Holiday Parties and low IGs

[johnl]

My IGs are low enough that I've started IVIG infusions. Do others like me avoid kissy huggy holiday parties. (Finally an excuse to be antisocial)

john

[Newdawn Administrator]

Chance would be a fine thing to be invited to any 'kissy huggy holiday parties' John but in seriousness I know what you mean. I'm undisclosed so can't even admit to my reluctance for close encounters with people but I think you should just tell them. My IgG is reduced but not to levels requiring IVIG. I honestly think people would understand if you were unwilling to share too much personal space or is your question whether to avoid them at all?

How are your levels generally? Are your neutrophil levels still robust?

If you hate these events, here's a perfect excuse to stay away!

Newdawn

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to Newdawn]

Avoid

~chris

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to Cllcanada]

Is this entirely infection control motivated or a touch of Bah-humbug Chris?

Newdawn

[johnl in reply to Newdawn]

My neutrophils are OK IGG about 400 before IVIG. Other IGs are low

Thanks

john

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to johnl]

In seriousness John, I think if you've been susceptible to infection and are not an ardent fan of this kind of festive gathering, then you'll be doing yourself a huge favour all round by avoiding them. The communal buffet situation worries me too at these events.

Newdawn

[Foggymind]

Hi John,

I too am on IVIG treatment (with normal neutrophil levels (6.1)) and try to avoid direct contact with folk if at all possible. Before the IVIG infusions I was catching various infections all the time and relying on antibiotics to treat the infections, often I would need a second round of antibiotics to complete the job. I was told by my haematologist at the time to completely avoid anyone who was sick and to avoid physical contact with those who were not sick. Although my IgG level (6.1) is now normal because of the IVIG treatment my IgA (0.08) and IgM (0.05) remain low so with these low levels coupled with my predisposition to catch infections I tend to err on the side of caution and avoid contact. I now tend to tell people why I am avoiding contact and most understand and accept my condition.

Take care

Kevin – Essex, UK

[starsafta]

Given that the change to winter tends to bring on colds and flu anyway, it's likely a good idea for all to avoid hugging in social situations. No one wants to get sick, particularly around the holidays.

In many enlightened circles, people reach out their arms for a "virtual hug." Tapping elbows in lieu of close contact is a fun way to greet one another, usually bringing a smile. Even if someone doesn't have a cold themselves, their hands and clothing may have been touched or sneezed upon by someone who does. Every doorknob is suspect, as well as other surfaces that our hands touch along the way.

So, regardless of whether you are ready to divulge your compromised immune system, you could propose alternative greetings that protect everyone for the greater good.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I look for smaller gatherings and gatherings in larger, more open spaces. One issue is that when the colder weather hits parties move indoors into spaces with less ventilation. For something like an office party where people know each other fairly well you might have some fun sending out a humorous flyer, with a serious side, with greeting rules in the interest of everyone staying healthy through the holidays, (or flu season, or winter) - no one wants to spend their holiday sick. Maybe people here can put up some ideas and have some fun - Silly, but practical, and getting a couple of others to buy in from the start - it might help. If it works it might become a regular thing.

A salute instead of a handshake or a hug.

A deep bow from the waist.

Star's touching elbows or virtual hugs.

Sneeze / cough in your elbow.

Also

A box of masks at the door to avoid germs / not spread your own

Gel dispensers around the room.

Sneeze / cough in your elbow.

Other ideas?

[greygirl in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

I'M GLAD I'm NOT THE ONLY ONE THATS afraid of infection and takes precautions.. If someone who doesn't know me shakes my hand I use hand wipe as soon as possible or wash my hands. if I have a cut on my hand I make sure it's covered. when I was getting chemo I didn't go anywhere without a mask. I even wore one to the cancer center. I chose not to be on prophylactic continuously through my whole treatment because it kept me awake. My oncologist said the mask would do me no good but I never got one infection. yet nurses would wear a mask around us! when there are socials I go if group is not large and I offer t work in the kitchen where I see people and can say hello but keep my distance. I prefer a sideways hug and wish people would sneeze inside their shirt not hands or the air! well, I can't think of anything else

[Oleboyredw-uk in reply to greygirl]

I tend to avoid kissy huggy situations with people regardless ( proper English stand-offish), but that's been always. Even before CLL diagnosis I used to hate the martyrs that turned up at work despite "it only being a cold". I view that as the height of lack of consideration for others.

Went the the GPs the other to discuss pneumonia jab and there was some snivelling person sitting right next to the sign that said something along the lines of "if you've got sniffly cold or flu call in dont come and sit here spluttering over everyone." Each time someone cane in the waiting room she told them not to sit next to her as she had the "winter bug". I'd barely sat down and was planning my escape and my name was called.

I wish people would consider others more (not cll related). Rant over.

Rob

[greygirl in reply to Oleboyredw-uk]

I was wondering if people in Europe are almost forced to get vaccinations like they are in USA. Wars rage here over whether to get vaccinations or not. I've researched this and it is said that there is no documented proof that vaccinations actually keep you safe. T here is the danger of shedding the virus. Also it is said if you don't make antibodies to the injection what good is it? I've noticed when there is advertising to get your flu shot after that, spews of people are sick. is there any proof it works? when making decisions, and I cannot feel comfortable in doing something I usually listen to the little voice in me and refrain. do your doctors push vaccinations when you go for checkups? Neither my PCP or oncologist have pushed it for me and I have never questioned them about it. The only one I think would actually bee worth it is pregnar13. if and when I move to Italy I probably will have to consider this even more! Well that's all now. I hope this doesn't start a Vaccine War!

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to greygirl]

Regarding 'I've researched this and it is said that there is no documented proof that vaccinations actually keep you safe.', there's plenty of inaccurate claims about the safety of vaccinations with very vocal groups pushing those claims, so I wonder if that's where you found that research.

I'm old enough to remember how sick people became with diseases we no longer see regularly. When I was a child, we'd have regular epidemics of diseases now successfully vaccinated almost out of existence (and would be even rarer if not for the non-vaccination lobby). When was the last time you saw someone crippled from polio? If you want some irrefutable proof on how successful vaccinations are, just visit a cemetery which has been in use from the late 1800's and look in dismay at all the young childrens' graves from diseases that just aren't heard of now.

Yes there is the danger of shedding virus, but not with the vaccinations we are supposed to have - which must be non-live. Live vaccinations are made with attenuated (crippled) viruses, which only give those vaccinated a mild version of the illness - enough to provide immunity but not enough to cause severe side effects or death - otherwise what's the point of vaccination?

Neil

[debralynn in reply to greygirl]

Greygirl: I’m with you in the vaccination. Don’t understand the point if we aren’t creating antibodies effectively.