Gilly

[Brugeslover]

I currently have CLL & was diagnosed in December 2022. I’m in good health & have regular blood tests then I see my haematologist. I’m on watch & wait. I currently have a slight cold & feel ok although not 100%, do I need to go to see a Doctor ? Any help would be appreciated, thank you 😊

[Jm954 Administrator]

I would say, for me personally, that I would not see a doctor unless my symptoms went on longer than a usual cold or if I felt pretty unwell so that they could rule out a bacterial infection for you.

[Brugeslover in reply to Jm954]

Thank you 😊

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Brugeslover,

There are multiple expert sources that describe the symptoms of various "cold" like diseases, usually viruses. The primary risk to us with CLL is getting something in our lungs, that our immune system cannot overcome quickly enough to keep us out of the hospital and off a ventilator. Some of the attached describe upper respiratory symptoms vs. lower and the indications of severe outcomes.

nfid.org/resource/how-to-te...

medtronic.com/covidien/en-g...

Reduce the High Mortality Rate

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) refers to a range of infections that can occur in the upper and lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract covers the airway above the glottis (vocal chords) including the larynx, pharynx, sinuses and nose, while the lower respiratory tract (below the glotffftis) includes the trachea, bronchial tubes, bronchia and lungs. Infections are usually sub-classified by these areas (URTI and LRTI), although one of the most common RTIs, influenza, affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.1

Upper respiratory tract infections tend to be less severe than lower; for example tonsillitis, laryngitis and the common cold are URTIs, while bronchitis and pneumonia are LRTIs. Europe and in particular the UK see high mortality from diseases of the respiratory system, particularly in the elderly.2

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8...

labcorp.com/coronavirus-dis...

data4life.care/en/library/j....

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Len

How can you tell the difference between respiratory diseases?

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

If you don't have them already - suggest you get 2 instruments for home monitoring:

whatsthebest.co.uk/tech/ele...

oneclearwinner.co.uk/produc...

Len

[Brugeslover in reply to lankisterguy]

Thank you 😊

[garyherm in reply to Brugeslover]

Hi. I agree that both the oximeter and thermometer are very useful tools to have at home. I also keep on hand test kits for COVID/Influenzas. I hope it is not the case for you but I got a lot of colds and viruses in W&W. The good news is that mostly they cleared up but some took weeks. At times they would progress to my chest. A danger sign for me was coughing which got worse when I tried to sleep at night. My motto became if in doubt go see my gp.