Flu & Cold Season

Here in Ontario, Canada we are presently dealing with an outbreak of influenza and cold virus' that are knocking folks on their backside.  Health providers are seeing healthy individuals with strong immunes systems being hospitalized because of complications due to these virus'.

The weather has been unusually warm compared to what we generally experience at this time of year.  Add in the rainfall we have received and you have a petri dish just waiting to host the next viral rave.

Honey can be one of the best foods for us during influenza season.

During treatment I have experienced a number of set backs due to infections, intense nausea, bleeding and all the unrequested gifts that want to tag along with these challenges but I had yet to be hit with influenza.

Two weeks ago the HCV nurse sent me into my physicians office to have him look at me.  I had a nasty throat, sinus and ear infection.  I thought I understood what a virus or cold could do to me while my immune system is down and my white blood cell count is in the underachiever zone. Well...I didn't fully understand the seriousness or the added challenges that can be involved. A simple cold can turn into pneumonia quickly.

After completing a high dose of antibiotics I have now started experiencing pain in the region of my left kidney.  The good news is that the bleeding from my nose and throat has stopped for the first time in months!  Yeah!

The HCV nurse took a look at my limbs after I described the swelling, red dots, and red / purple coloration on my legs.  Some days I haven't been able to fit into my shoes due to the swelling. The pain  throughout my legs can be difficult to manage at times.  I understand this is not uncommon in stage 4 cirrhosis. My son showed me some exercises that help drain the lymph nodes in the legs. These are proving to be very helpful. 

I am still bleeding from somewhere in the colon.  This and the kidney pain are my next areas of trouble shooting when I see my doctor in a few days.

I encourage HCV patients to see a health professional as soon as possible if they are experiencing anything unusual or painful during treatment and/or post treatment.  Assuming that what ever it is will just run its natural course can be a risky gamble and one you are likely to lose.  HCV and triple treatment both put an added stain on the immune system. 

A gentle reminder to readers:  If you see someone wearing a surgical mask while they are out in public please do not assume THEY are infected with a cold or flu virus.  It may be their immune system is so low this is their only means of protecting themselves when folks WITH the virus' are out in public areas coughing and sneezing without covering their mouth and nose. Please be kind and understanding. 


Until next time,

Deborah