Hi, I was wondering if those of you that keep getting infections have houseplants, pets or do much gardening?
I'm wondering if I need to get rid of my houseplants?
I also inherited a cute cat and wonder if he could bring in infection risks?
Going in for IV antibiotics Friday I think, and considering all the drama and hemoptysis I'm contemplating living in a bloomin hermetically sealed bubble forever at this rate!
Feeling a bit exhausted and fed up. Xx
Hi Yess1e, we used to have a cat (19 years) and she didn’t affect Pete at all. He has COPD plus other health issues and has azithromycin three times a week to help counter infection risks. We don’t have houseplants because I’m not great with them but some are known to help clean the air and can be good for those with breathing problems.
Hope Friday goes well for you and hope you get to keep your cat. Xxxx❤️
I have had bronch all of my life. I have had 7 dogs 6 cats 3 horses and never caught an infection from any of them.I mucked out my stables and walked in leafy woodlands without aspergilla getting into my lungs.
Other people's viruses are the worst infection risk.
I don't go into jacuzzis - pseuodomonus soup
Staying away from close contact with compost heaps because of the risk of aspergilla.
Just be sensible and you can lead a normal life.
I could never get rid of my beloved house plants. I've had some of them longer than I've had my daughter. They cheer me up, especially when they flower. (Chlorophytums excused flowering duties.) Never caught anything off them, or off our lovely Sooty cat. I hope you'll be told that it's fine to keep your cat and plants. As for gardening, I used to do a lot until this year and that never affected me either.
H- I worked with plants for 25 years or more, We have plants in our home and two cats - I would say no real chance of getting infected from plants. Cats - there germs are different to ours, not saying none. just very little chance - After stroking or feeding a cat, I simply was my hands but they are clean and forver washing themselves, Washing hands after contact with soil a good idea.
Tell you what - Humans are more likely to introduce germs, flue, colds, covid ect.
Good luck for Friday - I hope you get sorted.
I have asthma and bronchiecstasis, all diagnosed in 2012.I was tested for possible allergies in 2012, and then again in 2014, whilst the drs were trying to find the cause of my asthma. They came up with a long list of allergens, including cats and dogs. At that point we had two old English sheepdogs, then after they’d gone over the rainbow bridge, we got a cat, then two schnoodles (these two are hyperallergenic dogs). In all that time I’ve only shown an allergic reaction to a twisted willow in my garden, which wasn’t on the list!
I contracted pneumonia which switched on asthma ….then my three cats did too . We all coughed and wheezed together , read an article that it can happen .
Thank you all for replying, that's very kind of you and I really appreciate it. One consultant had said that the soil houseplants are in I shouldn't be messing with nor outside leaves and compost etc. I was worried then that the cute cat was bringing in soil and might that be a potential for infection. Until now I'd been doing everything really, apart from mixing with people, I've been mask wearing if I go in anywhere and very isolated otherwise, apart from said cute cat.
My big worry apart from iv antibiotics and embolisation, is the fact that in a heart and lung hospital no one wears masks!? Baffled. In a high risk ward during this season. So that's a huge worry as I haven't been able to be vaccinated.
Why is it this isn't factored into a duty of care 🤷♀️
It makes me very sad.
Love to you all.
I use nasal guard gel and wear a mask when going to hospital. I make sure that I use Sterimar when I get back to wash out any germs in my nose and i always wash my hands. Some people with breathing problems can't wear masks so we need to protect ourselves. I also use gloves when handling soil or doing anything in the garden. Some house plants like Mother in laws tongue are beneficial to people with lung problems. I hope you find out what the allergy is and feel better soon x
Thank you. I'm in hospital now and typically I'm SO so careful re infection and they're SO blase it's bonkers. I feel all contaminated, yet I'm here 10 days 😔
I must admit that the cleanliness in hospitals really leaves alot to be desired. When my Mum was in for 6 weeks I bought dettrol wipes and used them every day. Even when she was moved to a little room I had to take a dustpan and brush to clean under and around the bed because of the dirt. I agree it's bonkers as nobody seems bothered, I hope you get home soon x
It's really revolting and an odd mindset. Masks under noses and blood on the floor, mould in bathroom, guy cane to empty bin bags and walk around the room touching everything after having done the bins?! Nurse comes in, leaves door open to the corridor and musk under his nose. My cannula is interesting too, there are no caps on the IV end so they give it a little wipe before attaching the drip...bit odd for it to be expose to the open. This hospital needs some serious funding, but I image that wouldn't go to updating things it goes higher up. I'm going round when I can with Clinell wipes and wearing a mask until I feel my air purifier has cleaned the air...
I have Aspergillosis and houseplants and cat, I no longer do gardening but the houseplants have the soil covered with horticultural grit and someone else does the repotting.
