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Alex
Member
Username: Alex_read

Post Number: 1
Registered: 03-2014
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2014 - 03:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Hi everyone! This is my first post!

My girlfriend is a heart transplant recipient of 3-4 years & seems to pickup a LOT of flu/colds going around. They always seem to be at the worst times too (right before a holiday, a trip to her transplant union members, a big work meeting planned weeks in advance etc. etc.) which is getting her a little down.

I understand this might be normal for transplant patients but want to ask if anyone has any tips or advice for remedies please - to either keep the flu at bay or to prevent it coming so often maybe?

Thanks in advance everyone!
- Alex
Jack
Forum Leader
Username: Johnhollenbach56

Post Number: 621
Registered: 12-2009


Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2014 - 08:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

First line of defense - GET THE FLU SHOT, you, your girlfriend and the ENTIRE FAMILY. If you get it, it will be milder than otherwise.

Next wash your hands more often, use Purell when soap and water is not available or between washing. Disinfecting wipes on kitchen , eating areas and bathrooms. Carry masks with you, if you hear someone sneezing or coughing put it on.

Eat a healthy diet, plenty of fruits and veggies, get exercise.

I've heard that the flu is again very prevelent, our center has cancelled our support group for fear of spreading it through our group. Knock on wood, I've avoided it so far . . .
Jack Hollenbach
Received double lung transplant August 2 & 3, 2007 for COPD at UCSD Thornton Hospital, San Diego, CA

Live each day to your fullest, for it is a gift to be treasured
Jay Lackritz
Forum Leader
Username: Jay_ny

Post Number: 585
Registered: 01-2007


Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2014 - 03:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Welcome to buddies, Alex, and hope to hear more from you, now that you have found your way here.

Before my transplant, I was sick all the time. Since I always got my flu shot, the flu was not the problem, but coughs and colds were constant. I have to admit that I was not as careful with my health as I have been since my transplant.
It's almost 7 years since I got my transplant, and I haven't been sick once over that period, so I would dispute the statement that flu and colds are normal for transplant recipients.

As Jack says, you MUST get the flu shot every year, and probably the most important thing is to wash your hands as often as possible, all day long. I keep purell bottles with me everywhere I go.

With a weakened immune system, there are many precautions that are strongly recommended that will prevent you from colds. It is very important to prevent infections, and the symptoms of these will often seem like you have the flu or a cold. I was lucky enough to attend classes at my transplant center that explained all this to me. I understand that not all centers offer education classes to patients, and also that many people report that they don't follow any precautions, other than avoiding grapefruit juice, but if you stay healthy this way, you are just lucky.
There are many web sites and documents that you can read that will help you to avoid these problems. One if from the USDA and FDA, and it gives instructions for those who have not learned these rules elsewhere:

Food safety for transplant recipients:
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/SelectedHealthTopics/UCM312793.pdf

And for others at risk:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/at-risk-populations

Here is another one from a transplant center that should help. Here is an excerpt:

As a result of your weakened immune system, you are more at risk to get infections. This includes typical, everyday infections such as colds and flu, and also some unusual infections that are unique to transplant patients. When you get an infection, you will not be able to fight it as well. Some symptoms of infection may be more severe and may not go away as quickly as before. Also, you may need medicine to help you get better.

Your transplant team tries to adjust your medicines so you get enough to prevent rejection, but not weaken the immune system too much.
It is important to protect yourself from infections. Here are some ways you can protect yourself.

Avoid direct contact with people known to be ill.

Frequent hand washing.

Avoid raw or undercooked meats.

Avoid changing cat litter boxes or cleaning birdcages.

Wear gloves when doing gardening, farm work, or outdoor work.

Practice good routine dental care.

Keep up to date on vaccinations.

Avoid smoking and exposure to second hand smoke.

Practice safe sex.

