Right before I started treatment everyone in my family was sick with a cold and I was so afraid if I got it too I would have to delay treatment. I put hand sanitizer in every room and I used it a lot. I put towels/clothes in the bathroom that I used to turn on the lights, turn on the water, flush the toilet. Basically, used the clothe so I didn't have to touch anything. Then I set out Lysol wipes and would wipe down the light switches and door knobs. When I went to the car, I would take one with me to wipe the steering wheel and handles and buttons. I think one of my daughters may have a cold again, so I may have to start all of this up again.
I will say, that I did not get the cold that everyone in my family had. It was a lot of work. I was a bit obsessive about it, but I had waited 6 months to start my treatment and did not want another delay. Good luck. Hope you can stay healthy.
KMMM said
Feb 6, 2013
My husband did get a nasty case of strep throat as well which was resolved with 10 days of antibiotics.
The best protection from colds is washing your hands, our doctors and nurses have been said over and over again "keep washing your hands" as it is the most important thing you can do while on treatment to prevent a cold.
Ronna
Shep said
Feb 5, 2013
Yes --please be careful. I didn't get any colds during my tx. But I did get a nasty case of streph throat. Was one of my wost weeks ever! Sounds like you are taking good steps to stay as healthy as you can. Good luck to you!!
Scout said
Feb 4, 2013
I believe taking the normal precautions to avoid a cold, flu, etc are always prudent. I did my tx from Feb to August last year, coming up on 6 months post and avoided getting a cold. I do use sanitizer, wash my hands, avoid small children, take vit C, get rest, all the normal stuff so I hopoe to stay cold free.
Cinnamon Girl said
Feb 4, 2013
Thanks Caryn, nice of you to say so! Take care.
Caryn said
Feb 4, 2013
I will do the same, and congrats as the new forum owner! You are a great asset!
Cinnamon Girl said
Feb 4, 2013
Yes, I`ve been googling it and read exactly the same things which is why I couldn`t give you a clear answer. I did my tx over the winter months and do remember my tx nurse advising me to try and avoid crowded places where people might be coughing and sneezing, so if someone in your household has a cold I guess you might be vulnerable.
Well, let`s hope you don`t catch it, Caryn, and your stuffy feeling is due to the sx! I`ll let you know if I find out something more definite.
Caryn said
Feb 4, 2013
Both actually. Someone in my house has a cold, so it made me wonder if I am protected because of the ribavirin. I do feel a little stuffy, but also did my shot Friday. Who knows? I have read a lot about it, and there seems to be some conflicting reports as to if it really protects or not. Also, apparently at one time (and possibly still) that ribavirin is sold over the counter in Mexico for the flu. Also seems there was some testing done with ribavirin as a spary for the flu, but never materialized in to anything.
Cinnamon Girl said
Feb 4, 2013
Good question, Caryn! A lot of people do report having colds while on tx but it`s not always easy to distinguish cold symptoms from the `fluey` side effects of tx, which can often feel like having a cold. Yes, we are more prone to bacterial infections while on tx because the meds lower our white blood cells levels, making us more vulnerable.
Are you asking from a theoretical point of view, or do you feel as though you have a cold? ~ Jill
Caryn said
Feb 2, 2013
How protected are we from the common cold while on ribavirin? I know we are prone
to bacterial infections, but what about other virus'?
I will say, that I did not get the cold that everyone in my family had. It was a lot of work. I was a bit obsessive about it, but I had waited 6 months to start my treatment and did not want another delay. Good luck. Hope you can stay healthy.
My husband did get a nasty case of strep throat as well which was resolved with 10 days of antibiotics.
The best protection from colds is washing your hands, our doctors and nurses have been said over and over again "keep washing your hands" as it is the most important thing you can do while on treatment to prevent a cold.
Ronna
I believe taking the normal precautions to avoid a cold, flu, etc are always prudent. I did my tx from Feb to August last year, coming up on 6 months post and avoided getting a cold. I do use sanitizer, wash my hands, avoid small children, take vit C, get rest, all the normal stuff so I hopoe to stay cold free.
Thanks Caryn, nice of you to say so! Take care.
I will do the same, and congrats as the new forum owner! You are a great asset!
Yes, I`ve been googling it and read exactly the same things which is why I couldn`t give you a clear answer. I did my tx over the winter months and do remember my tx nurse advising me to try and avoid crowded places where people might be coughing and sneezing, so if someone in your household has a cold I guess you might be vulnerable.
Well, let`s hope you don`t catch it, Caryn, and your stuffy feeling is due to the sx!
I`ll let you know if I find out something more definite.
Both actually. Someone in my house has a cold, so it made me wonder if I am protected because of the ribavirin. I do feel a little stuffy, but also did my shot Friday. Who knows? I have read a lot about it, and there seems to be some conflicting reports as to if it really protects or not. Also, apparently at one time (and possibly still) that ribavirin is sold over the counter in Mexico for the flu. Also seems there was some testing done with ribavirin as a spary for the flu, but never materialized in to anything.
Good question, Caryn! A lot of people do report having colds while on tx but it`s not always easy to distinguish cold symptoms from the `fluey` side effects of tx, which can often feel like having a cold. Yes, we are more prone to bacterial infections while on tx because the meds lower our white blood cells levels, making us more vulnerable.
Are you asking from a theoretical point of view, or do you feel as though you have a cold? ~ Jill
How protected are we from the common cold while on ribavirin? I know we are prone
to bacterial infections, but what about other virus'?