Viruses and bronchiectasis

[Fruityface]

Anyone got any tips for how to deal with a virus which invariably leads to the need for antibiotics due to bacterial infection. I’m IgA deficient with bronchiectasis (mild) diagnosis. Just don’t seem able to fend off a virus (invariably caught via grandchildren) before I feel the need for my emergency antibiotic. Recently been ill for 6 weeks fighting off various(?) viruses!!

[Hidden]

Avoidence at all costs! Every bronch exacerbation I have rides in on the back of a virus. I'm afraid that now I virtually hybernate in winter and nobody with a virus is allowed near me and this includes grandcholdren. Given that we are now beset by covid, flu and numerous chest viruses I have bought more medicsl grade masks for a very needed visit to the hairdresser this week. I use cold and flu stopper around my mouth and nose. Sorry, that's the wsy it is.

[B0xermad]

Hi I agree with sassy comments by avoiding coughs and sneezes and environments that would put you amongst germs is the key

[Ergendl]

If you have to go out, use things like Nasalguard Cold&FluBlock before you go out, and Vick's First Defence after you get back. Wear a mask. Rinse sinuses and nostrils out with sterile saline - available from the chemist. These all help lower the risk of viruses taking hold.

[GintyFerguson]

I wish there was a magic formula but it has all been said above, particularly avoiding crowds and under 5's.

[Lutontown]

Very often had sinusitis after a cold, which I caught off my kids when they returned to school in September. My GP then put me on a AB, which usually sorted it. I'm talking about 50 years ago.

[johngk]

i follow all advice and medications already mentioned and so far so good this winter. definitely think twice about where i go to.avoid all crowded places and any family and friends who have colds

[Dottie11]

I have Hypogammaglobulinaemia so my IgA is low and bronch. All the advice on here is excellent . Its a way of life with these conditions. The Winter is hard on us everything becomes a trade off. Even a visit to Gp and Hospital. My last visit to Respiratory clinic was on the offset of Winter. I went down with a heavy infection off the back of a virus. If the weather is mild and you feel ok maybe some walks with your family or make sure visitors feel 100% well. Also eat good food, stay hydrated, do your pysio and exercise , sleep quality and try and avoid stress. All help but easier said than done. Good luck.

[watergazer]

I used first defence and lemdips this time to ward off my cold becoming an exacerbation. It seems to have worked. Only had 1 bad coughing bout. Take care. X

[Patk1]

I use coldeze throat spray and vicks first defence to try get rid of any virus.also have air purifier. If family have a cold, I put a mask on. Crikey! Sounds like I'm putting my armour on for war! Every little helps. I also carry handgel and try to avoid door handles etc. I need to see my family + grandchildren so avoiding them isn't an option but being prepared helps + they use handgel in car+at my house x

[Fruityface in reply to Patk1]

Thanks for your incite - I too do not want to stop seeing my grandchildren but They are all under 5 and I’m convinced this is where I pick up these things!!

[Patk1 in reply to Fruityface]

Yes,the young ones get more colds,sniffles etc.its a hard balancing act.i do think the coldeze and vicks first defence help.x