Flu / cold prevention - Coronavirus or others

[Donaldson0007]

Anyone with tips or measures to protect immuno-suppressed people like us with the current coronavirus situation? I wash hands, use disinfectant wipes and wear a standard mask for travel but wonder if this will be enough? Transplant team had no further suggestions for protection.

[LisaSnow]

I think all that you described is good and if practiced rigorously, will minimize infections. I also plan my shopping and errands at low traffic hours just in case. I do make sure to rest and hydrate up when I feel a cold is coming up.

[Nazzz]

Should we increase our intake of vitamin C? Is it a good idea?

[Donaldson0007 in reply to Nazzz]

I never make any changes or take things without consulting my Drs. From my understanding, transplant recipients should not take Vitamin C or other immune support or boosting supplements for various reasons including interference with medications. Definitely check with a Dr before making any changes or adding supplements.

[LisaSnow in reply to Nazzz]

Vitamin C @500mg a day is fine. The reason higher dose isn't advisable is because the risk of stone formation.

[Donaldson0007 in reply to LisaSnow]

My xplant team advised me that this, and others, interferes with my meds, but who knows.

[Cdrmps]

from the research I’ve done FFP3 grade masks are most effective against bacteria and viruses. That said, my immunologist used to say 98% of infections and caught by touch. I am particularly careful about touching lift buttons and toilet door locks/handles (I always use my sleeve or walking stick to open doors or lift loo seats). I always assume at least somebody has not bothered washing there hands before leaving. Also beware of shopping cart handles, just think about how many people touch them and how many of those will wipe their nose on, of cough into, their hand 🤢 I use an alcohol wipe before touching them. Cash is a difficult one. It changes hands many times. Consider using cloves and avoid touching your face while wearing them. Which is a good habit to get into anyway as we touch our faces something like 20 odd times a day. Also cough into the crook of your elbow rather than your hand. Ask family and visitors to your home to used hand gel when they come in (especially young children). At the end of the day though there is only so much you can do. Aim to get the basics right, and try not to obsess about it. The chances of catching something like n-Cov are minimal

[Gremie in reply to Cdrmps]

These are great ideas. I second wearing gloves when out, at least during flu season -- look up fomites. Another tip I read is to get out of the habit of shaking hands with people. Just explain it is not a good practice for your kidney. "Air hugs" with friends and family during flu season are another way to keep those germs away.

[AndrewT]

Dear Donaldson0007,

I would, just check, with your Doctors/ Consultants but since Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid, is about the Least Harmful Substance, know to Man...… Yes, a slight chance, of 'Stones' if Huge Quantities, are taken EVERY Day. Couple this with Diarrhoea, good I and use them if your Constipated? as I said DO 'Just Check'.

As regards 'Everything Else', just be careful, maybe carry Tissues- use them on Door Handles- I DO! Keep your Hands Washed, personally I 'Hate' alcohol gel- I'd much rather wash my hands. DO keep a Good Moisturiser in your pocked, bag/ handbag though.

Don't be Obsessive bur, do be, Vigilant.

AndrewT

[Bsasup]

1st of all don’t worry about the coronavirus, worry about the flu. Just don’t shake hands. I’m in a position where I meet people and just am honest with them. No one takes offense and honestly I feel safer. Just be mindful

Of your surroundings always have a mask handy if you go out. Look I have a 4 year and he calls it my ninja mask. So just be safe. A little more thoughtfulness goes a long way