Hi when I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis and copd my consultant advised to rehome my 2 boxer dogs due to the dander that could trigger me I was so upset and knew nothing about it being a cause .I couldn't do it so they went to my son for a few months and it made no difference so I brought them home again .I have a chihuahua now and 10yrs on still not affected by pets more environment element causes and a rescue pack in casecof infection flare ups.I am due surgery soon so all on target.by the way I have house plants but only lilies kick me off breathing wheeze .🎄
Oh dear, sorry you feel so desperate. I would think animals, particularly cats, which have very fine hair, could be a problem, but one has to weigh up the benefits of having a pet. Most houseplants help to cleanse the atmosphere, some are particularly good for that, so I wouldn't be tempted to get rid of them. I have recently invested in a de-humidifier which also has a feature that removes toxins from the air, maybe it would be worth investing in one of those before evicting your puss as it might also be dust or spores that is aggravating your lungs. Good luck. x
Thank you PaperQueen it could be so many things I guess, it's so hard to know. I have a large ish purifier in my living room (where kitty has to stay) and one smaller in my bedroom. They def help. X
Hi there. Often, people who have suppressed immune systems or weak lungs are advised not to touch soil. There is fungi in soil which can be harmful and yes, various fungi can grow on houseplants. For me, I stay away from gardening and I don't have any houseplants. But I've never been that keen on gardening anyway. If your doctor thinks this may be the cause of your repeated infections or potentially a hazard, I would try to limit your exposure experimentally and see if it helps. Also, always mask up and use gloves when tending to the plants. As for your cat, my suggestion is to clean it's paws when it comes in. I have a dog and I wash his paws after every walk. I would not give up on having a cat but take what precautions you can manage. Having said that we also bring allergens, germs etc. in when we come home but at least we can wash and change our clothes. 😅
Hi @Caspiana, its tricky one consultant said don't dig around soil in the garden or houseplants, nor take leaves etc. The consultant where I am is arrogant and bless he said (which is true) this stuff is everywhere so it's more just unfortunate that my lungs are prone to holding onto the bacteria and getting infected. But how do you navigate that then?
I feel exhausted by it all at the mo, to be honest.
Hi, lots of houseplants are good for the air in the house, especially peace lily, boston fern, etc. I have many in my house and an air purifier. I have copd since 2007, controlled. I have always had border collie dogs and never without a cat, have been amongst sheep and chickens,( always wore a good mask when feeding or cleaning out chickens.) Speak with your GP about your worries, but i’m sure you are ok to keep your cat and house plants, they are a joy and lift our spirits.
Best wishes.
I think it’s more to do with allergy than infection. If you have allergies, that causes inflammation which in turn makes you more prone to infection.
I’m allergic to all things furry & feathery, and extremely allergic to fungi & moulds. Therefore I don’t have any pets or houseplants.
Maybe I'll need to do the same. I'm sorry you do. Thank you for replying.
ps; i can’t have certain flowers in my house because they affect me, also no chemicals. No air fresheners or cleaning products. I use vinegar lemon and bicarb to clean and open windows when appropriate. I wear gloves in the garden .
I hope you find a solution.
Hi Yess1e, My first reaction is to ask you whether you have allergies? Cats can be a no- no for anyone with allergies, their dander is what causes the reaction. Next what houseplants do you have, I have allergies but no problem with my houseplants. I have Lily plants in my lounge and bedroom as they give off oxygen and clean the air. If you do not know whether you are suffering with allergies I think you should ask your GP next time you see him although getting checked for allergies is a very long wait. Anyone can become allergic to anything at any age. I do hope the cat and the plants are not the problem you obviously love them. Take care of yourself and Merry Christmas, Maximonkey
Thank you Maximonkey I've got Calathea and orchids. A money plant, spider plants and Dracanea's because of their cleaning/oxygenating properties. I did have some allergy blood tests a good few weeks ago and no results yet. Currently in the Brompton and terrified if IV antibiotics and possible embolisation.
Hi Yess1e, so sorry you are so unwell. I have been in hospital for Christmas and quite honestly it was lovely the staff made it so Christmasy and when you are sick it really is the best place to be. sorry you are so terrified of the IV antibiotics but in surely once you begin to recover they will put you on oral antibiotics. I hope so anyway. Take care, Maximonkey
Hi I’m with you on that one. I just wish people would keep their germs to themselves. I’ve just had a rough two weeks. Still coughing like mad. If you wondered where all the bumble bees are they are rattling in my chest. 😹
I’ve just been looking for houseplants that help with the air. I always had plants in my 20’s and 30’s then stopped replacing them. I have COPD with emphysema and real plants look nicer than plastic.
Hi worked with animals all my life ... probably dust and straw did me no good. But still have a cat I wouldn't be without. A load of house plants which I feel adds oxygen inside ..my cat my plants and garden help my wellbeing and keep me active. I have not suffered many infections throughout the many years although I have severe Emphysema now.
Hi, I have many , many houseplants and they are no problem. Perhaps as Ern (?) said grit on the surfaces would ensure allergens floating about. Also many plants will happily grow in water, especially orchids. I used to be out in the garden all the time, but am now very sensitive to temperature, humidity, wind, cold , just such a tiny window of good (for me!) weather!! So that is partly why I now have a jungle inside!
All the best xx
Hi Yess1e, is your home prone to damp? I have Aspergillosis which was triggered by my flat being damp. I bought 2 dehumidifiers and these really help keep the damp in check, which has helped control my Aspergillosis. Just a thought 🙂xxx
Gardening with oxygen. 
Forced gardening
Avoiding bad colds and chest infections
Gardening.
chest infections
