Flu season

[ORMC]

Hi, my husband has a fever, I’m not sure if it’s the cold or a flu. How have you managed your flu’s and seasonal cold?

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

ORMC, the best way to handle colds and flu for CLL is to be vigilant and to see you Primary Care doctor when a fever, cough, sinus issue arises and does not go away with the usual treatments you do for those.

CLL comes with a weakened immune system which means you may not come snap out of a cold or flu as fast as you might have some years ago. When any of a number of things make a condition drag on: a fever reaches over 100.4 degrees (that may be off the officially stated temp. a point or two), signs of infection are present, a cough that won't go away, see your P.C. and call your hema/onco to be sure of what kind of antibiotic they would prescribe.

Also, when there are chills experienced, know that chills are often fevers in hiding--(well, maybe not that, but chills are a serious symptom to be concerned about for and addressed when more than just a shiver on occasion.)

We have to educate our Primary Care Drs. as to the seriousness of CLL as it is not understood by many because they have not encountered pts. with CLL.

With cll you are susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, so it is important at early stage to begin educate yourself on what you need to do to protect yourself.

It is paramount to be covered with vaccines for pneumonia (usually 2 different shots given at separate times) and the appropriate annual flu vaccination.

It is further important to be vigilant regarding being around people with colds and to not let sinus infection get out of hand before you consult a GP/PC.

And it is a valuable practice to inform your PC/GP of your CLL as well as to help educate him/her (if needed) to the fact that CLL is a cancer of the immune system.

The best practice is to get your PC/GP and your hema/onco who sees you for CLL connected to keep both apprised of your health status.

That also goes for any other Drs. you may see for specialty diseases/conditions.

[ORMC in reply to cllady01]

Thank you!

[cllady01 Former Volunteer in reply to ORMC]

I might add, if I didn't say so: do talk with your hema/onco about who to contact when you have a question. If he/she has an RN, that may be a go to person if you get a chance to establish a relationship with the RN. And, do not hesitate to call them to clarify any question you have.

As you get your "sea legs" so-to-speak and have more information, you will know more about whom to call when.

Best wishes with this new and shaky time of unsureness. My sense is you have a good beginning with just having found this group of shared experience with CLL. We aim to help and hope for you and your husband the best.

[suz02]

i use Manuka honey 20+ (buy it on Amazon) -- and also CBD oil supplements to strengthen immune when fighting a cold or whatever. Also Vit. C, Vit D.