PV, cold viruses, flu and immunity

[Loubprv]

Hi everyone,

One of the ladies I buddy has asked me if PV lowers our immunity, and as such makes us more susceptible to cold viruses flu etc and if these viruses last longer and are more difficult to shake off?

I can’t seem to find any info - can anyone help please?

Thanks.

Louise x

[piggie50]

Hi Louise,

It was always my understanding that it’s not PV that lowers immunity but the medication, ie Hydroxicarbamide. But, I could be wrong?

Xx

[Ettiel in reply to piggie50]

Yes, I agree with Louise. I think it’s the meds especially Ruxo as it’s an immune suppressant.

Ettiel

[Kelly2 in reply to piggie50]

Yes Hydro does that. I had 3 consecutive very bad colds whilst taking it. Ι got the flu vaccine this year.

[Tico]

Hi louise, I don't believe if you have an Mpn it puts us at more risk as last year all my family were struck down with a bad cold except me,but the shoe is on the other foot this year as both myself and my grandson Charlie have been struggling to throw off a bad cough and cold for a couple of weeks now. Couldn't have come at a worse time as my 1 yr old granddaughter as major surgery tuesday and praying we don't pass it on. Keeping everything crossed.tina.x🤗

[Ebot]

I haven’t had a clear message on this one but having asked before about this I understand that yes, we are more susceptible to getting catching colds, viruses etc and taking longer to get over them. And that this may be down to the meds - and may, at least in part, be down to the disease itself. I think there’s some research going on. I recall being eligible for the flu jab before going on Hydroxy.

[Hydrox in reply to Ebot]

You can still have the flue jab whilst taking hydroxy as it is not a live virus, I get mine every year although I cannot have a shingles jab as it is a live vaccine, as per my heamtologist.

[Loubprv Volunteer]

Thanks all. A friend has just sent a photo of the sign on the haematology outpatients door. I ll have to post in the question. Louise x

[Inca]

Hi again Louise,I have now moved on to Rux ,been advised my immunity is now nil....so to take great precautions,......great fun this maladie.Sally

[Borage]

You need the NHS free Quadrivalent flu injection from your GP for people with compromised immunity, not just the triple vaccine for those over 65 from the chemist or work.

The other way to avoid coughs and colds and other viruses is to avoid the little plague monkeys who spread everything so generously from nursery and school.

Old men in supermarkets also seem to want to spread their misery by coughing and sneezing on everyone.

Remember to keep your hands away from your face when you are out and wash them with soap and water as soon as you get home as cold viruses linger on trolley handles, door handles, rails, etc.

[Loubprv Volunteer in reply to Borage]

Thanks!😂 surprising how delighted folk are to spread their bugs. I’ve taken to wearing a surgeon’s type mask when we fly. I don’t care how many odd looks I get. I always carry industrial strength hand sanitiser and wipe the supermarket trolley with it and my hands afterwards........however, if you’re going to get a cold,, and all that. Lovely isn’t it.

I’ve still the remnants of one I caught a month ago. Could be worse.

xx

[Osteomyelio]

Some people with MPN, or other cancers, may also have a condition called hypogammaglobulinemia- and have diminished response of their immune system. An immunologist can check the immune levels in their. If you suspect your more vulnerable to viruses then consider a consultation with an Immunologist and Infectious Disease Doctor.