Wear protective clothing and insect repellent when outdoors

http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/transplant/6791.html
Jay Lackritz@Optonline.net
Jay Lackritz.com
Bilateral Lung TX, May 10, 2007, Columbia University Medical Center/NYPH
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Alex
Member
Username: Alex_read

Post Number: 2
Registered: 03-2014
Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 04:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Thank you both of you for the advice and suggestions. Pretty much most of those (handwashing, me cleaning the pet cages away from her, cancelling meeting friends if their sick) etc. we're using already. I'll go through the lists thoroughly though & check if there's anything we can add.
Jay Lackritz
Forum Leader
Username: Jay_ny

Post Number: 586
Registered: 01-2007


Posted on Thursday, March 06, 2014 - 07:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

My transplant team has told every transplant recipient to call in at any time if you are not well, so if you come down with a cold or flu or any other illness, you are supposed to call in right away.
If any of us are coming down with colds regularly, this would trigger a more thorough examination. I am almost 7 years out, and I see my transplant pulmonologist during clinic at least 3 times a year.
Jay Lackritz@Optonline.net
Jay Lackritz.com
Bilateral Lung TX, May 10, 2007, Columbia University Medical Center/NYPH
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ajs
Forum Leader
Username: Ajs

Post Number: 808
Registered: 03-2008


Posted on Friday, March 07, 2014 - 03:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Check her Vitamin D levels. D has been shown to bolster the immune system. The reference range is 30-100, I keep mine at 70-80. This liquid that Rise recommended long ago is great, and still what I use. Also, Vitamin C never hurts. I take 1000 mg a day, time-release. I agree with Jay, I have had three colds since my transplant 5 1/2 years ago. That's it, and they were all three weeks and gone, just like normal people. I also take Manuka Honey when I feel like I might be getting something, as well as zinc.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UQOCCQ/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Double-Lung transplant at Duke on 10/27/08
Pulmonary Fibrosis with traction bronchiectasis

http://healthierlungs.com

Live each day as if you were living forever, and live each moment as if it were your last.

miocean
Member
Username: Miocean

Post Number: 218
Registered: 07-2010
Posted on Friday, March 07, 2014 - 09:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

There have been threads on the kidney/pancreas forum about being able to eat honey as it is raw and raw foods are not allowed. I have used Manuka honey topically with great success but have stayed away from eating it.

Does anyone know if honey is safe for transplant patients?
Thanks!
Diffuse Scleroderma
Kidney Transplant March 11, 2010
St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ
miocean
Member
Username: Miocean

Post Number: 219
Registered: 07-2010
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 - 08:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I am in the pre-transplant evaluation process for lungs now and was told today at the lung transplant center that raw honey should not be consumed by transplant patients.
Diffuse Scleroderma
Kidney Transplant March 11, 2010
St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ
Hostess Risé
Board Administrator
Username: Rise

Post Number: 18021
Registered: 05-2003


Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 - 08:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

What is their reasoning? I know that raw honey should not be given to infants so it probably is all about compromised immune systems.

It is shame because honey has many powerful benefits especially manuka.
CF- dx at 2yrs. 2nd double lung tx-05 JMH
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ajs
Forum Leader
Username: Ajs

Post Number: 809
Registered: 03-2008


Posted on Friday, March 14, 2014 - 03:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

Well, I'm not saying to follow my advice, but I can tell you I've been eating it for years. I've beaten back what seems like a cold coming on with Manuka and zinc. The cold I had this year; I was out of both right at the beginning. It's really expensive, so I only use when I feel like I need to.

disclaimer: Other than my lungs, I never got sick a lot, even now. Your experience may vary.

ps. My wife used it on a cold sore last month, and got rid of it in four days.
Double-Lung transplant at Duke on 10/27/08
Pulmonary Fibrosis with traction bronchiectasis

http://healthierlungs.com

Live each day as if you were living forever, and live each moment as if it were your last.

Hostess Risé
Board Administrator
Username: Rise

Post Number: 18022
Registered: 05-2003


Posted on Saturday, March 15, 2014 - 08:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post

I too love Manuka honey and now I am taking a tiny amount after I brush my teeth and use as a gargle. The properties are excellent for any gum issues.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/28/manuka-honey-better-than-xylitol-in-mouthwash.aspx
CF- dx at 2yrs. 2nd double lung tx-05 JMH
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