Colds, Flus, and the Related

[katyboog~]

Am I the only one here who has a problem staying healthy during flu/cold season? For me, flu season is year round. I know if anyone gets even the slightest cough in my home, I get it too but with many more and worse symptoms. *SIGH!*

What are your methods of keeping germ free or are you so experienced, you have a million+ tricks and tips?

 

[Terriernut]

I am getting everything and then some right now! And the Dr wants to put me on immunosuppressants! (I think NOT!) For right now anyway, there's no way I can go on them. Are you on any meds for cd or uc?? Or on pred?

Misty

 

[katyboog~]

Me as well! I'm currently on 6 week cycles of Remicade infusions as well as a daily birth control pill (my periods cause flare-ups. Who knew?). Not to mention the vitamins and supplements.

What about yourself, what are you on? Any particular reason you don't want immunosuppressants?

 

[Terriernut]

I just had surgery on the 22nd of Dec. My body is still recovering (hey...I'm OLD), and my immune system seems to be shot! I came down with a cold, then flu, then chest infection! I'm on day 4 of antibiotics and now back to work. I cant miss more work! If the dr puts me on a immunosuppresent right now, I'd probably be in hospital for pnuemonia! So I stay on my pentasa sachets and hope for the best! Once I'm healthier I'll try the Azathioprine, but right now, I cant take it.

They surpress your immune system I understand for Crohns, yes...but sometimes our immune system needs a boost!!

Misty

 

[hainman]

have none of you guys been given the flu ***??i get it every year and im 37.because i take immunesupresants im catagorised as high risk for flu so get the shot for flu and pnumonia...

 

[Terriernut]

Sadly, when the flu *** became available at my GP's...I was in hospital! And remained there until the 30th of Dec.

No flu *** for me! In any case if you're on immune suppressing drugs the Dr's dont want to give you live flu jabs anyway!

Misty

 

[StarGirrrrl]

Well the flu *** contains a dead virus so you should be fine. My surgery has open sessions to get your *** but you can make an appointment with the nurse to get it anytime, Mum had hers a month ago! Or it's available in Boots, Tesco Pharmacy etc for around £20.

The route I would recommend is vitamins. I'm undiagnosed but had IBD for 5 years now. A daily multi vitamin with iron and one echineacea daily keeps me going well (I started after getting ME and my immune system was shot!)

 

[Terriernut]

My surgery has told me they've been out of flu vaccinations for months! Humph! Welcome to Luton everyone...dont live here!
Misty

 

[StarGirrrrl]

My surgery has told me they've been out of flu vaccinations for months! Humph! Welcome to Luton everyone...dont live here!
Misty

Ah no did hear there had been some shortages! But you can go private if that happened again and get it at one of the places mentioned. I think April is the end of the main flu season anyway.

And cleaning hands, you can never do it too much! I carry some handy sized hand sanitiser gel for when I am out

 

[Terriernut]

Yeah Stargirl, I certainly will next flu season. Although I have asthma as well, not once have I been offered the flu *** here. I'm 'at risk' and they dont care! I'm certainly learning, you must advocate for yourself and your health here, no one else will!

As you so rightly know! Bless you...hope you are getting better treatment, and it is good to see you again stargirl, know you've been thru alot lately.

Wishing you health,
Misty

 

[StarGirrrrl]

Thanks sweetie! Next GI appointment Weds so either the B12 has come back low and he's suddenly helpful, or not and it's time to see someone else.

That's terrible you're not offered the ***, you're right when you say you have to advocate for yourself.

 

[moogie]

I get my flue shot every year. Especially if I am on immunosurpessants.

Did not catch a thing yet. Thank god!!

 

[partlycloudy]

I used to take green tea capsules until I discovered L-lysine. You have to catch things at the first hint of a symptom to have the greatest effect, but if you miss that it at least makes your symptoms less bothersome and the virus runs its course quicker.

And for those of us with the Big D I'm suspicious it has a solidifying action since I've been taking it all weekend due to having the flu and had a bout of constipation today.