I am just getting over the most horrendous chest infection and cold. The worst one I’ve ever had. Am I right in thinking that this is because of taking hydroxycarbamide and the fact that my immune system is lowered. ? Or am I making that up ?How can I try and boost my immune system?
Feeling wretched !
Thankyou☹️
I have had the same problem but also had it before starting HU so imagine that ET has made me more susceptible to colds and chest infection. I try to eat healthily but am rather lax on the exercise front mainly because my chest has made it difficult and frankly it has been as much as I can do to move from the bed to the chair.
Feel better at the moment and started my new exercise regime this morning. Walked about a mile carrying the small dog currently staying with me. Would welcome suggestions for boosting my immune system. Sallie
Hi, yes I have had the same a lot of times. BUT what I try to do...is to often take a deep breath. As pften as I can remember to do it as it will keep my lungs working better. Also, I am taking Kefir ( Imake my own) and that seems to have helped me as well. A lot of people sneeze and cough straight out or in their hand...and then they touch everything left right and centre...sperading the stuff. My friends and family and those who cares, they know now not to , so that is good. So, to boost my immune ssystem I am taking Kefir. It takes maybe 6 days or so, and it feels like nothing is different and then...!
Thanks for replying ! I’ve looked at kefir since you mentioned it in your reply. So how do you make it ? Do you buy the grains and add milk ? I have tried taking deep breaths.
I have had grains given to me. I use organic full fat fresh milk. I put the grains in a jar, then add the milk. I put a piece of fabric on the top with an elastic band around (not the lid). Then leave in a sort of warmish place for about 48 hours the first time. After a settling in period, when the grains find their feet, you will only need 24 hours. It works on it's own so the effort you need is very minimal.
Last week I asked my haematologist if there were any ways of boosting the immune system. He mentioned zinc, so I'm now taking a zinc tablet every day. If you think of doing this, it might be a good idea to check with a pharmacist that it is does not conflict with any medication you are taking.
The haematologist stressed the importance of a good diet.
I hope you feel better soon.
Thankyou!
Taking hydroxycarbamide reduces your platelet count but sadly also reduces other 'good cells' in the blood that fight infection. So, hate to be doom and gloom but ....... no matter what you eat to 'boost' your immune system - if your bloods cells are being battered by the hydroxycarbamide so will your white cells will be also. All that said, noting wrong with eating more healthily but don't rely on being able to fight infection better - the best thing to do is try to avoid it in the first place (easier said than done) and ask your doctor for a 'rescue package' which you can stat at the first sign of a cold/infection etc. Good luck!
Thankyou!
Echinacea boosts the immune system. It can only be taken for three weeks at a time so they body doesn't get used to it. The tincture works the fastest. Start taking it if you've been in contact with anyone who has a cold or you know there's one floating around.
I have post-ET MF and usually in the colder winter months I have coughs and colds for weeks on end and feel pretty rundown. This year was no exception but I had a cough and cold lasting from mid-December to April which was very debilitating. At one point I was coughing blood because of the severe chest infection.
Only now, in June, after a week in southern Italy sunshine and plenty of local red wine have I come back to life and feel better.
I think our bloods do not like cold weather and this probably inhibits us from too much walking outdoors in winter so we start to lose fitness levels and this probably adds further stress to our immune systems.
I guess it’s something we have to live with and hope for milder winters.
Hi, I had a minor cold for months luckily it’s gone now.
I take turmeric. It’s supposed to help with infection. Not sure though. However, if your nose is congested get a saline nasal spray.
I think it’s bril.
Also I was recommended a spray to take at the first hint of a cold. I’ve just come on holiday so don’t have it. Think it’s called first defense. A patient on this forum recommended it.
Good luck
Causes of blood infections? 
Infections with Ruxolitinib
Ongoing toe infection
Baby it’s cold outside
Why does it say report any infection immediately to your GP when you have PV?
