? It's been over 6 months since I had my rituximab infusions but since then I have had a few illnesses the latest being pneumonia. I've only just got done with antibiotics for and thankfully that's clear now. Just wanted to see what your experience has been since posting?

I'm trying not to stress about it, you can't help yourself sometimes...my kind races, probably obvious that I'm a worrier along with many others I'm sure!

[ks1966 in reply to Wafflefan]

Hello. I’m ok but I went on to developed a chronic with a hoarse voice. Till now

How was your pneumonia diagnosed and what were your symptoms if you don’t mind me asking?

[Wafflefan]

I'm sorry to hear that ks1966. I hope you're getting some support getting through that.

I don't mind you asking. It took them a long time to diagnose. Had symptoms since May last year and finally got diagnosed in Jan this year after having a bronchoscopy. My symptoms were, tight chest, couldn't take proper breaths, out of breath on short walks/stairs and just tired all the time, I slept a lot. They kept saying it might be heart, could be lungs/COPD/ashthma because my symptoms were common for a lot of illnesses. They had to go through a process of tests to eliminate the most common things it could be. I don't know about you, but I just feel on edge all the time, it's exhausting.

[ks1966 in reply to Wafflefan]

It’s definitely exhausting. Sometimes I feel that the consultants a making educated guess. Thanks for your wishes and I hope you get better soon.

[Wafflefan]

You too!