Dealing with a cold

[Nick2121]

I have had a cold for about a week and before this have not been sick since 1/21/19...so good run....my question is I am pretty early in my CLL my wc is around 35k....should expect my body's ability to fight this cold not to be hinder by my CLL at this point?

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Do all you can to keep the cold from becoming an infection--sinus or respiratory.

CLL makes us particularly susceptible to having pneumonia.

Which reminds me: have you had both of the pneumonia vaccines recommended? If not, that is something you can do for added protection.

Check out the pertinent info in this link, open and scroll to "Things You can Do. . .

to see info in regard to vaccines. healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

It is difficult to know our levels of immunity, but if you are wearing a mask and keeping your distance, you should be able to get rid of the cold and not be ill beyond another week.

This article from John Hopkins gives good advice for anyone dealing with a cold.

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/....

[AnneHill in reply to cllady01]

Hi, I havent suffered many infections over the years but in the early stages if a bug got through my defences it would take a while to go. I personally would give in to it and rest, keep warm. Take paracetamol if you need to and make sure you contact your doctor if you have any sign of a chest infection.

People think its only a cold but it is pretty miserable. The covid advice of washing hands well and social distancing will help prevent other infections. I wear a mask when outdoors.

Dont make the mistake of thinking you wont catch anything in the early stages. I feel really sorry for you and hope you feel better soon, Anne uk

[Provence]

I was diagnosed 7 years ago with CLL. In these 7 years I have had countless colds and even mild pneumonia and not so mild bronchitis. My body was able to fight it off without intervention, even though the colds usually last much longer than on a healthy person. The time it was a cold that turned into bronchitis it lasted 2 months. I felt miserable but not in actual danger. The time it was the mild pneumonia I had an immediate response to the antibiotic I was given. So from my experience I would say that yes your body still does retain the ability to fight back, but of course that is only my subjective experience. Now that I am taking Ibrutinib I feel more vulnerable and tomorrow I will have my first IVIg infusion. Hopefully that will provide better protection in the future. I may add here that here in France it has been quite easy to get these infusions but I know that it is not like that elsewhere.

I may add that my husband is younger than me and a very healthy man who loves and needs to be social. His immune system is excellent and while he often picks up illnesses they don't bother him much. It is unfortunately me that gets infected more seriously. It is a problem for us on how to manage this in our relationship.

[Cllsller in reply to Provence]

I have colds all the time and have monthly IVIG infusions. I think they help, but still have a cold most of the time. Have had pneumonia and several UTIs. I think the key is to do everything possible to avoid infections. I wish you the best.

[Suzie42]

Have you had a covid test...I know a few people who had colds that turned out to be covid. Where would you catch a cold at the moment. Just an observation.

[Flute117]

Please get a covid test if you haven’t yet. My 32 year old daughter thought she had allergies - same sinus congestion she gets every winter - and turns out it is covid. So far a mild case, but scary nonetheless.

[Cllsller]

I have had a cold for the better part of the last 3 years. I thought this was due to taking Imbruvica. Finally figured out cll is the culprit. My hem/onc is sending me to another ENT, but I have already seen someone. I am doubtful that he can improve my situation. Best of luck to you.

[Hidden]

Hi NickChicken soup and rest. Drink plenty of fluids and take your temperature. Everything that goes wrong with your body won’t be caused by our CLL. But they may be affected by it. I went on Imbruvica six years ago. Since then I have had my share of side effects, colds and flu. The main thing you want to look for spiking a fever. The 101 is your interstate route to professional medical care. Drink lots of water all day. I start with a 12 once glass and have a glass of water before every drink of anything else. Clear pee helps keep your bladder,kidneys,blood and all your bodies cells clear of waste products. This gives you a buffer to fight off the effects of colds, rashes, diarrhea and other problems.